I intend to purchase a new spotting scope. I to shoot past 1000 yards. I do not know much about Spotting scopes? What are the aspects to look for or consider. What are the good brands and models?
Rifle Scopes New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
- Thread starter jdblackwell
- Start date
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
For the money and the distance you want to go to, spend the money on a Vortex Razor and be done. You'll be getting alpha class glass without the alpha price tag. If you want to go big time, look at Kowa or Swaro, but be prepared for the price tag.
The Razor is alot of scope for the money and should cost more. I'd buy one again without a second thought.
If you do a little searching, you'll find all sorts of comparisons and the Razor ranks right up there. Spending more gets to be a case of diminishing returns = spend double for small gains.
It's your coin, but IMHO the Razor is a bargain in the upper class. Call Scott & Liberty Optics and talk to him. He'll give you the straight scoop and treat you right to boot!
For the money and the distance you want to go to, spend the money on a Vortex Razor and be done. You'll be getting alpha class glass without the alpha price tag. If you want to go big time, look at Kowa or Swaro, but be prepared for the price tag.
The Razor is alot of scope for the money and should cost more. I'd buy one again without a second thought.
If you do a little searching, you'll find all sorts of comparisons and the Razor ranks right up there. Spending more gets to be a case of diminishing returns = spend double for small gains.
It's your coin, but IMHO the Razor is a bargain in the upper class. Call Scott & Liberty Optics and talk to him. He'll give you the straight scoop and treat you right to boot!
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
Couple of things I would look for. I would get one that has a reticle of your choosing like MLR (Nightforce), TMR (Leupold) so that you can estimate range and make corrections also make sure that it is indexed so that as you increase or decrease mag. the reticle will still be correct. I have never used the Vortex and do not know if it comes with a reticle. I have a Leupold Mark 4 Tac that has the TMR ( MilRad) reticle. In the end you should look through all of them and also test the weight and eye relief.
Couple of things I would look for. I would get one that has a reticle of your choosing like MLR (Nightforce), TMR (Leupold) so that you can estimate range and make corrections also make sure that it is indexed so that as you increase or decrease mag. the reticle will still be correct. I have never used the Vortex and do not know if it comes with a reticle. I have a Leupold Mark 4 Tac that has the TMR ( MilRad) reticle. In the end you should look through all of them and also test the weight and eye relief.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spotting scope... Good or Bad? </div></div>
THank you Mr. Broker. A really appericate the help.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spotting scope... Good or Bad? </div></div>
THank you Mr. Broker. A really appericate the help.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spotting scope... Good or Bad? </div></div>
I agree with this assesment 100%. Truer words never spoken.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spotting scope... Good or Bad? </div></div>
I agree with this assesment 100%. Truer words never spoken.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesDale</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spotting scope... Good or Bad? </div></div>
THank you Mr. Broker. A really appericate the help. </div></div>
If your interest was really in receiving help then you would do some research and actually ask thought out questions with depth rather than making numerous "Good or Bad" threads on a broad range of topics...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesDale</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spotting scope... Good or Bad? </div></div>
THank you Mr. Broker. A really appericate the help. </div></div>
If your interest was really in receiving help then you would do some research and actually ask thought out questions with depth rather than making numerous "Good or Bad" threads on a broad range of topics...
