Spotting scope advise.

[EVAN III]

     What I am looking for is an inexpansive spotting scope. I don't want anything expansive because it will spend most of its time sitting at home. I just want something I can take out and look thru when I'm bored. Any Ideas?

 

[grtwythunter]

  Don't go too cheap Evan. I thought I could get by with a $99 Bushnell because it was just going to be a "toy". Returned it twice because as you turned the magnification up the view got progressively darker. I ended up returning it for good the third time and got my money back.
  A buddy bought me a BSA for Christmas a couple years ago. It's somewhat better than the Bushnell, but I'd rather use my binocs. About the only thing it gets used for is checking targets at the range.
   Scott

 

[songdog]

Is this for the range or the field?

 

[EVAN III]

        I normally use my binos at the range so it will probly be for the field. I'm not looking to lug the thing around while hunting. I already have enough to haul around. I'm just lookin for something to take out maybe a couple times a year. find a hill and sit there. Another excuse to be lazy and be outdoors.

                                         EVAN III

 

[songdog]

Looking through a spotting scope at a range to check bullet holes in a target doesn't bother me much but an hour or two of glassing for game with one eye closed always gives me a headache.  Don't know if it does the same for you.

You might want to take a look at some of the bigger binocs.  Like 15x50mm.  You can look through those with both eyes for quite a while and they magnify quite a bit more than the normal 7-8x30mm that most of us carry.

If you've got a bunch of cash burning a whole in your pocket and want to get some really good glass, go for the Swarovski or Zeiss binocs with the eyepiece doubler/tripler.  You unscrew the eyecup and replace it with a short tube that doubles or triples the magnification of the binocs.  So 10x40mm turn into 20x.  All this for only a few ounces extra (you'll notice the dollars more than the ounces).

Anything over 15x and you're going to need a tripod too.  Just one more thing to consider.

 

[hronk]

The Bushnell Spacemaster is a functionable scope that I used for years before I could afford better.  It's a little heavy, but I used to take it everywhere.  As long as you don't look thru it continuosly for 15 min. or more, it shouldn't bother you.  I believe that you can find them in catalogs for around $250 or so.  I really like my Leopold.  It retails for about $850 and is very easy on your eyes.....hronk

 

[JDC]

I really enjoy my BSA 20x60 spotting scope. Right at $100.00. I use it for spot and stalk on deer here. I crank it down to 20x for scanning, then when I find something that looks suspicious, I crank it up as far as I need to verify. Good optics (for the price) and good eye relief.

My hunting buddy has a Simmons 20 x 60 it is the 79.99 special you find at Big 5. It is adequete, and does the job.

Make sure you go buy a high quality tripod from a camera shop. Don't even attempt to use the one that came with it unless you are just using it on the benchrest for sighting purposes.

 

[wildbirdhunter]

check out thre Winchester one at Natchez it only $80 and is not bad I look at at the gunshow when it was almost $200.
http://search.cartserver.com/search/search...;keywords=WIWT5
WBH

 

[so cal hunter]

I have also been looking for a new spotting scope i went to scope city in costa mesa they have a rubber armored scope made by park's that have european glass  the view is EXCELLENT the cost is $300.00 it is roughly 5'' in dia. and 10'' in length. i know you are thinking this thing is huge but a Leica or swarovski  is 16'' in length and approx.3'' in length and cost is $1400.00. draw your own judgement but i am going with the park's or a meade. but checkout scope city on the net it is http://www.scopecity.com     good luck so cal hunter.

 

[EVAN III]

   Sorry guys I completely forgot about this post. Anyway thanks for the replies. I've been eyeballing the BSA scopes. Guess I'll have to get out and look through one before I order though. I am not to fond of there rifle scopes so I hope there spotting scopes are better.

                       EVAN III

 

[JDC]

Another thing I forgot to metion about my BSA is it has a built in sun shade. It sure beats holding your hand in front of the scope trying to cut down immense glare.

 

[h2obobh2o]

I have the Winchester spotting scope, my company bought if for us to see the top antenna's on communication towers. I use it more for looking at game than I do for work, but anyhow, for 149.00 at Gander Mounain, it came with a tripod,a soft case, and an aluminum carrying case. I realize it's a cheap spotting scope, but for the money, it's really clear, a great deal!!

 

[EVAN III]

  Anyone ever check out the Burris 20X50 scope ( sorry I don't remember the model) but it runs for about 80 to 100 dollars?

                              EVAN III

 

[DanD]

Evan,

I have found the burris 15-45 x 60 for about $165.00 This is better scope and you will be able to zoom in which is very nice when spotting game.  Let me know if you are interrested I'll dig up the name of the place.

 

[vman]

I just bought a nikon for $499.  I just love it.  I also have a bushnell trophy that sells for around $200.  I just wanted a little better quality for taking pictures.  Evan, I guess I could sell you my bushnell if you are still looking to get one.  

 

[so cal hunter]

Hey there is an ad in extreme predator mag on the back page from midsouth shooters supply for a burris 20x60x80 landmark spotting scope for 199.00 with micro tripod web site is www. midsouthshooters.com so cal hunter

 

[Critter Gitter]

Because i felt it my duty...

Why not go to the bargain cave on cabelas web site
they usually have some nice stuff for cheap.