Opinion on Spotter Choice

[throwback]

Have been using Binos but would like to add a spotter to the stable.

Mission:
-.223 and .308 paper @250yd
-Calling shots to 1000yd on steel
-Longer range sessions so prefer longer(ish) eye relief
-Reticle would be great, but optional
-Not much hunting so weight is secondary to optical quality
-Low light capability not a key concern

Budget - Max $1k

There are tons of options out there; given current state of the market, what would you do?

Thanks!

PS: please no 'save up longer and get something nicer' help. If I really like using the spotter over scope/binos I may move up later.

 

[Pinecone]

One to look at is the Vortex Viper HD 85mm. Dan Newberry uses one at his Bang Steel course to spot hits (and misses) out to 1200+ yards.

 

[EasyGravy]

^^^^ I recently bought a vortex hd85mm and I am very impressed. It does more than I will ever need it to. Price was right. Its a larger optic so needs a decent tripod or I use a Bessey beam clamp on bench and attach vortex window mount to the bessey clamp. Perfect.

 

[throwback]

Wow, 2 for the Vortex. I thought the HD 85mm was a Razor and north of $1500 and 80mm for Viper HD @ at my budget level... which are we talking about here. I'll also be looking on the used section today to see what's out there.

 

[Mike]

Vortex for a spotting scope in your price range. Get the Razor HD and don't look back.

Now later if you want to step up to the big boys there are other options out there.

 

[throwback]

Consensus on Razor for $1k value - perfect, thanks. When I want to know what kind of bug is crawling on my 1k yd target, I'll pull out the checkbook again... (sigh)

 

[EasyGravy]

You can get the razor 85mm for under $825 from a hide vendor. I bought the Viper Hd to be exact. I dont think I need the Razor at extra $. I dont see how much better for the price you can get.

 

[EasyGravy]

Im sorry I meant to say you can get the Viper HD for under $825, not the Razor.

 

[kansas]

Razor would be my first choice but it's stretching your budget unless you find a great deal. I loved my Luepold 12-40 Golden ring until I looked through my buddy's Razor. The Luepold GR is in your budget and a very solid choice. I got the HD glass but really can't tell the difference from the non HD. Luepold will put a reticle in it for $300.

 

[Pinecone]

Yeah, Razor is nice, but above your stated budget, even used.

Sorry, Viper HD is 80 mm, not 85mm.

Vortex Viper HD Straight 20-60x80 Spotting Scope VPR-80S-HD

Call them, they have a very nice SH discount.

 

[throwback]

Excellent, thanks all

 

[Autark]

One more thing to note, I talked to one of the guys at Vortex. He said pretty bluntly that he'd recommend the Viper when I asked him for advice on choosing between the two. It's always a tough call when you can't compare them side by side, but that was helpful feedback in my case.