Hoss Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 My poor, tired eyes ain't what the used to be! I'm going to be looking for a spotting scope, nothing fancy or expensive. Need to see 45-70 size holes in paper at 2-400 yards. What's a good, reasonably priced scope for that purpose? What "power" should I be looking for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sedalia Dave Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 Spotting Scope Guide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Not a bad deal for the money. http://www.opticsplanet.com/konus-konuspot-80-80mm-3-1-spotting-scope.html It's not a Celestron or Kowa. I have look'd through a few of'em, and for the price, not bad. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yul Lose Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Abou 8 years ago a friend of mine just up and gave me a Celestron spotting scope with tripod. Pretty nice scope for the price. I leave it set up in my shop sometimes and watch the wildlife on the hill across the street. Very nice scope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boulder Canyon Bob# 32052L Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I've purchased 3 spotting scopes in the last 3 years, always trying to balance cost with performance,DON'T buy a BSA, they no longer support them and they were not very good to start. I now have a Celestron 20x60x60. The power is all you need, but a larger objective lens would be better, at least 80mm. Count on the tripod to be junk no matter how much you spend.Good Luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turquoise Bill, SASS #39118 Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I recently bought a Vortex Diamondback, 20-60 power angled eyepiece, 80mm front objective. Great scope for the money, with a no BS lifetime warranty. TB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Kiowa Jones #6765 Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Whatever you decide on make sure the tripod has a fine elevation adjustment . https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fmgm-content%2Fsites%2Farmslist%2Fuploads%2Fposts%2F2013%2F06%2F04%2F1716641_01_unertl_spotting_scope_640.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.armslist.com%2Fposts%2F1716641%2Fidaho-optics-for-sale--unertl-spotting-scope&docid=mW07_Z5cj5CyXM&tbnid=JEn11KIJeVsLzM%3A&w=640&h=480&bih=714&biw=1024&ved=0ahUKEwjXoufpyfLOAhVC0GMKHQRkBPgQMwjAASg8MDw&iact=mrc&uact=8 Or this one; https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.icollector.com%2FBushnell-Spacemaster-fixed-20X-spotting-scope-and-tripod-The-spotting-scope-is-in-overall-fine-c_i21090796&psig=AFQjCNGEymiNzlf_EEJXLxEiBzVhsrRM7w&ust=1472970763012465 Notice the large thumb screw instead of the tiller handle. It is much easier to adjust at high magnification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackey Cole Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I used a hundred dollar scope for several years until I got my Ruger Presision rifle in .308 and put a $600 vortex on it and it put the spotting scope to shame the spotter went in to the trash. I went looking for a good scope and found out that short of $500 plus it wasn't going to happen I found a target camera setup for a half that. Used t several times since getting it and prefer it to any scope. I use it with my iPad. I really want to use it with my laptop as it will keep the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ambush Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Vortex gives a generous discount to veterans (http://partners.vortexoptics.com/?request=mille) and one cannot beat their VIP Warranty (http://www.vortexoptics.com/content/vip_warranty). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Hoss-You will most likely want an angled eyepiece also. What is your budget, just for this scope? OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamus McGillicuddy Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Think about the tripod too. If you plan to shoot standing you may want a tall tripod or pole mount. Seamus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Thanks for the info AMBUSH. I will probably contact Vortex next week and check into getting a Diamondback spotting scope. ..........Widder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlicLee SASS #16638 Life Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 It all depends how serious you are and what your future intent is. You picked 400 yds with 45/70 ??? if thats all your going to go you don't need a expensive more powerful scope, however, if your going to go further $$$$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attica Jack #23953 Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I have a Barska 60 power. It works fine for me seeing 45/70 holes at 200yds. no problem. 223 are another thing, the sun has to be just right to see them. The Barska is cheap and it works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chili Ron Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Rick Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 Thanks for the info AMBUSH. I will probably contact Vortex next week and check into getting a Diamondback spotting scope. ..........Widder Widder, Might want to check Bushnell as well. I know they extend special pricing to law enforcement and military (active, retired & reserves), but I'm not sure about veterans. Colleen M. Cain Bushnell Outdoor Products Military, LE and Outdoor Professional VIP Program dmcain2@comcast.net (866) 543-0833 (toll free) (303) 955-8590 (office) (303) 955-8903 (fax) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 Try'n to see 45 cal holes at 400 yds is iffy even with the best glass and eyes. Mirage, is not your friend........ OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack, SASS #20451 Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 I agree with Lumpy. 45 cal holes at 400yds are iffy even with the finest scopes. I use a 6" Celestron for our really long range. Even with the new Swaro 45 holes in paper at 400 depends more on the mirage than anything else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoss Posted September 5, 2016 Author Share Posted September 5, 2016 The majority will be < 400 yds. That would be my extreme distance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 You will be at the unforgiving mercy of 'Miss Mirage' from 300 yds on. Miss Mirage is a vengeful witch, in all forums of shooting. One of the reasons I like to shoot steel past 400 yds. The silver splats are easy to see on black steel. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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