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Rifle Scopes Sequoia Spotting Scopes

longshotbml

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 9, 2008
13
1
South-East Michigan
I'm looking for a new spotting scope primarily for fixed range target work. I know Kowa are great but the funds won't allow that. I need a moderate priced, angled body scope. Have any of you used the Leupold Sequoia line. The specs look good but I was hoping for some hands on input. Alternative recomendations are welcome.
 
Re: Sequoia Spotting Scopes

Not a bad spotting scope and will certainly work for exercising your guns on local range. I don't consider it a cheap scope but rather inexpensive compared to Zeiss and company. I have the straight eye piece 15x45 and as folks have already stated the performance up above 25x starts to diminish. Where I see the issue is with the fuzzy edges will grow exponetially in loss of sharpness and diminshed usable glass area towards the center of the scope. Check out the for sale optics section you may be able to save yourself some cash buying used and Leupold will still warranty the scope if you do have problems with it in the future. Good luck and let us know which way you decide to go.
 
Re: Sequoia Spotting Scopes

Absolute c@#p. I bought a Sequioa 15-45X60 Kit and it would not resolve 22 caliber holes at 100 yards at any magnification. It also would vibrate with no wind at all. Sent it back to Leupold and asked them was an upgrade posibleas I didn't want the same spotter back. For $30 they upgraded me to there the Gold Ring (US not Korean made like the Sequoia) 15-30X50 Kit which I am completely satified with. Someone else poster review on the same kit called "The Little Scope That Could". You can get it for $400-$500 depending on where you find it. Well worth the money.
 
Re: Sequoia Spotting Scopes

Same here. The wife bought me one for my B-day and it's the worst spotter I've ever used. As mentioned above, any power above 25x and you can't see shit. Throw in a little mirage and you're totally screwed.
 
Re: Sequoia Spotting Scopes

I checked one out years ago and didn't like the short eye relief. I wear shooting glasses.
I ended up with a konus spotting scope. It is actually pretty good, especially for the money. It has a 45* angled eyepiece and will rotate around so I can use it prone or on a bench. The tripod is crappy but there are decent pods out there.

Jim
 
Re: Sequoia Spotting Scopes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Imurhuckleberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of distance are you looking at for your targets? </div></div>

I use it mostly for observing animals at distances from a couple hundred yards, out to 3 miles or so.
 
Re: Sequoia Spotting Scopes

Some pics I took through the scope,

Elk about 5 miles out,
11Apr09001.jpg


5Mar09005.jpg


Elk about 2.5 miles out,
1Mar09003.jpg


1Mar09001.jpg
 
Re: Sequoia Spotting Scopes

I could barely see 308 holes from my TRG 22 @ 200 yards unless they were in the white with the Sequoia. I strongly urge you to look at the Gold Ring 15-30x Leupold spotter (since your shooting at 300 yards) Resolution at 200 yaards no problem @ 30X.
 
Re: Sequoia Spotting Scopes

Got it, avoid the Sequoia. I'm not wedded to a Leupold. Anyone have experience with Brunton, Alpen or Vortex spotting scopes. I know Vortex rifle scopes are a good value but have never seen any of their spotting scopes.
 
Re: Sequoia Spotting Scopes

If you want to resolve bullet holes at 300 yards the least expensive scope that may get you there is the Bushnell elite with ED glass. At 300 yards the optics are going to be major players and you will need to fork over $1000. The following scopes will get you there: Swaroski, Leica, Kowa, Zeiss, and the Nikon Field scopes. I only mention these scopes because I have personall experience with these scopes. Of the 5 mentioned I own the Nikon 25-75X82 because the scope comparison were almost equal and any variances and brightness, clarity, or sharpness were not discernible to the naked eye, at least my eyes. The nikon maintained its brightness through all levels of power. Of the five mentioned above the Nikon was the least expensive saving me several hundred to over $1000 dollars depending which scope you compare it to. After 300 yards atmospheric conditions will not allow you to see bullet holes unless they are calm days and their is no mirage. Regardless of price, atmospheric conditions will turn your several thousand dollar scope to useless glass and only useful for vapor trails.
 
Re: Sequoia Spotting Scopes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Imurhuckleberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want to resolve bullet holes at 300 yards the least expensive scope that may get you there is the Bushnell elite with ED glass. At 300 yards the optics are going to be major players and you will need to fork over $1000. The following scopes will get you there: Swaroski, Leica, Kowa, Zeiss, and the Nikon Field scopes. I only mention these scopes because I have personall experience with these scopes. Of the 5 mentioned I own the Nikon 25-75X82 because the scope comparison were almost equal and any variances and brightness, clarity, or sharpness were not discernible to the naked eye, at least my eyes. The nikon maintained its brightness through all levels of power. Of the five mentioned above the Nikon was the least expensive saving me several hundred to over $1000 dollars depending which scope you compare it to. After 300 yards atmospheric conditions will not allow you to see bullet holes unless they are calm days and their is no mirage. Regardless of price, atmospheric conditions will turn your several thousand dollar scope to useless glass and only useful for vapor trails. </div></div>

Interesting read... I have not purchased a spotter yet and have been holding off for a while now due to a lack of funds... been using Birchwood shoot'n'see...

I was thinking of buying the Nikon Fieldscope as well but have looked at a few bushnells at well.

Tought choices with this optics business