Compact Spotting Scope

[MM]

I am looking for a compact spotting scope in the 15-30x range. something short and light weight. I have been looking at the Leupold GR 15-30x50 and the Vortex Razor 11-33x50. Any experiences or opinions on these scopes? any imput on something that might be better in this size range?
Thanks,
Matt

[Zboneee]

The vintage Leupold fixed power 25x50mm spotters had quite good optical quality and were very compact and light. You can find them on eBay etc.

[ebrownw2]

I have a Swarovski CTC 30x75 that is excellent. It is my understanding that they are no longer made, but like the old Leupolds Zbonee mentioned, you can usually find one on eBay. I had one of those 25x50 Leupolds. They are very compact and light, not much bigger than a riflescope, but not nearly as good optically as the CTC. The Zeiss Dialyt 18-45x65 field spotter is another option. I had one of them as well, but decided I preferred the CTC for the simplicity of its fixed power and its bigger objective. 30x just seems about right for a spotter.

[MM]

I also have a Swarovski ct85 20-60 scope. Optically excellent but big and heavy so I wanted a compact for when I don’t need all that glass.

[stokesrj]

I second the Leupold 25x50 i’ve used one for 30 years to good effect.they are a very good value

[9.3x64]

I use the Zeiss Dialyt 18-45.
Dont need a tri pod and its rubber amoured and light.
Not big bucks and great glass.

[deerhunter338mag]

Every tried a dubbler on your binos, just to save a bit of weight and room. Joe and I have invested in some and we think they might be a very good solution to a spotting scope.

[Pigeon]

If You want a very compact and good quality spotter, take a look at the CTC:

http://www.titanium-gunworks.de/swarovs ... 30x75.html

But if You could take a bit bigger telescope, You will get the best in a very compact size - with superior sharpness and brilliance:
The ATX 25-60x65: it packs in the bag of a SLC 8x56 binoculars !!!

http://www.titanium-gunworks.de/swarovs ... 60x65.html

[secondtry]

Have a look at the little Nikon ED 50.

[Gun Barrel Ecologist]

I love the look of the CTC but I’m sure I’d cop a whole heap of pirate commentary from my hunting companions and worry about their capacity to draw in moisture or dust. Do you see many come back for refurbishment of seals etc?

The doubler intrigues me. Is there ones available for Leica Ultravids?

[secondtry]

For those who fancy a draw telescope with a bit of tradition : -

https://www.grahamsonline.co.uk/product/2079

The Scots don't seem to have any problems with moisture and dust GBE.

[Oscar]

I love the look of the CTC but I’m sure I’d cop a whole heap of pirate commentary from my hunting companions and worry about their capacity to draw in moisture or dust. Do you see many come back for refurbishment of seals etc?

The doubler intrigues me. Is there ones available for Leica Ultravids?

I have a suspicion that dust will only be a problem if not maintained properly. As for moisture, they use these a lot in Scotland as has been stated elsewhere and that gets as wet as NZ so don’t think it should be a problem either. Though in the heat of QLD maybe the tipping scale.......so you could see this as a risk or a wonderful testing opportunity

As for the pirate comment, well it’s nuances in life that make it interesting!

[MM]

I have Two Vortex doublers and they work well to take a quick look but for serious glassing you need big binoculars or a spotting scope.
I found a great deal on a Leupold compact so I pulled the trigger on that. The glass is pretty good but not as good as the big Swarovski as you would expect. I will use them side by side and compare but I think the compact will work just fine for what I have in mind.

[Corjack]

Swarovski 15x56 slc binos are all I use for spotting these days.

[Joe338ST]

Using the Leica 15x56 binoculars - chimney out to 230 metres.