Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Best spotting scope for hunting?

Not trying to be a wise guy, but the best spotting scope for hunting is one that will actually go in the field with you and allow you to see more than you can with your binoculars.
Lots of great suggestions already.
Size, weight and money all matter.

I agree with JG's list in general. I have no experience with the Leupold though as they tend to only come in straight configurations. In addition, though I do agree the Vortex Razor is a great value it is still an expensive scope at $1500. It is a great value in comparison to the most expensive spotters such as the Leica, Zeiss and Swaro but isn't in comparison to some of the mid-range models such as the Celestron Regal, Theron Mag82 or even the Zen Ray ED2 82 mm.

Also, word has it that the new Swarovski Modular spotting scopes may unseat the Kowa Prominar in terms of top dog. I haven't looked through one myself yet but plan to eventually.

Nolting: I own a bunch of spotting scopes. Including those made by Unertl, several Bausch & Lombs, several Leupolds, a Burris, a Nikon, several Bushnells and a couple of "off brands".
I love spotting scopes.
But the one I end up taking along on back pack archery Hunts, spring bear Hunts, Mt. Goat Hunts, Antelope Hunts, Elk Hunts and open country Mule Deer and Whitetail Hunts is one of my tried and true "older" Leupolds in straight 25 power.
It is light weight, rugged and VERY clear.
It causes me next to no eyestrain after long useage and is capable of discerning antler and horn quality at rather long ranges.
It has a big enough field of view that is does very well when "scanning" for game.
IF, your spotting scope is "going with you" when you leave the truck or the trailhead I highly recommend one of these older Leupold fixed power spotting scopes - I believe they were offered in 20 power, 25 power and 30 power over the years.
Best of luck with whichever you choose.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

VarmitGuy, you are saying what I was, too. That little Leupold is so compact it will actually go into the field. That is what makes it so handy. I like the Bushnell/B&L/Nikon 60mm spotting scope for the same reason and it does have a little better optics because in the newer versions the roof prism is phase coated.
I picked up in trade an Alpen 50mm spotting scope that is similar in that it weighs next to nothing but is surprisingly sharp and nitrogen filled. Under $100.
We have two of the 20x Leupolds you were describing mounted permanently at the range and they just continue to work. Great field scope!

If you plan on taking it into the field, take a good look at the Canon IS binoculars, particularly the 18X50 All weather model. Pricey but absolutely fabulous optics and image stabilization that works marvelously well. No tripod needed. Clear edge to edge imaging. Way more portable than a standard spotting scope.
Pete

Gotta agree with PeteD on this one, I have a pair of 10x42L Canon IS binos, they're pure magic. Most of the time, I don't need a spotting scope. It's hard to describe just how much of a benefit an image stabilization does for a binocular's capability. They've got great glass to boot!

That said, I do own, and greatly enjoy my Swarovski 80HD STM. It's an awesome scope and necessary for range work absolutely. I do take it in the field alot and counting brow tines from great distances is it's job.

I just met the Swarovski representative here in Anchorage. Be prepared to be BLOWN AWAY by their new spotting scope system. They have a new 95mm body with a bayonet focuser/zoom system. I want it I want it I want it I want it!!!!!! It blows my 80HD STM away. Expensive as all heck, but it's just freakin' unbelievable! Go check them out when they finally land in the stores.

They have new 65 and 80 bodies too... Both incredible.

+1 for the Zeiss Dialyt. Very simple, versatile and rugged. I really like mine.

Boy,opinions on spotters are like azzholes. Everybodys got one. Mine is the Leupold 12-40x60. Best eye relief I have encountered, small enough to pack around, and tack sharp. I liked my Kowa but the eye relief gain with the Leupold was incredible.

If price is not an concern, go with Zeiss Victory. I really like its design of twin-speed focuser on a single knob.

Personally, I like the swaro focus ring better.....'specially with gloves on.

I went thru a series of upgrades over time as I had extra cash, starting with a old Bushnell then moving to a Leupold Gold Ring 12-40x60 HD that was a great little scope that fits nicely in my backpack's side pocket BUT I traded it off for a Zeiss diascope that had better optics but very little eye relief.

Now I have a Swarovski 20-60x65mm good eye relief, great optics but does not fit in my packs side pockets as well as the Leupold did.

All in all if I had $500-750 to spend on a good spotter I would find a used Leupold GR 12-40x60 and if it happened to be HD all the better.

Has anyone used one of the Leupold Mark 4's 12 x 40 spotters? Looking for some feedback before taking the plunge.

Thanks,
Bob

Do you need the reticle? If not, I recommend the GR 12-40x60 HD. I've spent a lot of time behind one and really like it.

I've compared it side-by-side with other Leupold and Nikon 80-82 mm scopes (non HD). The Leupold 60 mm GR had slightly better resolution and contrast. Plus the eye relief is very good. I like the form factor too. The zoom and focus adjustments on the one I use are stiff. I can live with that.

Checking Google Earth, I spotted both my 62" Alaska Yukon moose and the grizzly my best bud shot about 7 miles out with my 15-45x60mm Zeiss spotter. I use this spotter weekly through out the year. I love it. It's never failed me and is a joy to use.

Alan

The OP asked what was the best spotting scope for hunting. He didn't really specify what type of hunting he is doing, so I will give what I think is the best all around spotting scope for hunting... Swaro STM 65.

For backpack hunting it is more compact than an 80 or 85, but still performs dang close to the bigger scopes optically. It is also extremely light for the size/quality. At the same time the size and weight are also handy for using in the truck on a window mount. Like I said above, it isn't much of a step down from the big 80's optically. So if you are hunting from a atv where you don't have carry it much and would be well suited with a big 80, it's not a hinderance. Also I prefer the focus adjustment for the same reason as huntsman22.

If I had to go down in price, my pick would be the gold ring 12-40x60. It has pretty much the same features. More compact that the swaro as far as length, but is heavier and not as good optically.

look through a kowa and then go up or down from there...tough to beat across the board IMO.