What high quality spotting scope for long range hunting?

[Alex Wheeler]

Neither will Meopta. Its a life time warranty but only manufacturer defects. Cabelas made the scope cheaper by not offering a detachable eyepiece, so there is more margin to give that warranty. Same with Vortex. I love Vortex, but there is a pretty good mark up in them when you can offer that kind of warranty. Anyone know what some of the others like Swaro and Kowa offer for a warranty?

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Neither will Meopta. Its a life time warranty but only manufacturer defects. Cabelas made the scope cheaper by not offering a detachable eyepiece, so there is more margin to give that warranty. Same with Vortex. I love Vortex, but there is a pretty good mark up in them when you can offer that kind of warranty. Anyone know what some of the others like Swaro and Kowa offer for a warranty?

True. I use the Vortex Razor 10x50 binos largely because of the warranty. The Razor bino glass isnt quite as good as Swaro EL glass, more on par with Swaro SLC (non-HD) glass. But it is very good glass for the money and I never have to worry about dropping them, dragging em thru mud and scratching the lenses, the dog chewing them up or anything else you can imagine. As long as i dont lose em or allow them to get stolen, i have nothing to worry about. Same reason I opted for the Cabelas version of the Meopta S2.

I have friends who have used the Swaro warranty and say it is very good. One buddy knocked his spotter n tripod over and it tumbled down a rock slide. Chipped glass and scratched it up good. Said he sent it in and they sent him a new one no charge. But that was about 10 years ago so not sure if that's changed. His only complaint was the wait on turn around time from shipping and processing.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Neither will Meopta. Its a life time warranty but only manufacturer defects. Cabelas made the scope cheaper by not offering a detachable eyepiece, so there is more margin to give that warranty. Same with Vortex. I love Vortex, but there is a pretty good mark up in them when you can offer that kind of warranty. Anyone know what some of the others like Swaro and Kowa offer for a warranty?

I was actually comparing the NF warranty more so to the Cabelas warranty. Best vs worst.

But nonetheless, Meopta is lifetime, not 20 years like NF, and the actual Meopta scope costs $300 less when not dressed up for NF.

If you read reviews on Meopta warranty experiences, you'll find that they often dont ask questions and ship the item back overnight or two day shipping. I havent been able to find one bad review on their service yet.

 

[Jet]

When I see $8,500 in nightforce product on our podunk little prize table, and some $25 gift certificates from cabelas, and nothing in my career from meopta. .... I'm supporting the nightforce

Tom

Tom is spot on. I will gladly shell out a few more bucks to support a company that supports our sport as well as they do.

BSEKF: I have used the Leupold 12-40 spotter for many years. Used and abused them during deployments and training. They are rugged and have good glass. When I retired from active duty I bought one for myself. Since I've taken up competitive shooting my requirement/ demands of my optics changed. I still carry my Leupold when hunting. If the NF was lighter/smaller I would carry that instead.

Good Shooting

Rich

 

[JLDavid]

I will have to look into the Meoptas and see what they are all about. Thanks for the information guys. I still have a lot more homework to do!!

 

[Shrek]

I had the Meopta S2 and sold it because it was a straight model. I bought a Swarovski ATS 80 HD to save a half pound as I backpack hunt with it. If I had it to do over I'd buy the angled Meopta S2 and tote the extra weight. The only thing I've looked through better than the Meopta S2 is the Swarovski ATX 85. The ATX view is stunning but the price is out of reach for me. The Kowa 88 I have used was a big disappointment. Not sure if it was a lemon but it didn't handle veiling haze well at all. The Meopta S2 is the best scope available short of the Swarovski ATX line. 30-60w eyepiece is the way to go with it as mirage will limit the top end most days and low light will kill the 70 power at dawn and dusk. You can use the 30-60 range and the wide field is very nice when looking for animals. Angled all the way ! Better in all uses including the truck. Once you learn to rotate the body and find things with it you would never use a straight body again.

 

[StevenDzupin]

Leica Televid amazing optic at an Astronomical price.

Puts my old Unertl 20X60 to shame.

Regards,

Steve