Talk me out of a Leupold SX-4 15-45x65

[yakimanoob]

I've been saving up for a Leupold SX-4 15-45x65 spotter, and now it's time for my typical "talk me out of it" process before I drop $$$ on something I'll hopefully pass down to my kids.

I've been using a 13-33x50 Nikon ED Field scope for the past 6 years or so; it was my first spotter. I bought it for cheap from Rokslide and honestly the more I've read about the scope, the less convinced I am that mine isn't broken as it seriously degrades optically at higher magnification and doesn't offer a whole lot more detail than what I can see through my BX-4 Pro Guide 10x42 binos on a tripod.

I've played with a few 20-60 power scopes and am not interested - the 15-45-ish power range is much more relevant to my hunt areas in Eastern/Central WA and occasionally the High Buck hunts in the Cascades.

Anyway, assuming I have up to $800 or so, convince me to go a different direction than the SX4 15-45.

Are there scopes in the ~$500 range that do just as good? Another scope near the same price as the SX-4 that does better?

Should I get higher power binos instead?

 

[MTLabrador]

Not sure what the going rate is for a used one, but I’d look hard for a Leupold Gold Ring 12-40x60. The Gold Ring is an outstanding lightweight spotter and a lot nicer scope in my opinion.

 

[crock239]

The issue with your current setup is likely the zoom lens. There's a better nikon zoom lens (20-40 MCII) but honestly those nikon ED spotting scopes really shine when mated with a wide fixed lens. You could get a new scope, or you could get a wide fixed 24x or 30x lens for your current scope body and you'll be blown away w the difference. For less than $800 you could get a wide fixed lens (or two) and a Nikon Fieldscope EDIII 60mm scope body off ebay and have two spotters with interchangeable lenses.

 

[JMG]

Don't do it! There.

 

[jimh406]

Don't do it without a comparison. Also search out the reviews that compare the similar size scopes. I'd also watch comparisons of the difference sizes. Youtube has a lot of videos by different people that explain why they picked the one they did or simply compare them.

Then, go to a store that has a good selection or buy a few from Amazon that offer free returns. Compare them and keep the one that you like the best. Return the rest.

It's a lot of work, but you probably don't need another one that you don't like/won't use.

 

[westbranch]

I just won one in a drawing and I bought one used (plan to sell it to a buddy cheap now that I have two) on Rokslide with a tripod about 6 yrs ago. I haven't had enough hunts where I would use it to have a solid opinion on it. The price was right when I bought it. Not something I would want to backpack in with. But I will be taking it scouting in a few weeks in central Idaho so we'll see how that feels.

I would watch Rokslide optics classifieds for spotting scopes, I think $800-$1,000 (no sales tax too) for a bit higher level used scope is better than then SX4 for $800 new.

I would also look at a more compact spotting scope. A friend had the Maven CS.1S 15-45x65 on a deer hunt in CO which I would prefer over the SX4 for backpacking.

There are some gear rental shops for testing out a few different spotting scopes. I have looked at their websites but never rented anything.

 

[Firehawk54]

The Athlon Ares G2 HD 15-45x65 would be a great option for quite a bit less than your $800 budget. I would be you find that scope as good or better than the Leupold.

I have used a couple of Maven CS1 in that similar size and liked them a lot too. Not sure they were much better than the Athlon, but well built and reliable. I used both an angled version (original one) and then moved to a straight version (fits my hunting style and area better). With that said, I prefer a good 15x bino to most spotters. Just much easier to use for long sits in my experience.

FH

 

[Bulldog0156]

"Cheaper" spotting scopes leave a lot to be desired. They are a "nice to have" item for most hunters and in my opinion if you really want to benefit from one, it is worth saving the money to get a really good one. I haven't been impressed with any spotter that was not a top tier scope at the time of release. Old high end spotters are still really nice and in most cases are going to be better than a new one that is middle of the pack.

 

[SC Living Outdoors]

Hawke Endurance ED 15-45x60. 31.6oz. Fantastic little spotter. Mine has been all over the country and a few other countries. I have no idea why these spotters don’t get more attention than they do. They punch way above their weight imo. Under $600. It has a lifetime warranty but I’ve never had to use it. I think I’ve had mine for 4 or 5 years now. I’d buy another one without a 2nd thought.

 

[thundermountain]

Just send it!

 

[std7mag]

@yakimanoob,

Variable powered spotting scopes are known to degrade some with the higher power.

You may try unscrewing the eye piece and get a fixed 45 or whatever power you want eyepiece.

I have a Celestron C70 Mini Mak that I bought the additional eyepieces for.
In it's regular variable setup, I lose some clarity.
With a set 45 power eyepiece, it's nice and clear.

The kit from Celestron also included some filters.
Blue during bright sunny days helps you spot things.
If it's a little overcast, yellow makes things pop. You will be amazed at how a critter stands out among anything green!

 

[Archelk]

In my unprofessional opinion, you will enjoy the double view of a high powered set of binos. However, I do miss my spotter sometimes when I would like to zoom in to judge some animal or even determine if a spot is an animal. I got rid of my 15-45x65mm Vortex Viper angled spotter and upgraded binos to the 12x50 Vortex Razor HD's. Also, a spotter with a Magview on it is so nice for seeing shots at the range or videoing to tell shot placement. Good luck!