Best compact spotter? Leupold, Vortex, Celestron Hummingbird?

[Lukeyn]

Purchased a Redfield Rampage spotter some years back. I never really crank it up past 40 because it distorts so bad, so looking to replace it with something smaller/better quality that I can take on the backpack hunt, but also use at home to look at deer feeding and digiscope.

Got it narrowed down to a Leupold Gold Ring 15-30x50mm, the Vortex Razor 11-33x50, and the Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56.

Really interested in the Celestron, but cant find any comparison reviews on the Hummingbird against anything else.

Buddy of mine purchased the Leupold compact GR and the Vortex Razor 50mm a few years ago and we both recall the Leupold being better optically, but it was a few years ago so not sure what made it better.

 

[ssssnake529]

The best lightweight spotter is the Kowa 554 / 553.

Nothing else in the lightweight category even come close to the Kowa in terms of optical quality.

 

[dotman]

Yup the best is the Kowa 55 series, nothing even comes close in the compact class.

 

[Blockcaver]

Nikon ED50 13-30X or fixed 27X WA is a very light and optically decent scope as well. The old Leupold fixed power 20X50 and 25x50 Gold Rings are a neat and very compact 18 ounce scope as well. I've got the first two scopes and use them for deer and bears on occassion, but prefer my Swaro for serious sheep hunting.

 

[Lukeyn]

I guess I should of stated my budget is below a grand. I can't justify spending that much being a flatlander with an occasional hobby of going out west and digiscoping.

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[idahohikker]

I think you lose a lot when you go compact. Many people on here sell them quick. If you can carry a 65 and you want to look more than about 2 miles, I would look at the Vortex Viper or Athlon Ares (which is very compact) if you want to be in the 500-600 range. To me, a 65mm that can be used to effectively glass from 2-4, 4.5 miles is invaluable.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

It would be our pleasure to discuss different options with you. The Kowa 55mm is the best of the best, however, there are many to choose from.
We are in all day, 516-217-1000

 

[Lukeyn]

Found a used leupold on eBay. I'll let you guys know with some digiscope pics how it compares to the Redfield.

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[Lukeyn]

The Athlon scope Doug suggested looks nice, but with my military discount on Leupold and Vortex, it doesn't seem worth the price for me.

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[gr8fuldoug]

The Athlon scope Doug suggested looks nice, but with my military discount on Leupold and Vortex, it doesn't seem worth the price for me.

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A lower price on a lower quality scope doesn't make it a better deal. Please give us a call to discuss RokSlide member deals

 

[rileybassman]

I think you lose a lot when you go compact. Many people on here sell them quick. If you can carry a 65 and you want to look more than about 2 miles, I would look at the Vortex Viper or Athlon Ares (which is very compact) if you want to be in the 500-600 range. To me, a 65mm that can be used to effectively glass from 2-4, 4.5 miles is invaluable.

I tend to agree with this...

I would rather have 15x binos then a compact spotter... I have 10x SLCs and 15-40 Vanguard Endeavor HD... I don't really feel that I would want anything in between honestly... 10x on a tripod and I can tell "big" or "little" whitetail buck at a mile... if anything I almost would rather have the 20-60s as a base camp or truck glassing addition to the SLCs...

 

[cuerro viejo]

Purchased a Redfield Rampage spotter some years back. I never really crank it up past 40 because it distorts so bad, so looking to replace it with something smaller/better quality that I can take on the backpack hunt, but also use at home to look at deer feeding and digiscope.

Got it narrowed down to a Leupold Gold Ring 15-30x50mm, the Vortex Razor 11-33x50, and the Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56.

Really interested in the Celestron, but cant find any comparison reviews on the Hummingbird against anything else.

Buddy of mine purchased the Leupold compact GR and the Vortex Razor 50mm a few years ago and we both recall the Leupold being better optically, but it was a few years ago so not sure what made it better.

I’ve used the gold ring and own the razor. I could come up with more minus to a 50mm then pluses...but I still Seam to always carry it..

Biggest minus is your field of view, especially at max power. Due to that limited field of view It’s not as easy as just zooming in either, it’s a lite scope and movement tends to move it a bunch and it can be frustrating going back in forth trying to get it on target. With that said I’d rather have it then not.

 

[Lukeyn]

I’ve used the gold ring and own the razor. I could come up with more minus to a 50mm then pluses...but I still Seam to always carry it..

Biggest minus is your field of view, especially at max power. Due to that limited field of view It’s not as easy as just zooming in either, it’s a lite scope and movement tends to move it a bunch and it can be frustrating going back in forth trying to get it on target. With that said I’d rather have it then not.

How was the gold ring vs. The razor?

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[cuerro viejo]

How was the gold ring vs. The razor?

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Toss up. You will Either... love the side dial or love the top dial

 

[Lukeyn]

Kowa TSN-553 Scope Review - by Michael and Diane Porter

From reading through this, and from the comparisons between the Leupold compact vs. The razor 50mm, think getting the Leupold for $210 was a safe bet.


Also lucked out yesterday and got a Cabelas Krotos 20-60x85 on sale which should be in today. So two for the price of one.

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[Lukeyn]

This was at 30x through the Leupold last-night at 500yards. Back treeline is around 1100yards.

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[Lukeyn]

Both of these for under $500. Think I'm set.

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[Lukeyn]

A little kydex, some pvc, and some superglue. Works great.

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[HookUp]

500 yards is bino range. Most any scope will look good at that distance, stretch it out and snap some pics.

 

[michaelc10]

My opinion only, having had the gold ring 50 and the razor 50 My choice was the razor by a long shot