Spotting scope for long range shooting ~$1k?

[RiverRatMatt]

Hopefully this hasn't been done to death, I'm looking for a bit of advice.

I've done a fair bit of research on spotters over the last year or so, and I think I know what I want.

I like the Pentax system - I can buy one, high quality eye piece and swap it between two different spotters depending on what I need to do. I'm thinking about starting with the PF80ED-A (A for angled, right?) for long range shooting and an XW10 eye piece, then later getting a PF60ED (straight) for a smaller, lighter hunting spotter. The XW10 would give me 51.8x on the 80 and 39x on the 60.

My current goal is to be able to consistently hit a 6'' target at 1km. The old Leupold 20x spotter I have is barely enough for 300m, would 51.8x be enough to see holes on a high-constrast target at 1km?

Is 39x an appropriate power for general hunting use in the high desert and pine forest?

Other considerations?

Cheers!

 

[308Gunner]

I have a Nikon 20-60 with ED glass @ 1058 I can see splatter on steel if not to much mirage as far as holes not a chance. I have a friend with a swaro and even with it you can't see holes some one may be able to give you a different answer. Good Luck

 

[sandwarrior]

First I think is not to overpower yourself.

I have two spotting scopes both in the 40-45x range and I hardly ever use them (added: at high power). Both dial down to 15x which is where I use them most. I often dial up to 30x on either to get a little clearer view of what I'm trying to see.

The reason I say not to overpower yourself is I had the same problem with a 12-42x56 NF NXS that I used to own. That is some really good glass. But, unless atmospheric conditions were perfect, you couldn't use the 42x on it. It goes right back to the same issue I had with my spotting scopes.

One feature that, IMO, is an absolute must with a spotting scope is a fine focus. One of my spotting scopes has Schott Glass, the same glass that Zeiss uses. But, a similar scope with fine focus could be brought to focus on 6mm bullet holes at 300m when my not so easy to make fine adjustments scope could not.

Pentax has a reputation as pretty good glass. At least their cameras always were. I have not put my hands on their spotting scope though. If you have a chance to look through one when mirage is flowing, see what you can see with it on that day.

 

[steve123]

I've got a PF100 ED 26x to 78x for sale in the classifieds. It's by far the best and brightest scope for the money out there.

 

[RiverRatMatt]

Good point about what you really need to see... at longer ranges I just need to see splatter.

Any suggestions on the magnification I should go for? I'm tempted to stick with fixed eyepieces because they offer more quality for less price

 

[sandwarrior]

Good point about what you really need to see... at longer ranges I just need to see splatter.

Any suggestions on the magnification I should go for? I'm tempted to stick with fixed eyepieces because they offer more quality for less price

30X. But buy the clearest glass you can get in that power. If the Pentax you are looking through does it, then get it. Make sure though, as I said before, they have a fine adjustment you can work with. I've used fine adjustments that don't work (I have one...high dollar), and it negates what I paid to get it. A fine adjustment, even on a scope that costs a bunch less will be more workable for you.