Spotting Scopes

[ceyko]

So, I'm generally in the market. Of course I started looking at the 50ish dollar ones, but now I'm checking out the ones that run 200-300 dollars. (i.e. Redfield)

The reason for the post is if anyone has anything specifically to look for in a spotting scope. Generally I'm looking at anything from 10x60x(40, 50, 60..etc) with a small tripod and a case. Not really sure there is much else to consider, but that's why I'm asking. I understand that it is probably like a scope in regards to the optics - you'll get what you pay for...

The #1 purpose is for spotting at the range on my own. 50-200 yards mainly. However, I'm either going to have private property or am getting to know some folks with private property and would like the option of UP TO 500 yards. x60 SEEMS enough for that far with decent glass, but I've never dealt with 500 yards and optics. Either way, the priority is up to 200 yards.

I'm just tired of not being able to see my groups on some of my rifles w/ cheaper optics or iron sights. I end up sitting there waiting until a cease fire taking a look and adjusting. Then shooting a bunch (if 22s) until the hole is big enough to see.

Secondary uses, well - guess it really does not matter. Just generally to look at stuff far away.

Input is appreciated.

Take care,
Chris

[ELVIS]

i am looking for a cheap one myself. i have never shot further than 100yds.

god bless.

[bronco71]

One main thing to consider is whether or not you are going to use a camera with it to take long range pics; most of them have an adapter to do this but the pic quality is not very good unless you go with the high $$$$ glass and even then it can get pretty grainy.
Other than that a lot of them offer interchangeable zoom eyepieces which are nice and would be useful if and when you do get a chance at the longer ranges.
I have had a Simmons for prolly 20 years and it has worked well; I have both the fixed power and the zoom lenses.

Also, I believe they all come with the smaller low power spotting eyepiece built in to initially find your target but I would not get one without it as it can be difficult to find your target with just the high power lenses.

[YALE]

For the money, Zeiss's Conquest line is tough to beat.

EDIT: Whoops! Looks like they don't do a conquest line of spotting scopes. The Victory line would still rock, though.

[KBScobravert]

I have a 20-60x60 Leupold

[ceyko]

One main thing to consider is whether or not you are going to use a camera with it to take long range pics; most of them have an adapter to do this but the pic quality is not very good unless you go with the high $$$$ glass and even then it can get pretty grainy.

Actually, the wife has no problems spending 500, 1000 or more on her optics for her Canon so I was trying to figure out a way to slip some of my own optics in there as camera stuff too. No dice. The more I thought about this, the more I decided to let it go. I may regret this part, but to start off with I think I'm buying used and deciding what to do from there.

For the money, Zeiss's Conquest line is tough to beat.

EDIT: Whoops! Looks like they don't do a conquest line of spotting scopes. The Victory line would still rock, though.

Gonna check that line out to be sure. Although, I could've sworn I just saw one of those for 2K, used on Ebay. That'll be out of my price range. Thanks for the input though, appreciate it.

I have a 20-60x60 Leupold

Groovy.