Minox compact spotter?

T

tddeangelo

Handloader
May 18, 2011
2,023
20
I came across the Minox MD50.....16-30x50mm spotter. Seems like it'd be a decent little spotter for carrying in a pack. Anyone have any experience with them, or have thoughts on this scope?

I could use another spotter for the range (that Bushnell Legend I have kinda sucks, lol), and would then probably use it for a hunt in Colorado in 2013.
 
You talking about the angled or the straight model, Tom? I've been eyeballing those as a potential Christmas list item for a few months. I've been wondering if it would be adequate for any kind of real spotting, though. I don't use spotters much here in Alabama except for at the range, and my last el cheapo bit the dust last year, so I've been making do with rifle scopes turned up high enough to see the holes. I'm thinking just as you are - a double duty range and "out west" spotter. I'll be following this thread to see what other folks think.
 
dubyam":1qh68z8g said:
You talking about the angled or the straight model, Tom? I've been eyeballing those as a potential Christmas list item for a few months. I've been wondering if it would be adequate for any kind of real spotting, though. I don't use spotters much here in Alabama except for at the range, and my last el cheapo bit the dust last year, so I've been making do with rifle scopes turned up high enough to see the holes. I'm thinking just as you are - a double duty range and "out west" spotter. I'll be following this thread to see what other folks think.
Click to expand...

We're in the same place, then. :)

I'm not sure if it's enough of a spotter for that task (a western hunt), but it should be fine for the range. My 2nd el-cheapo is doing ok (range spotter), but I curse it roundly each time I use it.

I don't know as far as angled vs. straight. I've never used an angled spotter. Price seems the same from one to the other...and Doug has some killer deals on 'em now, too, as usual. ;)
 
Tom/Dub, if your wanting a spotter for hunting out West, go big. I wouldn't want less than 45X for spotting big game. The extra power will allow you to see if it is worth pursuing. While 30X is a good scope, you will not regret a 45-60X scope and the size isn't enough to concern yourself with. I know it isn't easier to justify the extra, as you aren't using them right now, but if your looking for a better spotter, check out the Zeiss Duralyte or whatever it is called. It is on sale at Cameraland for 900 right now. 18x45X and it is very packable. I just don't want you to get jammed up with a scope that really isn't what you think it is. I love Minox, and I am sure the glass is GREAT, but you need some X's..
 
Scotty,


I will state first, that I do agree with the fact that X's count a whole lot out here. However, I got to digress a bit when I put this in perspective from Tom's point of view. How many trips is going to get to make out here? I'm hoping more than the one hunt next fall, but all that remains to be seen. The other aspect, is the area I've got planned for this hunt is such that alot of the hunt areas he'll be in will be closer in than alot of what you and I are used to. Some of it will be by design, some of it will be by nature's architecture.

Besides, I've got a high X spotter and so will another member of the party. Although I doubt many will line up to use mine versus the other guys, but that's all good. lol

FWIW, I use my spotter on 25x and 40x alot for scanning.

Now, having said all that, I agree the west needs lots of X in good glass. Lord knows I love my 20-60x80. Unfortunately cost is a factor when compared to usage. I for one think this little spotter will be perfect for Tom's needs at present.

However, once I get him hooked on chasing elk in the CO Rockies, I'll gladly help you give him more to think about in his next upgrade!!! :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:
 
I agree with you Kelly. Can't argue with that. I just like the extra X's for spotting game. With 10X binos, I do fine actually seeing animals and deer, but the spotter comes out when it is time to assess what it is that I am looking at and looking into it further. I would never say someone has to have a spotter, and anything is much better than nothing, but it seems like Spotters like yours and and the Zeiss's are really good and offer more bang for the buck. Plus, it is nice to have the extra X's in the long range as well. I have reached the point that buying something twice is expensive and being hooked on elk, I like the X's!

9521744801105.jpg


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6027644801105.jpg


Plus, taking pictures through them at elk you can't "shoot" is FUN!
 
