Help me figure out which spotting scope to buy

C

canoetrpr

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Location
Just North of Toronto
Needs:
- To see .22 holes on paper at 200m / 220 yards
- .308 holes on paper at 300m / 330 yards

I'd like to spend the least I can while still meeting my objectives. Hope to keep everything with taxes / shipping etc. under $500. Better under $400.

Here is one that might fit the bill. Tight to keep under my $500 limit. If I buy from the USA (cheapest price), the rebate is not available to me. At LeBaron I can get it for ~$500 + tax with the LeBaron discount and then get the rebate:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598392-REG/Bushnell_786081ED_Legend_Ultra_HD_3_1_80mm.html

The other one(s) on my list are the Redfield Rampage:
http://www.lebaron.ca/pdf_files_fall12/leupold_redfield_remington.pdf. The one with the angled eye-piece has a 80mm objective lens which I think should be worthwhile over the cheaper one?

Here is a Vortex but unlike the above it only has a 60mm objective.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/436488-USA/Vortex_NMD60A_Nomad_2_4_60mm_Spotting_Scope.html

Some of the comments on the above one from shooters are worrisome.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on these and any others.
 
First off Id forget about buying one from the states. I do believe that spotting scopes are in the same category as rifle scopes so unless you plan on filing export/import papers that's not going to happen legally.

Second I would by the Vortex simply for there warranty. The others may be good but that warranty will stay for a lifetime unlike some other companies.
 
I don't think spotting scopes are under the same legislation as rifle scopes. They are used for more than shooting sports. I just bought a Celeston with 100mm objective lens from B + H, and they had no problem shipping it to Canada. I haven't tried it out at range yet, but the large objective lens should let lots of light in. It's not as compact as some of the others, but my use will only be at the range. Celestron builds a lot of telescopes and other optics, and it comes with a no fault Canada or USA lifetime warranty.

ht tp://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546152-REG/Celestron_52257_Ultima_100_4_0_100mm_Waterproof.html
 
See if a sponser can bring in a Konus Konus sport 20-60X100. See hits on steel at a mile. 308 holes in paper at 440 yards if the sun is right. It fits in the price range your looking.
If they can't opticsplanet can, check them out for price comparison too. Scope and tripod @ $400 shipped.
 
mildot said:
I think you would only run into issues if the scope has a reticle in it?
Click to expand...


You might, or might not. Basically, if an optic attaches to a gun, it may be considered a sighting device and thus is likely to be subject to the controls, so you should check that before you think you have found what you want. If it doesn't you can pretty safely assume it won't require any special permits.

Night vision devices, even if not sights, seem to require some specific paperwork, since there are U.S. retailers who say they won't ship them to Canada, even when they are models that are sold here.
 
My only personal experience was with the Leupold Mark 4 Spotting scope. It has a mildot reticle and is a "no go". However it is available here in Canada?:confused:
 
tigrr said:
See if a sponser can bring in a Konus Konus sport 20-60X100. See hits on steel at a mile. 308 holes in paper at 440 yards if the sun is right. It fits in the price range your looking.
If they can't opticsplanet can, check them out for price comparison too. Scope and tripod @ $400 shipped.
Click to expand...

Hey that sounds good! Do you have one? Where did you pick it up? Any idea if any particular sponsor does deal with Konus?
 
tigrr said:
See if a sponser can bring in a Konus Konus sport 20-60X100. See hits on steel at a mile. 308 holes in paper at 440 yards if the sun is right. It fits in the price range your looking.
If they can't opticsplanet can, check them out for price comparison too. Scope and tripod @ $400 shipped.
Click to expand...

Checked out opticsplanet. The only crappy part about it is that they will only ship UPS to Canada (not USPS) and UPS rips us off with the brokerage fee. I'm going to try to look into other options to see if I can find a seller that will ship through a different method. BHPHOTO used to have it but don't carry it any more :-(
 
I bit the bullet and purchased from Optics Planet. I contacted a sponsor and he wasn't able to bring it in for me.

Quite a good deal - $375.40 US inclusive of shipping for the scope and the Konus tripod. They had an extra $30 coupon.

Of course I have to pay for UPS's rip off brokerage and HST on top of this. Still comes in under $500.

The tripod is unfortunately not in stock so I might alter the order if I can find something else.
 
Some interesting data for anyone watching this thread.

Opticsplanet contacted me and said that the tripod was out of stock and would hold my order up. I called them and picked compact Leupold tripod made for spotting scopes. Then I get an email saying that Leupold has told them not to ship ANY of their products outside the USA. I need to pick a new one. Called them again and they recommended a Vanguard which did not have any export restrictions.

Exporting the spotting scope itself is not a problem so long as it is not a Leupold :)

Anyway, I'm stoked about getting this setup. I think it is going to be great with a 100mm objective. I'm looking forward to looking at the stars and moon with my kids as well as bullet holes at the range :)
 
You won't be disapointed!
Yes I have one from opticsplanet and so do 2 of my friends. Spotting impacts in dirt and snow at a mile, as well as hits on the steel at a mile.
priceless
 
mildot said:
My only personal experience was with the Leupold Mark 4 Spotting scope. It has a mildot reticle and is a "no go". However it is available here in Canada?:confused:
Click to expand...

That means it can be exported but requires permits that U.S. retailers can't be bothered with. But Leupold does the paperwork and supplies it to Korth in Canada.
 
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