Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Looking for suggestions on a mid-range spotting scope.
1 posted on 10/09/2022 4:08:07 PM PDT by ArtDodger
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies ]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-23 next last
To: ArtDodger

Burris are made locally here (northern Colorado) Good products at good prices.


2 posted on 10/09/2022 4:14:39 PM PDT by real saxophonist (Hoplophobia will never be in the DSM, because the DSM is written by hoplophobes.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

Burris/Bushnell. Go cheap to start and go from there if you feel you need it. $89+ but within 150 they all are good.


3 posted on 10/09/2022 4:17:54 PM PDT by samadams2000
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

Do NOT get a Barska!


4 posted on 10/09/2022 4:24:27 PM PDT by dljordan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

You are correct that you pay for good glass. I generally put my good money on the rifle scope and get by with a low end spotting scope.


6 posted on 10/09/2022 4:26:29 PM PDT by Magnum44 (...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

For 6 hundo you can get a Nikon. Optics planet.com


7 posted on 10/09/2022 4:29:41 PM PDT by Brasky (You miss every shot you never take.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

I have a Kowa that has excellent optics. I’m not sure if they are in your budget or not; I found mine at a Goodwill, like new, for very cheap.


9 posted on 10/09/2022 4:34:09 PM PDT by doragsda
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

Kowa


11 posted on 10/09/2022 4:47:20 PM PDT by Glennb51
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

If you plan on having it for a long time, and you really want to enjoy it, buy the best you can. Good glass is a pleasure to use.

Alternatively, you could get a small reflecting telescope, I have a Celestron I use for stargazing as well.


12 posted on 10/09/2022 4:53:53 PM PDT by Fido969 (45 is Superman! )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger
I can tell ya from experience, good glass is worth every penny if yer gonna spend much time lookin thru it and it's hard ta tell from just a quick look-see in the store.
We used to hunt groundhogs. Ya spend all day with a binocular glued to yer face. The cheap glass would tell on itself in short order. Finally ended up with Leica to get the resolution I wanted and no headaches. Resolution trumps magnification in many circumstances.

If ya wanna try a bunch out in realtime find where the local benchrest matches are held. There'll be a line of fine glass posted behind the firing line. Generally accompanied by some great guys that love ta help someone else spend money. Also check with the reallong range hunting guys.

Good luck...

14 posted on 10/09/2022 4:57:53 PM PDT by CopperTop (Outside the wire it's just us chickens. Dig?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

If I had too much money, I’d get this, just for my big boy toy box:

https://www.luxxoptica.com/product-page/20x120-us-navy-mark-iii?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4omaBhDqARIsADXULuWdE3z2WH3Wjy6g-SrelPAC2VW_JzcVMLwfhHcDPuzGA-FFES5FyQMaAq2tEALw_wcB


15 posted on 10/09/2022 4:59:17 PM PDT by Fido969 (45 is Superman! )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

I have a Nikon Fieldscope and I can see Saturns rings crisply. It’s more expensive but you get what you pay for, especially with optics.


16 posted on 10/09/2022 5:02:29 PM PDT by zeebee ( The left thinks they can train smart people to be stupid.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

Are you looking for a spotting scope for shooting, or, more like just observing (birds, minor astronomy).

I have no clue about the shooting aspect (don’t currently own a rifle), but, at 100/150 yd range, I would look at some good binoculars that can be mounted on a tri-pod. 10x50 should do the trick at that range, and, you don’t have to hold them.

You can also pick up some really good telescopes and tripods for about $600 from Explore Scientific. I have bought several of their products (a 5 inch refractor/tripod and eyepieces) that I am quite happy with for astronomical purposes. With that, you can get great views of terrestrial objects as well as some great views of things in space.

Woodland Hills (telescopes.net) is a GREAT distributor. They have good prices and a very knowledgeable staff.


17 posted on 10/09/2022 5:11:10 PM PDT by Conan the Librarian (Conan the Sailing Librarian)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

Not sure you need to spend 600 for the purpose you stated.


18 posted on 10/09/2022 5:28:15 PM PDT by SACK UP
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

https://buyersguide.org/monoculars/t/spotting-scope?m=e&d=m&c=613387682289&p=&oid=kwd-329282210524&lp=9010869&li=&nw=g&nts=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4omaBhDqARIsADXULuWnFsPCQ5G_4OcwJT_hafm7lfKL9tc3jzFiqzs9swHDi9r0yVxUqPMaAr4IEALw_wcB&tdid=9931450&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4omaBhDqARIsADXULuWnFsPCQ5G_4OcwJT_hafm7lfKL9tc3jzFiqzs9swHDi9r0yVxUqPMaAr4IEALw_wcB


20 posted on 10/09/2022 5:46:55 PM PDT by Nifster (I see puppy dogs in the clouds )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

Vortec!


21 posted on 10/09/2022 5:47:35 PM PDT by weps4ret (RINO Suffer from Testicular Atrophy!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

For what you describe, you could get by with something like a 20-60 X 60 Simmons scope for about $150. I agree with the posters that recommend getting the best optics you can afford. It’s really hard to wear out, and you’ll use better optical equipment for more things and use it for longer periods without feeling like your eyeballs are being pulled out.


22 posted on 10/09/2022 5:47:59 PM PDT by HartleyMBaldwin
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

Suggestions: fully multi-coated optics and an inert gas-purged interior, which will keep moisture and mold out of the scope. That will be appreciated if you use it in all different kinds of weather.
And read reviews online for whichever ones you look at.
And save a little money for a good case for it. Protect your investment. 🔭
Just a little word of warning: in the astronomy community, we have the “ new scope curse”. When someone buys a new scope, it rains for two weeks!
Happy scope hunting, I’m sure you’ll find a good one!😀


25 posted on 10/09/2022 6:02:40 PM PDT by telescope115 (Proud member of the ANTIFAuci movement. )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

Thanks to everyone for the great advice.


27 posted on 10/09/2022 6:57:57 PM PDT by ArtDodger
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

For just a bit more than your ceiling price of $600,I think you can get a Leupold. You won’t regret it. It’s not a top end Zeiss or Swarovski,but those are MUCH more money. The leupold will give you good eye relief, which is helpful if you wear glasses, and some very good optics.


28 posted on 10/09/2022 7:08:34 PM PDT by Quickgun (I got here kicking,screaming and covered in someone else's blood. I can go out that way if I have to)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: ArtDodger

Bkmk


29 posted on 10/09/2022 7:27:13 PM PDT by moovova
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-23 next last

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson