Need advice on spotting scopes

[Claybuster]

I'm in the market for a spotting scope and don't know much about them. Primary use would be range work, some animal watching and maybe looking at the sky once in a while. I don't anticipate using it for hunting. I wear glasses so compatibility with glasses/eye relief is important. I like good optics but would like to keep the price under $1,000.

I'd like your recommendations. What's the best value for money? What's the best power range? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the various compact scopes versus the larger models. Anything specific to look for?

 

[canuckgunny]

Green ring leupolds ain't real leupolds and they suck (I made the mistake of buying one)...
Get a 'stand' that's built like a brick ####house... a good spotter on a crappy stand'll drive ya bonkers no matter how much you spend. Depending on the size holes you're lookin at make sure you get something with enough magnification for bullet holes and not pretty birdy's. (40-60x)

 

[45Auto]

spotters

Now I'm disappointed. I was planning to get a Leupold Sequoia. You say they arn't Leupolds? In what manner? I was comparing this model to the Bushnell Legend 40-60x80mm. I need to be able to see .22 holes at 200yards and these two spotters would be the ticket, I think. After reading a few comments on the Bushnell service, I thought Leupold would be the way to go. But it is $200 more than the Legend. I've had my scopes serviced with Leupold and the return time has always been great.

Any others with recommendations on a good spotter for long range shooting?

45Auto

 

[jjackman]

I have a leupold Sequoia,, a 15-45X model. I think it's a reasonable scope for the money. Mine was only $329. A hell of a lot sharper than the bushnell's I've looked at for comparable prices. I can easily see small caliber holes out to 200 yards with the right contrast. I would recommend the higher magnification if you want to regularly see out past that mark. The eye strain would become frustrating for long range rifle shooting.

The higher magnifaction models jump quite a bit in price and they perform very well. I just couldn't justify the cost for what I needed. They are larger, heavier and I didn't need to see 800 yards.

Mine is light weight, sharp, clear and easy to carry. Eye relief is good. I also wear glasses, but I find it easier to slip them down my nose and adjust the focus. I do this frequently when shooting from the bench, but not in the field.

Mine says leupold on the side. I don't expect their customer service to be any less than their high end scopes and optics.

 

[redmist25]

Claybuster:
IIRC you are a member of Galt Sportsmens. One of our other members has a Leupold 12-40 X 60 Leup #61050. It has excellent quality and 30mm eye relief. As far as I'm concerned eye relief is one of the most critical factors for comfortable viewing, and this scope has it in spades. After using it for silhouette, with glasses on I was completely sold. I sold my Baush and Lomb 15-45x60 the next week and I will be purchasing the leupold one next week while on vacation. If you would like to see it PM me and we can get together in two weeks at the rifle range on Thursday night when we shoot.