Leupold Wind River Spotting scope

[ks_shooter]

I am hunting for an economical spotting scope for Highpower competition. The budget can't handle a Kowa right now. I am wondering if the Leupold spotting scope with 45 deg eyepiece would serve well for this. It is about 1/2 to 1/3 the price of the Kowa's. I know Leupold has good reputation with their rifle scopes. Anybody used one of these? Thanks.

 

[Jim Watson]

I looked at one. The nicest thing I can say about it is that it was better than the Burris Landmark I sent back. The Bushnell Spacemaster looked good to me in that price range, but it did not have a 45 deg eyepiece. I broke the piggybank and got a Kowa anyway.

 

[Steve Smith]

If the scope doesn't have a long eye relief eyepiece, you may still be unhappy.

 

[ks_shooter]

Steve,

I think you're right. I tried a Bushnell Spacemaster (the one that adjusts from in-line to 45 deg). It was pretty good optically, but I couldn't use it with sunglasses on. The field of view was about half what you get with your eye all the way up to the rubber eye piece. I have read comments (some are your's, I think) on several boards about a low-priced Pro-Optic spotting scope from Adorama. I called them because it wasn't on their website. The man on the phone told me it was discontinued. It appears that this scope is identical to the Swift Instruments Lynx Model 836. Creedmoor sells this scope for $209 but they told me it was back-ordered. I found it on another website for $180 and they claim it is in stock. I am thinking about jumping on this one. It has long eye-relief, 45 deg eye-piece, and supposedly good clarity. Looks like a good choice for a poor family man. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Steve Smith]

I use a Kowa 661 and cannot personally comment on the Pro-Optic, but all reports are VERY positive about this low priced scope.

 

[Pat S]

The Wind River scope is dissapointing. The larger Gold Ring Variable scope is a high quality item but if I were you I'd steer clear of the Wind River Scope. A local gun store had both on his counter and pointed out the front window at the distant hills. There was no comparison! They say that you get what you pay for in optics and that appears to be true.