Hawke Optics Endurance 16-48 x 68mm Spotting Scope








Spotting scopes don't get as much attention as binoculars or other optics. Prices do vary all over the map, from the promo clam-shell packed “free with riflescope” fodder up to around $3000 for a Swarovski Optiks HD-ATS-80 HD Spotting Scope with 20x60 Eyepiece and even more. This Hawke Endurance 16-48 x 68 is a bargain compared to many offerings. For example, this model is every bit the optic that the Vortex Optics Razor HD Angled Spotting Scope, 16-48 x 65 that sells for about $1200. Yet, this Hawke retails for $599.99.


Spotting scopes are used for everything from saving a walk to check targets, to gauging your trophy animal from long range prior to the stalk, to birding and wildlife viewing. The optimum exit pupil for low-light use is considered to be 4mm, with 2mm just about all the human eye can use in bright light. To achieve large exit pupils at high magnification, you do of course need massive objective lenses and that means weight. This Hawke unit, at a bit over 3-1/4 lbs., isn't the heaviest spotter on the market. But, you can see why a set of binoculars in this category is unmanageable, easily hitting the 7 pound mark which is in the realm of classic naval and anti-aircraft binoculars.


The Hawke Endurance hits the “sweet spot” of observation scopes, as 20 – 30 x magnification is generally all that is needed or wanted. It does do surprisingly well after sunset at 16-17x, and in daylight the images are rich and contrasty to at least 35x magnification.


Power: 16x-48x

Objective Diameter: 68mm

Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated

Field of View: m @1000m / ft @1000yds 43.5 - 21.5m / 130.5 - 64.5ft

Close Focus: 5m / 16.4ft

Eye Relief: 20mm / 0.8″

Length: 405mm / 15.9″

Weight: 1490g / 52.6oz

Nitrogen Purged - Waterproof and Fog Proof.


So, if you are looking for a very high quality spotting scope for hunting, range use, birding, general wildlife and landscape viewing, yet aren't willing to cough up $1200 - $1500 or more (most folks aren't), you'll be more than satisfied with the Hawke Endurance at less than half the price. For more info, see http://www.hawkeoptics.com/ .


Copyright 2016 by Randy Wakeman. All Rights Reserved.

  

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