$1000 in my pocket. Which spotter?????

[Gobbler36]

Really a maven guy but don’t know if the s2 has enough magnification for a one all do all spotter.
So question is I’ve got $1000-1200 to spend on a spotter what options are out there for me?
Criteria is min 45x
Light weight and compact as I mostly only backpack hunt
Pretty crisp at max power
Go!

 

[menhaden_man]

Check out @idahohikker review on the Athlon Ares. I also own one and think pretty highly of it, especially for the price.

 

[Cody_W]

If you’re not opposed to an 85mm spotter the Vortex Razor HD spotter is hard to beat at that price range. If that’s to much weight the Leupold Gold Ring 12-40x60 is pretty killer at 37oz little lower than the mag range you want though.

 

[Hatchet Jack]

Kowa 66 can be found used in that range. Optically is very close to the Swarovski s series 65

 

[Rusty85]

S1a’s are around on the used market in your price range. I picked up one a few months back for $1000 with a doubler.

 

[stevewes2004]

Following...

 

[Gobbler36]

How does the athlon ares uhd compare to kowa? Pretty heavy for the 65 but I’m interested in the kowa 55 i think

 

[tdhanses]

Probably have to up your budget to get a Kowa 55, but it’s an amazing option. Does your budget include tripod and head?

 

[Gobbler36]

No just a spotter I will pick up the tripod and such later

 

[rickjames80]

S1a’s are around on the used market in your price range. I picked up one a few months back for $1000 with a doubler.

Have you ever compared the S1 to the S2? Curious what the difference is. Thought maybe I could cut a little size and not sacrifice to much image quality

 

[Tahoe1305]

I may be getting rid of my leupold 12-40x60 HD with MOA reticle to upgrade to the Kowa. I will say the Kowa is 10oz lighter, the resolution is better and I love the focus wheel. That said it is way easier to get a clear picture on the leupold due to the eye relief. Not sure which way to go yet, would need $1100 on the leupold I think to make it worth the upgrade. Both are great but it’s a premium price tag for a small spotter for the Kowa.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Sorry, just to add on right quick. I can’t tell any difference between the two with the extra 5x zoom of the Kowa. Also both have identical FOV to my eyes at max zoom. If you can find a 40x scope you like I wouldn’t feel like you are missing much from 45x is all I’m saying.

 

[Rusty85]

Have you ever compared the S1 to the S2? Curious what the difference is. Thought maybe I could cut a little size and not sacrifice to much image quality
[/QUOTE

No I have not.

 

[Wassid82]

I may be getting rid of my leupold 12-40x60 HD with MOA reticle to upgrade to the Kowa. I will say the Kowa is 10oz lighter, the resolution is better and I love the focus wheel. That said it is way easier to get a clear picture on the leupold due to the eye relief. Not sure which way to go yet, would need $1100 on the leupold I think to make it worth the upgrade. Both are great but it’s a premium price tag for a small spotter for the Kowa.

I too think the dual focus wheel is awesome in the field for spotting sessions. Its one of the reasons I'm moving to Kowa from my vortex

 

[Moosehunter]

Have saw the Kowa 55 around that price on the classifieds here. I have the Kowa 553 and it wouldn't disappoint.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Have you seen this Athlon Ares 15-45x65 ED Spotter review here on RokSlide?https://www.rokslide.com/forums/threads/athlon-ares-65mm-full-review.136883/ This is a great scope and we have it on sale for only $499.99 and if you call us, 516-217-1000, and mention this forum we will drop that to $449.99

 

[Gobbler36]

Have you seen this Athlon Ares 15-45x65 ED Spotter review here on RokSlide?https://www.rokslide.com/forums/threads/athlon-ares-65mm-full-review.136883/ This is a great scope and we have it on sale for only $499.99 and if you call us, 516-217-1000, and mention this forum we will drop that to $449.99

What’s the difference between this and their uhd model? I’m guessing better glass?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Nothing. If you look at their site everything is now called UHD, same product #'s

 

[ohhiitznik]

I'd save a little more and grab a used meopta. Been really impressed with mine especially at the price point.

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