I agree with the above statements.
Save up.
This goes especially with spotting scopes.
Considering the are a real pain in the @$$ to lug around in the truck and set up andthey are 100x worse than that while hunting in the field.
Fact of the matter is, most are heavy big and bulky, by the time you have all your other gear in the truck you got to deal with this thing as well.
So you might as well make it worth your while and get something that will work.
Ifyou go cheep,only going to upgrade in a matter of a few years anyways or you'll just leave it at home and have it collect dust.
I get the buy and sell every week have gotten it for years, and I have never ever ever seen qualityspotting scopes or binos being sold in there. Its all cheap optics that people are getting rid of because they have upgraded.
People that havegood good optics don't sell.
They pass them on.
Weather it be to family members or good good friends they get handed down to somebody that appreciates good quality and workmanship.
So do yourself a favor and get something that has quality.

You can call this Impact Spotter low end because of its price if you'd like but it's far from that! It's powerful, clear & bright. I promise you it will make a believer out of you that that for 200.00 you can own something that is not a piece of junk! I used this scope last year & it weighs 2 1/4 lb & is 10" long & comes with a slick table top tripod & a soft case, I pack the whole unit with tripod easily on our deer hunts. It has a lifetime fully transferable warranty on top of that! It's certainly one to consider.
http://www.audubonbinoculars.com/spotting_scopes/view/vortex-impact-ra-25-75x70-(angled)

ElkNut1

You know I always wondered why its taken companies so long to use mirrors for hunting optics.
Vortex did it, I do agree with you that it is clear, I disagree with alot of their advertising claims.
I personally wouldn't want one, but they are worth considering if your on a buget.
But saying this, I still feel going high end is always better.
Firstlets get to the advantages of Mirrors.
The fact is unlike lenses which bend light as it passes throughand each colour is bent at a different angle, mirrors don't bend light at all.
So while even the best ED lenses show some sort of out of focus colour, mirrors are inherently free of false colour and
chromatic aberration.
However there are some draw backs to usingthis type of optic,that I feel don't quite make the cut when it comes to hunting practices.
ITS A FACT..Mirrors are subject to tarnishing over time.
Granted these optics areclaimed to be shockproof waterproof and airtite,so this point may not even come into play.
But it will be interesting to see ifVortex puts a limited warranty on this product over the next several years.
At least for now though its comforting to have that (no fault warranty) there, at least for the time being.
Some others drawbacks, I feel are a more concerning issue
but may not be for another person.
Mirrored opticshave a very, very narrow field of view.
Yeah people may "say so what its a spotting scope.", but I "say its represents a huge shortcoming."
"Especially when time is of an essence."
I don't like angled spotters to begin with, for 2 reasons,they are useless when glassing out of a window, and your eye is off the target whenever you have to adjust either the power setting and/or focusing on the target.
But because your eye is already off the target when focusing with this Vector Model,a smaller field of view makes it that much more of a issue when finding it again.Its a personal thing for me.If angled body scopes and a very very narrow field of viewdoesn't bother you thangreat.
I've delt with lenses, mirrors and light, enough to know, some focusing problemswill be incured as you move the power of magnification higher (hence the word HIGHER.)
I honestly can't see a buget scope like this, that has a variable magnificatioon range from 25 up to 75 power having no problemsno problems.
In theory it works, but not in this Vortex model.
I can seethe 25xmagnification working flawlessly, but at 50x and over?
No- way...
The reason being.
The quality of eye piece in any optic is the most limiting factor when it comes to magnification. And for a $200.00
pricing point I can say right now that no sort of quality variable 25-75x eye piece was put on it. Not for that price.
More than likely something cheap from China.[:'(]
Personally I'd rather see a high end fixed power eye piece on this model and see how well it does.
BUT WE ALL KNOW IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN SOON CAUSE FIXED POWERS DON'T SELL.
Nowadays itys all about high magnification..
Hopefully they do that.(HINT)
But on the plus side, ifone were on a limited budget, and even though the Vortex selling point (on magnifiction) is what it is, at 35-45 power on the Vortex is probably better than all other comparable refractor scopes.
Personally,if I had this Vortex, , I'd keep it at the lowest setting 25x and leave it...
Unlike conventional optics, asone powers up the magnification on mirrored optics,THE CENTER OF THE IMAGE WILL START TO SHOW THE FOCUSING PROBLEMS, the same problems that are normally associated with the image on the outter edges, in refractor scopes.
It will always happen, there is no way way it can't and it can't be disputed at all cause, its caused by the presence of the centreobstruction on the objective lens.
But on the plus side there is always ways to get around it.
You can always position the target in the outer parts of the FoV, to get the best resolution and focus but again you have to take your eye off the target and adjust.
To me though, its MORE TIME WASTED...[:'(]
And the target being on the outter part of the FoV means
that much more of a posibility of your target leaving the field of view altogether.
Someone else may not mind this though.
Once again its not a practical hunting optic device from my standpoint.
But someone else will always disagree.
For me optics are about having something that is not just useable a tool, but having a tool that is a pleasure to use.
Some others just don't mind putting up with a tool as long as it gets the job done.
This scope will get the job done (I'm sure) but it isn't without flaws,it is better than alot of comparableoptics but I still feel you should save for something that is higher end...

