Hi everyone
I am looking at options and need some advice on picking up a new spotting scope. Let me start by stating that I am a full time college student and simply don't have the budget for a high-end scope. Additionally, I live in Wisconsin and only make it out west every couple of years. I currently carry a pair of Nikon 8x36's around my neck, and was thinking that a scope would give me a little more reach when out west for elk, mulies, etc. I do most of my hunting out of my backpack and hike in to get away from the crowds, so size and weight are a consideration.
So these are the scopes that I am considering:
Vortex diamondback 20-60x60 - $300 (military discount)
Celestron Regal M2 65ED 16-48x65 - $349 (military discount)
Vanguard Endeavor HD 15-45x65 - $379 (Amazon)
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 15-45x60 - $392 (Amazon)
Those are the options that I'm looking at. I guess another option could be to skip the scope and get a set of 12x or 15x bino's that I could use with the tripod. Since I don't get out west that often, I'm usually not too picky with the bucks/bulls I shoot, and I'm not counting growth rings or counting points. I just want something that will get me more range than my 8x's. I welcome any questions, comments, or concerns.
I am looking at options and need some advice on picking up a new spotting scope. Let me start by stating that I am a full time college student and simply don't have the budget for a high-end scope. Additionally, I live in Wisconsin and only make it out west every couple of years. I currently carry a pair of Nikon 8x36's around my neck, and was thinking that a scope would give me a little more reach when out west for elk, mulies, etc. I do most of my hunting out of my backpack and hike in to get away from the crowds, so size and weight are a consideration.
So these are the scopes that I am considering:
Vortex diamondback 20-60x60 - $300 (military discount)
Celestron Regal M2 65ED 16-48x65 - $349 (military discount)
Vanguard Endeavor HD 15-45x65 - $379 (Amazon)
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 15-45x60 - $392 (Amazon)
Those are the options that I'm looking at. I guess another option could be to skip the scope and get a set of 12x or 15x bino's that I could use with the tripod. Since I don't get out west that often, I'm usually not too picky with the bucks/bulls I shoot, and I'm not counting growth rings or counting points. I just want something that will get me more range than my 8x's. I welcome any questions, comments, or concerns.