leupold HD spotting scope

[mtn300]

I was wondering if anybody had the leupold gold ring high def spotting scope ? If so how much better is it than the non HD scope ? Just needing some info on them to see if it is worth the money or just hold out and save more money for a leica. I found a new leica for 1240 dollars new pretty good deal.

[huffmad]

I have the non HD scope and a frined of mine has the new HD. When looking through them there is definetly some +'s for the HD. But probably the biggest differences that I noticed was how much clearer the HD was when video taping through then. I personally think the are worth the money.

[traks44]

I could be wrong and probably am but I believe the only difference is the quality of the lens or glass pieces. I have only looked through one of them but there is a difference. They seem to gather light better and are a little more crisp of an image.

[beardbuster]

They are much clear than the non-HD. We use them quite a bit. My only complaint is they are a little bulky, but the clarity is worth it.

[BlindSquirrel]

Originally Posted by beardbuster

They are much clear than the non-HD. We use them quite a bit. My only complaint is they are a little bulky, but the clarity is worth it.

Is the HD version bigger than the non-HD?

I've thought that the Golden Ring Leupold 12-40x60mm is one of the more compact spotting scopes with those features.

I guess it's pretty big compared to not carrying one at all, and adds significant weight/bulk to a wilderness hike-in where you need to weigh the cost/benefits of every ounce.

Cheers,
BlindSquirrel

[DRUNK COWBOY]

Originally Posted by beardbuster

They are much clear than the non-HD. We use them quite a bit. My only complaint is they are a little bulky, but the clarity is worth it.

Bulky??? Really???

Man, I love my HD because is is a lot shorter than the other spots on the market. It fits in my pack nicely. The clarity in the HD is a lot better escecially when you zoom to max!

[beardbuster]

Well I think its bulky... But your right it is much smaller than the others available.

[RSquared]

I purchased the HD version about 1 month ago. I compared it to the Zeiss and Swaro (non HD versions) stuff. For the price the Leupold was an EXCELLENT buy. I've been using it a lot lately for digiscoping and hope to get my video camera hooked up soon.
As far as it being bulky, I thought it was much easier to lug around then any of the other scopes on the market. I should also mention I purchased the scope with the kit offered from Leupold. It includes a small tripod and some camera attachment pieces which could come in handy if your in to that type of thing.
The only thing I would like would have been a higher magnification, the Zeiss and the Swaro could get out there a little further but the optics quality/clarity was very comparable, ecspecially for the price.

Good luck...

[DRUNK COWBOY]

Originally Posted by beardbuster

Well I think its bulky... But your right it is much smaller than the others available.

[mtn300]

Thanks for the info I am considering getting the HD package for the money it is worth it. One other question does it fit in the badlands 2200 spotting scope holder ?