Scotty,

Trust me, If I thought money wasn't such an issue for Tom on this trip, I'd tell him to jump to at least the $700+ category. My spotter is nice, but a Swaro such as yours it will never be. Its funny you mention the 10x bino's as I believe that is what started this conversation for Tom. I had asked him if he had any he could bring along, as horsepower is needed sometimes to look long. lol I think him buying a spotter is money well spent since he's got bino's covered extremely well in the Meopta's...

BTW, again I'm drooling over the pictures you have. Excellent stuff bud
 
This is some time off yet.... I could bide my time and see what I can swing between now and then.

But it is interesting to watch the Spider Monkey and Wapiti Slayer duel..... ;)
 
I think a wise man would AVOID an "end run" on said Spider Monkey, given what we know of his "super powers".
:shock:
 
Wapiti Slayer .270":e49ue2fi said:
Scotty,

Trust me, If I thought money wasn't such an issue for Tom on this trip
Click to expand...

Yup, totally understand that! Makes sense to me Kelly. It'll be a nice scope and give a good look. I am all for the X's. They will do nothing but help, even in close country..

Now, if we can just get Tom to get his rifles in order!

Turn this back to Tom..
 
SJB358":2y768y07 said:
Wapiti Slayer .270":2y768y07 said:
Scotty,

Trust me, If I thought money wasn't such an issue for Tom on this trip
Click to expand...

Yup, totally understand that! Makes sense to me Kelly. It'll be a nice scope and give a good look. I am all for the X's. They will do nothing but help, even in close country..

Now, if we can just get Tom to get his rifles in order!

Turn this back to Tom..
Click to expand...

Scotty,

Actually, based off what Tom told me over to the other place, guess its time to let the gloves come off a bit. lol :shock: :shock: :shock:
 
I'm in the same boat as you guys when it comes to spotting scopes. Really like to have a nice one without spending $3000+ on a Swaro. It makes it worse when I have used that Swaro and know how good it is. All of those pics were taken with a smartphone held up to the scope. Numbers 2-5 pics ranged at 900+ yards and still look good. I have been looking hard at that Zeiss!
 
Wapiti Slayer .270":1z1qvgsc said:
SJB358":1z1qvgsc said:
Wapiti Slayer .270":1z1qvgsc said:
Scotty,

Trust me, If I thought money wasn't such an issue for Tom on this trip
Click to expand...

Yup, totally understand that! Makes sense to me Kelly. It'll be a nice scope and give a good look. I am all for the X's. They will do nothing but help, even in close country..

Now, if we can just get Tom to get his rifles in order!

Turn this back to Tom..
Click to expand...

Scotty,

Actually, based off what Tom told me over to the other place, guess its time to let the gloves come off a bit. lol :shock: :shock: :shock:
Click to expand...

Well, I think this fits then...

antilipepopcorn.gif
 
I have not used a spotter that much in the field and when I have it has been with the 20x lens more than the 15-45 mainly because of optical clarity and contrast. I used to carry one in my pack everywhere but seldom sat down and absolutely needed it for most of my hunting in the west.

In fact I am using a Nikon Fieldscope 60mm spotter but truthfully I mostly use it from the 4WD truck while scouting high meadow edges with a window mount at 20x. I got this scope (an older version) on clearance for under $300 w/ (2) lenses (20x, 15-45x). That scope now cost $1200. I can see .270 cal bullet holes at 20X at 300 yards with contrast targets. If I was going to buy a new spotting scope, I would seriously consider the Leica for the money vs. value equation.

I usually for Utah and Wyoming deer and elk hunting did not feel handicapped carrying only 10x40 Zeiss T* Victory binoculars. I am not so much a trophy hunter anyway as a legal bull or mature buck hunter and I still hunt mostly anyway and move around between drainages some. However, each to their own and I am not going to call any method best except what works for you. I use binoculars 10 hours a day hunting and for the sake of my eyes invested in those instead of a spotting scope. I have never regretted that decision.
 
Tom, we have had several different spotters over the years and we seem to always end up back at Swarovski. Zeiss makes excellent spotters as do a host of other companies. Kelly got a Vortex Viper and really likes it and he hunts in some tough areas.
 
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