• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Best spotting scope under $600

gmphk

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 13, 2009
206
1
San Antonio, Texas
I am sure that this has been asked before but the search button does not work well...for me anyway. What are you guys thoughts? I have been looking at the Konuspot 20-60X80 and the Vortex Nomad 20-60X60 and both seem to have good reviews. This will be for looking for hits at 300-500 yards with a 308. I know that is a lot to ask for with a cheaper scope but would like your thoughts. Thanks for the replies.
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

$600 is a lot of money and you should expect a lot for that amount. Kowa provides the best bang for the buck hands down IMHO
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

The Vortex VIPER HD spotters are awesome imho but a little more than that price range... if you get in touch with Liberty Optics or Camera Land they may be able to set you up with a much better price than what they are typically advertised at.
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

I found a used Leupold 12 x 40 x 60 HD for 600.00 darn nice spotting for the money
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

Look up reviews on the Celestron Regal HD's.

Not 'tactical,' but nothing a rattle can wouldn't fix...
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

I have a Konus 20x60x80 and I paid about $225.00 for it. I can easily see 308 bullet holes at 300 yds, but no way at 500. Not a Kowa, but really good scope for the money.
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

Thanks guys. I found a Konus 20-60X100 at Midway and the reviews are really good. A little bigger than the 80 but the larger objective should help some you would think.
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

I have the Vortex Nomad 20-60x60 and I'm very happy with it. I suggest the straight (vs angled) eyepiece for prone/bench shooting. The Nomad features a lighter weight housing.
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

I hope you don't plan on carrying these any great distance?

With shoot and see targets you can see 308 holes using the leupold mark 4 12-40 at 500 yards. More than you wanted to spend but you might find a gently used golden ring 12-40
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

ThevRedfield scope has really clear optics and is great out 300 yards. Exceptional for the price, but would be challenging beyond 300.
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

I had the Konus...used it once and you couldnt see bullet holes with it as good as i could with my 22 power NF. So I sold it. I am interested in this answer as well, just know Konus isnt what you want.
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tlsmith22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the Konus...used it once and you couldnt see bullet holes with it as good as i could with my 22 power NF. So I sold it. I am interested in this answer as well, just know Konus isnt what you want. </div></div>

I have a Nikon and a Konus and the Nikon is much heavier than my Konus. The Nikon is a better scope but for the money the Konus does great job. I was out at 1000 yards yesterday with the Konus and for reading mirage it worked beautifully. Prior to that I was at the 300 yrd range and could see the bullet holes from my .260 just fine. It was a clear day so weather was not an issue. I don't suspect that in lower light it would be bad
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

Find a used Bushnell Elite 20-60x80mm spotter... comparable to a Vortex Viper HD scope in glass quality.

I found one shipped for $450
 
Re: Best spotting scope under $600

Picked up that Vortex Nomad 20-60x60mm for $260 shipped from optics planet off of ebay. Great deal on what I hope is a real nice spotting scope.