Sorry if there is a sub-forum somewhere on this site where this should go, but I can't find it if there is.

I'm needing a spotting scope in the $200 max range.  I know, I know, you get what you pay for and all that, but I can't pay with money I don't have.  So help me find something to use for spotting .30 cal bullet holes at 2-300 yds.  (I don't think I need to worry about anything over 300 yds).  I have tried a rifle scope (9x), binoculars (8x), and a crappy spotting scope of someone else's I wasn't impressed with (I think it was a Redhead?) at 200 yds, and I don't want to drop some cheese on a spotting scope that I will be disappointed in right off the bat.

I've heard good things about the Konus brand, the folks on the CMP forum seem to like them.  Heard some endorsements of Barska (??) What about Yukon, anybody know anything about that brand? Help a brother out, and give me your stories (good AND bad) about the AFFORDABLE brands you have experience with.  What's the best deal out there in my price range?

Thanks!

http://www.eagleoptics.com/spotting-scopes/burris/burris-xts-2575-25-75x70-spotting-scope

I had a Yukon for my first spotter. Kinda crappy, but for the price, it did the job. Could see .22 holes at 200 meters, but glass was VERY tinged and eye relief/placement sucks.

Got a Bushnell Elite 15-45 now. Much better, and far more rugged, but still not at the levels of of a Kowa or whatnot.

Out Of Stock  

 

After hours of reading reviews and recommendations I wound up with a Konuspot-80, had lots of good reviews and only $180.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/289759-REG/Konus_7120_Konuspot_80_3_1_80mm_Spotting_Scope.html
Clear glass but the tripod is a little too light/flimsy.  Very windy here so I usually have to sand bag it, will get a good tripod someday.
So far I'm happy with it.


 

That's the one that I was hearing about from the CMP forum.  I looked at that yesterday.  Leaning toward it for the time being.
Ideally, I'd like to buy this with some Christmas money, but I see that sale price is only through the end of October...

Mine was $170+shipping a year or so ago, I think the expiration is just "OMG buy now before it's too late" motivation-marketing.

I just got the Konus 20-60x80mm from Midway.  The optical quality is better than I expected for the price.

Lot of hi power competitors have gone with Konus.  A number of the hi power specialty firms carry them.

So how does the Konus compare to the more "established" or familiar names like Burris, Bushnell, etc. that you can find for this price point?  Anybody have both?

Yeah, I got the same one. KILLER deal.

Bump for the afternoon crowd.  Is the Vortex comparable to/better than the Konus?  Is the Vortex on sale anywhere at anything close to that price?

Should I just wait for Christmas/end of season sales?  Do those even exist for spotting scopes anywhere?

bump for the night crew.  

   I found using Shoot-n-See targets help when using a cheap spotter.

cabelas

I've heard they have a great warranty.

i got a redfield spotting scope from cabelas.com for your price range (maybe it was a few bucks more...) - so far i like it!