How Powerful a Spotting Scope?

[TooTaxed]

I would like to be able to see .22 holes on a 100-yd target and 6.5-mm to .30 cal holes on a 200-yd target. What power scope do I need?:confused:

Comments on the particular scopes you are using...pro and con...would be appreciated. What particularly good deals are available?

Thanks for your help!:D

[Pat McCoy]

I have no problem seeing holes those sizes with a 14x nikon riflescope. You can go as low as 10x if you have a larger objective lens.

[Double Naught Spy]

I could see a .223 hole at 200 yards on white paper in bright direct light with a 40x cheapo Winchester spotting scope, so long as the target was not shaded. For your needs, you could probably get by with the same. HOWEVER, there are multiple issues at play here.

Distance
Target Coloring
Lighting (brightness, direction, direct/diffused)
Scope power
Scope clarity

There is a world of difference in what I can see with my 40x cheapo ($60) spotting scope and my $1100 60x Swarovski. The latter has much better light gathering capabilities and crispness of focus. I don't confuse flies on the target with .223 holes in the target at 100 yard, for example.

It really all comes down to your needs, mobility, ability to go to the target when you want (not always possible at some ranges with other shooters), and seriousness of what you are doing.

I don't actually need my Swarovski and it was a luxury purchase, but I have not regretted the purchase at all.

No doubt there are many scopes between the two extremes that will do what you need to do, but suffice it to say that going with a little better quality for some additional $ will save you some headaches.

[skinewmexico]

I can sometimes see 223 holes @ 300 with my 6-24 Bushnell Elite 4200. I can see them better than I can with my 36x spotting scope. So it's not only a magnification issue, it's a quality issue.

[jnyork]

Dont worry too much about power, 20x is more than enough, just concentrate on QUALITY, that is what separates the sheep from the goats. If you are considering a spotting scope, consider it a lifetime investment, which it will be if you take care of it. Spend all the money you possibly can, and then a little more :eek:, make it hurt, you'll be happy in the long run.

[ForneyRider]

I got a Burris compact 12-24x spotting scope with my Burris riflescope. They have package deals for some of their scopes with spotting scope, GPS or binoculars.

The Burris compact scope is plenty for the casual user out to 200 yards. It is compact and durable enough(rubber cover) to carry hunting.

I bought the little Burris table-top tripod for it. It is very flimsy. So I use my aluminum camera tripod.

[pepperbelly]

I have a konus spotting scope.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/konus-konuspot-80-80mm-3-1-spotting-scope.html

Their price includes shipping and this scope is actually pretty good and the price is lower than some "cheap" scopes.
I have no trouble seeing the holes at 100 and 200 yards and rarely turn the magnification up over 40x.

Jim

[cbrxxrider]

I bought this model Alpen for $150 15-45x60
http://www.opticsplanet.net/alpen-15-45x60mm-compact-waterproof-angled-spotting-scope-728.html
and it works fine for 100yds. The eye relief is good with glasses on and if I take my glasses off at 45x I have the complete objective when looking down range.

If you can swing the $400 dollars, (20-60x80) this would a better choice with a little better eye relief. Better than Burris or the other similar priced units. It is one of the cheaper brands but I am very impressed with the quality of the model 728.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/alpen-20-60x80mm-angled-waterproof-spotting-scope-45-eyepiece-788.html

[72coupe]

What you are looking for is actually resolution. Magnification only makes what you can see larger. Look for the resolution factors for the scope you want. Resolution will be expressed in angular measure such as 6 seconds. If you could find one with 2 seconds resolution you would have what you want.

[pepperbelly]

72coupe is exactly right. You can find a lot of cheap scopes that advertise their magnification. They never mention clarity.
What surprised me about my Konus is that on 20x it was as bright and clear as dad's 20x Leupold Gold Ring.
I have had several friends who bought one after looking through mine.
In our opinion to get a better scope you would need to spend over $700.00, and that isn't a given. It really is a nice scope.

jim