Jeff, I didnt start this thread, but thanks for a very informative post!

Remember what the thread starter, (Justin) had asked for, that was a reasonable Spotting Scope that would fit his budget & needs! Not everyone can afford a Hummer, some must be satisfied with a less expensive SUV. For the price range he asked about the Vortex Impact Spotting Scope is at the top of the list without a doubt & it comes with the accessories he also wanted. You will be hard pressed to find a better one under 200.00.

By the way this scope does go to 75X, it will not heat wave up until in the mid 50X range even on the hottest part of the days. Most hunters including myself are using their Spotters first few hours of daylight & the last couple hours of light or most the day on cloudy to rainy days when needed, at those times you can easily get into the 70X range. Please do not speculate saying it cannot be done on a less expensive Spotter when I know for a fact it will perform as mentioned in these conditions. I will agree that in most cases 50X is more than adequate! If abberations or heat waves are looking to being elimanated then one would need to bump up to ED glass, of course it's more money.

ElkNut1

I remember exactly what Justin Hh was looking for.
A scope that would fit his budget needs and one that he plans on mounting on a truck window as well as one spotting deer a half mile out.
As far as I'm concerned I did that I gave a very detailed description and I was more than fair about it.
I gave (my opinion )advantages disadvantages and how it can be worked through.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY THROUGHOUT THE WHOLEPOST I SAID SOMEONE ELSE MAY DISAGREE.
I gave him my opinion on what I think of angled bodied spotters are like while looking through them on a window mount.
I also said someone else may disagree.
Also said the scope would get the job done and is alot better than than comparable scopes on the market.
But I personally would suggest going higher end.
BUT I (HENCE I)STILL DON'T BELIEVE IN THEIR ADVERTISING CLAIMS.
PersonallyI am sceptical of any product that comes out at a price of $200.00 claiming all this stuff.
Everybody should be.

See before this post I'm quoting you on,all you pretty much wrote about on this Vortex model is that you promise it will make a believer out of you.
Its powerfull bright clear and its $200.00.
It comes with all these accessereries,and that you used it for hunting last year that it is light and compact and it has a transferable warranty.ITS ONE TO CONSIDER.
OH YEAH....And an advertisement..
That everybody should believe.
Don't tell me not to be sceptical when all I read before this quoted postwas that.
after all you didn't have any input about field testing magnifuication until just now.

Jeff, it's the way you word things & take them out of context! You my friend love stirring the pot in your own subtle way, you also like others to feel you know a lot about everything. I've read many of your past posts on threads you've been on, yes, at times you give good info, other times you are obviously just giving an opinion you have no expereince about & it shows!

