• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Rifle Scopes Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

I'm still running a Pentax PF80EDA with both a 20-60x zoom and a fixed 35x eyepiece. I bought a Bogen/Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod and head (don't recall the exact head off the top of my...head). It is an excellent scope and one that I have personally used for wildlife/bird observation, and range/field spotting while shooting. Total spent on the scope, lenses, tripod was approx. $1400. I have run this scope side-by-side with the more expensive Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski spotters and have had almost identical results. For the money, the Pentax is just tough to beat.

Here is a good write-up:

http://www.6mmbr.com/spotterreview.html

Also, Doug from CameralandNY was running some DAMNED IMPRESSIVE deals on Zeiss and Swarovski spotters right now...here is one thread:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2096970

You might get with Doug and see what all he can offer you depending on your budget! Hell, an even trade on a Tigershark gets you a really nice spotter!!!
wink.gif
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Go take a look thru CKA's Bushnell FFP Mildot spotter
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Bushnell Excursion HD FFP with mildot. Are there better, sure but for $300 its hard to beat.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Leica Televid Apo 70 20X60.
Nice and clear to look through. I use this at the range. do I take it out bush in a pack? Heck no, to big and bloody heavy.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before


I have the Vortez Razor HD with mil reticle. It’s been an excellent spotter and I have no complaints!

Scott at Liberty optics is very helpful and offers some sweet deals

http://www.libertyoptics.com/
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

I still use a Kowa 821 with a 27x long eye relief eye piece monuted on a Giotto tripod...After all these years it still meets all my needs.
The only thing I would like to have is a milling reticle.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

I have two spotters. Nikon 82ED for range and observation when weight and size don't matter. Nikon 50ED for portability and packing.

Obviously the 82ED is big and heavy but serves a different purpose than the 50ED. Tons more performance from the 82ED with some limitations in FOV and eye relief, but I'm fine with it.

50ED is a little pricey and can be tough to see 308 holes at 300 yards if conditions aren't perfect. Much easier task to accomplish with 82ED. But the performance that you do get out of the pint size scope, which weighs nothing, is amazing!

Best part of my system with both Nikon's are that they can share the same eyepieces.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Nate's Spotter 60, when he shoots with us.
laugh.gif



I've used a Spotter 60 and a Leica that were unreal, none of the cheaper ones I've used have really impressed me.

I do want to try that Bushnell though.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 737SHARK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are you guys using??</div></div>

What do you intend to use it for and any sort of budget it mind? Is size an issue?
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

I recommend getting the best scope you can afford. none of the cheap scopes are perform very well, the nikon spotters with ed glass are good for the price, the EDG nikon line is really comfortable as well. top of the world, the swarovski scopes and the spotter 60.

tell us a little about what you want to do with your scope
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree, but man they are high </div></div>

Agreed! Do you have some recommendations based on the OP applications that are priced under $1,500?

Thanks is advance.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Field use = USO with GAP reticle

Bench/Range use = Bushnell Excursion 20-60x80
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree, but man they are high </div></div>

Agreed! Do you have some recommendations based on the OP applications that are priced under $1,500?

Thanks is advance. </div></div>

it's a little heavy, but the nikon 82 ED has worked pretty well for me and it's under 1500$
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

I have been using the Nikon 13-30x50mm ED Straight Body w/ Eyepiece as a nice, compact field scope. I have been VERY impressed with it and the price is nice as well! Scott at Liberty Optics recommended it and I am glad I took his advice.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Thats true, I can understand that it leaves some to be desired but its great if you are actually moving around and needing to pack something!
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree, but man they are high, worth every penny, but high </div></div>
Picked mine up atthe bargain cave at cabelas for 1600. Not a scratch on it and was a display model for a week (so I was told).
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

One of many reviews that you might consider.

The bird people are the driving force in the spotter market.

