Entry level Spotting Scopes?

AR Sponsor:

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Entry level Spotting Scopes?

Posted: 8/23/2010 6:08:24 PM EDT

I know you get what you pay for in optics, but in terms of spotting scopes can I get some recommendations on a weatherproof spotting scope variable power to 60x that won't cost more than most rifles. Primary use would be daytime fair weather. I know the top names but am not sure what else is out there that's not leapers/NcStar crap.

Thanks

Mr B

Posted: 8/23/2010 7:12:58 PM EDT

[#1]

I got a Konus Konuspot 20-60x80 for around $250, works very well for my needs, daylight target shooting. Real easy to see .223 impacts at 300 yds. comes with a tripod but you may want to get a better one as its not the most stable

http://www.opticsplanet.net/konus-konuspot-80-80mm-3-1-spotting-scope.html

Posted: 8/23/2010 7:19:07 PM EDT

[#2]

DON'T get any Winchester scope, especially not the WT-645. Absolute crap. The best part of the kit is the case it comes in.

I am also in the market for a decent spotting scope, without shelling out the cost of a high-end rifle. Have considered the Konus as well.

I considered a Kowa briefly until I realized it was going to be $1100+ for just the scope body, then $300+ for a long-relief eyepiece, then...well, I kind of lost interest at that point.

Posted: 8/23/2010 7:35:53 PM EDT

[#3]

Has anyone used a Leupold green ring sequoia? How does it stack up?

Posted: 8/23/2010 7:44:54 PM EDT

[#4]

I went with an entry level Celestron 20-60x. Paid about $70 for it. Celestron makes some very nice, very pricey spotting scopes. This one is nothing special, but it works fine and comes with a lifetime warranty from a reputable scope manufacturer, so if it breaks they replace it.

http://www.celestron.com/c3/product.php?ProdID=563

Posted: 8/23/2010 8:36:46 PM EDT

[#5]

This one is ok. It is imported by more than one company, but I would go with the Vortex version, as they are site sponsers.

Vortex Impact 25-75x70 Spotting Scope
~$189.00 to $210.00

Posted: 8/24/2010 3:34:29 AM EDT

[#6]

I'm not quite sure what your budget is, but below is my selection for around $600

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=163651&Number=1958065#Post1958065

Posted: 8/24/2010 4:35:18 AM EDT

[#7]

Konus Konusport 80
Bushnell Excursion (rangefinding reticle)
Bushnell Spacemaster (lots of older ones on ebay)
Yukon Firefall

Posted: 8/24/2010 6:30:07 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
Has anyone used a Leupold green ring sequoia? How does it stack up?

I have used the Sequoia Binoculars. I was pretty impressed.

Posted: 8/24/2010 11:03:31 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Has anyone used a Leupold green ring sequoia? How does it stack up?

I have used the Sequoia Binoculars. I was pretty impressed.

The eyepiece is ok, but the body...

Nikon's ProStaff is the exact opposite. The body is ok, but the eyepiece...

For me, the bottom end is the Bushnell FLP, but I do not know the OP's price range.

Leupy's Golden Ring 13-50x30 is a nice backpack spotter, not quite as nice as Nikon's ED Fieldscope, but then it does not cost as much.

Posted: 8/24/2010 2:04:42 PM EDT

[#10]

I have researched the Leupold and it does not get very good reviews.There are other spotting scopes for around the same money that do better. I went with the Konus Konuspot 65, fairly cheap and works well for what I need.The 65 has been good for 50 to 100 yards I have not tried it any further.

The only thing I did for the scope was buy a better tripod for it off Amazon.I have had it a few months and so far so good.

(Around $150.00-$160.00)

Posted: 8/24/2010 2:18:16 PM EDT

[#11]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. As for cost..I'm thinking 2-300..

Posted: 8/24/2010 2:37:19 PM EDT

[#12]

For $200.00 or $300.00 I'd take a good look at the Konus scope ,read some reviews they are a good bang for the buck.They get compared to the Kowa scopes that bench rest shooters use that cost a hell of a lot more than the Konus scopes.

Posted: 8/25/2010 6:03:21 PM EDT

[#13]

+1 for the Konus. I have the 20-60x100mm and have spotted .30 cal holes in targets out to 500 yards no problem. It is one big motha though!

Posted: 9/15/2010 4:28:03 AM EDT

[#14]

any recommendations for a good replacement tripod?

Posted: 9/15/2010 8:47:34 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
any recommendations for a good replacement tripod?

Even more stable with the 10lb added weight

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Entry level Spotting Scopes?

AR-15 » Optics, Mounts, and Sights

AR Sponsor:

Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us