tricks,
I think it helps to start by quantifying what you expect out of a spotter. I think its hard to recommend one without these:
- 1. How far do you want to view? If you are not sure, use GoogleEarth and make some rough distance measurements of areas that you hunt or plan to hunt. In some places 1000y is a long way, in others 3000y can be viewed in good conditions.
- 2. How small of an object do you want to see? Spot any deer bedded in the open or see antlers in brush? Do you want to eval that buck of a lifetime hiding in the brush or do you just want confirmation of antlers vs slickhead?
Doing those two steps help to define the goal, or requirements of the spotter. A spotter for looking over the Snake River from Idaho into Oregon (some people actually do this) is a different piece of gear compared to Big-Eyes used out to 1000 yards. Just an example.
Next, I think that you need to think about magnification and exit pupil:
- 3. Can you see well in general with 1x per 100 yards? Or do you need 2x? Maybe 3x? This is related to #2 above.
- 4. Once you know the mag range you're interested in, you can think about exit pupil which I think should be a minimum of 2mm under good conditions. The actual acceptable exit pupil will depend on make/model to some extent.
So let's say that you want to view in decent detail at 2000y, and you feel that 2x per 100y is a good rule of thumb to start with based on your experiences and expectations. 20 times 2 = 40x. So you'll want to think about 40x under good conditions.
Next 40x will require an 80mm objective, 40 times 2mm = 80mm. So now you're looking at a 40x scope with 80mm objective as a starting point (at the minimum). Do you really want to view that far, or in that level of detail? Only you know, but when you start to outline your goals in this way it helps you narrow down your decision. This will vary from individual to individual based on needs, vision, and budget. But right away we have a strong suspicion that a 60mm probably ain't going to cut it. Maybe, but the numbers aren't adding up since the exit is going to be smaller to get that 40x.
In general people just recommend what works for them which sometimes has nothing to do with what you want to accomplish. This is just my take on how to figure out what will work for you, in a ballpark sense and it forces you to think about the requirements that the gear needs to meet. Otherwise we'd all be carrying 50mm spotters for lightweight. Or 100mm ones for uber-zoom. But some people want/need something in-between.
I don't think you even need to follow my suggestions above... just come up with your own. Maybe you value weight over all else, so you'll need to work that into the equation. The point is to get some rough guidelines and start looking through some spotters at know distances of familiar targets.
I also would not be afraid of ordering the top two spotters of my choosing from a reputable dealer with good return policy. Spend several days/night evaluating them, then return the one you don't want to keep.
Good luck and have fun.
Jason