Leupold Scope Recommendations

[PNWtrekker]

After decades of hunting, I finally starting routinely carrying a spotting scope. I used to always poo poo them because of the weight. This year I borrowed a Vortex Diamondback 20-60x85 straight tube. During my antelope hunt, I found myself wishing the glass was a little sharper. Although I would love to run out and buy a Mark 4, my budget says otherwise. I know there are a lot of manufacturers out there, but I want to stick with Leupold, they have treated me very well over the years.

What is the best bang for the buck in the Leupold lineup? Looking for an upgrade over the Diamondback that will not break the bank. Will a SX-2 or SX-4 get the job done or will I be regretting not saving up for several more months for an SX-5? I have always used / borrowed straight tubes in the past, wondering if I am missing out not going angled. What is the consensus on the magnification. I used every bit of the 20-60x85 this year, but it was cumbersome. I'll be carrying my old Leica 10x42s for general glassing. Thanks in advance.

 

[wytex]

Mark4 maybe, we have the older version and it is a great scope. Much lighter than the Swaro and good glass, the newer versions have even better glass than ours.
Only drawback is they don't offer a 60X.
Look at the SX-4 maybe.

 

[relino99]

I switched from the Diamondback to the Leupold SX-4 last year. It’s noticeably sharper and brighter without the SX-5 price tag. If you hunt in mixed light, it’s a big upgrade for the money.

 

[joinerj1114]

I personally like the vx5-hd with the cds system. Doesn’t break the bank, and a solid scope. The vx3hd is a good choice as well.

 

[BobT1105]

Late to the party but I just ordered the SX-2 20-60x80 for range and truck use. I think it’s a good product for the price. I haven’t used it much yet but so far it’s pretty impressive. I’m on the hunt for a tripod now.

 

[Justabirdwatcher]

The Leupy 4 series is their best value IMO. Buy once, cry once. But still reasonably priced for what you get.

 

[squirrel_hunter]

I bought a Leupold VX6 HD 4x24x52mm TMOA reticle scope. Wish I had went with a Leupold VX5 HD 4-20x52mm TMOA reticle scope. I wont use the extra stuff on the VX6.

 

[huntnfisher]

I bought a Leupold VX6 HD 4x24x52mm TMOA reticle scope. Wish I had went with a Leupold VX5 HD 4-20x52mm TMOA reticle scope. I wont use the extra stuff on the VX6.

Yeah, same glass between those 2 scopes. I wouldn't need the built in electronic level, but I do like the Alumina scope covers.

 

[BobT1105]

I thought we were talking about spotting scopes

 

[Frequently Banned Troll]

Buy whatever is the cheapest. That way, when you throw it in the garbage or try to sell it for 20% of the new price it will be less painful.

 

[MTTW]

Buy whatever is the cheapest. That way, when you throw it in the garbage or try to sell it for 20% of the new price it will be less painful.

Leupolds sell decent used thankfully, I had to sell 4 of them to pay for my S&B. That was a fair trade IMO.

 

[mtmuley]

Scopes are interesting. Leupold or not. Me, can't go S&B or Swaro or anywhere near that. This is the scope on a Ruger 77 tang rifle I bought in 1990 or so from a guy that couldn't get it up his nose. The rifle has killed elk, deer and more antelope than I can count. My Granddaughter that is almost two years old will probly use it. Oh yeah. I can't remember when that cap fell off. Sorry, Bushnell Banner. mtmuley

 

[The_Coloradoboy]

A lot of people missed the question here… spotting scopes, not rifle scope…

That being said I’ve always been a proponent of, you get what you pay for when it comes to spotters. If you can stomach it, often times you can pick up a used Swarovski STS or ATS 65mm for sub 2000 dollars. I don’t have any experience with leupold as far as binos/spotting scopes. But as far as mid tier glass goes I’ve been really impressed with Mavens offerings.

 

[mtmuley]

A lot of people missed the question here… spotting scopes, not rifle scope…

That being said I’ve always been a proponent of, you get what you pay for when it comes to spotters. If you can stomach it, often times you can pick up a used Swarovski STS or ATS 65mm for sub 2000 dollars. I don’t have any experience with leupold as far as binos/spotting scopes. But as far as mid tier glass goes I’ve been really impressed with Mavens offerings.

Yep. I Missed it. My apologies to the op. But if I could, I'd look at Kowa. mtmuley