Spotting scope options

[b76]

[Black Majik]

Differences between spotting scopes? A lot.

Build quality, brightness, resolution, spherical abberations, color contrast, chromatic abberations, eye relief, field of view etc etc etc...

Stop by a birding store and look through a bunch of different spotting scopes available. It should stand out immediately.

[b76]

Are there really bird stores lol. Thank u for the response. Well can I ask u a question? What spotter do u use? Is there a mid grade example Of a product that u could use? Thank u

[Black Majik]

Believe it or not there are, it's funny too because they're the most fanatical about their optics. But, they're very helpful in selecting the right scope for you.

Here's a great forum dedicated strictly to spotting scopes. I'd read up on some of the more well known brands, but you really have to sift through the BS. I say this because people compare spotting scopes to the most minute detail it becomes a bit ridiculous.

http://birdforum.net/forumdisplay.php?f=286

The basic stuff to avoid would be your BIG 5 specials. The Barskas, NC star etc..

Konuspot 80 is the most recommended starter scope to get into. It is large though, a bit too big for my preference. It should be around $240. The best thing to do is to look through a couple of scopes, both on the extreme ends. Look at the Konus, Leupold and Alpine, compare them with the mid priced Nikons and Pentax Meoptas, Minox, then compare those to the Alpha glass, your Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica and Kowas. Somewhere in the middle you'll find a scope that suits both your eyes and budget.

I personally use a Pentax PF65-EDII with a fixed XW14 eyepiece. It gives me a magnification of 28x, which I find is perfect for range use. I use a compact Manfrotto tripod to mount it on.




Good luck in your search. Quality glass is worth it.

[zoglog]

I made a similar inquiry to you and I ended up with the KONUS as well... we'll see how that is. I convinced my GF that it can doubleup for some rough stargazing and animal watching

[Mobius38]

I am in the same boat. Tagging for info

[b76]

Thanks for the help thus far. I will for sure check out the brand. I'm thinking I will look for them at the gun show.

[smoothy8500]

I have the Konus 20-60x80mm and it is pretty big. At least it doen't weigh too much though. The optics are very clear and bright. Eye relief at 60x is somewhat short. I have to remove my safety glasses to get my eye close enough to see. They make a 9-45x60mm version that might be a good deal, worth looking into. Midway carries it:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=480373

[ronas]

Read thread in link below:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=390015&highlight=konus

[drifts1]

Depends really. What are you spotting with it? If your just zeroing in your rifles at 100yds and shoot occasional then a Big 5 spotting scope will do fine and work better than any binocolars you've looked thru.

If your an experienced shooter and truly shoot long distances then you probably wouldnt be asking or you'd be asking between brand X and brand Y.

[b76]

Depends really. What are you spotting with it? If your just zeroing in your rifles at 100yds and shoot occasional then a Big 5 spotting scope will do fine and work better than any binocolars you've looked thru.

If your an experienced shooter and truly shoot long distances then you probably wouldnt be asking or you'd be asking between brand X and brand Y.

Lol. I can shoot and will be shooting up to 600 yards for now a couple years. Until I acquire enough funds for my desired long gun

[rero360]

chances are you're not going to find decent glass at a gun show, the vast majority of glass at gun shows are crappy, bottom of the barrel chinese junk.

[mrvash]

Didn't know that were alot of look for when purchasing a spotting scope. Funny, I just bought a pair of '16x34 Rugged Binoculars' that were on sale from Big 5 and I'm going to use it as a spotting scope lol. $21.99

[b76]

Didn't know that were alot of look for when purchasing a spotting scope. Funny, I just bought a pair of '16x34 Rugged Binoculars' that were on sale from Big 5 and I'm going to use it as a spotting scope lol. $21.99

I more so wanted to hear what people where using and at what expense. Thanks for all the links and reaponses

[BOFH]

I needed a spotting scope for a trip we were taking and went cheap with a Barska BlackBlackhawk 18-36x50. For the money (about $80) its decent but for me it has one fatal flaw: You damn near cant use it when wearing shooting glasses. At least I cant. Its a shame...otherwise its pretty nice. So if you do find anywhere to try them out be sure to wear your glasses...