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/vortex/vortex_razor_scope.html

http://www.birddigiscoper.com/2010/01/vortex-razor-20-60x85-hd-spotting-scope.html

http://kingbirdfeeders.blogspot.com/2009/10/vortex-rzor-hd-spotting-scope.html

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1893

Did I also mention it is one of a handful that can have a reticle?
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

I would keep an eye out for a used Leica 62 APO or a Zeiss 65mm spotter, both can be found used for about $1200 give or take, great values and good size for putting in a pack.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

antelope2010023.jpg


I have a Zeiss Diascope 65T* FL with two fixed eye pieces, a 23X and a 30X. I've had it for 7 years and have used it hard and never had a problem with it. Great product!!
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

I use a nikon ed 15-45x60 tactical and love it and they are only $1000 and worth every penny
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rbhoover</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been using the Nikon 13-30x50mm ED Straight Body w/ Eyepiece as a nice, compact field scope. I have been VERY impressed with it and the price is nice as well! Scott at Liberty Optics recommended it and I am glad I took his advice. </div></div>

I purchased mine based on Scott's recommendation also and I love it as I stated earlier. I would not however rely on it as my primary spotter. Just my 2 cents.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

The Kowa TSN-883 or 884 Prominar are as good as it gets. I have used the best Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski. In my opinion, the Kowa is better as in clearer and brighter. Talk to Scott at Liberty Optics and you could get one of these at close to your price range.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Zeiss 65TRL/Zeiss Manfrotto tripod...crystal clear, sturdy and well under 2K
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
antelope2010023.jpg


I have a Zeiss Diascope 65T* FL with two fixed eye pieces, a 23X and a 30X. I've had it for 7 years and have used it hard and never had a problem with it. Great product!! </div></div>

same scope I run with the 15-45 eyepiece. Had great luck with it and clarity is exceptional !
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One of many reviews that you might consider.

The bird people are the driving force in the spotter market.

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/vortex/vortex_razor_scope.html

.............

Did I also mention it is one of a handful that can have a reticle? </div></div>
Chiller, what other scopes (with price range below Vortex Razor) can have a reticle?

TNX!
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Most reviews will tell you that 2 of the best are the Zeiss or Kowa with Flourite glass. They are around your max price, maybe more depending on the size of the objective.

I bought a used Zeiss 85t FL with a Manfrotto tripod and everyone who looks through it agrees that it is amazing. Get the best and cry once. You will love either one of these
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 737SHARK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are you guys using?? </div></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Zeiss Diascope 65T FL</span></span> + <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Zeiss Vario Eyepiece</span></span> (The Vario Eyepiece is a 15X-45X on the Diascope 65 but 20X-60X on the Diascope 85). I mount my Angled Zeiss 65T FL on a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller</span></span> tripod and <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">G2285MB QR Adapter Plate</span></span>. Italian carbon fiber + German glass = Sexy!

The Gitzo GT1550T Traveller weighs only 2.2 lbs. with it's small ballhead, and 2.51 lbs. with the G2285MB QR Adapter Plate. Combined with the Zeiss 65T FL its' great for sitting, standing, or prone use. The GT1550T Traveller also has 180 degree-folding legs that allow it to fold down to 14.1" with the QR adapter plate making it ideal for backpacking and travel.

Make sure you shop around! Excellent deals can be had on Zeiss demos and show samples from Cameraland, SWFA, and Liberty Optics. Plus they usually carry Factory Warranties. Gitzo deals are hard to come by but they do come up on occasion. I don't know if you have a "budget", but if you buy a demo setup and find a deal on a Gitzo its' possible to come in under $2K.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller folded w/G2285MB Adapter:</span></span>
GT1550TG2285MBFolded8x6.jpg


<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">I applied some foam grips to the upper sections of the legs to protect them from scratches and deaden sound:</span></span>
FoamGrips8x6.jpg


<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller folded w/G2285MB Adapter next to Angled Zeiss Diascope 65T:</span></span>
PA1615838x6.jpg


<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">The foam grips are long enough to fit over and cushion the aluminum ferrules, so I pulled the grips over the ferrules as you can see in the photos below.</span></span>

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller w/G2285MB Adapter & Angled Zeiss Diascope 65T. Center Column removed for prone use:</span></span>
GT1550TwFoamLALRA8x6.jpg

