deadstick

I'm in the market for a new spotting scope. Currently have a cheap Burris, and my buddies have high-end ones (Swarovski HD and Zeiss), I'm looking in the $500 range, something better than the Burris, while fully realizing it won't be as good as theirs.

I've looked at the Leupold Sequoia and the Cabela's brands, but it's impossible to tell in the store.

I'll be using it primarily for whitetail in North Dakota - wide open terrain, so this is a pretty useful tool out here in the open. Of course, light gathering (as well as clarity and ZOOM)is important as sunset is the best time to catch a big boy coming out. Weight is not a huge issue for me - I would have no problems adding some weight to get an 80mm objective if it was worth it.

Anyone have an opinion?

salukipv1

I have a cabelas HD big sky I think its called, think it was closer to 700-750, but they make a non HD for less. For the money it would be hard to beat I think, least my HD version is awesome in my opinion.

deadstick

Thanks, I've been doing some looking today - let me know if anyone has any more comments on any of these:

1. Cabela's Big Sky ED 20-60x66.................$750 (this is the oneI think salukipv1 has)
2. Nikon Prostaff 20-60x82........................$630
3. Cabela's Big Sky 27-80x80.....................$600
4. Cabela's Big Sky 20-60x66.....................$500
5. Leupold Sequoia 20-60x80.....................$500
6. Cabela's Alaskan Guide 20-60x70............$450
7. Bushnell Excursion FLP 20-60x80............$450 (this one really gets my attention as it has ED glass at this price, but I can't find a review)

Thanks everyone,

BareBack Jack

Check out the Nikon outfitter XL,IMHO it was better than the Pro-staff,Kowa makes a good one and so dose Vortex.
BBJ

bugsNbows

I'd say check the Vortex line for sure. Kowa's are nice but can be pricey. The Nikon Fieldscope with ED glass is very good and there are some bargains out there.

ms6852

I bought the Nikon Fieldscope 25x75x82 ED for $1099 at Cabelas. I found out that they normally do not stock this scope in store but if you have them order it for you they will sell it to you for $1099 which is the in store price. This scope normally goes for $1299 to $1499 depending where you buy it. In a side by side comparison resolution test with Pentax, Swaroski, Zeiss, and Leica to my eyes there was not a discernible difference. As a matter of fact it out perform that others only because it has 75x magnification which surprisingly enough maintained its brightness and clarity at that power. I love mine and am not disappointed at all. If you are going to use it hunting and will be backpacking they have the smaller version 15x30x50 with ED which is $599 and very light weight at around a pound. I also compared the Nikon prostaff in 20x60x82 to the Pentax 20x60x80 with ED and found the prostaff just as bright as the pentax but with a lower price. The prostaff is a good buy because you can buy different eyepieces as well. If you have to buy a scope get one with ED and bushnell makes the elite which will be your best buy under $800. Wait and save to get it you will not be disappointed.

deadstick

Thanks for the help everyone, I purchased the Nikon Prostaff after a lot of research and field testing.

CalHunter

I've been wondering about the Prostaff. How is it at dusk, etc.?

deadstick

CalHunter, I have been very happy (only been out in the field with it twice) at its light gathering abilities at dusk.

BlaserR93

Hello, I'm a little late on the forum, just want to ask if you have tryied the leupold golden ring compact 15-30x50, I am in between of this and the nikon prostaff that you just buy, I don't know whick one to choose the luppy is lighter and compact, but can't figure out if it would be as bright as the nikon due to its lens size. could you give any comments please.
Unfortunately I live in Mexico and cant go to Cabelas or other store to try them !!!