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesDale</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spotting scope... Good or Bad? </div></div>
THank you Mr. Broker. A really appericate the help. </div></div>
If your interest was really in receiving help then you would do some research and actually ask thought out questions with depth rather than making numerous "Good or Bad" threads on a broad range of topics... </div></div>
Thank you again. Can I get an address to send you a tuition check.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesDale</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spotting scope... Good or Bad? </div></div>
THank you Mr. Broker. A really appericate the help. </div></div>
If your interest was really in receiving help then you would do some research and actually ask thought out questions with depth rather than making numerous "Good or Bad" threads on a broad range of topics... </div></div>
Thank you again. Can I get an address to send you a tuition check.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesDale</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesDale</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spotting scope... Good or Bad? </div></div>
THank you Mr. Broker. A really appericate the help. </div></div>
If your interest was really in receiving help then you would do some research and actually ask thought out questions with depth rather than making numerous "Good or Bad" threads on a broad range of topics... </div></div>
Thank you again. Can I get an address to send you a tuition check.</div></div>
_________________________________________________________________
It justs look weird when you have 35 posts in 24 hours....do you sleep?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesDale</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesDale</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spotting scope... Good or Bad? </div></div>
THank you Mr. Broker. A really appericate the help. </div></div>
If your interest was really in receiving help then you would do some research and actually ask thought out questions with depth rather than making numerous "Good or Bad" threads on a broad range of topics... </div></div>
Thank you again. Can I get an address to send you a tuition check.</div></div>
_________________________________________________________________
It justs look weird when you have 35 posts in 24 hours....do you sleep?
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
[/quote]
_________________________________________________________________
It justs look weird when you have 35 posts in 24 hours....do you sleep? [/quote]
PSYOPS,
If you question was serious, Yes. About 5 hours at night and a cat nap in the middle of the day. I seem to get much more done that way.
Any thought about brands and models or performance aspect of spotting scopes to consider.
Thanks.
Thank you.
[/quote]
_________________________________________________________________
It justs look weird when you have 35 posts in 24 hours....do you sleep? [/quote]
PSYOPS,
If you question was serious, Yes. About 5 hours at night and a cat nap in the middle of the day. I seem to get much more done that way.
Any thought about brands and models or performance aspect of spotting scopes to consider.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=010955838166721108978:qcbx5qqy10o
I use this a lot... Joined 2004, 77 posts
http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=010955838166721108978:qcbx5qqy10o
I use this a lot... Joined 2004, 77 posts
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
The ultimate is the spotter 60 the resolution on it is unbelievable. Buy once cry once
The ultimate is the spotter 60 the resolution on it is unbelievable. Buy once cry once
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
I had to buy a cheapie cost around 200 it's 60-90x90mm if the mirage isn't really bad you can see .308 bullet holes at 1000 yds.
I had to buy a cheapie cost around 200 it's 60-90x90mm if the mirage isn't really bad you can see .308 bullet holes at 1000 yds.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
For an inexpensive scope with fairly good glass, take a look at one of these.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/766437/...r-armored-black
It's fine for the range if you don't have a bottomless checkbook and you just need to see your target. The glass is better than you'd expect. If $ isn't an issue, then I'm the wrong person to ask.
Happy shopping!
For an inexpensive scope with fairly good glass, take a look at one of these.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/766437/...r-armored-black
It's fine for the range if you don't have a bottomless checkbook and you just need to see your target. The glass is better than you'd expect. If $ isn't an issue, then I'm the wrong person to ask.
Happy shopping!
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike in Boise</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For an inexpensive scope with fairly good glass, take a look at one of these.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/766437/...r-armored-black
It's fine for the range if you don't have a bottomless checkbook and you just need to see your target. The glass is better than you'd expect. If $ isn't an issue, then I'm the wrong person to ask.
Happy shopping! </div></div>
Thank you Mike.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike in Boise</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For an inexpensive scope with fairly good glass, take a look at one of these.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/766437/...r-armored-black
It's fine for the range if you don't have a bottomless checkbook and you just need to see your target. The glass is better than you'd expect. If $ isn't an issue, then I'm the wrong person to ask.
Happy shopping! </div></div>
Thank you Mike.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
Do Not buy a Barska, spending money on glass is an investment in vision, for money a Vortec Razor is worth more than it cost, and it's cheaper in the long run to Buy Once Cry Once.