This is a perfect example! You have not looked through a Vortex Optic product of any kind & it shows, yet you try & plant that seed of doubt that the Impact can't be very good for the price? I make the claims I do because I have looked through & used it as well as many other Spotters from various companies with no issues at all, I can honestly reccomend it & know I'm not misleading anyone about it. Now if on the other hand you were familiar with Vortex Optics at all & let's say you looked through the Vipers & Razors binos, and your conclusion was one where you said these things are very nice for sure! It would stand to reason that the Impact Spotter must be fairly decent as well.
But if you looked through these same binos & said they were below average then I could see where you would say the Impact could possibly be of poor quality.
Fact is you have no experience with them so you speculate on them because of lack of expereince with them, that's not fair & you stir the pot in your own subtle way! (grin) That's just my opinion on what I've read!

I would be more than happy to put a Spotter where my mouth is, I will send Justin an Impact Spotter to his home for no charge & let him check it out himself, no obligation at all, if he likes it he buys it, if he doesn't he sends it back. Oh & by the way Jeff, this Spotter offers one of the widest FOV out there on the market today! Contact me Justin & I'll be happy to send one your way to check out for a week at your conveience.

Folks I'm no salesman, I'm an elk hunter, I just happen to use the Vortex stuff & found out that it is awesome stuff, I then went to them to see about being a dealer, it was agreed upon & here I am. I'm no expert by any means but I do know enough to be dangerous! (grin) It actually is very good stuff!


ElkNut1

First off elknut.
I learned a long time ago to run away from anyone that says trust me it works reguardless of experience.
Don't meam to offend in anyway or take anything away from you personally I've seen too many things go wrong over the years when someone has said it.
I've admitted before I've never looked through Vortex optics the only reason being they aren't around in my area.
But I do know alot about how optics work.
And I am quite impartial to makes and brands and peoples thoughts on them.
But I will take a stand on people wanting to settle on a cheap quality, optics for hunting practices because their budget can only allows this much.
The bottem line is I want everybody to just have to do this once so they can appreciate what one optic they have and not have to settle and regret it down the road.
And I don't mean people crying over not having one.
Hunting needs great optics in this sport, cause too many mistakes are made in the field not to have them.
Between wrong animals getting shot and people getting hurt
I think fewer would people would pull the trigger if they saw a better image through their optic.
Yeah the shooter is the one responibe for everything he does but with the way your Countries economy is heading south andmy country (CANADA)is on par atits best, cheep is about the only thing an average or below average person can afford these days.
THIS IS HUGE ESPECIALLY NOWADAYS CAUSE WE AS HUNTERS ARE FIGHTING BIG TIME TO KEEP THESE RIGHTS.
Nothing against Vortex itself, they are probably are sick of all the cheep china (I'm not even capitalizing in the first letter that stupid country anymore) made optics that big companies are now selling out to.As I am as well.
And I'm the first to admit that I am skeptical ofany 200.00 priced optic as far as performance and advertisements.
Before I read your last post I got to thinking it wouldn't be a bad idea for me to try them out for myself.They do offer a great warranty.
I am hunting for moose (I'm just tagging along)in the middle of August.Which would be a o.k test.At least I can try them out.
Maybe dunk them in an Algea filled swamp for a couple of days.Than throw them in a lake for a couple more to rinse them off.
If I like them I can try them on a full curl sheep hunt at the beginning of Sept.This is where the test will be cause every inch counts.I've also got a goat hunt in Feb to go on.
I'd be glad to throw $200.00 just to check it out.
Hopefully you send to British Columbia Canada cause thats where I reside
Hopefully you take a prepaid Visa cause thats all I use when ordering online.
But we can work that out later.
Hell the shipping here alone will probably tell how shock proof the thing is.
Anyways I'll definately wade in and take the bait.
But Elknut an advertised linearFOV of 89ft-47ft @ 1000yrds is definately not one of the widest field of views on the market.
I'll put it out there right now its one of the poorest, if its not at the bottem its close.
But at least Vortex admitted it..
I'll check it for myself though..

