Spotting Scope Suggestions

[timberwoofers]

If you are just trying to view holes on paper, go with high magnification. If you are spotting live shots at variable ranges, then pay more for zoom variables and high quality glass.

Thanks, for your comment, I've learned much from you in other parts of Calguns and appreciate your feedback.

[timberwoofers]

Haven't used any of the Vortex spotters other than the 2015 Razor 20-60x85 that I recently picked up. It was about as much as I was willing to spend. At 60 the eye relief is quite short and the image loses resolution, but anything better was just more than I wanted to spend. No problem picking up shots on paper at 100yds; can't say how it does on paper beyond because the rest of the targets I have access to beyond that are steel. You CAN tell where on the steel you've impacted and I have used it out to 900yds with larger calibers. For the price I am satisfied.

Thanks for this, like I mentioned, hope to try all three Vortex side by side and come to some conclusion.

[timberwoofers]

Update, got to look through the Vortex Viper and Razor HD scopes and decided on the 20x60x85 Razor HD. The Razor was sharper so that was a deciding factor. I've had it out to the coast but not to the range yet, rain. Hopes are high.

[smoothy8500]

Side by side comparasin is the best way to do it. Otherwise you are just guessing.

[MarikinaMan]

I use shootnsee targets at 200 so I can see me shots with a Redfield x-60.

Even then, when I hit the bullseye, it's a solid red, I can't see the shots. For whatever reason, red drowns out the holes at that range.

[Bete Noire]

Get a Target Vision camera system. They are on sale this weekend and can go out to a mile. Crystal clear image.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[maidendeth13]

There were some great deals on the old style Razors this weekend.

If you can compare side by side do that and pick one that's adequate.

Normally I'd recommend the best glass you can afford almost unconditionally but if all you want to do is see holes in paper then get the cheapest one that suits your needs.

[waveslayer]

I recently purchased a Vortex Diamondback 20x60x80 spotting scope. I went out to the range today to sight in a new rifle at 50 yards. It worked great, until I took it to 200 yards. At 200 yards It was difficult to see the strikes, scope was blurry not near as sharp as I hoped it would be, and there was a bit of mirage that I could see.

I have some time to where I can return it for a refund or upgrade to something else. Would like to stay with Vortex line but open to others. Looking for suggestions as to what scope to get so that at 200 yards it's easier for me to see my shots. This is my first spotting scope so I don't know if what I experienced is normal or not. Scope cost me about $500, I was hoping not to spend more from reviews I've read, but I'll raise the limit to $1000.

This will be used for target shooting 50-200 yards.

Thanks for any suggestions,

TW

Find 3 friends that shoot and split the new Swarovski HD spotting scope. Straight eye piece.

Then you will have the top of the line glass and no regrets!

That's the camera not focused at 1.8 miles


Results from spotting the bull that far away in the trees walking


My wife thinks I only have 3 guns

[splithoof]

The Vortex Razor is a very good optic, however they no longer offer MRAD or MOA eyepieces. For long range shooting, an eyepiece that matches the reticle used in the rifle scope is critical, and only a very few premium makers offer such. The Leopold MK4 is one, and then moving up to the Swarovski is another option, albeit a very expensive one. At the very top is Hensoldt, but that offering is out of reach for all but the most dedicated shooters or bird watchers.
If you are going to accept a spotting scope with no reticle, get the Vortex Razor. When shooting out to two hundred yards, make sure your target has grids in small increments that you can see through the spotter, and adjust your settings on the rifle scope accordingly. It can be done, however you will use up some more ammo in the process.

[ocabj]

I recently purchased a Vortex Diamondback 20x60x80 spotting scope. I went out to the range today to sight in a new rifle at 50 yards. It worked great, until I took it to 200 yards. At 200 yards It was difficult to see the strikes, scope was blurry not near as sharp as I hoped it would be, and there was a bit of mirage that I could see.

I have some time to where I can return it for a refund or upgrade to something else. Would like to stay with Vortex line but open to others. Looking for suggestions as to what scope to get so that at 200 yards it's easier for me to see my shots. This is my first spotting scope so I don't know if what I experienced is normal or not. Scope cost me about $500, I was hoping not to spend more from reviews I've read, but I'll raise the limit to $1000.

This will be used for target shooting 50-200 yards.

Thanks for any suggestions,

TW

I've mentioned this many times when someone inquires about seeing 22cal holes at 200 yards: it is a lot to ask out of any scope, no matter the cost.

You can see 22cal holes in the black at 200 yards, if you optimize the situation.

Cut out the cardboard backer's center so the paper doesn't have cardboard blocking sunlight. You need the light as contrast in order to see the breaks in the paper. Example:



If the black target has cardboard behind it, your holes will be very difficult to make out at 200 yards in general lighting conditions.

As far as your spotting scope being blurry and seeing mirage, at what times of day do you shoot? If you are shooting at mid morning to mid afternoon (e.g. 1000 to 1500) and it is warm and sunny, I'm going to guess that there really isn't anything wrong with your scope. Granted, I've never looked through a Vortex Diamondback, so maybe the glass is bad. But if the scope is crystal clear in the early morning, right after dawn, or in cloudy/overcast cool days, then it is a balance of bad conditions and the glass quality.