Do Not buy a Barska, spending money on glass is an investment in vision, for money a Vortec Razor is worth more than it cost, and it's cheaper in the long run to Buy Once Cry Once.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
First thing you need to resolve is what the scope will be used for. I have a 12x40 Mk 4 with TMR and a Vortex Razor 20x60 in my truck all the time and the MK4 gets used 90% of the time. If I'm hunting, I use my bino's for locating animals (or targets) and then judge them with the spotter if I have time. I can locate an animal way faster with the lower magnification. I think you'll find that true with targets as well. I also use the reticle for ranging UKD. To see hits on steel targets most scopes are fine. To see bullet holes in paper, IMO, most scopes suck. I've had or used all of the major glass and think the Pentax is the best value for the dollar, but sold it for the MK4. If you're watching trace, you get the scope out of adjustment anyway, so WTF? Spotting scopes can be difficult to decide on unless you leave it in your safe.
Rory
First thing you need to resolve is what the scope will be used for. I have a 12x40 Mk 4 with TMR and a Vortex Razor 20x60 in my truck all the time and the MK4 gets used 90% of the time. If I'm hunting, I use my bino's for locating animals (or targets) and then judge them with the spotter if I have time. I can locate an animal way faster with the lower magnification. I think you'll find that true with targets as well. I also use the reticle for ranging UKD. To see hits on steel targets most scopes are fine. To see bullet holes in paper, IMO, most scopes suck. I've had or used all of the major glass and think the Pentax is the best value for the dollar, but sold it for the MK4. If you're watching trace, you get the scope out of adjustment anyway, so WTF? Spotting scopes can be difficult to decide on unless you leave it in your safe.
Rory
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wireman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First thing you need to resolve is what the scope will be used for. I have a 12x40 Mk 4 with TMR and a Vortex Razor 20x60 in my truck all the time and the MK4 gets used 90% of the time. If I'm hunting, I use my bino's for locating animals (or targets) and then judge them with the spotter if I have time. I can locate an animal way faster with the lower magnification. I think you'll find that true with targets as well. I also use the reticle for ranging UKD. To see hits on steel targets most scopes are fine. To see bullet holes in paper, IMO, most scopes suck. I've had or used all of the major glass and think the Pentax is the best value for the dollar, but sold it for the MK4. If you're watching trace, you get the scope out of adjustment anyway, so WTF? Spotting scopes can be difficult to decide on unless you leave it in your safe.
Rory
</div></div>
Thanks Roy,
I want the scope to see impacts out to 1,000 yards, maybe out to 1,500 yards to help me with a pet project initialy. After that, I may use it for other stuff.
Are Spotting scope FFP? It is the range that I am most unclear about. Glass on rifle is good and 5-25 power.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wireman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First thing you need to resolve is what the scope will be used for. I have a 12x40 Mk 4 with TMR and a Vortex Razor 20x60 in my truck all the time and the MK4 gets used 90% of the time. If I'm hunting, I use my bino's for locating animals (or targets) and then judge them with the spotter if I have time. I can locate an animal way faster with the lower magnification. I think you'll find that true with targets as well. I also use the reticle for ranging UKD. To see hits on steel targets most scopes are fine. To see bullet holes in paper, IMO, most scopes suck. I've had or used all of the major glass and think the Pentax is the best value for the dollar, but sold it for the MK4. If you're watching trace, you get the scope out of adjustment anyway, so WTF? Spotting scopes can be difficult to decide on unless you leave it in your safe.
Rory
</div></div>
Thanks Roy,
I want the scope to see impacts out to 1,000 yards, maybe out to 1,500 yards to help me with a pet project initialy. After that, I may use it for other stuff.
Are Spotting scope FFP? It is the range that I am most unclear about. Glass on rifle is good and 5-25 power.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do Not buy a Barska, spending money on glass is an investment in vision, for money a Vortec Razor is worth more than it cost, and it's cheaper in the long run to Buy Once Cry Once. </div></div>
I don't really want to end up in the camp defending Barska. It's a low quality spotter with reasonably good ED glass that may or may not fill a void. As such, a person can find value at that price point ($210). I did. More expensive generally translates into better quality, I agree but the "buy once, cry once" chant hardly applies to all persons with real priorities. If it did, we all would have been driving Mercedes after we got our learners permit, would own only one high end rifle and would have purchased a house in the Hamptons instead of our first apartment.
