[zammyman]

Looking for a good spotting scope under $200. Needs to be waterproof and fog proof (unlike some of the Burris models). I've looked at the Bushnell Sentry 12-36x50, seems pretty good. Prefer to stay away from Tasco and Barska... any suggestions?

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Tstar77, here on THR has this one: http://www.opticsplanet.net/yukon-firefall-12-36x50-spotting-scopes.html

It seems crisp and bright enough. Also has the features I'd like in a scope -especially for this price.

I think I'm going to buy this one very soon: http://www.opticsplanet.net/yukon-firefall-15-45x60-spotting-scopes.html

-Steve

[zammyman]

That Yukon Firefall doesn't look too bad!!

[Coltdriver]

Good question zammyman! I am looking too.

I rented a Redhead last weekend that had a 15-45 zoom capability and a 60mm objective. At 200 yards I could not reliably make out bullet holes with the zoom turned all the way up. I backed it off to about 35 power and I could see the holes but I really had to work the focus ring to make it work for me.

Way too much trouble and not what I had hoped for! On a day with much heat at all I am sure the thing would be worthless.

I think this scope goes for about $80 new.

I am going to make every effort to try before I buy because ideally I would like a scope that I could see bullet holes in a target at 300 yards. But I am now wondering if that is realistic. That's my inexperience talking.

I found a Mead that sells for about $100 new that I am hoping to try. I have a mead telescope and it is not bad in stock form. I had thought about buying a small telescope too.

Keep us posted on what you learn.

[zammyman]

anybody else have input on this?

[jpwilly]

Try this one from Konus (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=466045) - pretty good and cost effective.

[dcoop]

+1 on the Konus. Definitely the best bang for the buck.

[kolob10]

I have a Bausch & Lomb Elite 15x45x60 with case in great condition that I'm willing to sell since I ended up with a new one for Christmas (gift giver didn't know I had one). $200 plus shipping. I believe I paid $400 for mine a couple years ago. It is a great scope. I have used it on my range only - never in the field. Good Shooting.

kolob10@indy.net

[paulo]

+2 on the Konus. jarheadtop.com has good pricing on them plus he supports junior shooting programs.

[green country shooter]

Bushnell sportview, 15 x 45. Range use only, in the field here in brushy, woody eastern Oklahoma binoculars are enough.

In good light I can see the bullet holes at 250, at 300 i'm guessing where the holes are.

They were under 100, seems like about 60. I've had them for some time and they work fine, but they have not been subjected to rain or extreme temperatures.

[Waffen tragen]

I have the Bushnell Sentry 18x36x50. This is my second one. I had problems with the power adjustment on the first one. Sent it back to Bushnell and they replaced it free of charge. I use it primarily for sighting in my rifles.
All in all it's an ok scope.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

Model number 787325 is a piece of junk.

I purchased this a number of years ago, and the adjustment for focus is so sensitive, you cannot get a good focus.

Buy something better, save your money.:cuss:

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Before my experience with Celestron's customer service, I would have said this one:

http://www.opticsplanet.net/celestron-c90-mak-spotting-scope.html

But now, I dunno. I hear good about the Konus, Alpen, and certain Bushnells in that price range. Maybe a Burris Landmark.

[Martyk]

Just bought a Barska 30~90 x 90 w/ a tripod on ebay for 149. delivered. I figured how could I go wrong? Waiting for it to arrive any day now.

[cavman]

This is the best one that I could find.

http://www.jarheadtop.com/

Konus

Jim also includes stuff to go along with it

Error: this one is not waterproof...