Good spotting scope in the 200-300$ range

[OR4NGE]

I like to shoot iron sights and I’ve been using the spotting scope available at the range I go to and I’ve become accustomed to use one to evaluate my groups.

I recently bought a 100$ spotting scope on amazon and was really dissapointed by the lack of focus at 100 & 200 yards so I returned it.

Guess I need to spend a bit more.

What spotting scope would you recommend to spot shots from 50-250 yards under 300$ ?

 

[Sumonda]

Look for an older Vortex Nomad on EE, It was never a tier one optic, but will do what you are asking for what your budget will allow.

 

[Bigrounds8mil]

I'll probably get flak for this, but picked up an Outbound (canadian tire) 20-60 power last year, regular price a little under 200, on sale for $75. Comes with a small tripod, no focus problems, can easily see hits @ 200 m

 

[Major Sights]

I was in your exact position back in April. I was searching around for something good and almost pulled the trigger on a really inexpensive one that worked well that the CRPS team uses for their line scopes, until I tried Tactical Teachers scope. If your willing to double your budget on the price then go for the Bushnell Legend Tactical T-Series 15-45x60.

15-45 zoom
First Focal Plane Mill Reticle. (I did a mill calculation to the moon with it and was 98.8% accurate comparing to a week old scientific ranging from NASA.)
very small and fairly light.
Tripod adapter and picatinny rails.
Carry soft case that can be used while mounted to tripod (I personally didn't like it and got an aftermarket one, but it was sure nice to have right out of the box)
Great warranty.

Here are some terrible cell phone pictures, but the scope is quite clear and that fence line is the view taken through the scope set up in the first picture. The fence line is 3.4km away. (I had a contest on the CRPS facebook page and had people try to range it, and I confirmed using 2 different satellite map measurements.) I could tell the difference between crows and ospreys that were in the trees before I was able to snap this picture from that distance.

Needless I am more than pleased with my current setup, and I take it everywhere with me!

 

[TheTooner]

The best you will get in that price range is something used, now obsolete but in its day a well made piece of equipment. Go to the EE regularly and be patient.