It's all relative. I suppose it can be said spending money on glass is an investment in vision. So is replacing your windshield every year. I see it more as an investment in satisfaction and confidence. I'd just hate to see some people spending money they don't have and may never have, until they get a job in government.
Your right, the Razor's a great scope and also worth every penny.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do Not buy a Barska, spending money on glass is an investment in vision, for money a Vortec Razor is worth more than it cost, and it's cheaper in the long run to Buy Once Cry Once. </div></div>
I don't really want to end up in the camp defending Barska. It's a low quality spotter with reasonably good ED glass that may or may not fill a void. As such, a person can find value at that price point ($210). I did. More expensive generally translates into better quality, I agree but the "buy once, cry once" chant hardly applies to all persons with real priorities. If it did, we all would have been driving Mercedes after we got our learners permit, would own only one high end rifle and would have purchased a house in the Hamptons instead of our first apartment.
It's all relative. I suppose it can be said spending money on glass is an investment in vision. So is replacing your windshield every year. I see it more as an investment in satisfaction and confidence. I'd just hate to see some people spending money they don't have and may never have, until they get a job in government.
Your right, the Razor's a great scope and also worth every penny.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
Under $1500, Vortex Razor HD 85mm and Kowa Prominar 66mm.
IMO, cheap spotters just don't fly. A spotter's purpose is pretty narrow, long range details via max magnification, and nothing exposes the flaws in glass like high mags/tiny exit pupils.
Cheap binos and scopes can work in a pinch, but cheap spotters are very limited IMO. Unless you don't ask much from them.
The Vortex Viper HD offers a lot of promise but I haven't worked one out in the field yet
Scott
Under $1500, Vortex Razor HD 85mm and Kowa Prominar 66mm.
IMO, cheap spotters just don't fly. A spotter's purpose is pretty narrow, long range details via max magnification, and nothing exposes the flaws in glass like high mags/tiny exit pupils.
Cheap binos and scopes can work in a pinch, but cheap spotters are very limited IMO. Unless you don't ask much from them.
The Vortex Viper HD offers a lot of promise but I haven't worked one out in the field yet
Scott
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
I'm more of a good bino, fair scope, so so spotter guy myself. The biggest buck I ever killed was spotted in his bed by a super cheap/old Bushnell 15x30 Stalker. The glass was so poor, it looked like a foggy day in San Fransisco but the herd was found from hours of glassing with high end binoculars. The buck was later dropped using medium quality Burris (cheap by today's standards). It all boils down to what you need it for. There's trophy hunters & outfitters who score an animal 1-1/2 mile away amongst other uses. Gotta have good glass for that.
I'm not advocating cheap equipment. Who wouldn't be happy with some great higher end stuff. I just don't fault people for living within their means.
Cracks me up... I see these people buying a $7000 camo quad when what they really need is a good pair boots and the will to wear them out.
I'm more of a good bino, fair scope, so so spotter guy myself. The biggest buck I ever killed was spotted in his bed by a super cheap/old Bushnell 15x30 Stalker. The glass was so poor, it looked like a foggy day in San Fransisco but the herd was found from hours of glassing with high end binoculars. The buck was later dropped using medium quality Burris (cheap by today's standards). It all boils down to what you need it for. There's trophy hunters & outfitters who score an animal 1-1/2 mile away amongst other uses. Gotta have good glass for that.
I'm not advocating cheap equipment. Who wouldn't be happy with some great higher end stuff. I just don't fault people for living within their means.
Cracks me up... I see these people buying a $7000 camo quad when what they really need is a good pair boots and the will to wear them out.
Re: New Spotting Scopes Purchase help
@JamesDale:
I received my Razor HD Spotter from Scott today...unbelievable how clear it is to say the least and would like to extend some kudos to Scott for making it simple to do business with...
Very solid product and very solid buying experience through Scott...buy with confidence.
@JamesDale:
I received my Razor HD Spotter from Scott today...unbelievable how clear it is to say the least and would like to extend some kudos to Scott for making it simple to do business with...
Very solid product and very solid buying experience through Scott...buy with confidence.
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