Spotting Scope...so many to choose from.

[scoutm]

I'm in the market for a spotting scope but unsure about I should get. I'm not shy about spending money on items that will last me so my major questions relate to the trade-offs associated with power, weight, length digiscoping accessories and most importantly image quality & light gathering abilities. I've used scopes from 20x up to 65x and both have advantages and disadvantages. Any comments about your setups and what you like and don't like about them

 

Thanks.

[azhuntnut]

I did alot of my research on this website and then went down and checked different scopes several times before I made a decision. The eyepiece on mine was the deciding factor when I made my purchase. It was very comfortable compared to some of the other ones. David

http://www.birdforum.net/forumdisplay.php?f=286

[BASS]

I bought Nikons new scope and am very impressed by it. I didn't have $1300-$3000 for the one I would like to have, but for $300 and a 25 years warrenty I think it's nice. I used it to look for bear a few weeks ago with another CWT member and it didn't put a lot of eye strain on me. I also bought the pistol grip head for my tripod, but I can't mount it to my tripod so I sit playing with it at home.

[azryan]

I bought Nikons new scope and am very impressed by it. I didn't have $1300-$3000 for the one I would like to have, but for $300 and a 25 years warrenty I think it's nice. I used it to look for bear a few weeks ago with another CWT member and it didn't put a lot of eye strain on me. I also bought the pistol grip head for my tripod, but I can't mount it to my tripod so I sit playing with it at home.

 

BASS, i thought all nikon optics came with a lifetime warranty

[azhuntnut]

Nikon has a 25 year no fault warranty. It doesn't matter how they were damaged. Just send them back with ten dollars and they will fix or replace them. I have yet to meet anybody that has owned the optics for more than 15 years, so I think 25 is enough. Bass, good choice on the glass. David

[BASS]

BASS, i thought all nikon optics came with a lifetime warranty

 

 

David is right, just a 25 year warranty that is more than enough for us when it comes to glasses IMO.

[azryan]

true thats all you need, by then you will have some swaros

[scoutm]

Thanks for the feedback...any thoughts on in having a scope that reaches out past 60X is worth the extra weight?

[azhuntnut]

I very seldom use my 60x. When I do, it is still early when the heat waves aren't affecting the view. I did go with the 80 objective though. It really seems to gather alot of light in the morning and evening. David

[DesertBull]

I just picked up a Nikon Fieldscope III for $300 on Ebay. It was a steal as the scope was 99% perfect and sells for 2x that new. It is very clear, compact and lightweight.