Spotting Scope Search

[JPmbogo]

I am looking to purchase absolutely the sharpest, clearest spotting scope currently available, cost be damned. I have owned several over the years, including a mid-range priced Nikon presently, and have never really been satisfied. I want it primarily for range work. Any suggestions out there? And once again, I am not interested in the best for the money, or best value, or any other such evaluations. I simply want the best.

 

[Whitworth375]

Ive had a look through both Zeiss and Swarovski scopes that my outfitters had and they were both great.

 

[Newby]

Zeiss, Leica, Swarovski. In whatever order suits your eyes.

Whichever brand you choose, get the model with the biggest objective in that brand.

Be wary of too high a magnification at the bottom of the mag range, or you may find mirage is a problem on some days.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

1rst Meopta S2. 30-60 WWAngle eyepiece. Period.
2nd Meopta S1 HD (APO) 20-60 + 30X WA both.
GREAT Sporting Scopes!!

Good luck!

CF

 

[wesheltonj]

You can’t go wrong with either Zeiss or Leica. I own optics from both. I have used the Leica scope and it’s sharp. But I am not sure that if it’s just range work, less we are talking about 600+ yards, I would spend that kind of money. If they are going into the field too then I would. That said the Leica design is getting stale and the Leica rep at DSC said as much about three years ago. I took that to mean a new model is on its way, which for Leica means another two years.

 

[YancyW]

I have a Swaro, it is the best I have ever used.

 

[Travis2282]

Try the Swarovski STX/ATX 95

 

[Tra3]

While I can’t comment on the high end, I can say that the choice on what magnification is important. I have two vortex spotting scopes, 20-60 and 15-45. At 20x magnification on the low end, it is great for watching animals at quite a distance (miles). The 15-45 is better for the 1/2 mile to 1.5 mile range and for backpack hunting. For game watching with family in Yellowstone, 20-60 is better. (You can see the rings on Saturn with about 55x or so.)

 

[Gemsbok45]

Swarovski is simply the best.Buy once for life!

 

[bruce moulds]

never overlook kowa.
bruce.