Best Budget/Value Spotting Scope for 600+ Yards?

[banik]

I am looking at purchasing a spotting scope. I will be shooting from 600+ yards up to 1200 yards. Firstly, should I get a spotting scope or binoculars? Also, what are some of the best value-for-money spotting scopes that are capable of spotting impacts at 600+ yards? Also, if there are any accessories that are must-haves, please let me know. Appreciate the feedback. Buget for the scope/binos would be around 1200 to 1500.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

As a long standing supporting vendor here it's always our pleasure to assist the members here. Please feel free to give us a call, 516-217-1000, so we can assist you personally with different available options and special opportunities .

 

[4g64loser]

OP, there are multiple reputable glass vendors on this site, including the poster above, who can help you decide on the right glass.

FWIW, I favor different glass for different things. For action matches like PRS, seeing impacts on steel is all you need. 10 to 15x binos will give you more versatility and greater FOV. I have 10x42 zeiss victory binos (outside your budget spec, so I'm not suggesting them) that I use to chase shooters as I'm quicker than with a spotter tube. My preference in actual spotting scopes is a straight tube as I find it easier to chase a shooter with that vs a bent tube. Your mileage may vary in that one.

If you are shooting paper games you need more magnification as you will need to see the spotter pin in the target, this will require an actual spotting scope not binos. Minimum requirements for top end magnification are around 40x on that, in my opinion.

Always prioritize glass quality of magnification. 60x is worthless if you are looking through haze!

 

[Maggot]

I have a Vortex Diamondback I picked up pretty cheaply. You tend to get what you pay for. If youre careful it does the job, but you know it should be better. Glass is ot bad, but extremely crappy eye box.

better = pay more = better

I'd go for an angled unit, easier to use. @gr8fuldoug e sells DNT, if they have a spotter thats as good a value as my TOR scope, grab one.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

DNT does not offer spotters, however, I strongly suggest you take a look at the new GPO Passion APO Spotting Scopes. The GPO PASSION™ APO Spotting Scope series—a revolutionary fusion of advanced optical performance and cutting-edge technology. Crafted with a durable magnesium body designed to endure the harshest environments, this masterpiece features modern APO (apochromatic) lenses to eliminate chromatic aberrations, GPObright™ high-transmission coatings for enhanced light transmission, and a precision-engineered brass gear helical focus system. Trust you next endeavor to GPO and prepare to encounter pure visual brilliance.

Passion APO 16-48x65 Spotting Scope
Magnification 16x-48x
FOV @ 1000y 138' to 74'
Objective Diameter 65mm
Length 13.7"
Weight 46 oz.
Eye Relief 20.5mm to 18.5mm

Passion APO 20-60x85 Spotting Scope
Magnification 20x-60x
FOV @ 1000y 108' TO 60'
Objective Diameter 85mm
Length 16.9 in.
Weight 63 oz.
Eye Relief 20.5mm to 18.5mm

 

[Cal97c]

Vortex Optics Diamondback HD,

Vortex's unbeatable warranty and trusted brand name make this a safe and excellent choice.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I am looking at purchasing a spotting scope. I will be shooting from 600+ yards up to 1200 yards. Firstly, should I get a spotting scope or binoculars? Also, what are some of the best value-for-money spotting scopes that are capable of spotting impacts at 600+ yards? Also, if there are any accessories that are must-haves, please let me know. Appreciate the feedback. Buget for the scope/binos would be around 1200 to 1500.

@banik
Consider looking into the Pentax PF series. Be mindful that you have to purchase an eyepiece separate from the body. I don’t know much about spotters, but I did a bit of reading before upgrading from my entry level Simmons to a Pentax PF series.

I don’t look out as far as you desire, but I think it’s worth checking out some reviews. Several vendors carry these and there are a couple of magnifications and models (angled or straight). Below is a link to one vendor. I don’t mean to step on any toes here.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Spotting-Scopes/ci/5474/N/3518860106?msclkid=6ff677da50ea1d86f6011f324a7f1bae

 

[MikeMiller]

Vortex Viper HD Spotter is damm good. It would serve you in your shooting sports very well and you won’t feel like you should have gotten better after a few outings.

 

[Mike278th]

@banik
Consider looking into the Pentax PF series. Be mindful that you have to purchase an eyepiece separate from the body. I don’t know much about spotters, but I did a bit of reading before upgrading from my entry level Simmons to a Pentax PF series.
View attachment 8784251

I don’t look out as far as you desire, but I think it’s worth checking out some reviews. Several vendors carry these and there are a couple of magnifications and models (angled or straight). Below is a link to one vendor. I don’t mean to step on any toes here.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Spotting-Scopes/ci/5474/N/3518860106?msclkid=6ff677da50ea1d86f6011f324a7f1bae

Second the vote for Pentax. I have the pf80ed with a wide angle 17.5mm astronomical eyepiece. Works out to about 29x magnification. Pentax and Baader both make really good zoom eyepieces for it, too. You can assemble a great setup for under $1k

 

[BigJimFish]

Binoculars definitely have the advantage of giving you a far better chance of spotting a missed shot that goes into a non-reactive background such as deep vegetation because you have a far better chance of seeing the bullet or trace all the way to the target. A higher magnification spotter will have a far lower chance of seeing trace but will resolve holes in a paper target or individual bullet marks on steel better though. Lately, I have been preferring binos over a spotting scope. The ones I am using are Vector X binos and are a good ways outside of the price constraints but they provide a lot of useful information on magnification. They are 14x with mag boosters. This is a sufficient magnification, but going with a little more would be even better. I believe there are a number of 15x binos with reticles in them that should make good options though I have not used any of these personally to have an opinion on a specific model. I would go with 15x over 12x on magnification for sure though.