Im looking to purchase a NICE spotting scope, and would like to here all of your feedback on the different brands that you guys are using. I would really like to stay at 1000 bucks or under> That is if that is possible- Thanks Guys!
Rifle Scopes Good Spotting Scopes?
- Thread starter Nomad Farrier
- Start date
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
Where do you plan to use it? A good field scope is different than a good scope for the range. I think the Bushnell elite 20-60x80 is an excelent scope on the range. I would dare to say that on the range I could see at least as well with it as I could with the Zeiss spoters that I looked through that same match. However as a scope to take into the field the size of it moves it down the list a ways. I don't refer to it a Hubble Jr. for no reason.
Where do you plan to use it? A good field scope is different than a good scope for the range. I think the Bushnell elite 20-60x80 is an excelent scope on the range. I would dare to say that on the range I could see at least as well with it as I could with the Zeiss spoters that I looked through that same match. However as a scope to take into the field the size of it moves it down the list a ways. I don't refer to it a Hubble Jr. for no reason.
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
For quality for the dollar in a spotting scope take a look at the Pentax PF-80ED or if you are looking for a 65mm scope look at the Pentax PF-65ED II I think you'll find that these scopes are excellent optically and there is a huge availablity of different eyepieces for them.
If either of these seem like they would suit your purpose let us know and we'll make a special SH member price for you
For quality for the dollar in a spotting scope take a look at the Pentax PF-80ED or if you are looking for a 65mm scope look at the Pentax PF-65ED II I think you'll find that these scopes are excellent optically and there is a huge availablity of different eyepieces for them.
If either of these seem like they would suit your purpose let us know and we'll make a special SH member price for you
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
Id really like to find one that is just as good on the range as out in the field. Dont really need a ranging reticle, just good clear glass.
Id really like to find one that is just as good on the range as out in the field. Dont really need a ranging reticle, just good clear glass.
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
A couple of years ago, I purchased from Jim Owens' a Kowa TSN-821. Strictly for range use. I also got one of his scope stands.
http://jarheadtop.com/KOWA.htm
A couple of years ago, I purchased from Jim Owens' a Kowa TSN-821. Strictly for range use. I also got one of his scope stands.
http://jarheadtop.com/KOWA.htm
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
For 1k, a 77mm Kowa would be a good choice. I have been very happy with mine.
For 1k, a 77mm Kowa would be a good choice. I have been very happy with mine.
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
IMHO I would and did go with the U.S. Optics field spotter. I did have a MOA reticle put in it and have had awesome results ranging with it. On a once in a lifetime elk hunt last year I was able to spot the beards on turkeys at nearly 1200yrds. The only thing you may not like is the near 3in eye relief. The spotter was designed for the Marines so it had to work with gas masks. It's about $900 and worth every penny. Check it out.
IMHO I would and did go with the U.S. Optics field spotter. I did have a MOA reticle put in it and have had awesome results ranging with it. On a once in a lifetime elk hunt last year I was able to spot the beards on turkeys at nearly 1200yrds. The only thing you may not like is the near 3in eye relief. The spotter was designed for the Marines so it had to work with gas masks. It's about $900 and worth every penny. Check it out.
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
i have used zeiss ,swarovski ,uso ,leupold ,and nikon . imho the nikon field scope is the most quality for the $ the zeiss and swaro are just hair better , but are 2x the $
i have used zeiss ,swarovski ,uso ,leupold ,and nikon . imho the nikon field scope is the most quality for the $ the zeiss and swaro are just hair better , but are 2x the $
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
I have a Pentax PF-80ED-A (angled) with a couple different eyepieces (zoom and wide angle fixed models). It is an excellent setup!! Very clear, crisp optics, gathers a ton of light in low-light conditions thanks to the large 80mm obj., and should come in under your $1k budget.
Check with Doug or the guys at Camera Land NY...they are a sponsor here and a great bunch to deal with.
ETA: Ooops. I didn't see Doug's post above. He provided you a link directly to the PF-80ED spotters on the Camera Land website. GOOD LUCK!!
I have a Pentax PF-80ED-A (angled) with a couple different eyepieces (zoom and wide angle fixed models). It is an excellent setup!! Very clear, crisp optics, gathers a ton of light in low-light conditions thanks to the large 80mm obj., and should come in under your $1k budget.
