Rifle Scopes Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

[Cproflow]

It seems to me SWFA could really hit the ball out of the park with this. Considering their superior quality to cost ratio...they are consistently a great value. I can't believe I actually own 5

I'd love to see a spotter that came out (with a mil-quad reticle maybe?) in the $700 - $1k range that could compete with some of the pricier competitors. Given their history, I'm confident they could pull it off.

Wishful thinking? Are there even any rumors? Throw me a bone!

 

[springerjb]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

+1 for this idea...brilliant! Although I'd like to see it in the $500ish range...

 

[tigerfan_9]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

would be nice....

 

[koshkin]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I am sure that if you ask them hard enough they will consider it.

At last count, I had a grand total of six SWFA scopes in use and I am quite happy with them:

10x42 (original model)
6x42
10x42HD with Mil-Quad
3-9x42 with Mil-Dot
3-9x42 with Mil-Quad
5-20x50 with Mil-Quad

I will be adding a 1-6x24 to this list shortly.

The Mil-Quad reticle is really growing on me the more I use it and I think with some minor tweaking it would work well in a spotter.

Here is a question for you, then. If SWFA were to look into a spotter project, which configuration should they look at?

Anything special you would want other than the reticle?

I have a pretty good idea of what I would want, but what would make sense to you?

ILya

 

[okrebel92]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I like where this is going.

A standard model in the $500ish range and an "HD" model between $700-$1000. Offer a case and color options.

 

[Cproflow]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Actually those are great ideas...a regular version in the $400 - $500 range and a HD version in the $700 - $1k range.

Hmmm...

 

[springerjb]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I'd like to see something similar to the Leupold Gold Ring series. Good eye relief, clear glass, and rugged. I'd sacrifice bells and whistles for these three things.

My .02.

 

[koshkin]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

If you want something like Leupold Gold Ring, why not just use Leupold Gold Ring?

Also, what magnification range and objective size would make sense to you?

 

[Cproflow]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Myself...I'd like to see a 20-60 x 80, if that would be possible. It is sort of a tall order, but SWFA has a tendency to impress.

 

[cookietheswede]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I would love to see them make one. Price/quality for the Super Sniper series is excellent.

 

[springerjb]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ILya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want something like Leupold Gold Ring, why not just use Leupold Gold Ring?

Also, what magnification range and objective size would make sense to you? </div></div>

You know the answer to this...$$$

I'd like to see mag up to 40 or 50 and obj of 50-60.

 

[winxp_man]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Great thread that just started

I would like to also see a SS spotting scope come out.




Aron-

 

[koshkin]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cproflow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Myself...I'd like to see a 20-60 x 80, if that would be possible. It is sort of a tall order, but SWFA has a tendency to impress. </div></div>

Basically, you want something like this, right?
http://swfa.com/Leupold-20-60x80-Mark-4-Tactical-Spotter-P48106.aspx

ILya

 

[koshkin]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mtneer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ILya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want something like Leupold Gold Ring, why not just use Leupold Gold Ring?

Also, what magnification range and objective size would make sense to you? </div></div>

You know the answer to this...$$$

I'd like to see mag up to 40 or 50 and obj of 50-60. </div></div>

So, what you are looking for int his case is not so much something that does not exist, but rather something like the currently available products, but with better pricing, right?

ILya

 

[tigerfan_9]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ILya</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mtneer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ILya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want something like Leupold Gold Ring, why not just use Leupold Gold Ring?

Also, what magnification range and objective size would make sense to you? </div></div>

You know the answer to this...$$$

I'd like to see mag up to 40 or 50 and obj of 50-60. </div></div>

So, what you are looking for int his case is not so much something that does not exist, but rather something like the currently available products, but with better pricing, right?

ILya</div></div>

Isn't that what swfa has done with the SS line?

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mtneer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd like to see something similar to the Leupold Gold Ring series. Good eye relief, clear glass, and rugged. I'd sacrifice bells and whistles for these three things.

My .02.</div></div>

I'd rather see it like the Bushnell Excursion, but w/ the mil quad reticle

 

[hk dave]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Exactly... same as the Leupold with better pricing.

 

[koshkin]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tigerfan9</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ILya</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mtneer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ILya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want something like Leupold Gold Ring, why not just use Leupold Gold Ring?

