Spotting scope opinion

[Gehrke145]

Exactly what Whip said, could it have been helpful a few times for me, yea.  Is it worth the extra weight on a backpack hunt, no way.

[Bivyhunter]

I got a PM asking a little more about my Kowa scope as it is significantly less $ than some of the other big name Euro brands. Thought I would share my response as it may help answer some more ?'s

   "I have been really happy with my Kowa, even while still owning the 80mm Swarovski. I use it pretty frequently at 60X in the mornings and evenings. During the day as it heats up, you'll find more problems with the heat waves, but that is going to be the case with any scope--regardless of price tag. I use and prefer the straight tube scopes as that is what I've always used and have become accustomed to. That being said, I recognize there are advantages with the angled scopes, namely the capability to use smaller tripods or at least lower heights. Also you can usually glass from a more comfortable position--head slightly downward vs tilted up a little unnaturally. I suppose my biggest reason for sticking with the straight tube is faster target acquisition. So many times I've barely had time to get my scope set up and animal located before they disappear over a ridge or behind an object. If you need more convincing for the Kowa, just look at the bird watcher reviews. These guys are fanatical about their optics and have little reservation about dropping down $$$$ on them. The Kowa scopes are getting really high and often top reviews."

[Dan Adair]

Bivyhunter.  Its nice to hear somebody give advice that you can tell has actually been there and done that.

I've had some Kowa optics over the years, and had the opportunity to peek through many more.  One more group of fanatics that swear by Kowa spotters is NRA Highpower shooters.  The Prominar 88 is one of the few scopes out there that has the resolution needed to see 22 caliber bullet holes at 300 yards, in the black.

However, for a backpack spotter, and the one I use hunting.  I LOVE my Nikon 13-30x ED50 with an angled body.  For a true blue hunting spotter, especially for Muley country, its damn near impossible to top.

Another tip.  For extended periods of glassing, get an eyepatch from Walgreens.  Also, if you're going to pack a spotter and tripod, buy a bino adapter that fits your bino's (most brands, that plastic cap with the brand logo between the barrels unthreads to reveal where you screw in such an adapter)  Both are things that can seriously cut down on eye fatigue.  Mule deer is a glassing game  

[antler chaser]

I would not hesitate on a vortex scope,take a look at  there vipers.I have spent some time behind spotting scopes and they have saved me a lot of time and leather.

[Knotter]

Glassing is all about strategy.  Your not just glassing to find your buck - you're looking for bedded does, lines of cover, shadow and wind direction.  The only real application for a spotter is judging the animal.  

How much you spend:
I would say it depends on the quality of binocs you own. It makes no sense to spend big $$$ on a spotting scope when you have a pair of $120 binoculars.
You'll spend lots of time on your binocs and a relative fraction of the time determining if the trophy is a shooter.  (if that's what turns your crank).  If it  It also depends on how much time you have.  Better optics are a great choice when you don't have time to walk around looking over the next hill.  That said - spending hours behind a spotting scope is a poor use of your time (you use only one eye) and FOV is too narrow to get a good scan.  

Consider a good optics package.  The best binoculars you can afford and a decent lightweight scope.  Don't forget about a tripod ....  

My current setup is Vortex Razor (8x42) and Vortex Nomad spotter.  Hands down the nomad is better than the doubler they sell - it's light, simple and not too pricey.  

THe Leupolds are nice but their are lots of options at a lower cost for = glass.  Spend some time behind really good glass  (you can't afford) so you fully understand how your choice stacks up in the grand scheme of things.