Recommendation for Spotting Scope (range only) budget oriented

[Kryogen]

Which one? The trophy ? You will regret a spotting scope under 1000$ trust me on this

 

[Vettek50]

Looking for a decent spotting scope for a decent price.

My uses for it:
-Zeroing my 16 inch AR-15 with T-1 micro at 50 yards
-being able to see .223 rem bullet holes at 200 yards (or max at 300 yards) as local ranges only go that far and red dot really only good for that far without massive hold overs.

What I've looked into:
Celestron Ultima 80mm 20-60x - this is the cheapest one but I've read good reviews. 170USD online
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60x 80mm ED - recommended by opticsplanet rep but costs 450-500USD

I would love to hear your experiences with the above or any other scopes in those price ranges. What would you recommend that would satisfy my uses?

What additional advice would you give to someone totally new to optics with regards to spotting scopes?

Thanks in advance for the help!
Art

canDIAN TIRE,, was 59.95 on sale.. 40x greatfor what ya want...happy, happy

 

[GunnieArtz]

Which one? The trophy ? You will regret a spotting scope under 1000$ trust me on this

The legend ultra hd 20-60x 80mm

 

[machinistbutler]

I have the Ultima 80, and it does a good job. Focuses very nicely.
I only use it at the range and have no complaints with it.

 

[GunnieArtz]

I have the Ultima 80, and it does a good job. Focuses very nicely.
I only use it at the range and have no complaints with it.

How far out are u using it out to and what caliber holes can u see at those distances?

 

[radmacks]

we got the same one and no complaints for short range work. Able to read numbers on target once dialed in. for $50 I took the gamble and it well worth it. Spent the extra 300 on ammo lol

OK, I'll get flamed on the opposite side.

I bought a cheap Bushmaster at Canadian Tire. It was on sale for $50. Build quality is pretty crappy and the included tripod is made of old car parts

But once you fiddle the focus into place and get it lined up on target, you can see the holes in paper out to 300 yards. I used to have a pair of binoculars in my range bag to spot out past 100 but this is 1000x better and easier than trying to fiddle with binos all the time.

For short range work this is all I need. If I was spotting in the bush, doing 1000 yard precision, working in variable light, etc. then I would hate this and wish I spent more. But at my home range in stable conditions off a concrete bench, this does the job, even if it doesn't do it with style. Any now I have more money for ammo

 

[mrgoat]

I bought a "Redfield Rampage" a couple years back for $250 bucks at Epps. All I use it for is looking at bullet holes, and for that job it works great. Clear optics and does it's intended job.

 

[Kryogen]

If I was shopping for a decent spotting scope, I would maybe get a sightron SIIBL 20-60X85 HD-A, can get it for under 600$ in the usa.
If you want something excellent, then there is the nightforce one, probably around 2500$...

But honestly, unless you are going to war with it, and you are a spotter in a sniper team, you might prefer a target camera system? Cheaper, and you will see better.