Leupold 20x50 vs 30x60 Spotting Scope

[Sanad]

Hi there,

First time poster here. I am in the market for a budget spotting scope that will be used for hunting and seeing .308 bullet holes on a target at a max range of 200 yards (Sometimes 300 yards, but very rarely). In my price range I'm interested in the old Leupold fixed spotting scopes. So far I've seen them in 20x50, 25x50, 20x60, and 30x60. Right now I'm only finding the 20x50 and 30x60 for sale and wanted to get your opinion on which one of the two I should get. From the reading I've done it seems the 20x50 might be the lightest of all the fixed power scopes Leupold makes, which is appealing to me. At the same time I'm guessing the 30x60 might be a significant improvement in low light conditions and for those occasional 300 yard target shots. What do you guys think?

 

[Fatcamp]

I have had two. The 25X50 has an exit pupil of 2 which made it dim at dawn and dusk. My current is a 20X60 which should be better with an exit pupil of 3, but they are currently at Leupold getting serviced as they have something marking up or growing inside the objective lens.

Hopefully they can clean them up and get them back to me as I really like the design. I carry 8X binoculars and having a lightweight 20X to get a closer look at stuff is a solid plan. I have a Vortex High Country tripod to use with them which makes for a very light set up.

 

[Sanad]

Do yours have the armored rubber finish on the outside?

 

[Brian Fahs]

I have a 25x50 with the rubber armor. Very nice compact spotter that is over 30 years old. Was way ahead of its time when made. I still use it regularly.

 

[Fatcamp]

Nope. Just the smooth finish.

Leupold has yet to talk to me. We shall see.

 

[Blockcaver]

Had a 20x50 gold ring made in 1987, first year they came out. Good optically, no rubber armour, weighed about 18 ounces and came in a nice green tightly fitted cordura case. Had nearly an inch of eye relief...great for
eye glass wearers. I liked and used it for many years, although post 2003 I ran a Leupold 12-40x60 HD until I started sheep hunting in BC in 2011. Then a new Swaro took over.

The old Leopold 20x50 is still in use. I gave it too a young hunting buddy a few years ago along with a Slik tripod. Nice combo.

I did prefer the 20x50 to the 25x50. Seemed to be much brighter and a better view. I did spend a bit of time around a 30x60. It was OK but a good bit larger than my 20x50. And by then I was spoiled by my Swaro (20-60x65 HD angled magnesium). Good luck!