spotting scope..... Help

[mysticbear]

I'm looking to purchase my first spotting scope to use on the range at 50 -300 yards. There are a lot of different models and powers available. I have pretty much settled on a 20 - 60 power variable 60mm lens. Does anyone have experience with the focal length required to compensate for shooting safety glasses. I understand that good optics are pricey are there any best values.

tnx MB

 

[white falls]

I wear shooting safety glasses and I've never had a problem regarding the focal length. You don't have to spend a big buck to get quality lenses. What your want to look for is BAK-4 glass. The BAK-4 is a higher quality glass that reduces light scattering, resulting in sharper and brighter images. Than you'd want to look for the Porro Prism. The objective is offset from the eyepiece offering greater depth perception and a wider field of view. Definitely you want lenses that are fully multi-coated.

You can find reasonably priced spotting scopes with the configuration mentioned above. I know this because I have a spotting scope that's made that way and I didn't pay an arm and a leg for it. Check out the BlackHawk spotting scopes at www.barska.com

If you need any other information contact me at CGN

White Falls

 

[Noel]

Most of the scopes have flip up or down eye cups to compensate for your glasses. I wear perscription glasses and actually found it easier to look through scopes and binoculars since getting them, they hold your eyes at a more constant distance and your eyelids aren't rubbing on the lens.
As for the quality, keep in mind what you MIGHT use it for in the future. A budget scope going up to 60x with only a 60mm objective will be quite hazy IMO. If you are going to use it for hunting save your money and get a decent one. If it's just for at the range, chances are you will be shooting in more ideal lighting situations and it won't be quite so critical.
Gr8fuldoug just sent me an email of his latest specials and he has a Nikon spotter that may suit your needs for around the $300 CDN mark.
He is a great guy to work with, I have a Leica coming from him as we speak.
Hope this helps.
Noel