Agreed FD. Between Leica, Zeiss and Swaro, 10-20 yrs later I love every second of looking thru these various optics. That said, I paid way less $ back in the day but they make good gear.
I'm in the market for a new Spotting Scope. Have been getting by with a Vortex Nomad, but it's time to upgrade.
I have a 2k all in budget. Yes I'd like to increase that so I can get into a new Swarovski, but I've been given pretty clear direction from the boss and that's my $ limit if I want to be able to have enough extra for a good tripod.
I'm not in a rush to buy so have been keeping my eyes open for a used higher end scopes or tripods. So if anyone has anything that fits that bill they have been thinking on moving, drop me a pm.
But I also really like a couple other scopes in the price range.
1. Vortex Razor HD 22-48-65. Haven't had a chance to try the new model with the focus on the body. But I hear it's a better scope than its older model, and has a better rubberized coating.
2. Leupold GR 12x40-60 . Have tried the standard version and liked it. Haven't tried the HD. All my rifles are topped with Leupold scopes. Never had an issue with them so I have confidence in that brand. And I love the size and weight of these scopes. Just don't know if they are on par with the Razor?
Not interested in the big objective scopes as I do a fair amount of backpack hunting, so far for goats, often solo. A sheep hunt may be in my future. So portability is important.
Any advice!
Thanks
go to the website fsjnow click on general merchandise click on hunting. A swaro spotting scope on there in your price range.
also a vortex razor for $1200 in nelson and a swaro habicht for $1150 in terrace. both very good and i bet you could negotiate either for $1000 shipped. half your price point.
Well, had another chance to look at a Leupold GR spotter and the old model vortex Razor again. Unfortunately not side by side. But the vortex is in my opinion clear and brighter. Looked again through a Swarovski and a new vortex Razor. The Swarovski is a bit clearer but not by much.
So, this is the direction I went. I purchased a brand new in box old style straight body Vortex Razor HD 16-48-65 for just over 1k shipped. I like the straight body better because I spend allot of my time glassing high from vantage. And I like the the lower magnification this scope has over the new model on the bottom end is .
I'm going to take the $1000 I still have left and start saving toward a new pair of binoculars.