Thread: Spotting Scopes

From what I have read on spotting scopes everyone suggests buying the expensive brands. Is there really that much of a difference in the image from a $800 spotting scope with say a cheaper $200-$300 spotting scope?

Yep, had a barska cheap o and now got a leupold, you get what you pay for with optics

There's a big jump in performance between cheap and mid range. Then you get into diminishing returns although they are still there.

I guess it depends largely on what you intend to do with it. If you just want a spotting scope for the range you might be happy with a cheapy, but if you would like to take photos of game then you will probably want something better.

I had a nice Leupold spotting scope for a while and although it did a good job I got frustrated with the blurry edges. I sold it and have decided to save for a Swarovski instead... mainly because I like the clarity, not so much the price.

I look at some of the photos people on this forum post for our enjoyment and envy both their talent and equipment choices. It's one area where good gear can definitely improve the results.

I will mainly be using it for assessing stag heads and I'm just starting to get in to tahr and Chamois hunting.

Originally Posted by Lukeduncan

I will mainly be using it for assessing stag heads and I'm just starting to get in to tahr and Chamois hunting.

At what distance? Cheap one will be ok for 200m.... Swaro, Zeiss, Leica your talking 2km

I have binos so i have 200m covered but probably around the 1 km mark. Maybe further. What are leupold spotting scopes like for looking at game

Originally Posted by Lukeduncan

I will mainly be using it for assessing stag heads and I'm just starting to get in to tahr and Chamois hunting.

Then don't scrimp mate. Buy the best optics you can and don't rush into it.

Especially for trophy hunting.
Being able to spot a broken tip of a tine or a scrub worn bull thar at distance can save a lot of hard work.
Shadows and certain types of light can lead to over estimating things.
Being able to age an animal at distance is also helpful when making certain decisions on trophy quality.


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Keep an eye out for second hand as well. Some good deals come up.

Originally Posted by Lukeduncan

I have binos so i have 200m covered but probably around the 1 km mark. Maybe further. What are leupold spotting scopes like for looking at game

Start looking in the $700-$800 realm. Think my leupold was $850 rrp (didn't pay that though) leupold, nikon, Bushnell, vortex(do they do spotters?) would probably the job, no need for a $2.5K swaro

As stug says second hand ones do appear. I brought a cheap one and ended giving it away a few years later when I could afford something better

Theres a Leupold 15-45x60 spotting scope on facebook at the moment for $500?

I like the idea of using a good superzoom camera as a spotting device, as you can take a pic, then zoom in even closer digitally.
I got a good condition secondhand Konus 20-60 x80 off the forum, but it must have got bumped in transit after I got it, as it now gives a slight fish eye effect.
As has been said, you get what you pay for

The Nikon ED scopes have a good rep. Nikon ED50-A Angled FieldScope with eyepiece x27 | Trade Me

Originally Posted by Pengy

I like the idea of using a good superzoom camera as a spotting device, as you can take a pic, then zoom in even closer digitally.
I got a good condition secondhand Konus 20-60 x80 off the forum, but it must have got bumped in transit after I got it, as it now gives a slight fish eye effect.
As has been said, you get what you pay for

Are many people using cameras?

Originally Posted by Lukeduncan

Are many people using cameras?

Have one and they are ok.... Find the optics through my leupold are better. Last trip I had both and friend I was wih used his Samsung phone through the spotter and it had better pictures than my sx50