Also, what magnification range and objective size would make sense to you? </div></div>

You know the answer to this...$$$

I'd like to see mag up to 40 or 50 and obj of 50-60. </div></div>

So, what you are looking for int his case is not so much something that does not exist, but rather something like the currently available products, but with better pricing, right?

ILya</div></div>

Isn't that what swfa has done with the SS line? </div></div>

To a certain degree, yes.

ILya

 

[Scot_E]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I would like to see a compact spotter in the 12-40x60 range, HD glass, MIL ranging reticle in FFP, preferably offset so you have most of the viewing area clear of obstructions. Short and lightweight would be ideal.

Scot E.

 

[lionsden]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

This is an absolutely brilliant idea and I would love for this to happen.

I agree with FORCE MULTIPLIER, the excursion would be a nice starting point and with the mil quad reticle would be awesome.

Lets make this happen... in for the group buy!

 

[tigerfan_9]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Milquad in a spotter would be awesome.

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

AND while we're dreaming, I bet they can make a hell of a decent lower cost LRF too

 

[gnhowell1]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Milquad spotter would be nice.

 

[fenwick253]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Compact in length. I currently have a Vortex Viper HD 65mm obj and the removable eyepieces shorten up the body, making it easier to pack. It's about 16" long but I could deal with a slightly shorter one. illuminated reticle?

 

[delfuego]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I would like a Regular (cheaper) and an HD model (top glass) both with a milling reticle...

 

[Outdoorsman9]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I would like one with a built in LRF and a reticle so I can range while I'm ranging.

 

[hk dave]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I would like one without a zooming eyepiece... instead of a zooming eye piece, perhaps 2-3 different length eyepieces that provide for a sharper image and wider field of view than a difficult to design and expensive to produce zoom eye piece.

 

[Cproflow]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

You know hk dave, that might be a big bonus in keeping optics quality up and costs down.

I liken it to my prime lenses for photography...no moving parts and incredible clarity/bokeh

 

[fenwick253]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Cproflow +1 on prime lenses. I know with prime photo lenses there is minimal distortion compared to barrel and pincushion distortion you get from zoom lenses. Does the same apply to spotting scopes and such? I have never photographed through a scope and it's difficult to tell with the naked eye.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

A mil quad spotter in FFP would be awesome, HD glass with a power around 20-45 is plenty of magnification and with a good size exit pupil so the field of view doesn't shrink to a postage stamp at high mag.
keep the price below $1300 and it will be a winner.

 

[MTETM]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ILya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Also, what magnification range and objective size would make sense to you?</div></div>

I would like to see a 65mm objective with a fixed 27-30x angled eyepiece. Make it "821" quality glass and include a sliding sunshade.
I would like to see the reticle similar to what was developed in this thread...

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2338787&page=5

But in reality... I am not going to wait around for "maybe something will happen".. I will buy either the Vortex or the Optolyth in the near future...

 

[SWFA]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

We've actually been working on a spotter line but nothing has been finalized so there is still plenty of time for ya'll to sway things.

 

[ChrisF]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?


If they are looking at doing something like the MK4 spotter , then , they might as well turn it upside down , so it mounts like a Zeiss Spotter 60 on a tripod .

And if they go big front lens , make it better looking than the 80mm MK4 as that looks very poorly thought thru , ie backyard job .

Later Chris

 

[Cproflow]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Alright SWFA! I figured you'd show up eventually

Some good end user feedback trickling in here.

I'd further put on my wish list a spotter that was angled, as opposed to straight. Often both variations are available, but it doing so makes a big difference in manufacturability/cost, I'd venture a guess most folks would prefer the angled.

If it is no big deal to offer both, then variety is the spice of life, I say.

 

[Guns4570]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

How about a nice version of the angled Swaro 20-60x60 with a ranging reticle in it and backpackable for hunting at a good price point?

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWFA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We've actually been working on a spotter line but nothing has been finalized so there is still plenty of time for ya'll to sway things. </div></div>

Long eye relief so those of use with corrected vision can use it with ease, please.

 

[c1steve]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

A 20-60 spotter, plus a 3-15x42 or 3-17x44 scope would be popular. HD definitely, though.

 

[hk dave]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Field of view... eye relief, mrad reticle!

 

[MarinePMI]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Long eye relief (the problem with most spotting scopes), 20-45x (or fixed 45x), wide field of view, milling reticle...

I'd be in for a group buy as well...

