I'm looking for a relatively in expensive spotting scope and have narrowed it down to 2 that I like.
The Redfield rampage and the Vortex Diamondback. I want angled 20-60 power. It will be used on the range and in hunting.
Thoughts?

What's expensive to you?

inexpensive........I have looked at the Rampage in stores and was surprised. Not sure how it would work with glare etc when you get outdoors, but seemed like a pretty nice scope for the money. I have not seen the Vortex but have and have used quite a few of their optics - always a lot of value for the money and great warrantee.

I'm thinking under $500. side by side indoors looked to me like the Redfield was a bit more clear and that shocked me a bit. thats why I need your help to see what the real world thinks.

When trying to get the most for the least, you're better off if you think of buying used. I'd rather have my 20+ year old fixed Leupold 25X than both of the scopes you mention and you can find similar Leupolds for $250ish if you look........

If you're unsure and down to two choices... buy both and return the one you don't like. I like spending several days+ with an optic before making a decision. Have done this with binos and spotters. Only buy from those with a good return policy and you should be fine. I've told the retailers/sellers of my plan and have never gotten any complaints.

Reno has a vortex for sale In the classified. He's good to go

I've not looked at the Redfield, but have used a Theron Saker. It's well below your price and quite a good spotter IMO. For me it bested a Pentax and NikonI was using at the same time that each cost more.

http://predatoroptics.info/catalog/subcat.asp?MfgName=THERON+OPTICS&cid=199&ret_id=1185759

Yes.

And then save your money and buy a Leica, Swaro, or Zeiss.

If it takes you three years to scrape the coin together to get a good scope, you won't regret it. I'd sell my house before I'd sell my spotter.



Travis

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Meopta S2 will run with those all day long, and beat the pants off of any Zeiss spotter I've ever seen...about 6 different ones so far. Used Leica's are a joke.

I've never used a Meopta S2. I had no idea they were better than a Zeiss. How much do they cost?


Travis

"Around" $2k. Fantastic stuff, no kidding.

Ok. Well then I guess we can add that to the list of things the OP could save for. My point is that every "budget" spotter I've looked through was worth about $5.00.

If you consider Zeiss and Leica inferior to a Meopta, they must really be something.


Travis

It was also better to my 53 yr old eyes than my Kowa 884, which is really saying something, because it was better than any Zeiss, Swaro, or Leica I'd ever seen.

The only reason I responded is because of this "everything Z,L,S, makes is the greatest stuff on the planet " BS. That's what it is....BS. Excellent stuff, no doubt, but people need to get in the real world and understand what's going on.

At least you don't allow yourself to get upset about it...





Travis

I've probably got a different perspective on things than most, especially lots of people around here. I've got a great family, make a decent living, and am overall a very blessed man. What do I have to be upset about?

On the scale of important things in my life, optics ain't even close.

thanks for the replies. I'm not going to be using it enough to justify spending more than about $500 tops. Even if I save the coin, there are family obligations that would warrant that money going in other directions.