Mid-Range Spotting Scopes for Digiscoping

[Blueknight99]

Folks, need some minute advise. Going to leave on my hunting trip tomorrow and was toying with my phone scope adapter on my binocular. But then thought that I won’t be able to use my bino effectively on the field with the phone adapter on it.

Thinking of getting a spotting scope and put it on a tripod on my stand to record video or take pictures. I know the time is less and this needs a bit of a research (which I will do get a better one after I get back from my hunting trip), but for now since I am leaving tomorrow, is my nearby Cabelas.

Found two of them in stock today :

- Cabelas CX Pro HD Spotting Scope 15-45X 65mm for $699 plus taxes(angled)

- Vortex Viper HD 20-60 85mm (angled) - $899 plus taxes

- Cabelas Instict Euro HD Spotting Scope 20-70x 82mm $1899 plus taxes.

Anyone have any experience on the above. Of course the Euro HD/Meopta is vastly superior to the other two but just don’t want to invest that much in a rushed purchase , because I might want to invest in something nicer like a Swaro once I get back. The main requirement is for then hunting trip to be able to record video as a digiscope using a phone adapter

 

[sleeplz]

Natchez

www.natchezss.com

Add this to your list. I went to a few matches and the MK 4 stood out to me. One inch of eye relief compared to other scopes where my face was touching the optic. The only issue is they need to verify your info if it's your first time purchasing from them. I ordered on Oct 24 and was told it would ship by COB, fingers crossed.

 

[orkan]

From those choices... vortex is safest option.

 

[themightytimmah]

I’ve shot the MK4 and vortex and prefer the MK4. If you hunt around, you can get a used one with a reticle around 1000 or a Gold Ring without a reticle for a little cheaper.

 

[Danattherock]

I have a like new Zeiss T85 spotting scope with optional higher power eyepiece, a sturdy $400 ish Zeiss camera adapter for digizooming, neoprene Zeiss cover, etc.

Silver color and straight body. Bought while living in Alaska to photograph wildlife. Just sitting in safe since. Too nice to take to matches.

Anyway, I will post for sale soon likely. If interested, shoot me a message.

 

[tlsmith22]

I personally would look for a Gen 1 Razor spotter over the Viper. There is a pretty good gap in glass quality. The Razor is a sold midrange spotter.

 

[Blueknight99]

Thanks @tlsmith22 . Figured if you are investing that much, a Razor is better than the Viper. Unless going for the Swaros what are some good spotting scope options (at or under $1,500) with good glass? I am thinking the below.

- Vortex Razor HD
- Kowa Prominars (used ones if you can find any) - new ones run around $2400+
- Celestron
- Athlon Ares

Sometimes I think just save up a 1000 bucks more and just go all the way upto a Swaro.

 

[SmileMaker]

Recorded with a Leupold Mk IV, Vision pro shop adapter and a cell phone.

 

[shoobe01]

I need to pony up for something higher dollar sometime (probably the Leupold suggested due to the aftermarket support), but have been very pleased with this:

Amazon.com : Vanguard 16-48x65mm Waterproof Spotting Scope with Straight Eyepiece (Green) : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Vanguard 16-48x65mm Waterproof Spotting Scope with Straight Eyepiece (Green) : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

Okay, they don't make it anymore, but this seems to be the newer one:

https://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-20-...straight+spotting+scope&qid=1575690744&sr=8-6

It has been used by people who know a lot better, without complaining at all, at matches to read wind and trace at over 800 yds. Easy to focus, easy to zoom, decent eye relief, the wide base is ARCA compliant (unlike many!), works well with my mobile phone adapter thingy.

No chromatic aberration or other real issues, but simply not as absolutely razor sharp, nor as bright in fading light as my best riflescopes (steiner) or my LRF (Leica). In good light, .30 holes visible to 500. 600 is too far.

Simply amazing for the price point.