 

[The Gump]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWFA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We've actually been working on a spotter line but nothing has been finalized so there is still plenty of time for ya'll to sway things. </div></div>

I would like to see the following:
- 12-40 magnification range or there about
- FFP
- ~60mm+ objective
- Long eye relief for those w/ corrected vision
- Available soft cover
- Hash mark reticle
- HD glass
- in the smallest, shortest package you can make it
- angled eyepiece option
- magnification ring that is easy to grip
- <$1500

I've had the opportunity to use the Leupold Mark 4 lately. It seems that there is little offerings in that price point with a milling reticle. I do not prefer mil dots and their TMR reticle leaves some to be desired.

I think it would be great if your spotter had hashes instead of diamonds but still had .1th, .2th, and .5th hash marks in sequence out to 1 mil on the edges of the crosshairs, similar to the mil quad. For everything in between 1 and .5th hash marks would be fine. I like the diamonds but I think it may make the reticle too busy in a spotter at high magnification.

I like the size of the Mark 4 too. I'm not a fan of spotters that are a foot and a half long.

 

[Ridgeback80]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

say 20,000 likes on fb with a huge discount or maybe a group buy to get the spotting line going! SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA TO ME !

 

[fireEMT5]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I would love to see what SWFA could come up with in a spotter. Doubt I'd give up my Vortex Razor, but if they can match Razor quality and glass while shaving off a couple hundred bucks, they probably couldn't keep them in stock.

I have an angled model Razor and have though about the mil eye piece. The thing I love about my angled Razor is that I can rotate the body when I'm at a bench or even prone and don't have to move all that much to be on the gun, or look through my spotter. Having said that, the mil ranging reticle would really only work when you have the angled spotter orientated in it's upright (eye piece at 12:00) position. I've found that I use my angled with the eye piece pointed anywhere from the 2:00 - 3:00 position more often then not, thus the mil reticle eye piece would be canted as much. Just something to think about. On a straight spotter it would always be at 12:00 would it not?

 

[02Silver]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

We have been hounding them about tweener scopes. Add a Spotter!

 

[02Silver]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cookie The Swede</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would love to see them make one. Price/quality for the Super Sniper series is excellent.</div></div>

Your signature is disturbing and awesome at the same time.

 

[02Silver]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

Forgot to mention I have the 10HD and the Illuminated 5-20. I like their products a lot. Can't wait for the next addition to the line up. The way they revamped it to MOA/MOA and MIl/Mil on the original lines speaks volumes for their customer focus.

 

[holdoff]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

1. 70-80mm objective. Nice glass... non-flourite Kowa glass nice.
2. Fixed eye piece. 30 power, but with a wide FOV and long eye relief. Must be able to use with eyewear on. But, have other selections for different applications.
3. Armored compact shape, like the Hemnsoldt, with dual mounts so that you may mount it "flat" or upright like the Hensoldt. Must include very nice lens covers.. rainproof nice. An onboard sunshade.

Big #4: A ranging reticle. Mil-Quad is nice for a scope, but slightly finer lines with more precise graduations would aid in very quick, precise work.

The dream reticle for me would be a an "L" shape with both vert/horizontal lines equal. Like a corner of a box, NOW, incorporate a way to rotate the "corner" to which ever corner the end user would like to have it placed in the FOV.

The hope would be an unobscured center with the reticle in the correct spot in the FOV to assist with rapid ranging.

SWFA may need to design and release two models.. one more compact for the field/hunting/comps and another for static type use?

We can dream, right?

 

[cjgemm]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I'd be happy if they just made a fixed eyepiece for my Kowa with a reticle.

 

[holdoff]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

I concur. However, designing a ranging occular lens for an existing scope is probably just as expensive to do than a ground up design.

I have read that the designers have to consider the platform that the occular would be used when attempting a ranging reticle.. but, I am certainly not an expert.

Would be a fantastic upgrade for us Kowa owners, alas no real benefit for SWFA to support another company's product.

 

[delfuego]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWFA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We've actually been working on a spotter line but nothing has been finalized so there is still plenty of time for ya'll to sway things. </div></div>Who loves ya baby.... This guy...

 

[Stubb]

Re: Will SWFA ever put out a spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWFA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We've actually been working on a spotter line but nothing has been finalized so there is still plenty of time for ya'll to sway things. </div></div>

Something along the lines of a 20–60x80 with an FFP mil reticle would be great, especially if you can keep it around $1.5k.

—Andreas