Me too Paul. Can you post a link or something (are there different models etc)??? or just pm me on how to order

Jeff, thanks for a considerate & respectful response!! I guess I gotta watch that "trust me" stuff! (grin) But I really meant it! I guess at times I take things for granted that most folks know me as I've been around the hunting Sites many years now. Most know who the ElkNut is & I've got a honest reputation I'm told. I'll do my best to keep it that way! (grin)
I really don't blame you or anyone on being a mite uneasy about a product they are unfamiliar with, I guess I would be too?

As far as the Impact 70MM Spotter having one of the best FOV @ 1000yds well, it's true! Of course we have to compare apples to apples here & that's what I've done myself long before this thread started. Here are some examples of popular brands that I have written down that I googled off the internet a time back. They are in the 200.00-500.00 price range, the Impact is a 200.00 Optic.

Nikon Prostaff 20-60x82--99'-20'-----Leupold Seqouia 20-60x80--100'-33' ----Bushnell Trophy Series 20-6-x65--90'-27'-----Burris XTS 25-75x70--58'-33'--Now the Impact Spotter is 89'-47' you must also take into consideration that it's a 75X Spotter, so if compared equally to the other Spotters mentioned you will see it's FOV is even greater if you looked at it at 60X 0r 65X like some of the others! I also looked into other comprable priced ones but some just don't offer their FOV. As you can see the Impact does quite well when compared to such Spotters on the market today!

By the way, Vortex does run their Optics through rigorous water & freezing tests more so than most consumers would. Tests were also done by Field & Stream last year as well. Here's the tests & results.

America’s leading outdoor magazine, Field & Stream, Awards the Viper 10x42, binocular as the “Best of the Best” in the optics category.

Middleton, WI – August 14, 2007 - Each year for the past decade, Field & Stream magazine distinguishes the best outdoor equipment in their annual Gear of the Year Issue. This year, a test crew comprised of expert hunters, ranchers and outdoor outfitters recognized the Vortex Viper 10x42 as the “Best of the Best” - the number one binocular over all others. The Field & Stream test crew critically evaluated every aspect of optical quality, ergonomics and durability. They carefully examined engineering and workmanship, subjecting binoculars to strenuous and demanding trials including an overnight stay in a minus-10-degree freezer and submersing them for one minute underwater to test for internal fogging and waterproofing. As a result of its superior quality, design and optical performance the Vortex Viper 10x42 beat out the rest of the competition.

Based in Middleton Wisconsin, Vortex Optics has been designing and manufacturing its own line of optics since the late 1990’s. The award winning Vortex Viper 10x42 exemplifies the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Commenting on this tradition and recognition, Dan Hamilton, Vortex President/CEO said, “It was an exciting day to announce to our staff the winning of this prestigious award. Our goal has always been to listen to our customers and professionals in the field to design and refine our products based on real life experiences. We would like to thank Field & Stream for their efforts in rigorous testing, objectivity and recognition of the Viper's excellence."

The Vortex Viper 10x42 features an advanced roof prism design that incorporates phase-corrected, high-density BaK-4 roof prisms and Xtra-low dispersion (XD) glass. Additionally, the Viper employs proprietary XR multi-layer anti-reflective coatings to deliver superior resolution and light transmittance. The result is remarkable image definition and impressive low-light performance. The Viper is built with a tough rugged chassis, incorporating durable alloy housings which are covered in shock-absorbing rubber armor. The Viper, like all Vortex binoculars and scopes, is protected by the best warranty in the industry, unconditional and unlimited.

Vortex Website---- http://www.audubonbinoculars.com/products

Contact me or check out our Site if any have questions! www.elknut.com

ElkNut1