Recommendations for small spotting scope

coyoteslayer · 2024-10-30T10:57:59-0600

I have a Swarovski spotting scope with a good tripod. The problem I am having is as I get older it is so heavy I leave it in the truck while hiking. I have decided I need the lightest setup possible for packing on my day hunts. I am not looking for top of the line for this purchase, more middle of the line product. Again weight is the issue. What can any of you suggest for a spotter and tripod that fits this category? Thank you

3x2 · 2024-10-30T11:13:10-0600

This might have more luck in the Optics thread, but interested as well.

CFMuley · 2024-10-30T11:20:16-0600

I’ve messed around with a few and nothing compares to the Swarovski ATC I have now.

Wyo_Roadhunter · 2024-10-30T11:33:11-0600

I don't have any experience with it but kowa makes a small back packing spotter. I have the big model kowa and mid range and have 0 complaints, both are really clear.

Stormin_jackmormon · 2024-10-30T12:04:40-0600

Mid priced is going to be the maven or the vortex. Both good glass for the price

HntHrdr · 2024-10-30T12:09:00-0600

Had the early version of the mini vortex, meh, new version of the mini vortex eh… have the atc now = ah. If I was to buy another one it would be as follows 1000 and under vortex razor, 1-2k kowa 55 , 2k + ATC/ stc

tailchasers · 2024-10-30T12:27:09-0600

I have use this Leupold for years. Very compact and clear through full zoom. Great little spotter

eyeman · 2024-10-30T12:35:18-0600

Really like my Leupold gold ring 12-40x60.
I have a light tripod for it.

CFMuley · 2024-10-30T13:04:12-0600

Wyo_Roadhunter said:
I don't have any experience with it but kowa makes a small back packing spotter. I have the big model kowa and mid range and have 0 complaints, both are really clear.

I like the bigger Kowa spotters, but I had a client tip me one of their small ones. It was so bad I thought it was bottom of the line. I was shocked when I looked it up and realized it retailed for $2,000.

El Gringo · 2024-10-30T15:22:25-0600

CFMuley said:
I like the bigger Kowa spotters, but I had a client tip me one of their small ones. It was so bad I thought it was bottom of the line. I was shocked when I looked it up and realized it retailed for $2,000.

That’s pretty shocking… I’m a total optics snob, and I thought the Kowa 55 was pretty damn good. Now that they upgraded to the Wide angle eyepiece, it’s very good.

I like to Swarovski STC/ATC, the Kowa 55, and even the Leupold GR 12-40 HD model for a backpack scope.

ridgetops · 2024-10-30T15:29:04-0600

I have the leupold 15-30x50mm and I really like it. It's my go to spotter when in the backcountry.

LIK2HNT · 2024-10-30T16:28:58-0600

I have and really like the 62mm Leica spotter on a smaller/lighter tripod that I use for it and my 10x binoculars.

CFMuley · 2024-10-30T18:01:39-0600

El Gringo said:
That’s pretty shocking… I’m a total optics snob, and I thought the Kowa 55 was pretty damn good. Now that they upgraded to the Wide angle eyepiece, it’s very good.

I like to Swarovski STC/ATC, the Kowa 55, and even the Leupold GR 12-40 HD model for a backpack scope.

Maybe it just doesn’t work for my eyes. I ended up giving it to my girlfriend and she loves it.