|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172 |
My budget is $500-$800, the $800 being a stretch. I'll use it in the field some and on my range some. Something in the area of 20-75X 80 or a bit smaller and with angled eyepiece is what I have in mind, although the size isn't carved in stone. A 20-60X60 could work. I would like some First Hand experience advice. 
Hunt with Class and Classics
Religion: A founder of The Church of Spray and Pray
Acquit v. t. To render a judgment in a murder case in San Francisco... EQUAL, adj. As bad as something else. Ambrose Bierce “The Devil's Dictionary”
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,774
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,774 |
Save your pennies and go to a Swaro ATC 65 HD. Wide angled 50X eyepiece. You will thank me for waiting and getting something that you can hunt with for the rest of your life. Or you could get a Gen I Razor 85 mm from SW on sale for 799.99. It is a decent Spotter for that and they may be going on sale this weekend.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,387
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,387 |
Get a 85mm if you are going to use it early in the morning or late in the evening. It lets in a lot more light than a 65mm
In the price range you are considering, either a used near alpha-ish scope in the 65mm range or a new Vortex like kaboku68 references above. The 85mm Gen 1 Vortex isn’t too bad. Own one myself. I also own a Vortex Razor 65mm Gen 2 and a 85mm Zeiss Diascope. The Diascope is the best of the three, but Vortex 85mm isn’t really far behind it.
If you are only going to use the spotting scope for range work (so bright daylight usage), the 65mm would probably work fine. I saw a used 65mm Zeiss Diascope here in the classified forum recently. Think they wanted like $750 shipped if I recall correctly.
You could always call Doug at Camerland. He is a sponsor here often posting in the optics forum. Solid guy who is always willing to help and give advice. He might have other spotting scopes on sale or floor models too.
"Successful is leaving something in better shape than you inherited it in. Keep that in mind, son." Dad
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172
Campfire Ranger
|
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172 |
Save your pennies and go to a Swaro ATC 65 HD. Wide angled 50X eyepiece. You will thank me for waiting and getting something that you can hunt with for the rest of your life. Or you could get a Gen I Razor 85 mm from SW on sale for 799.99. It is a decent Spotter for that and they may be going on sale this weekend. I'm 75 and have no extra pennies to save. I'm considering an Athlon Ares or something smaller than the big variety now. Maybe this one. I understand the Hawke scopes get good reviews. https://cameralandny.com/shop/hawke...0139-75bc-00163ecd2826?variation=2918238
Hunt with Class and Classics
Religion: A founder of The Church of Spray and Pray
Acquit v. t. To render a judgment in a murder case in San Francisco... EQUAL, adj. As bad as something else. Ambrose Bierce “The Devil's Dictionary”
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172
Campfire Ranger
|
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172 |
Has anyone had experience with the Kowas? Years ago I had two Kowa-6s, 2 1/4x2 1/4 reflex cameras I used in a sideline business I had, and they were excellent for the price. I'm looking at this moderately priced Kowa. https://cameralandny.com/shop/kowa-...013a-d7cd-00163e6c3713?variation=3138099
Hunt with Class and Classics
Religion: A founder of The Church of Spray and Pray
Acquit v. t. To render a judgment in a murder case in San Francisco... EQUAL, adj. As bad as something else. Ambrose Bierce “The Devil's Dictionary”
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 8,677 Likes: 9
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 8,677 Likes: 9 |
Kowa 663 or 664
And I would suggest the 30x wide angle eyepiece
Last edited by Jackson_Handy; 05/14/23.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172
Campfire Ranger
|
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172 |
Kowa 663 or 664
And I would suggest the 30x wide angle eyepiece It's double my budget. Can't afford one at that price. The 30X eyepieces give better resolution than the zoom eyepieces, but I need the flexibility of the zoom. The 663 with 30X just costs too much and I'll need 45X or 50X often. There's no denying that the 663 is far better.
Hunt with Class and Classics
Religion: A founder of The Church of Spray and Pray
Acquit v. t. To render a judgment in a murder case in San Francisco... EQUAL, adj. As bad as something else. Ambrose Bierce “The Devil's Dictionary”
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,999
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,999 |
I have this one. Use it at the range out to 300 yds and able to see 6.5 bullet holes easily and clearly. This is a big spotting scope and I would not want to pack it. I would find a smaller one to pack. https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...0139-70ba-00163ecd2826?variation=2905090
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
ISAIAH 41:10
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 18,926
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 18,926 |
A friend bought his kid an Athlon Ares 65 and it is pretty impressive for the price. Have never looked through the 85, but would imagine it’s no worse.
They have pretty good reviews.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,562
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,562 |
Talk with Doug at CameralandNY. He will be a great resource.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,600 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,600 Likes: 1 |
All of them do something better than the 30-06, but none of them do everything as well.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,562
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,562 |
A used Bushnell Elite 20-60x80 should be able to be had for<500$, if you can find one.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,740
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,740 |
This one would have been a strong contender for ya. I was awfully tempted to get it for myself. FC
"Every day is a holiday, and every meal is a banquet."
- Mrs. FC
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 592
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 592 |
Save your pennies and go to a Swaro ATC 65 HD. Wide angled 50X eyepiece. You will thank me for waiting and getting something that you can hunt with for the rest of your life. Or you could get a Gen I Razor 85 mm from SW on sale for 799.99. It is a decent Spotter for that and they may be going on sale this weekend. Wish I had listened and bought the Swarovski to start with .
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172
Campfire Ranger
|
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172 |
The argument for a Swaro is completely moot, unless they have an 80% off sale.
Hunt with Class and Classics
Religion: A founder of The Church of Spray and Pray
Acquit v. t. To render a judgment in a murder case in San Francisco... EQUAL, adj. As bad as something else. Ambrose Bierce “The Devil's Dictionary”
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172
Campfire Ranger
|
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172 |
I'm seriously considering that Hawke. I've done some research and ruled out the Athlons. Their big objection is they're hard to fine focus. The Hawke has a fine focus feature. It falls right in my budget.
Hunt with Class and Classics
Religion: A founder of The Church of Spray and Pray
Acquit v. t. To render a judgment in a murder case in San Francisco... EQUAL, adj. As bad as something else. Ambrose Bierce “The Devil's Dictionary”
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 8,677 Likes: 9
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 8,677 Likes: 9 |
I would save for a couple of months to get the 663/4, even with the 20-60 eyepiece
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,722 Likes: 2
Campfire 'Bwana
|
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,722 Likes: 2 |
See xxxspence's ad for a Burris. He is dead honest on what he sells and prices them right. Rock solid seller.
Conduct is the best proof of character.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172
Campfire Ranger
|
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28,172 |
I would save for a couple of months to get the 663/4, even with the 20-60 eyepiece It isn't an option. My ever-tightening fixed income has us using the food bank now, where I once contributed generously to it years ago. The money I have set aside was from a gift and is a finite sum. If not for that your advice would be spot on. F J B !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hunt with Class and Classics
Religion: A founder of The Church of Spray and Pray
Acquit v. t. To render a judgment in a murder case in San Francisco... EQUAL, adj. As bad as something else. Ambrose Bierce “The Devil's Dictionary”
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 176
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 176 |
I have a Kowa 554. It’s tiny but so unbelievably sharp. It’s in my pack whenever I’m out. Get one!
Mackey
Mackey
|
|
|
|
|
225 members (12344mag, 280rem_cm, 35, 2UP, 44mc, 375TN, 21 invisible),
1,651
guests, and
1,033
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,192,244
Posts18,485,967
Members73,967
| |
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|