Check with Doug or the guys at Camera Land NY...they are a sponsor here and a great bunch to deal with.
ETA: Ooops. I didn't see Doug's post above. He provided you a link directly to the PF-80ED spotters on the Camera Land website. GOOD LUCK!!
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
The Pentax is a great spotter, it ain't small or light-weight, but it is a good optic. Pentax's eye pieces are some of the best in the industry, very easy to get good site picture.
The Pentax is a great spotter, it ain't small or light-weight, but it is a good optic. Pentax's eye pieces are some of the best in the industry, very easy to get good site picture.
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
You can't beat a Kowa and they are really popular with shooters and hunters to a lesser extent simply because they are not as aware of them. They have tremendous scopes at every price point from low to "best you can get." I'd look at the 600 series for great mid-price scopes. Consider getting a wide-angle 32x eye piece. This will have more eye relief, a wider field of view, and sharper image. I traded in my 20-60X eyepiece on my Swaro spotter for a wide-angle 30x....couldn't be happier with the improved image.
You can't beat a Kowa and they are really popular with shooters and hunters to a lesser extent simply because they are not as aware of them. They have tremendous scopes at every price point from low to "best you can get." I'd look at the 600 series for great mid-price scopes. Consider getting a wide-angle 32x eye piece. This will have more eye relief, a wider field of view, and sharper image. I traded in my 20-60X eyepiece on my Swaro spotter for a wide-angle 30x....couldn't be happier with the improved image.
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
I used a leupold spotting scope with their ranging reticle (tmr?) at the week class I did last year. I was truly impressed. Both my partner and I had brought lesser scopes, that was a mistake.
I used a leupold spotting scope with their ranging reticle (tmr?) at the week class I did last year. I was truly impressed. Both my partner and I had brought lesser scopes, that was a mistake.
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
I really think the Alpen 786 is going to be the best spotting scope for under 1,000.(Its great for range use, but its a little big though if you’re going to be lugging it around while hunting. But its not bigger than any other 20-60x80 scopes).
I really think the Alpen 786 is going to be the best spotting scope for under 1,000.(Its great for range use, but its a little big though if you’re going to be lugging it around while hunting. But its not bigger than any other 20-60x80 scopes).
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
Thanks to all who have added the their input. Some of the points of use that have been brought up are those I havent thought of. If at all possible Im going to try to use a vendor that is a sponsor of this great web site.
Thanks to all who have added the their input. Some of the points of use that have been brought up are those I havent thought of. If at all possible Im going to try to use a vendor that is a sponsor of this great web site.
Re: Good Spotting Scopes?
264 win hit the nail in the head. I have the Nikon fieldscope with ED 25-75x82 and the only other scope that comes close to it or beats it will cost you an additional $1000 to $1500 dollars.
I just purchased also the Leupold gold ring in 15-30x50 for $399.
for the range. I shoot a lot of 22lr and I can see bullet holes out to 200 yds. If your range work requires longer shots, than this is not the one for you, but if 200 yds is all you need this little sucker will get the job done and is great to carry for field work and hunting, is very light for your back pack.
http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-30x50-Compact-Golden-Ring-Spotter-P5906.aspx
http://swfa.com/Nikon-82mm-Fieldscopes-C1711.aspx
http://swfa.com/Nikon-60mm-Fieldscopes-C477.aspx
264 win hit the nail in the head. I have the Nikon fieldscope with ED 25-75x82 and the only other scope that comes close to it or beats it will cost you an additional $1000 to $1500 dollars.
I just purchased also the Leupold gold ring in 15-30x50 for $399.
for the range. I shoot a lot of 22lr and I can see bullet holes out to 200 yds. If your range work requires longer shots, than this is not the one for you, but if 200 yds is all you need this little sucker will get the job done and is great to carry for field work and hunting, is very light for your back pack.
http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-30x50-Compact-Golden-Ring-Spotter-P5906.aspx
http://swfa.com/Nikon-82mm-Fieldscopes-C1711.aspx
http://swfa.com/Nikon-60mm-Fieldscopes-C477.aspx
