Need suggestions for spotting scope

J

Joe Brower

New member
Howdy, gents;

The subject line pretty much says it all. I'm punching paper at the local 100-yard outdoor range and need to get myself a decent spotting scope so I can see all those little holes I'm making.

Can anyone recommend a good quality spotting scope, starting at around 36x (I guess -- or 50x? Or variable?), that won't break the bank? I don't know much about this equipment, so any and all suggestions and advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Joe Brower
Venice, Florida
 
hello!!

In response to your post may I suggest a company called CDNN investments from Texas. They have two spotting scopes available for $60. Check out the web site at http://www.cdnninvestments.com. The one that I would like to call your attention to is the 20-60 power variable power scope. It has 60mm objective and comes with a hard shell case. It is the one that I bought and I like it. Will take it to the range for final testing in the spring. Too cold here in PA to test it now. Hope that this helps. The other scope that they have is a fixed 25 power scope. Both come with a tripod to mount it.---DArogue1
 
I bought Tasco's bottom of the line spotting scope, a 15-45 power or something like that and was not satisfied with it. It would probably pay to spend a little more for better quality.
 
For the range your talking about S.W.F.A. is selling a bsa spotter scope, for around $170---Ive never used the brand so i know nothing about it. Or you can keep go up a bit and pick up a Kowa, which is better...fubsy.
 
cHECK OUT
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
for the best prices in the world.
I got a Nikon Fieldscope ED 60mm. it ain't cheap but it is regarded as one of the best and it has the capability of connecting a small video monitor to it so you can actually watch (and record by camcorder) the bullet passing thru the target. This scope is good for the range, astronomy, spotting game when hunting etc. It always pays to get the best glass as you only get one set of eyes
 
I've used a Nikon XL Spotter, 16-47x zoom, 60 mm objective for about a year now. Purchased from B&H. Works great, highly recommend both the scope and the vendor.

About $500 for the kit with a light-weight tripod, case and scope cover. The Slik brand tripod works fine off a bench at the range, but might be too light for field use.

-ric
 
What good is magnification if the optics aren't first rate. You basically get what you pay for. I don't believe that there is an inexpensive scope of high magnification that provides a quality image. Also, remember that with higher magnification you need larger objective lenses to maintain brightness. Large lenses cost lots of money. I will eventually get a Kowa, or Fuji with larger objectives, but for now I shoot out to 100 yards and use a German made Seeadler 20x scope. It certainly isn't much good past 100 yards/.223, but has superb optics and an angled eyepiece.

http://www.nygord-precision.com/
 
Guys,

I know a wee bit about optics here..... in addition to buying rifle scopes for the last 30 years, I've been a semi-pro photographer for the same length of time, & I've also built from scratch, right down to grinding & polishing the main mirror, an astronomical telescope. You do learn a thing or two with that bit of exposure.

DON'T get caught up in the "power" numbers of the magnification. Magnification is secondary to having large diameter objective lens, which is the primary factor in the sharpness & resolution of what you see when looking through a scope. The quality of the lenses is also a determining factor. It does you no good whatever to get a cheap scope with a small dia. objective and high power magnification. You will most likely be looking at a target which appears to be large & close up, but which is so fuzzy that you can't see .50 caliber holes at 100 yds.

20 power is plenty enough magnification to see even .22 cal. holes at 100 yds, & even sometimes you can see them at 200 IF, & i repeat, IF the scope in question has good quality lenses and an objective lens of at least 60 mm.

I have seen cheap scopes of 30 to 45 power that would not plainly let me see .30 holes at 100 yds. in bright sunlight. Just a blurry mess.

In optics, more so than in most other things, it is definitely true that, "you get what you pay for". Don't scrimp on cost, buy the absolute best you can afford to splurge on and you won't regret it in the long run.

Another thing.... If you plan to shoot Highpower Rifle, or just do a lot of position shooting with a sling, or offhand standing, DEFINITELY make your choice of scope one with a 45 degree angled eyepiece. Trying to look through a straight eyepiece scope while "slung up" without disturbing your position is an exercise in frustration.

If all you are doing is bench shooting at no more than 100 yds., any of the Bushnell scopes should be fine. Decent optics, not expensive. Even at 100 though, I've seen Simmons & BSA that were little better than 5 & Dime store plastic toys. Don't waste your money.
If you do ANY shooting past 100 & need to actually see bullet holes in paper, there is no substitute for quality, & that ain't cheap.

Just my opine.....
Swampy
 
Swampy,

Thanks. Your scope knowledge is plainly put forth and you make some good points. I am really frustruated now though. Shoot, I want to resolve .30 holes at 100 - 300 yards and Im SOL at the range as I have to rent or borrow a scope each time I go.

I wanted [budget demands] to get a $59.99 Simmons 20-60x60 as mentioned in an above post. picture: http://store3.yimg.com/I/cdnn_1595_675821

However, after reading what you posted I feel like I am throwing $$$ away unless I get quality glass [and 45 degree angled eyepiece].

I cant afford Khales, Swarovski, Leopold and that pricey stuff. Maybe pentax, or other brand?

Can you sugest brands in the low price range for 60mm obj. lens?

Can you give a list of brand, power, obj and source and price?

Other than Ebay where else can I find a good used but quality spoting scope? http://www.samplelist.com seems never to have spotters other than really pricey stuff as used.

Thanks.
 
i saw a sweetheart scope for $179 at the following site...

http://www.nygord-precision.com/

Seeadler Spotting Scope
Precision made in Germany, with superior, extra clear optics, this spotting scope is the best we have found anywhere. Housed in a compact case that measures only 9" long and weighs in at 12 oz., this scope will quickly become a favorite accessory on the range and elsewhere. Outfitted with a 45 degree angle eyepiece and sporting a 20x50 lens arrangement. And it's waterproof!

Seeadler Spotting Scope: $170.00

I am torn betwixt this scope and a burris.
Landmark Spotting Scope 15X-45X-60mm

http://www.burrisoptics.com/spotting.html

These two scopes are exactly the same price. Midway sells the burris for ~$179 and the Seeadler Spotting Scope is ~$179 .


Do you shooters have some experience or insight on this? Is Burris worth the $$? Whats the better deal.

Like I said I want to resolve .22 and .30 holes at 100 - 400 yards.

Thanks.
 
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