Shopping for spotting scope

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MartyK2500

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Quebec
I have a pretty good idea what I want, just poking in here to see if I might see something I didn't think of checking.

Recently I have tried a Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60mm MIL-DOT.
I really liked it. Used it prone for over an hour straight, very comfortable to use.
I could see the bullet trace well, the scope is not too big to carry in a backpack, and it had mil dots so it could be used for corrections.
These are my main 3 points I am looking for : bullet trace, compact, mil reticule.

Being a big Vortex fan usually, I went to see their products. As I know they will cover it whatever happens.
I am not sure the razor line-up works well for what I want it to be.
For 1 it looks huge physically, and vortex does not seem to indicate what reticule the spotting scope has.

The leupold was in fact the first spotter I have ever used, what are the parameters needed in a spotting scope to spot bullet trace?
Just to make sure I get something that does what I want.
 
https://athlonoptics.com/product-category/spotting-scopes/cronus-tactical/

waiting for this to show up... hoping the glass continues with the goodness in the Cronus scope. Excellent reticle that matches the other Athlon scopes. Lots of features including a low mag and long eye relief. It is FFP too.

Yes, it uses a similar chassis as the Bushnell spotter of a few years back but hoping for upgraded glass... and the reticle is much better with more useable features.

Pricing is excellent as well.

Otherwise, many LR shooters use Kowa, and Pentax spotters at the 1k level... from there, it gets more expensive and better and better glass. The new Sightron variable spotter is a really good deal but none of these have reticles.

I have a Kowa TSN82 with the LER 25X.. ... no problem to see trace when positioned correctly and with the right light angle.

Jerry
 
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Go check out the Minox at Go Big Tactical. They lent one at a match I was at and it was awesome. Can get in a 60 obj or 80, has the mil reticle in FFP. Comes with case and lens covers great size or the range or to pack out on a hunt, all for about $1500. This would be my higher end pic. I do love the Leupold as well but you are adding about $1000+
If looking at a little lower cost I really like the Bushnell legend tactical , it is very clear, compact and has a mil hash reticle in FFP. This runs about $680 and is worth every penny. If you can find them you have to buy fast as they sell out quick. Currently at Wanstalls and insite arms
 
One thing is sure I do not want to rush this purchase.
The last thing I want is kicking myself in the balls because I didn't spend the extra 500-600$ required.
But I will study this closely, it's coming near the end of season so no rush to purchase.

So far the debate looks like :

Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60mm TMR reticle
vs
Athlon Cronus Tactical 7-42x60mm FFP mil reticle
vs
Minox MD60 ZR 12-40x60mm FFP mil reticle

Will look into reviews, but these internet reviews must be taken with a grain of salt.
Nothing like looking physically through, but am aware this is not a possibility.
Question will be, can Minox or Ahtlon match the image quality of the leupold?
 
Bushnell Elite Tactical has ED glass and H32 reticle. Legend Tac. has mil-hash reticle, M1913 rails and is first focal plane. Swarovski STR has mil or MOA reticle and M1913 rails.

It will be interesting to compare these to our Hensoldt Spotter which is obviously top-shelf.
 
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Mystic Precision said:
https://athlonoptics.com/product-category/spotting-scopes/cronus-tactical/

waiting for this to show up... hoping the glass continues with the goodness in the Cronus scope. Excellent reticle that matches the other Athlon scopes. Lots of features including a low mag and long eye relief. It is FFP too.

Yes, it uses a similar chassis as the Bushnell spotter of a few years back but hoping for upgraded glass... and the reticle is much better with more useable features.

Pricing is excellent as well.

Otherwise, many LR shooters use Kowa, and Pentax spotters at the 1k level... from there, it gets more expensive and better and better glass. The new Sightron variable spotter is a really good deal but none of these have reticles.

I have a Kowa TSN82 with the LER 25X.. ... no problem to see trace when positioned correctly and with the right light angle.

Jerry
Click to expand...

I had my TSN 820 out last night to mess around and look at whatever flew past in the night sky. When Mars disappeared behind the trees I managed to get a look at Saturn. And be damned if I couldn't see he rings around the planet.

Good glass people. Buy good glass.
 
I am sticking to my oroginal idea of a mk4 12-40x60mm.
Got a deal on one pending arrangements.

Now that you mention, it is only a 40x, but will me curious to look at the moon with it.
 
My Leupold 12-40x60 is now purchased, thanks Tom for organizing a used optic sale with me, comms have been top notch!
Now the waiting time of shipping...

In the meantime I have been browsing tripods, and know next to nothing in the tripod department.
What tripod would you guys recommend?

Field shooting, prone, straight spotting scope...
Thanks!
 
MartyK2500 said:
My Leupold 12-40x60 is now purchased, thanks Tom for organizing a used optic sale with me, comms have been top notch!
Now the waiting time of shipping...

In the meantime I have been browsing tripods, and know next to nothing in the tripod department.
What tripod would you guys recommend?

Field shooting, prone, straight spotting scope...
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Glad we could be of service MartyK2500!
 
A small bump...
Can anyone steer me towards a good price/quality ratio tripod for field shooting spotting?
Will be using it prone,
Thanks!
 
Prst looks overkill,
I may have been unclear, this won’t be used for both rifle and spotting,
But only for spotting

Houlie precision is a nice discovery thanks!
 
I picked one of these on sale for my spotting scope or weather meter when it was on sale (Manfrotto MT055CXPRO4 055 Carbon Fiber 4-Section Tripod with Horizontal Column), it’s a very nice tripod, I also have a PRST and it’s a beast, love it, would have picked up a second but wanted the horizontal column option this one offered so I could use it for other things too.
 
MartyK2500 said:
Prst looks overkill,
I may have been unclear, this won’t be used for both rifle and spotting,
But only for spotting

Houlie precision is a nice discovery thanks!
Click to expand...

Oh yes , if not using it for a rifle set up then very different.
I had bought a cheaper tripod off Amazon and it has been amazing. It is a Neewer Carbon tripod. (Doubt actual carbon) with fluid ball head for about $130. Very solid and light and am able to strap to the side of my pack. It also holds my rifle but a little undersize for a stable shot
 
Fore300 said:
Oh yes , if not using it for a rifle set up then very different.
I had bought a cheaper tripod off Amazon and it has been amazing. It is a Neewer Carbon tripod. (Doubt actual carbon) with fluid ball head for about $130. Very solid and light and am able to strap to the side of my pack. It also holds my rifle but a little undersize for a stable shot
Click to expand...


If just a cheap one you are looking for I also have one of those Amazon units, was actually surprised how decent it is for the price, think mine was like $150, search this if you want to check it out. I’ve used it for my binoculars and weather meter, works alright for what I paid.

Neewer Carbon Fiber 63"/160cm Tripod Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head,1/4"Quick Release Plate,and Bubble Level Including Carrying Bag for DSLR Camera,Video Camcorder,Load Capacity 33lbs/15kg
 
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