GT1550TwFoamLALRA45Degree8x6.jpg

GT1550TwFoamLALFA45Degree8x6.jpg

GT1550TwFoamLARFA45Degree8x6.jpg


<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">The Gitzo GT1550T Traveller w/G2285MB Adapter & Angled Zeiss Diascope 65T work equally well for left-handed shooters:</span></span>
GT1550TwFoamLEFTYLARRA45Degree8x6.jpg

GT1550TwFoamLEFTYLARFA45Degree8x6.jpg


<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller w/G2285MB Adapter & Angled Zeiss Diascope 65T. Center Column raised for seated use:</span></span>
GT1550TwFoamSittingRRA8x6.jpg


Short of a Gitzo, I would get a carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod and a Manfrotto Head. The Manfrottos' aren't as light or as compact as the Gitzo Travellers' and they have a larger footprint when used prone, but a Manfrotto setup will typically cost a LOT less and do almost the same things.

Look at the <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Manfrotto 190CXPRO3</span></span> (three section legs) or <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Manfrotto 190CXPRO4</span></span> (four section legs) and the head of your choice. You can use them sitting, standing, or prone.


Keith
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

mouse, the bushnell mentioned several times above does.

david, I have one I'll trade you for a Shark next time you're up to TVP
laugh.gif
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

uso all the way for me .slick tripod. 100% satisfied , field portable
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trovan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That Gitzo tripod above looks badass!
</div></div>
It works even better!


Keith
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Can't beat the Kowa spotting scopes for range use. I've tried the 50, 65, 77mm versions. Get the 25X LER eyepiece if you decide on their set ups. Very popular for HP rifle. The 50 is best suited for NRA Bullseye pistol applications.

For the best value, try the Konus 80mm for under 200. Ditch the flimsy tripond and buy an aluminum tripod with pistol grip head and quick change plates for less than 70 bucks on ebay. Great beater set up. Found out about these on Jarhead.com from HP shooter Jim Ownes.

I am experimenting with a Zeiss 65 mm Diascope with a 15-45mm zoom head, Bogen grip and tripod. Nice set up, expensive though. Optical clarity is slightly better than the Kowa's but eye relief with the zoom eyepiece is not quite as good if you wear glasses. Very handy scope that's easy to pack up.

Lastly, want to try a Leupold Mark 4 spotter with TMR reticle. Looks attractive from a size standpoint with mil reticle to boot.

YMMV. Good luck!
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 45.308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bushnell Excursion HD FFP with mildot. Are there better, sure but for $300 its hard to beat. </div></div>

Just ordered one of these... I'm expecting I'll like it from using a friends but at the same time I can see buying a ziess spotter 60 when i have the cash and nothing pressing to spend it on.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

Pentax PF 80 20-60x straight body because it was a great deal. I was saving for the Vortex Razor when I found the Pentax and couldn't pass up the deal. Now if I could just find a similar deal on the Razor.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

My unit just got 2 Leupold Mk4 12-40x60 with TMR. I used it today for the first time on a call out. I was using a small Kowa that was my personal scope.

I was very happy with the glass and the power was more then enough for what I was using for. Now I must say that i have not used it at the range so i cant say how it performed as far as watching the bullet trace or spotting hits. The over all size was a big plus when we purchased these. Bad thing was the price. I think it was about $1300 on GSA.
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

I had heard that the Marines were getting issued the Leupold. I have a Leupold, too. I got it second hand used. Good clear optics. But, I think that my friend's large Kowa is better optically. Overall though, I like the Leupold.

The problem I had was finding a tripod that was comfortable in prone with the Leupold. The Leupold eyepiece is at the top portion so it adds about 2" to 3" in height. Anyway, I solved that problem with a Ewing sniper tripod which lets me get down really low in prone.

In case you guys are interested, their website is www.SniperScopeStand.com.

What kind of tripod are the Marines using these days?
 
Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 737SHARK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are you guys using??</div></div>

David, I have been using a Leica Televis 62 APO (they don't make the 62 anymore) with a 20-60x eyepiece since I got it back in 2001. Sick clear picture all the way up to 60x. Josh can vouch for that after I let him use it at TVP last monday. We saw the whites of Tom's eyes standing about 1300 yds away.

Only con is that it doesn't have a reticle in it. But for a super clear picture, I don't think it gets any better than the Leica...maybe matched, but not outdone.