Opinions on Vortex Diamondback HD spotting scope

GunsNotPuns

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I've been mulling over buying a new spotting scope as the one I have now is some Bushnell cheapo which does the job but it's sub-optimal thanks to meh glass and a FOV at 100 yards that's comically small at 36x.

At any rate, I've been circling the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scope (16-48x65 - Straight) which I've seen at about C$580. I wonder, however, if I'm spending more money than I actually have to. I don't mind spending the money, but if I'm buying more scope than I'll ever need...

The maximum I could possibly see myself using the scope for would be spotting .223 holes in paper at 200 yards, but in reality this is going to be a 100 yards spotter.

Anyway, if any of you have one or experience with one, I'd appreciate your thoughts on it. If you're aware of a cheaper but good enough alternative, that's cool too.
 
Just top our rifle with a scope that you can see your groups at 100 and 200... I can see my groups on paper at 200m with my .22lr topped with a Vortex strike eagle 5-25. If the steel gongs are clean white painted I can see hits at 300.
 
I use a Vision King 30-90 x 100 bought a few years ago on Amazon.ca for $299 I've never regretted it. As far as I'm concerned, there is no such thing as too much spotting scope. It's a big bulky ##### but I put up with the downsides to have all the upsides!!
YMMV!
 
Cannot speak for the Diamondback spotter. Have a couple of Diamondback scopes and the glass is decent (for the price). That said, I have a Razor spotter and it’s “holy poop” factor is amazing.

Hope you get the answers you need to pull that trigger on the Spotting scope. At least with the Vortex the lifetime warranty always has your back. I’ve never had to send any of my Vortex scopes back, and these scopes endure the adventure of my juniors in my JR Shooting Program.

Peace Be The Journey!

Cheers, Barney
 
FOV will be dependent on the eyepiece
- Have a look at some of the Celeston spotting scope that accept 1.25" astro eyepiece

I have a Celestron 70mm 25-75x 45* "Cavalry" model that I got from CT 6-7 years ago (they don't carry this model now) and it was ca. $100 or so. I can see my .223 holes just fine at 200 yds. I checked and Amazon doesn't have any 'better buys' right now, and CT may have 'post-Christmas sales'?
CT now has a similar model for about $200 - http s://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/celestron-ultima-65-angled-spotting-scope-with-smart-phone-adaptor-18x55-65mm-2759991p.html#srp - Tho I don't know if the 55x will be enough. Their Yukon Gear is only 60x but is a bit cheaper.
I don't think you need anything more than 75x for 200 yds. and the glass quality would be the only thing to check - like look across the whole store aisle. My store is over 100yds across, that should give you a good idea of the glass.
 
PS - You may find a good 'smallish' celestial telescope that would work as well. I have a
Celestron celestial scope that I used b4 I got the Cavalry spotter. It's 3-feet long but was amazing at the lowest strength - I could see the torn paper edges of the bullet holes !!
 
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