Choosing First Spotting scope?

[DDFan86]

Hello everyone!

I am currently trying to decide on a spotting scope, and am hoping for some guidance. I am looking for my first spotting scope to use for long range shooting around 1000 yards. I was hoping to get into PRS, but it just seems like I don’t have the time unfortunately. The main use is going to be recreational shooting 1000 yards in South Florida, so mirage is definitely a potential issue. Last tear I tried using an Athlon Ares spotting scope, and could use it to spot hits up to around 800 yards. However, the mirage was so bad that around 1000 nobody at the shoot could see hits. I guess it kind of makes me hesitant how trying to buy my own spotter. My initial thought was to stick with something around 20-60x80 to get the most magnification combined with FOV, but I am not sure that is going to help more with mirage. I would say it will be used less than 5 times a year, and I doubt it will be for many (if any) matches. I also have a pair of Bushnell Legend M Series 10x42 Binos.

I have searched through as many old threads that I can find, but it seems models and pricing has changed recently. I am currently looking at the following models,

Bushnell T Series 15-45x60: ~$350 used
Bushnell LMSS 8-40x60 - $500 new
Athlon Ares new 15-45x65 UHD
Vortex Viper HD 20-60x85 - $650 refurb.


The LMSS is the version without the reticle, and I have heard that the Ares was just released this year and I have yet to see any reviews on it. I have also considered the Bushnell Forge 15x56 Binos.

Budget wise, I would say the vortex for $650 would be the highest I can afford at the moment. Of course, because of its limited use, saving money would definitely be a big plus! What do you think is the best combo of clarity, magnification, price, etc?

Thank you all very much!

 

[47guy]

get the binos they are much better for several reasons the biggest is eye fatigue when spotting for long periods.

 

[tlsmith22]

I agree on Binos but if you go spotter, get a Razor Gen 1. They can be had very reasonable right now.

 

[DDFan86]

get the binos they are much better for several reasons the biggest is eye fatigue when spotting for long periods.

Thank you very much for your input. I am definitely nervous with trying to use binos, as I know I really struggled to see hits at 100 with the Ares spotter. It may have been a mix of mirage and the fact that the range has a lot of shrubbery around the targets. Makes it really hard to see misses.

Do you think my 10x42 Bushnell M series would be a goodstaging point? Or do I need more magnification?

I agree on Binos but if you go spotter, get a Razor Gen 1. They can be had very reasonable right now.

Thank you very much as well for the input. Would you say the razor gen 1 is better than the new viper HD’s? I have seen a few reviews on here that say it is the best value. The razors are also at a good deal higher price point.
Thanks!

 

[47guy]

Thank you very much for your input. I am definitely nervous with trying to use binos, as I know I really struggled to see hits at 100 with the Ares spotter. It may have been a mix of mirage and the fact that the range has a lot of shrubbery around the targets. Makes it really hard to see misses.

Do you think my 10x42 Bushnell M series would be a goodstaging point? Or do I need more magnification?

you’ll need to put the binos on a tripod but yes you can start with your binos just to see what you think but yes at some point you’ll want a pair of 15x.

there are several nice 15x binos out...Athlon..bushnell forgies ect...I have a pair of meopta meostar and I can see impacts on steel at 1080 very well.

I’ve owned several high end spotters and after using binos to spot I’ll never own another spotter binos are the way to go.

 

[Landon4]

I’ve got a set of 10x42 vortex diamondbacks I just bought for general looking around when I’m out running thru the country but I had them with me last time at the range and could easily spot hits and misses at 1000 yds with a 6.5 creed my son was shooting, but for $650 you could get a really nice pair of binos, I have a razor hd spotter that doesn’t get used much, I’d rather use binos as well

 

[tlsmith22]

Thank you very much for your input. I am definitely nervous with trying to use binos, as I know I really struggled to see hits at 100 with the Ares spotter. It may have been a mix of mirage and the fact that the range has a lot of shrubbery around the targets. Makes it really hard to see misses.

Do you think my 10x42 Bushnell M series would be a goodstaging point? Or do I need more magnification?


Thank you very much as well for the input. Would you say the razor gen 1 is better than the new viper HD’s? I have seen a few reviews on here that say it is the best value. The razors are also at a good deal higher price point.
Thanks!

I have looked thru both and I personally feel the Razor is better. Now if I am looking at 308 bullets holes at 300 yards, its probably bot gonna matter but if I am stretching it out or using it as a spotting scope, that's where you will see a difference. Also at higher magnifications and low light, you will notice some difference.