Rifle Scopes Looking for a new spotting scope

[LSOSGT1109]

I'm in the need for a new spotting scope. I can't afford or justify spending a ton of money on one so here are the two that I'm looking at. I have used the Burris before and it's really nice for the money. Optics were clear all the way through the power range. The vortex looks like the same scope as the burris but I haven't had any experience with the vortex. If it's anything like my Vortex Viper then it will be an excellent scope. Any opinions on these two spotters?
http://swfa.com/Burris-XTS-2575-Spotters-C445.aspx
http://swfa.com/Vortex-25-75x70-Impact-Spotting-Scope-P10878.aspx

 

[SPDGG]

Re: Looking for a new spotting scope

IMHO: Bushnell FFP Mil Dot ED Prime Glass

<span style="font-weight: bold">Purchase from Scott @ LibertyOptics</span>http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1242099#Post1242099
<span style="font-weight: bold">
Review by "Lowlight"</span>http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...rue#Post1155784

 

[SturmHead]

Re: Looking for a new spotting scope

KSP446, what are you going to use the spotter for? I might be in the market for another spotter, and was wondering if these scopes might fit my needs.

 

[drmarc]

Re: Looking for a new spotting scope

KSP446, Sportsmans Warehouse in Lexington is going out of business so this weekend I stopped in to see what was left. They had 6 or 7 spotting scopes left at pretty good discounted prices. There was a nice Nikon 15-45, a Bushnell 15-45 elite and a Bushnell Elite 20-60x70mm, and a few others I don't recall. I purchased one of the Elite 20-60x70mm for a range only spotter. It's waterproof, rubber armored, rainguard coating etc for $280. It is rather large compared to the two you list above but it is great for range use and has surprisingly good glass. It is a Bausch & Lomb built scope made in Japan sold via Bushnell. I'd give them a call and see if anything is left but for $280 I didn't feel I could pass it up for a paper target reader... just a thought.

 

[BigBrother]

Re: Looking for a new spotting scope

One great option is a Konuspot 80. It's 90-95% the scope the Kowas are, at about $200. I did a LOT of hands on research with this, and was fully willing to spend for the Kowa.

Jim Owens has a good description of it here. Just hit it with a nice coat of Krylon Ultra Matte (I did black) and you're good to go!

http://www.jarheadtop.com/KONUS.htm

http://www.jarheadtop.com/Testimonials_Scopes.htm

I found it for under $200 on sale from B&H Photovideo.

Oh, and the Vortex are garbage. I returned mine 5 minutes after opening the box. Low grade throughout.

Good luck,
BB

 

[Snipers]

Re: Looking for a new spotting scope

I'll second the Konus 80MM. It can be purchased for under $200 with free shipping on E-bay (the make an offer deal).

It is an excellent spotter. Fog proof, rain proof, and fairly handy (larger than the two that you listed - not rubber armored). The resolution is several times better than the cost. The recent version comes with a fairly decent tripod. Only a very serious competition shooter would require something better.

Konus spotters and Falcon Menace scopes buck my old optics adage "you get what you pay for".

 

[fast freddy]

Re: Looking for a new spotting scope

the two you listed look like the same scope with diff. names and tripods. do any of you know if the viper is made by burris? ive been looking at the burris myself, and hadnt seen the viper until now