Spotting scopes

[headspace]

To me a spotting scope is something to check my target while shooting off the bench.

I can't see any reason why I'd want to cart one around the bush with binoculars being pretty good for that.

So I'm looking around for a spotting scope that will let me see my bullet holes at up to 300 yards/metres.

I did a bit of poking around on the web and found that there are quite a few scopes that you don't have to sell your children for.

Some even down under $100 but some like Barska for around $200. I wonder if anyone has tried any of these. I honestly can't see the value in some of the prices being asked.

John.

[Monty]

Agree for the field. I think people carting their spotting scopes around the bush are confused with target shooting

Could have stayed at the range and saved themselves the trouble

On the subject of scopes though and the price being asked, the problem with the few cheapies I've used is clarity of the image. As distance goes up definition goes waaaay down. To the point that looking at a paper target at 200m just looks like a white square, no detail of the bullet holes to be seen.

Can't speak for the brands mentioned here, but that's the cost difference in my experience.

[padaro]

I can say beware the $80 spotting scopes on eBay for quality at a distance.

Couldn't see s**t!

[Zilla]

Bit above the prices initially mentioned here but just as feedback...

I'm using a Redfield Rampage 20-60x60 which was $300 including a bag and tripod.

Quality is good enough to see holes at 300m on it. I can't remember the brand but I've also used some dark green thing off eBay which a mate bought for a few $$$. It was shocking! Couldn't see s**t beyond 100m

[Techc]

Barska and Konus spotting scopes are both held in high regard.

Mid range price from memory and used by a long of bench shooters.

[Chronos]

Much like scope optics you get what you pay for.

Do you expect a $200 spotting scope to have better glass than your $600 rifle scope?

I have shot a 500m match where my sightron Siii and I could see my 7mm bullet holes from the rifle scope at 35 power but could not through my $400 spotting scope with 20-60x80. I also used a mates Nikon spotter and was amazed at how good the image was, able to make out the staples that held the target on at 500m but that was a $2000 scope

IMHO unless you can afford to spend the same or more than you would in your rifle scope then a spotting scope will never meet your needs.

Chronos

[Warrigul]

Much like scope optics you get what you pay for.

Do you expect a $200 spotting scope to have better glass than your $600 rifle scope?

I have shot a 500m match where my sightron Siii and I could see my 7mm bullet holes from the rifle scope at 35 power but could not through my $400 spotting scope with 20-60x80. I also used a mates Nikon spotter and was amazed at how good the image was, able to make out the staples that held the target on at 500m but that was a $2000 scope

IMHO unless you can afford to spend the same or more than you would in your rifle scope then a spotting scope will never meet your needs.

Chronos

Many people use them for checking out property at distance rather than binoculars, not just for target shooting. However the dearer they are the better, an $80 spotter is usually worse than useless.

That said I have an expensive(when new but not when I bought it) Kowa and have used it a few times on property at a distance but still prefer my binoculars(many thanks to the German navy) as they give better field of view and definition when looking for deer.

Binoculars or a spotter scope can save a lot of walking at times.

[SendIt]

I reckon we're getting gouged on this kind of stuff.

Technology and methods get better and better and this stuff isn't getting any cheaper

More expensive if anything.

It's not like they're still hand polishing glass these days...

[Chronos]

Much like scope optics you get what you pay for.

Do you expect a $200 spotting scope to have better glass than your $600 rifle scope?

I have shot a 500m match where my sightron Siii and I could see my 7mm bullet holes from the rifle scope at 35 power but could not through my $400 spotting scope with 20-60x80. I also used a mates Nikon spotter and was amazed at how good the image was, able to make out the staples that held the target on at 500m but that was a $2000 scope

IMHO unless you can afford to spend the same or more than you would in your rifle scope then a spotting scope will never meet your needs.

Chronos

Many people use them for checking out property at distance rather than binoculars, not just for target shooting. However the dearer they are the better, an $80 spotter is usually worse than useless.

That said I have an expensive(when new but not when I bought it) Kowa and have used it a few times on property at a distance but still prefer my binoculars(many thanks to the German navy) as they give better field of view and definition when looking for deer.

Binoculars or a spotter scope can save a lot of walking at times.

I don't disagree with you but I framed my answer on the opening post and the question asked nothing else. A pair $300 binos will outperform a $300 for practicality in the bush every time IMHO (edit: should qualify that by saying if you're in foot)


Quote

"To me a spotting scope is something to check my target while shooting off the bench.

I can't see any reason why I'd want to cart one around the bush with binoculars being pretty good for that.

So I'm looking around for a spotting scope that will let me see my bullet holes at up to 300 yards/metres."

[headspace]

I reckon Chronos is right about quality, I guess it will just be a matter of looking at spending the $300 plus. But $2,000 give me a break! for that money I hope it makes coffee as well.
JD

[Chronos]

I reckon Chronos is right about quality, I guess it will just be a matter of looking at spending the $300 plus. But $2,000 give me a break! for that money I hope it makes coffee as well.
JD

yeah, i can't justify that kind of money for a spotter, a lot of guys own them for digi-scoping so i guess that makes it easier to justify

Chronos

[Lorgar]

One thing I love about my 32x Bushnell, no need for a spotting scope