Need Crystal Clear Spotting Scope? What To Buy?

waynewjw

waynewjw

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I going to the Kamloops Gunshow next weekend and want to pickup a spotting scope..mostly for the range but may also use for hunting. My dilemma...most scopes are clear 50-100 yards, but after that things aren't so clear (I wear glasses). I've owned several scopes..Bushnell, etc. and just wasn't happy with viewing bullet holes at 2-300 yards or more (these were spotters for $300 or less), the view got fuzzy. So my budget is $500-750 and I'm looking for some input. Anyone have Konus, Vortex, Kowa, Pentax or perhaps the Bushnell X2? Would appreciate any feedback.
 
About the only good glass I have used that mortals can afford is the Pentax ED series. The 65 is way less money then the 80mm but the larger is so much better when trying to view holes in paper at LR. The 65 is no slouch and likely the best glass in a compact spotter. Both are way past your budget.

You might be able to find a Nikon XL. Not bad glass and less money. Armoured and makes a very nice hunting spotter. Not the best for eye glasses but I did use it for several seasons.

If money no object, the Leica is the best spotter I have ever had the pleasure of using. The eyepiece is over 1/2 your budget.

In general, very few spotting scopes will let you see bullet holes at your ranges until you get near or break $1000.

Unless you are shooting a large cal or putting your shots in the white...

Jerry
 
The 60 mm Nikon Fieldscope lll has some very nice glass, my only druther is that it had a fine focus knob as well as the barrel focus. But, it too, is up around the 1k mark with an eyepiece.

The Bushnell Elite roof prism scope is nice as well. Lightweight, compact, decent glass, and good value. 2-300 yds on a range in good light should be no problem at all. Longer distances in failing light, it starts to get a little dark and grainy.
 
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In your price range you are only going to get reasonable glass and you should decide if you are going to be using it for range or hunting. If you want hunting glass, then a high quality 65mm would be the way to go.

For range, you can get better clarity for the same price, but in 80mm glass, which becomes very large for hunting.

We picked up a used, very reasonably priced Fujinon 80mm (Fuji speciality optics) that has reasonably good glass (when comparing to megabuck scopes). As suggested, look at the Pentax in non-ED glass.

One thing that you can do is to use a fixed focal eyepiece. They usually tend to be much sharper than a variable ESPECIALLY in your price range.



Here is a comparison of a number of spotters. Note that it is a few years old.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/gear/scopes/compare

and the writeup

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/gear/scopes/sc_review

And the newest reviews

http://www.livingbird.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=272&srcid=667 (they include one Vortex model)
 
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If you want good optic, try dealing with a good optic store! (not a gun show)

Doug at Camera Land would be a good place to start with. He often has smoking deals on "demo" optics...

Telephone: (212) 753-5128 or toll free at 1-866-9optics

Just my 2 cents.
Mike.
 
Kowa is offers excellent optical glass though some may find it pricey rest assured that it is simply amazing and you do get what you pay for in the optics . I have a 82mm but the 66mm offers very good performance I would look at getting the Spotting scope from the US as there are no import or export documents required for shipping across the border as well it may be cheaper for you.
 
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Check out the Vortex line of scopes. Fantastic value for the price, very clear optics and a bomb proof warranty.

Just put a Vortex Diamondback 3x9x40 on a Savage for hunting and range work......long story short. Very satisfied and should have bought one a long time ago.
 
I think I have what your looking for, it is a Bausch & Lomb Elite 20 - 60 Power eye piece
with 77MM OBJ. No problem in finding your bullets with this one at 300 meters. If you are interested let me know and I will send you some pictures. This is a high quality spotting scope. Price $700 in as new condition. with original Box etc.

garry555@telus.net
 
The List Grows Smaller

I've shortened the list down to Bushnell Elite 20-60x70, Pentax PF-65ED, Vortex Skyline 20-60x80 and Kowa 601 20-60x60. I know that some are within my price range and a few are above, but I do want clear glass that got the bells & whistles in terms of optics and quality. Anyone have experience with these specific scopes, input appreciated.
 
I'll be honest. If you are looking for really good optics (and I am very picky) you won't find it for your budget. It will be a matter of compromise.

I would suggest you consider that some of the smaller dealers will accept payment plans or lay-aways to buy the right equipment. Kowa, Pentax ED, Leica, and top-end Nikon will be what you want, and if you don't belive the difference can be that stark, put a bushnell beside a Leica and see for yourself. Contrast, edge-to-edge sharpness and over-all clarity can be starkly different, and without a basis of comparison, you will never fully appreciate the differences.

I have purchased my last "compromised" piece of glass.
 
Obtunded said:
I'll be honest. If you are looking for really good optics (and I am very picky) you won't find it for your budget. It will be a matter of compromise.

I would suggest you consider that some of the smaller dealers will accept payment plans or lay-aways to buy the right equipment. Kowa, Pentax ED, Leica, and top-end Nikon will be what you want, and if you don't belive the difference can be that stark, put a bushnell beside a Leica and see for yourself. Contrast, edge-to-edge sharpness and over-all clarity can be starkly different, and without a basis of comparison, you will never fully appreciate the differences.

I have purchased my last "compromised" piece of glass.
Click to expand...

I found the link to the new scope comparisons, and these were done as side by side comparisons at the same time will all of the scopes present. This review does not include the newest Leicas, but then again, they are over $5k CDN with the eyepiece.

http://www.livingbird.org/netcommunity/bbimages/lb/pdf/ScopeChart2008.pdf

The Pentax scopes have always been middle of the pack performers (compared to the very best scopes), but that is also reflected in their price.
 
celestron 80 or 100

bought one for $289 2 years ago, not sure how much now,

but at 3/4 mile the pentax ed80 was only a little better until mirage then both equal

best buy as they do star gazing equipment

Jeff
 
Choices

waynewjw said:
I've shortened the list down to Bushnell Elite 20-60x70, Pentax PF-65ED, Vortex Skyline 20-60x80 and Kowa 601 20-60x60. I know that some are within my price range and a few are above, but I do want clear glass that got the bells & whistles in terms of optics and quality. Anyone have experience with these specific scopes, input appreciated.
Click to expand...

Wayne if you can wait a month , the new Celestron Regal Ed will be available by mid May. Should deliver the kind of quality you are looking for and be in your price range. FS
 
I bought a CELESTRON ULTIMA 80ED 20x 60 last fall for a Caribou hunt & I was able to count the points on the Boo from a mile or so. very crisp & clear. Has the 45 degree eye piece, works great with Glasses. Paid 499.00 US. They have life time no fault waranty. Great to deal with. Cheers my 2 cents.:D
 
Under $1K is a tall order for top notch glass. Swarovski, Zeiss and Kowa make the best and if I was found the spending I would pony up for the Kowa. They're the best, IMHO.
 
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