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36 Replies | Page 1 of 21 2 Next Page >> | Top of Page | Bottom of Page

New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Tim Sandstrom , Posted to Fishing Buddy on 11/15/2011 2:34 PM | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Tim Sandstrom

Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND

After this weekend's badlands trip I need a new spotter, tripod and camera accessories. Too many deer passed on so always nice to have pictures so you can at least show people you weren't kidding...ha ha. Nah, just be nice for reference over the years and to share with friends and family.

I am thinking golden ring because of compact size. Plus I can get a discount. Am I nuts?

As for tripod, I need one that is lighter and won't kill me on those big trips. Every ounce matters.

What you guys running?

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by bugle1up on 11/15/2011 2:43 PM | Reply #1 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

bugle1up
Joined: 01/19/2010
Location: ND

burris and i hate it. my next one will definately have the angled eyepiece. would come in really handy especially in the breaks

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by bugle1up on 11/15/2011 2:50 PM | Reply #2 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

bugle1up
Joined: 01/19/2010
Location: ND

i would like to look through the new Leupold SX-1 Ventana. Nice price for a Leo.

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by bontop2 on 11/15/2011 2:53 PM | Reply #3 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

bontop2
Joined: 11/19/2005
Location: ND

I recently took a friends gold ring 15x45 to Wyoming instead of my Nikon 20-60x80. I loved it! Way smaller and very good glass. I did give up a little light but for the weight it was worth it.

Hunt today like there may be no tomorrow!

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Horsager on 11/15/2011 2:55 PM | Reply #4 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Horsager
Joined: 08/12/2003
Location: ND

Leupold Gold Ring isn't compact. It's short back-to-front but it's so thick top-to-bottom that it really takes up a lot of room in a pack.

62MM Leica is the bestest scope in the leastest package.

For frame of reference I've currently got a 65MM Zeiss, 85mm collapseable Swaro, and the 62mm Leica. I carry the Leica 10:1 over the rest. I've owned a Gold Ring as well, it don't hang.

..............THIS SPACE FOR RENT..............

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Tim Sandstrom on 11/15/2011 2:58 PM | Reply #5 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Tim Sandstrom
Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND

horsager,

I leave my scope attached to tripod at all times. It sits in my rifle scabbard. I reach back and slide out the back and am scopin in less than ten seconds.

As for hanging, it doesn't hang even close or what? Arg, I price myself right out of buying stuff. Ha ha.

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Tim Sandstrom on 11/15/2011 2:59 PM | Reply #6 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Tim Sandstrom
Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND

bugle1up Said:
burris and i hate it. my next one will definately have the angled eyepiece. would come in really handy especially in the breaks

Issue with that is when in vehicle scopin.

But good topic of discussion.

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by bontop2 on 11/15/2011 3:10 PM | Reply #7 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

bontop2
Joined: 11/19/2005
Location: ND

The gold ring I borrowed wasn't the one that was bulky from top to bottom. It looked like a normal scope. It was a newer model scheels had just a few months ago..

Hunt today like there may be no tomorrow!

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Horsager on 11/15/2011 3:17 PM | Reply #8 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Horsager
Joined: 08/12/2003
Location: ND

bontop2 Said:
The gold ring I borrowed wasn't the one that was bulky from top to bottom. It looked like a normal scope. It was a newer model scheels had just a few months ago..

Timmers is looking @ the 12-40x60 which is a much deeper porro prism than most.

Tim Sandstrom Said:
horsager,

I leave my scope attached to tripod at all times. It sits in my rifle scabbard. I reach back and slide out the back and am scopin in less than ten seconds.

As for hanging, it doesn't hang even close or what? Arg, I price myself right out of buying stuff. Ha ha.

You'll store your spotter like that 'til you haveta put a load on it, then you'll be wanting a spotter that fits in the "spotter pocket".

I sometimes forget to realize that often you guys ask questions to have your preconceived notions validated, not because you really want to know what's what.

..............THIS SPACE FOR RENT..............

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by hunttomuch on 11/15/2011 3:21 PM | Reply #9 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

hunttomuch
Joined: 10/05/2007
Location: MT

I spend a ton of time behind a spotting scope. I have two of them. Both Nikon prostaffs. I have the 16-48 and the 20-60. I don't like my 20-60 as well. Infact I just leave it on a window mount and leave it in my truck. The field of view is 2 damn small for me. I do like the 16-48 and there tripod. It's light to carry and sets up fast. The down fall is heat waves. They can really suck. As for low light the 16-48 kicks the 20-60's butt! The kit can run you around $500. One thing I've always ?s about Nikon is you can pay extra for a camo scope and then get a black case to put over scope??? Dumb. PS why do you need a camo scope??? If your getting busted with a spoting scope maybe you need a pair of bino's. There are alot better scopes out there but if money is tight I'd buy a Nikon prostaff

Dead animals don't need fur anyway!!!!!!!!!!
LATERS

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by hunttomuch on 11/15/2011 3:24 PM | Reply #10 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

hunttomuch
Joined: 10/05/2007
Location: MT

Just was thinking maybe Timmy is want to spend some wedding cash??? GO with a Leica!!!!!!!

Dead animals don't need fur anyway!!!!!!!!!!
LATERS

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Tim Sandstrom on 11/15/2011 3:49 PM | Reply #11 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Tim Sandstrom
Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND

Horsager Said:

bontop2 Said:
The gold ring I borrowed wasn't the one that was bulky from top to bottom. It looked like a normal scope. It was a newer model scheels had just a few months ago..

Timmers is looking @ the 12-40x60 which is a much deeper porro prism than most.

Tim Sandstrom Said:
horsager,

I leave my scope attached to tripod at all times. It sits in my rifle scabbard. I reach back and slide out the back and am scopin in less than ten seconds.

As for hanging, it doesn't hang even close or what? Arg, I price myself right out of buying stuff. Ha ha.

You'll store your spotter like that 'til you haveta put a load on it, then you'll be wanting a spotter that fits in the "spotter pocket".

I sometimes forget to realize that often you guys ask questions to have your preconceived notions validated, not because you really want to know what's what.

Ha ha. I ask because I have no clue what is good and what isn't. Too darn many products available. I just hate buying stuff and not liking it. But I also hate over spending when it isn't necessary. Hence, the questions.

But still don't get the "load" statement. I think it is really convenient packing the scope the way I am. Or is it bad for some reason?

Anyway, Kowa and the Nikon ED seem to be popular on other sites. Leica of course. So the sage continues.

And in all honesty, the biggest issue is the tripod and mount. That's where most of the weight is in my current system. I have the Burris signature series and it is "okay" but I have never compared it against anything. So yeah...it continues.

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by 5575 on 11/15/2011 4:13 PM | Reply #12 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

5575
Joined: 11/20/2003
Location: ND

Everything you could ever want, but get ready to spend some coin Tim!
http://www.outdoorsmans.com/

http://www.bearbasin.com/spotting.htm

These guys have good prices and blow out sales from time to time.
http://cameralandny.com/

I have top end glass but bought it all lightly used. Don't buy used Leica thou, they will not warranty anything unless you are the original owner. "great glass thou, you already know that"
So many choices so little money!

Some Digiscope info for you

http://www.birdforum.net/forumdisplay.php?s=50ae12987843bcfd8e9c73787aca7549&f=243

http://www.digiscoped.com/

http://www.optics4birding.com/digiscoping.aspx

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by huntrut on 11/15/2011 4:22 PM | Reply #13 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

huntrut
Joined: 10/21/2004
Location: ND

I got the Leupy 15-30 X 50 GoldRing, the middle size of those three a few years ago.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-golden-ring-15-30x50-compact-spotting-scope-kit-58390.html

At the time that was 1.5 times what I had to spend. Its not a leica or swaro, but it does get me 15-30 power and is good not great up to a mile.

