I'm shopping for a spotting scope...looking for something to use at the range, with the possibility of some field use as well. I'd like to keep the price, including eyepiece, at no more than $600, so I realize I'm not talking real high end here. Weight and size are considerations, as it may be carried in a pack from time to time. Any suggestions from satisfied owners?
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Shopping for a Spotter
- Thread starter icedog
- Start date
Give a good look at the Bushnell Excursion 15-45x60. I'm not a big bushy fan but I read a lot about them on another forum and a lot of guys gave this really high praise. I looked through one for the first time last week and think I'll get one. Comes with a nice tripod and the padded case is really nice. I think it goes for about $450 and from what I saw I'd say the optics were VERY good. For the $ you mentioned I think you'd have to double the price to really see any difference in optical quality. The dimensions would serve well for a backpacker as the scope is not very long. Don't go for an 80mm, the optics are better but most guys say the weight just isn't worth it for packing in.
what is going to be the main use of the spotter i would check out the leupold golden ring 15-30
I have also have a bushnell 20-60*80 elite I think they go for around 600 in the states. Nice scope for the money I was originally going to buy a swarovski but opted to save some money instead great optics till you go over 50 zoom. Above that eye relief and optics quality make it almost not worth having the higher power. I wouldn't not buy a scope because of wieght, the big ones are light. I take mine hunting and dont notice it. For me anyways maybe not for a girly man though. 80mm objective doesn't increase bulk much either and will give you a better quality picture something that might be important with an excursion if you decide to get one.
I have also have a bushnell 20-60*80 elite I think they go for around 600 in the states. Nice scope for the money I was originally going to buy a swarovski but opted to save some money instead great optics till you go over 50 zoom. Above that eye relief and optics quality make it almost not worth having the higher power. I wouldn't not buy a scope because of wieght, the big ones are light. I take mine hunting and dont notice it. For me anyways maybe not for a girly man though. 80mm objective doesn't increase bulk much either and will give you a better quality picture something that might be important with an excursion if you decide to get one.
Thanks for you thoughtful responses guys. I managed to close a deal on a refurbed Minox 62 ED, complete with a 20-45x eyepiece, for about 1/2 the regular retail. I have a pair of Minox 8x42 binos I purchased a couple years ago, which I am very happy with, so I hope this spotting scope turns out to be a pleaser as well...just under 2 lbs., and a little less than 13" long. All the reviews I was able to find point to it being a reasonable piece of gear... time will tell.
