Hunting & Fishing Spotting scope advise

[Oldcoast]

The last 2 seasons I've been packing a Swarovski habict 20-60x80mm. Scope is vital for spotting/stalking mulies in the high desert. Its downright heavy. What are my options for a nice scope that will reach out there but not have the weight?

Thanks in advance

Marshall

 

[_RJ_]

Re: Spotting scope advise

Well you already own one of the best spotters around. Do you really want to step down in terms of glass quality? Maybe just get the 65mm objective. I'm not sure I could go from a Swarovski to a Bushnell, just sayin'. I know my Leica Televid 82mm is about the same weight as your Swarovski and I back pack hunt with that bad boy through Hells Canyon.

About how far on average, are you spotting game? What are your expectations with the new glass? (i.e. are you wanting to count points from a distance or just see if it's a buck or not)

Alright, I just checked around Optics Planet and actually the 65mm objective would be about .5lbs lighter than the 80mm. If you were to change spotters purely by weight that could be your best bet without losing optical clarity. Really all high end spotters of 80mm to 60mm are about 2.5 to 2lbs. And if your 80mm isn't the newer HD Swaro glass, then the 65mm in HD could be a step up and lighter. Check out Optics Planet they will answer all your questions. Hope this helps.

 

[Fisky]

Re: Spotting scope advise

I posted this same question last Fall, didn't get too many ideas other than going with the smaller objective.

After lugging my 20-60x80 HD around the last two Falls, I, like you, was considering buying a smaller scope for pack hunting. I have yet to find one that offers a significant decrease in weight, while still having acceptable glass. Like the guy above said, it's tough going from a Swaro to a Bushnell.

So, at this point, I intend to suck it up and haul that pig of a spotter around, at least for another year.

 

[PSYOPS]

Re: Spotting scope advise

CamoFire has the Nikon Prostaff 16-48x65 on sale this second for only $319....weighs only 32oz.

Just a thought.

 

[Oldcoast]

Re: Spotting scope advise

Tough to range exactly but I would say one of my spots is about 2.5-3 miles and I can put horns on them and decide weather its worth a stock.

What do you guys think of the leupold mark 4's? I sold my Kimber montana and had a m70 built so I'm carrying another 3lbs there.

Maybe I should try to find a lighter tripod. One thing I reailzed is the newer angle spotters dont require such a tall tripod.

How much light transfer am I going to sacrifice going to a 65mm from 80mm?

 

[Searcher]

Re: Spotting scope advise

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oldcoast</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The last 2 seasons I've been packing a Swarovski habict 20-60x80mm. Scope is vital for spotting/stalking mulies in the high desert. Its downright heavy. What are my options for a nice scope that will reach out there but not have the weight?
</div></div>

I use the same. Its top of the line and anything else would be a step down as far as visual clarity. Be glad you have such a tool.

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: Spotting scope advise

the new one save a few ounces with the magnesium bodies. might be the ticket

 

[Oldcoast]

Re: Spotting scope advise

I put the scope on the scale and its at 4 lbs with the cover. Not terrible. My tripod however is just under 7lbs! Its a Zeiss manfroto with fluid head. So now I need advise on a tripod.

 

[Fisky]

Re: Spotting scope advise

Honestly, my $100 Vanguard is more than enough tripod in any and all hunting situations I've been in. It's the Alta 233AO if I remember correct. Also, weight is approx 3.5 lbs. Good tripod for roughly 100 bones.

 

[Oldcoast]

Re: Spotting scope advise

How is the stability at high power? I know by experience that a good head is crucial for scanning. THe cheaper ones skip a little and can make it rough on your eyes.

 

[Fisky]

Re: Spotting scope advise

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oldcoast</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> How is the stability at high power? I know by experience that a good head is crucial for scanning. THe cheaper ones skip a little and can make it rough on your eyes. </div></div>

It does the job. I was actually suprised at how stable it is. I thought for sure it would be pretty miserable to use on higher powers. Not so. Yes, you will be sacraficing some sturdiness for weight, but that's a given. I've spent many hours scanning with it, works just fine. And ND isn't exactly known for it's lack of wind. I should mention though, most all my spotting is done on my ass or knees. If you plan on standing with it, I can't speak to how sturdy it would be in that situation.

 

[billmy67]

Re: Spotting scope advise

Keep your scope and ditch the Manfrotto tripod! Several companies make tripods that have carbon fiber legs. You can probably shave 2-3 pounds off the weight of the tripod you are carrying. I am pretty sure you can take the manfrotto head off and move it over. I photographed weddings for many years and the manfrotto tripods are built like tanks....but they weight as much as a tank too. A new set of legs will be cheaper than than a new scope and will lighten your pack far more than any lighter scope will.