Entry Level Spottero
Equipment
Contributors to this thread:
That should say Spotter obviously.
I know with optics you get what you pay for, but do any of you have recommendations for an entry level spotting scope? I'm planning on hunting muleys in a year or two and want to have one if needed. I do not know how much I will use this in the future, but if it turns out I use it a good bit, I upgrade. So for now I'm looking for suggestions on something that is functional without killing my eyes, but is not necessarily the top tier. Whether that's a new model or an older nicer model I can pick up used, it doesn't matter. I haven't set a budget yet because I really don't know what it will cost me.
I would recc. upgrading your binos to say some Swaro's, 10x42 . Some older Leupolds are good, Meopta, Maven, Vanguard are a little less pricey for spotters. I use my Swaro 10x42 SLCs all the time, the spotter gets used on occasion but when it comes out it pays off. Found my binos for cheap on a return, paid for the Swaro spotter on a sale many years ago. Good glass is far and above cheaper glass, so just know you do get what you pay for in most instances with glass, brand name does add to the price. Customer service with the high ends is very good too, Vortex has good customer service but I hear it gets used quite a bit. I guess it all depends on your budget too.
Look at used. Vortex makes a good glass at a reasonable price. Decide if you want a straight or angled eyepiece. I have both and prefer the angled (my Nikon EDII has a rotating barrel so I can adjust the angle). But some prefer a straight eyepiece.
If you don't even know how much you'll use it in the future, do you have any friends that might let you borrow their scope? After the hunt is over, you'll have a better idea of how much you'll use one going forward, and can budget accordingly. I loaned my 20X60 Swaro to a young guy last Fall for his Nevada Mulie hunt with the understanding that if it was damaged, he'd make it right. It came back just like it left, and I even got a quart of maple syrup out of the deal.
As ive gotten older I appreciate my Vortex 12X50 razors because I can use them as my primary binos and mount them on a tripod for long range. I can find the deer just seem to have trouble getting my arrows in em :)
I agree with Medicinemann, borrow a spotter for your hunt. If you decide you need to own one after that, buy the absolute best spotter you can afford. Quality optics are truly a lifelong investment, IMO. A top of the line model will last a few lifetimes. The old term "buy once, cry once" certainly applies.
Matt
I thought about borrowing but there's no one I would be comfortable borrowing it from that actually has one. No way I'm borrowing Swaros from someone though.
From a comfort level it appears angled would be preferable for me but a few days of glassing may tell me otherwise.
I've heard enough about Vortex, that I figured they would meet my needs, but I definitely wasn't going to just run out and buy without some research. Is the Razor a must over the Viper? Also, I just saw Cabelas (online) has Gen 1 Razors for about half of what the Gen 2's run.
Thanks for the feedback!
Decent used scopes: Nikon ED50 that comes with a 13-30X zoom (or a fixed 27X). Good light weight scope that often sell for $500 used or less. I have one and although it isn't as nice as my Swaro 20-60 x 65mm HD angled scope I use it and keep it in the stable for it's decent optics and easy packing. Mine is straight but would prefer angled.
I had a Leupold 12-40 x 60mm HD Gold Ring as well as a non-HD version. I much preferred the HD scope, but some say they can't tell the difference. I could at higher powers especially. The HD is a decent fairly light scope that has great eye relief if you wear glasses. I liked mine, but aging sheep, counting antler points in moose, caribou and deer, etc drove me to the Swaro after I could afford one. They were only made in a straight configuration and should be available used for $700 or less.
Those are two I have or had and would recommend to you as good scopes that should be a decent price used. Good luck!
Check out reviews for Athlon Ares...I just purchased one.
Mike
Another option is to rent a spotter for the hunt. I've rented Swaro 15's from optics4rent.com twice and had great experiences. Great way to get great glass for a hunt and also learn how much you'll actually use something before dropping the coin.
If you are not comfortable borrowing, Predeter's suggestion of renting is interesting.....providing the cost is reasonable. Send me a PM with your cell number....I may have another idea.
Thanks everyone. I didn't realize renting was an option, I will look into that.
Medicinemann, I'll pm you now.
To rent: $20.00 per day - 7 day minimum so a minimum of $140. Find a use scope for a fair price and sell after your hunt. My guess is it would cost you a lot less than that. Any hunt you really need a scope for is probably going to be longer than 7 days.
Yeah, looking at 14 days minimum, probably more with the logistics of getting the scope and turning it in. Not far from used prices at that point.