Spotting scope purchase advice

WKR

WKR
Joined
Jun 14, 2019
Messages
1,478
Well I drew a New Mexico pronghorn tag so I'm looking at buying a new spotting scope to better field judge a big buck.
I want something under $2000
65 to 85mm objective lense
Would like a no fault warranty but not a deal breaker
Prefer a straight spotter not angled
The lighter the better
Any suggestions?
I can get the vortex razor hd 85mm for $1400 New but I'm not sure about the quality compared to something like a zeiss
 
Joined
Sep 23, 2018
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Definitely keep an eye on the classifieds and eBay. $2k can get you into the Swaros and higher end Kowas. That’s what my used 883 cost me after tax and shipping. I’d be looking for the Swaro STS HD 65 or 80, Kowa 774 or 884, or maybe the Meopta S2.
 

Turkeygetpwnd38

WKR
Classified Approved
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Aug 11, 2017
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Florida
Definitely keep an eye on the classifieds and eBay. $2k can get you into the Swaros and higher end Kowas. That’s what my used 883 cost me after tax and shipping. I’d be looking for the Swaro STS HD 65 or 80, Kowa 774 or 884, or maybe the Meopta S2.
+1, I would get a used/demo swaro or Kowa....
 
OP
WKR

WKR

WKR
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Jun 14, 2019
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Looking real hard at the swarovski sts 65.
Which eye piece is better and why?
 

gr8fuldoug

WKR
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It would be our pleasure to work with you on this, discuss what would be best and work with your budget. Please give us a call, 516-217-1000
 

cronsman

WKR
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Sep 28, 2019
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Another vote for the Kowa 774. You can call cameraland and get it at about $2000 brand new
 

bigmooi

FNG
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Apr 29, 2021
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Location
Minnesota
Gen1 Razor HD for $750

 

JNDEER

WKR
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May 2, 2012
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1,503
IF you want the scope for field judging- than you need to buy top tier glass new or used- period. I own both the razor and stm hd. The razor, IMO, is nicer than most will suggest/say on here- but not what you want for field judging inches.
 

antlerz

Lil-Rokslider
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Jan 23, 2021
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Whatever you go with you will push it to its limit once you start evaluating animals at a decent distance.
 

antlerz

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 23, 2021
Messages
110
25-50 is superb. Slightly less eye relief for digiscoping so generic swaro adapter is not so good. Phonescope or make your own.
 
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