I also use a monopod, something like this.

http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/656788-deluxe_shooting_stick.html?source=googleps&gclid=CIH26IHWuawCFQYBQAodqVmfqQ

The stud at the top of mine screws right into my spotter after unscrewing the gun rest Y.

It takes practice keeping it steady. I always sit down while glassing and learned to use my legs and rump as the other two legs of a tripod

Very lightweight and Very portable.

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Enslow on 11/15/2011 4:25 PM | Reply #14 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Enslow
Joined: 02/13/2006
Location: ND

Swaro 65 mm HD with 25-50x is my dream spotter.

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by archer109 on 11/15/2011 5:07 PM | Reply #15 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

archer109
Joined: 12/16/2001
Location: ND

Tim, second link 5575 has is where I got my Swaro! Wanna check my stuff out, you know where to find me.

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Whisky on 11/15/2011 5:52 PM | Reply #16 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Whisky
Joined: 10/06/2010
Location: ND

I have been through this crap for the last couple years, still am. Quality glass is not light, no matter what size spotter it is. I just got done comparing all the high end 60-65mm spotters to my 80mm Swaro, and all of them were right there in weight with mine. Found out Leica had wrong specs on their website. I do believe there new compact is actually heavier than mine. It sucks, because I was looking at selling my 80mm Swaro and going to something smaller and lighter. That Leica really fit the bill until I found out what the actual weight was. I would get a little more compact scope, but not much less weight, and in the case of the Leica, more weight.

So, now I'm throwing around the idea of getting that Zeiss Dialytt for the pack, and keep the swaro for everything else. Depending on how the Zeiss works, may end up selling the Swaro at some point. I don't know.

As far as tripods go, I hunted for a Manfrotto that Horsager had suggested, but they discontinued that model and it couldn't be found anywhere. I ended up buying a cheap and light Slick Sprint Mini II. The head that comes on it is 100% pure shit. I ended up taking the head off my Vanguard 233AO and putting it on the Slick Sprint, and it works a hell of a lot better.

Tim, you should buy that Zeiss Dialytt and report back on how it works.

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Whisky on 11/15/2011 5:57 PM | Reply #17 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Whisky
Joined: 10/06/2010
Location: ND

I murdered the spelling on that Zeiss....

It's a Dailyt.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/zeiss.pl?page=528007

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Tim Sandstrom on 11/15/2011 6:34 PM | Reply #18 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Tim Sandstrom
Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND

Looked for manfrotto too. Ya lots of fun research.

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by parker503 on 11/15/2011 6:34 PM | Reply #19 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

parker503
Joined: 10/25/2004
Location: ND

Right now I'm running a swaro sts 65 20-60 HD on a Vortex high country tripod. I'm satisfied with the tripod so far for a lightweight but relatively cheap option. The adjustment system doesn't bother me but I could see how others may not like it. For the money, I've been happy with it.

Re: New Spotter...Tripod...and Camera Accessories...What to Get?

by Horsager on 11/15/2011 7:31 PM | Reply #20 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Horsager
Joined: 08/12/2003
Location: ND

When last I was in Best Buy they had a newer itteration of the Manfrotto I like to pack. Can't recall the model number but I'll look when I get there again.

Tim Sandstrom Said:

I just hate buying stuff because then the endless tire-kicking is over.

Tim, I fixed it for you.

..............THIS SPACE FOR RENT..............

36 Replies | Page 1 of 21 2 Next Page >> | Top of Page | Bottom of Page

Posted By: Tim Sandstrom
Posted On: 11/15/2011 2:34 PM

913 Views, 36 Comments

Tags: camera, new, spotter...tripod...and, accessories...what, need, tripod, nice, nah, badlands, trip
More Tags: Human Interest
Region: North Dakota

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