Best spotting scope for $500?

[mark65x55]

I'm looking for the best and lightest weight spotting scope I can find in the $500 range. I plan to use it for everything from hopefuly sheep hunting in Alaska to shooting range work. What would you recommend? Anyone use the Fujinon 60mm?

http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?dept=1&type=4&purch=1&pid=1220

[Dom]

Boy that's a tough call Mark. I say this because:

1. I think in the $500 range there are a lot of decent spotters out there. Lot of it hangs on what your preferences are.

2. For that kind of change, not too many of us can afford to try this one out and get another, hence we have nothing to judge others by, other than the vital stats.

With that said, me personally I'd give the stats of the top contendors a run down, looking especially for weight. The older I get the more I pay attention to what 'stuff' weighs. I've gone thru a couple of 2 to $300 dollar models and have come to the conclusion that they aren't up to my standards and not worth dragging around (they actually sit in the closet, -- blurry, undefined edges, in other words, I shouldn't have got 'em). Guess I'm about ready to move up to the $500 stuff pretty soon. Let us know what you decide, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

[Oregon Hunter]

The Bausch & Lomb Elite Series and the Nikon Scopes are fairly light and compact. I'm pretty sure they run pretty close to that price range. I have a Bausch & Lomb and couldn't be happier with it. I hunt in wilderness country, packing in several miles and my scope has held up great! Have picture on other Hunt Chat Optics posts. Want to buy $275.

[SniperX]

You should consider the Bushnell Elite,Nikon or Kowa theses spotters are well in your price range and great optics!

[elkcamp]

If you will be spending some serious time in the scope, try Alpen Optics Model 788, 20-60x80. Available online for around $365.