please recommend a good cost-value spot scope ?
- Thread starter dukecrab
- Start date
I purchased an Athlon Argos HD 20-60x85.....Im super impressed. Paid $500 and is every bit as good as the Vortex Viper which was easily double. I do alot of glassing for prairie muledeer here in Sask and it works great. I purchased mine from Wolverine supplies but they are gone. If you can get past the "made in communist china" label.....they are impressive for the $$$$$ spent.
https://athlonoptics.com/product-ca...athlon-optics-argos-20-60x85-spotting-scopes/
https://athlonoptics.com/product-ca...athlon-optics-argos-20-60x85-spotting-scopes/
Celestron is pretty good for your intent of use. The TrailSeeker 80 used to cost ~$300, and Ultima 80 used to cost ~$200. I'm using the Ultima 80, it is adequate for 200 yard paper target. It's heavy and bulky.
High end scope use ED glass which can minimize chromatic aberration. But my friend's $2000+ Kowa 553 still shows chromatic aberration at 800 yards. Chromatic aberration basically means different color (wavelength) will have different focus point, (far end of spectrum) you will see blue or black outlines around an object, ED glass have better focus across all colors, hence sharper image.
High end scope might have better glass coating, which provide higher light transmission, hence brighter image.
But for spotting paper at 200, and animal at 400 yards, a cheap spotting scope is adequate. Celestron's price increased by ~$200 on Amazon. So other brands might be more cost effective.
A spotting scope is useless without a solid tripod. A decent tripod can cost $1000+(RRS). Save some money for tripod.
My $200 spotting scope sits on top of a $500 carbon fiber tripod (Leofoto 324, shameless high quality Chinese copy of RRS). I spent more on the tripod b/c I also use my tripod as shooting rest (prone, sitting or standing).
High end scope use ED glass which can minimize chromatic aberration. But my friend's $2000+ Kowa 553 still shows chromatic aberration at 800 yards. Chromatic aberration basically means different color (wavelength) will have different focus point, (far end of spectrum) you will see blue or black outlines around an object, ED glass have better focus across all colors, hence sharper image.
High end scope might have better glass coating, which provide higher light transmission, hence brighter image.
But for spotting paper at 200, and animal at 400 yards, a cheap spotting scope is adequate. Celestron's price increased by ~$200 on Amazon. So other brands might be more cost effective.
A spotting scope is useless without a solid tripod. A decent tripod can cost $1000+(RRS). Save some money for tripod.
My $200 spotting scope sits on top of a $500 carbon fiber tripod (Leofoto 324, shameless high quality Chinese copy of RRS). I spent more on the tripod b/c I also use my tripod as shooting rest (prone, sitting or standing).
You are going to have to suggest a budget.
Big difference in options between a $200 budget, $500 budget, $1000 budget. I wouldn't bother with any of the really cheap stuff - I have a Spotter from CT that was $40 down from $99, and it works to see holes in paper at 100, you can see holes at 200 but its dicey.
I was eyeing the Bushnell Trophy Extreme spotter, one of the dealers had them on sale for a really good price a short while ago ($200 or 250 I want to say?) recently, but I haven't actually gone into a store to compare a few options against each other - I want to compare that one to the Leupold Marksman spotter and the Vortex Diamondback before I actually purchase anything.
Big difference in options between a $200 budget, $500 budget, $1000 budget. I wouldn't bother with any of the really cheap stuff - I have a Spotter from CT that was $40 down from $99, and it works to see holes in paper at 100, you can see holes at 200 but its dicey.
I was eyeing the Bushnell Trophy Extreme spotter, one of the dealers had them on sale for a really good price a short while ago ($200 or 250 I want to say?) recently, but I haven't actually gone into a store to compare a few options against each other - I want to compare that one to the Leupold Marksman spotter and the Vortex Diamondback before I actually purchase anything.
I had a spotter Eaglevision for over a decade, I use it for archery long range FITA scoring. I hear they merged with an another big name. That was optical glass quality close but never close enough to Swaro.
I would suggest find a Bird Watchers store or look up online for birding optics, they are also fanatics for glass clarity. Just don't tell them anything about shooting.
Edit:
If anybody looking for a spotting scope on budget I have a spare scope taking up space in my drawers for years. Bushmaster 20-60x60 brand new, got it for a birthday but my wife didn't knew I already had one
. I toke it out from a box only once to compare and closed the box. I am @ L4G7X4
I would suggest find a Bird Watchers store or look up online for birding optics, they are also fanatics for glass clarity. Just don't tell them anything about shooting.
Edit:
If anybody looking for a spotting scope on budget I have a spare scope taking up space in my drawers for years. Bushmaster 20-60x60 brand new, got it for a birthday but my wife didn't knew I already had one
. I toke it out from a box only once to compare and closed the box. I am @ L4G7X4
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I have owned a vortex Razor spotting scope, as well as a $200 Bushnell. And to be honest, what I use it for, (shooting at the range) the Bushnell does the trick. Definitely see holes in target at 200, and easily identify game at 500.
I don’t remember the exact model.
Cheers
I don’t remember the exact model.
Cheers
