Actually, the more I think about it, I'm not sure if there is a middle. There are two tiers that are out of my range, the $2K plus and the $1K and up (new).
I've decided to sell another rifle (one of my air rifles this time) and buy a new or good used spotting scope. I would like to stay at $500-$600 but could go as high as $650.
This scope will spend a lot of time at the local range (100 yards), and will be used to glass cut overs during hunting season. It may see some time at a long range match but this would be infrequent and the least of my concerns. Maybe once a year.
I've done some digging around and here's what I've found thus far that seems to be a good deal.
First is the Vortex Recon 15x50. I like the size and weight. I'm sure it has good glass. At 15x50 it's at or near the starting point of most variable spotters. It does have a ranging reticle which is a plus. My only concern is that I may not be able to see bullet holes at 100 yards with it. But I'm sure it would be great in the woods. ARD is available too. Scope alone> $550 or so.
Next up is a Kowa TSN 602 Camo, non-prominar. Best I can tell it's identical to the other 602s but the price w/o the eyepiece is under $350. A new long eye reliev 25x eyepiece is $220. $570. It's longer and heavier than the others and does not have a ranging reticle. Not sure about a ARD either.
At the very top end of my limit is a Demo Nikon Fieldscope 13-30x50 ED. Supposedly outstanding glass for the money. Comes with 3 eye pieces. Similar in size to the Vortex Recon IIRC. No ranging reticle. $675.
Finally is the Vortex Viper HD 15-45x60. Longer and heavier than the rest. Comes with an eyepiece. No ranging reticle, no ARD that I'm aware of. But based on my experience with Vortex, I'm sure it's very good performance wise. $550.
I don't think any of these are made in China but if they are please let me know. I'm a little skittish about Chinese glass. But I've had very good luck with everything coming out of the P.I., and of course, Japan, Europe and the US.
Are there others to consider in this price range? Also are there some higher end used scopes that should be held out for that will be in my $$ range? I did see a Meopta that looked good but was still too much money.
Thanks,
Paul
I've decided to sell another rifle (one of my air rifles this time) and buy a new or good used spotting scope. I would like to stay at $500-$600 but could go as high as $650.
This scope will spend a lot of time at the local range (100 yards), and will be used to glass cut overs during hunting season. It may see some time at a long range match but this would be infrequent and the least of my concerns. Maybe once a year.
I've done some digging around and here's what I've found thus far that seems to be a good deal.
First is the Vortex Recon 15x50. I like the size and weight. I'm sure it has good glass. At 15x50 it's at or near the starting point of most variable spotters. It does have a ranging reticle which is a plus. My only concern is that I may not be able to see bullet holes at 100 yards with it. But I'm sure it would be great in the woods. ARD is available too. Scope alone> $550 or so.
Next up is a Kowa TSN 602 Camo, non-prominar. Best I can tell it's identical to the other 602s but the price w/o the eyepiece is under $350. A new long eye reliev 25x eyepiece is $220. $570. It's longer and heavier than the others and does not have a ranging reticle. Not sure about a ARD either.
At the very top end of my limit is a Demo Nikon Fieldscope 13-30x50 ED. Supposedly outstanding glass for the money. Comes with 3 eye pieces. Similar in size to the Vortex Recon IIRC. No ranging reticle. $675.
Finally is the Vortex Viper HD 15-45x60. Longer and heavier than the rest. Comes with an eyepiece. No ranging reticle, no ARD that I'm aware of. But based on my experience with Vortex, I'm sure it's very good performance wise. $550.
I don't think any of these are made in China but if they are please let me know. I'm a little skittish about Chinese glass. But I've had very good luck with everything coming out of the P.I., and of course, Japan, Europe and the US.
Are there others to consider in this price range? Also are there some higher end used scopes that should be held out for that will be in my $$ range? I did see a Meopta that looked good but was still too much money.
Thanks,
Paul
