Spotting scopes

T

TN Mad Dog

Inactive
I could use some input on spotting scopes. The scopes I have been looking at are in the $400-$800 range and I have a couple questions if someone could help me out. First is it worth the extra $$$ to go from a 60mm to a 77 or 80mm objective. Second I can't decide to go with the straight type or one with a 45degree angle.

The scope will be primarily used to check groups at the 300 yrd range (shooting 22-250 and 308). However I'm sure it would be used for other things such as watching wildlife and being able to get a camera attachment would be a plus.

The scope I'm most interested in at the time is a Kowa but can't decide if it is worth the extra money for the larger objective and 45 degree angle. Also what about eye pieces? It seems like the 20X60 is the way to go. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks for any advice anyone would have.
 
I went thru the same thing 6 months ago, did a lot of research (bird watchers know more about spotting scopes than we do), and finally got a Nikon EDIII 60 mm. It had top ratings from everyone, I have a nikon F5 and F 70 camera and Nikon binoculars and have always been satisfied.

The ED means extra low dispersion, it cost a couple hundred more, but it's worth it if you plan to spend any looking thru the scope.

I got the 20-45 mag, eyepiece, which seems to cover all my bases.

My EDIII is great, also has the advantage of a Nikon adapter that lets me use it as a super telephoto lens on my camera. Nikon also makes an adaptor that lets you attach a small video screen to the scope so groups can watch at the same time (great for birdwatchers) but also lets you shoot and actually watch the hole being made in the target on the video screen.

I got mine at B&H photo in New York, good prices and service from them.
 
A no-camera option is to get an el-cheapo 20x60 telescope from WallyWorld or some such, knowing in advance that anything above 40X is a joke. But, for $25 to $40...

However, mine works just fine, up to 40X.

As you might guess, I'm notoriously a cheapskate.

But for camera work, I prefer my 5" Schmidt-lensed Celestron...

:), Art
 
Hey Mad Dog,

Art makes a good point about cost vs. benefit. I have a Meade scope that cost over $250 (mail-order) about ten or twelve years ago. It is a 15X60 and is great for looking at birds, at the moon, and at targets. It is really good at 15 power - really not too good at 60 power unless it is quite sunny and bright without being so hot that you get heat waves in the view. At 60 power, you also need a rock solid base to hod it so it does not shake. I also have the adaptors to use it on my Cannon A-1 and Nikon 5000 cameras. It is really a lousy excuse for a camera lens. If you have it mounted on the rock solid base, you can get pictures from a mile away. However, the pictures are grainy because of the optics. One must remember, it is a spotting scope - not a camera lens. It is a good spotting scope.

I also have a cheap Bushnell spotting scope that you can get at Wal-Mart for less than $50. It also can be used for a lousy camera lens, but I have given up that idea. Since is was so inexpensive, I carry it with me in the tool box of my truck, and I end up using it far more than my Meade which is usually only used at home. I know the Meade is supposed to be much better than my Bushnell, but I really am not able to discern the difference. You can pay as much as you want for a scope, but, if you simply want a good scope for seeing bullet holes and birds, you can get also one for less than $50. Another point about a cheaper scope, if you drop it and it breaks, you have not lost hundreds of dollars.

By the way, my brother is a big birder, and he has a scope that cost nearly $1,500. I must say, I certainly can see the difference between his and mine when looking at Jupiter, but for birds and bullets, the Bushnell price is better for my use.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile
 
I guess I'll have to over look the Dragons. (having problems I guess).

Does anyone have any advice concerning using angled vs straight type scopes? I can see some advantages to both but have never used one. It would seem that an angled one would be an advantage on the shooting bench but may be harder to use for viewing and camera use. I am leaning towards a fairly good quality scope that will be used for more than one purpose but primarily shooting. Thanks.
 
I have a straight won and prefer it from the bench, but I guess either will work.

My photos come out pretty good, set my exposure system at Aperture, camera adjust shutter speed automatically., Use low speed fine grain film.

I've had some cheapo scopes, but I shoot and looka lot, so for me paying the extra money was worth it. The frustration of poor adjustment dials alone drove me to quality. And Nikon glass is superb, not tiring on the eyes.

BTW Art E. Celestron doesn't equal chaepskate.
 
TN Mad Dog, the 45 degree is probably best used by folks shooting Highpower matches. It allows you to set the scope so that when you're sitting or prone, all you have to do is move your head a little bit and you're looking down your scope. I tried using a borrowed straight scope for my first HP match and it was a PITA! You can turn the 45 degree so that it's ok from the bench, too. If all you're going to do is use it on the bench, then the straight will be fine, but if you ever plan to use it from prone, then definately get the 45 degree. One other thing to think of, if you think you might get into HP or Palma, or whatever, then go ahead and get the 45 degree now.

I seriously doubt that you'll be able to see your .22-250 holes, unless you do a few things first. Maybe set your sights or scope so that you aim for the aiming spot, but you hit in the white a pre-determined area away, OR you can loosely tape a white plastic bag behind the target...when you shoot through, you'll be able to more or less see the holes. Those .22 holes are really small 300 yards away.
 
Spoting scopes

If you plan to shoot from prone, the 45 degree angle scope is a good choice. I have also found that the fixed power scopes give a more clear view and I would agree that you will have a hard time seeing .22 holes at 300 yards with any scope. I have an old 24x63 Unertl and a 25x77 Kowa, both are very good.

pwiz
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top