15-45x60 or 20-60x85 spotting scope?

[Axle2010]

Hey guys I'm looking at the Leupold SX4 pro guide spotters but I'm not sure which size. Honestly it'll mostly be used in the range since down here I'll almost never have use for it in the field but I do plan to get in on a pronghorn hunt in the next couple of years and hopefully a Muley. So there's a couple hundred dollar difference but I understand a big difference in size and weight but I don't have any around here that I can put hands on. Can anybody give insight on pros and cons of the sizes? Experience with these specific scopes would be great but general info in spotters works be appreciated too since this is my first one. Thanks

 

[Altitude sickness]

Depends on if it’s going to be used on a backpack hunt or truck hunts only

 

[Axle2010]

I doubt I'll ever have a backpack hunt unless I hit the lottery and can get me a Dahl

 

[Altitude sickness]

Then get the larger one.

The Best Buy for the highest quality is a Kowa Prominar with Florite coating

You can get great prices on used ones.

 

[Badjer]

How close are you to a Bass Pro/ Cabela's? A difference of 3 inches in length and 1 pound in weight... It may still be a good idea to handle before buying.
I bought a large spotter 20-70 x 82. I use it at times but after handling it I decided it was too big for every situation. I was able to find a used Leupold Gold ring 12-40 x 60 for the times I needed mobility.
From what you have written: I would suggest the 15-45 x 60 and save the balance to put toward a pair of 10 x 42 binos to complement the scope (if you plan to hunt more) Or maybe a tripod. Just my .02

 

[CADDIE5]

Vortex Viper HD 85mm low end, Vortex Razor HD 85mm or Kowa SV82mm midprice, best choice and high end Swarovski 100mm with bino eyepiece. Great dealing with mirage and clarity. Just came back from US F Class Nationals Championship 600yd midrange and 1000yd long range.

 

[thoma018]

The KOWA Prominar is the pinnacle IMO, the price is a bit above Leupy but its a lifetime buy; the 15-45 will serve your needs, its lighter and easier to pack around, you'll find yourself making "spotting trips" just to use the excellent glass. Don't forget to consider the use of straight vs angled eyepiece as you may find your neck its fatigued with a straight or angled eyepiece depending on your use; also consider some of the photo/camera shops/vendors for some excellent pricing from time to time.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Look at Birding forums. They tend to have extensive optics knowledge and buy and sell classifieds

 

[Nevada Mike]

High power optics are a mixed blessing - mirage, weight, size, and ability to stabilize the unit are a few of the problems. Unless you have a real need for high power go to something like 15 - 40.

I use 15 X 56 Swarovski binoculars instead of a 'scope. They are mounted on an ultra lightweight CF tripod. Much more portable, easier on the eyes, and more than adequate for the Long range Coues deer hunting I do. They also work fine for mule deer, pronghorns, and elk. I retired my spotting scope years ago.

 

[Woodcarver]

I bought a Nikon 20-60x82 for my sheep hunt a number of years ago after test driving every spotting scope in the store out on the sidewalk in front. The Nikon has better optics than the Leupold; price was similar. The only one I found better was the equivalent Swaro, but couldn't rationalize paying double the money for very little difference in what I could see through either looking at a specific rock outcropping on Cheyenne Mountain. Angled eye piece as I knew there would be hours of use looking up. Worked great on that hunt. Have used it a fair amount hunting antelope around here, but find it too bulky for use elk hunting. Primary use now is on the range.
Recently picked up a Nikon Fieldscope 13-30x50 from a member here and love it. Light, clear, and enough magnification to judge antelope out back a half mile or so away. With the size and weight, this one will see a lot of use here and in KS. Straight eye piece on this one will make it easier to find the target, but is harder on the neck if you're going to be staring through it for extended periods.
If you ever plan on using it on a hunt, go with the 60. The 80s are just too big to pack around. The higher magnification will also magnify the mirage and any wobble. A 15-45x60 will probably be more useful to most hunters than a 20-60x80.

 

[Axle2010]

Thanks a lot guys I think I'm gonna go with a 15-45 and am looking at the Kowa scopes. Just have to decide if the extra money is worth it for what I'll be using it. I really dont sell or trade things though so whatever I end up with I'll probably have for years.

 

[Luvthunt]

Bought a 20 x Bushnell back in the early 70s. It has an extra 32 x eyepiece. Is lighter then most at the time. Shows 22 cal holes at 200 yds and has served me well.