Spotting Scopes - Alpen vs Konus

[Wasn'tMe]

I didn't see anything recent that directly compares the two.

I've seen the Konus 20-60x80 for as low as $200 shipped

The best I've seen for the Aplen 20-60x80 is roughly $420 shipped.

I'm looking for something that will let me see .223/5.56 on paper out to around 300yds

I've read people claiming that both of these scopes can do that. If this is the case, what am I getting for $220 more by going with the Alpen?

The Alpen does have a lifetime warranty, and the included tripod may also be useable, based on reviews I've read, unlike the one that comes with the Konus. Can anyone confirm this?

[ExtremeX]

Konus seems like a popular option, looks to be recommended a lot in that price range.

I use the Alpen on a regular basis, and I cant compare it directly to the Konus as I haven't used it, but I found the Alpen to be nicer than other options I looked at in the $400 price range.

The resolution on the Alpen is very good for a $400 scope, and usable even at 60x. At 20x the image is very good and very comfortable (less strain on the eye) when using for extended periods of time.

Take the time to go and look though a scope that cost $100, $500, $1000, $2000, and you will start to get a much better idea of what to look for when it comes to optics.

If you want a scope to see 223 holes out to 300 yards... you may need even better than that Alpen depending on the target and background. I doesn't quite have that level of resolution if you don't have a high contrast target/background. Shoot&C targets make 300 yard viewing a walk in the park tho.

[bombadillo]

I would bar none go for a Konuspot 80 for less, or pick up a GOOD used Kowa TSN-600 used on various boards or ebay.

[Shasta Frog]

All I know is I bought a $400 Vortex and an $80 Simmons the same day. Took them both out to the range to compare them and I couldn't see any difference between the two whatsoever. Returned the Vortex and saved $320.

[hoss_hk]

The price on the Alpen has really gone up. I got mine 2 years ago for $330. Main reason was the warranty and that they're located in Socal. The tripod is ok, but in moderate breezes it will start to vibrate a bit, which is noticeable at the higher magnification. Don't let it be the deciding factor. If you're going to use it a lot I'd recommend getting a decent camera pod. Can't vouch for resolution vs Konus since I haven't found a local vendor who had a Konus to look through.

[23's Dad]

.223 at 300 yards can be tough for any scope

Last month I was shooting an XTC match with the SMGC. At the 300 yard line with the mirage, we couldn't see our 300 yard rapid fire groups with orange golf tees inserted. One either side of me there was a Konus 80, a Kowa 821, and my house brand Creedmoor scope. All of us were struggling to see our groups through the mirage.

I'm not saying that your scope choices are not good... I'm only suggesting that your expectations of what ANY scope can deliver may be a bit high.

[Dinosaur Jr]

All I know is I bought a $400 Vortex and an $80 Simmons the same day. Took them both out to the range to compare them and I couldn't see any difference between the two whatsoever. Returned the Vortex and saved $320.

I have both a $100 Barska spotter (junk) and a $400 Bushnell HD spotter. The difference in the quality of sight picture on the Bushnell is superior.

[ExtremeX]

I'm surprised he couldn't see a difference between a $80 scope and a $400 scope. Maybe Simmons is doing something special but at that price I would assume its just like every other <$100 scope.

Generally I find a pretty significant difference in performance when looking at those two price brackets, especially when you start to crank up the magnification past 20x.

[Erion929]

I haven't gotten to use it yet, but in August I got a new Konus 80 for $165 shipped from Dvor...significantly cheaper than normal, so I had to jump on it.

[mike_the_wino]

I got a Konus 3 years ago and love it. I have used it on .223 and .308 out to 200 yds with friends. Not sure you are going to get that 300 yds with a .223 that you are looking for.

Can you set up a gong/ steel target @ 300 yds? Pretty sure that will tell you when you land one. .

[Wasn'tMe]

Thanks for all the comments.

Truth is, I doubt I'll be doing much shooting at 300 yds. It'll probably be 200 yds and closer most of the time. I just thought it would be nice if I got a scope that would work out to 300, but it's not a big deal. I do plan on using the high contrast targets, and it sounds like that would probably work with these scopes, depending on the conditions.

I still would like to see a direct comparison between the two scopes. I have no problem spending the money on the Alpen if I'm getting something for the extra cash.

[hoss_hk]

Where are you located?

[d33pt]

I'm surprised he couldn't see a difference between a $80 scope and a $400 scope. Maybe Simmons is doing something special but at that price I would assume its just like every other <$100 scope.

Generally I find a pretty significant difference in performance when looking at those two price brackets, especially when you start to crank up the magnification past 20x.

That doesn't surprise me. Some people can't tell the difference between HD and SD TV resolution.

[Yugo]

The price on the Alpen has really gone up. I got mine 2 years ago for $330. Main reason was the warranty and that they're located in Socal. The tripod is ok, but in moderate breezes it will start to vibrate a bit, which is noticeable at the higher magnification. Don't let it be the deciding factor. If you're going to use it a lot I'd recommend getting a decent camera pod. Can't vouch for resolution vs Konus since I haven't found a local vendor who had a Konus to look through.

Or you can try a cheap scope and just use your cellphone to see.

[micro911]

I use Kowa TSN821 with 27X eye piece. It is little more expensive, but I was able to see 30 caliber bullet holes at 300 yards. That made the difference for my gold medal at the match.