Do I really need four spotting scopes?

[ms6852]

The rifle spotting scope is a low-end Kowa, which is entirely satisfactory for 100 yards.

Never ever heard a Kowa being a "low end" scope.

 

[rust collector]

Most manufacturers try to hit a few different price points. Kowas are fine, but some have better coatings, designs, corrections. Their low end is by no means inexpensive but serves as an entry point and provides good value.

If I was using a spotter regularly, I could justify a midrange Kowa or high end Vortex. As it is, I make do with an 80mm Konus and old Bausch & Lomb variable 60 mm on a stock.

 

[lightman]

Don't ask me how i got there, but I did and I'm there..
I have 3 Bausch & Lomb Balscope Sr spotting scopes 1 in 20X and an original B&L tripod used on the bench, One in 30X in a Freeland bi-pod mount also used on the bench, and another in 20X in a Freeland tripod mount used for offhand..
I also have a Kowa 821 with a 27X extended eye relief eye piece.that I also use from the bench.
Now I know I really only need one, probably the Kowa, but I just can't bring myself to get rid of the Balscopes.. they are such a good scope for what you can get them for I just can't let go.

I would say no, you don't need 4. But there must have been a good reason that you have 4. I would say do what you want! You could always give one to your old internet buddy, Lightman! Like 308 Norma, I would give it a good home. I mean a really sheltered life!!!

Spotting scopes seem to have a happy medium. You need it to be good enough to do the job that you want it to do. But where to stop? A friend has a Swarovski and its fantastic! But it was so expensive, about $2K, that he's afraid to take it out.

 

[kwb377]

That's impossible to answer. How is your vision? Target size and distance.....

I'm 67 and have never owned a rifle scope, and this covers the 20 (+) rifles which have been here.

You have better eyesight than anyone I've ever met, then. I've never known anyone that didn't need a spotting scope and could eyeball targets at 300 yds. and tell they needed to come left 3/4". Count yourself blessed.

But he's talking about spotting scopes, not rifle scopes. Hitting a target at distance with iron sights, and marking hits at distance with a spotting scope are different things.

 

[rust collector]

If anyone is after alpha glass like Zeiss, Swarovski or Leica they can save $$ by checking with Cameraland NY or other high volume dealers. You can also find deals on Vortex, Athlon and other brands that are upping their game. Open box, demos and others are fully warranted but factories authorize below-MAP pricing on those.

 

[rabid wombat]

A friend has a Swarovski and its fantastic! But it was so expensive, about $2K, that he's afraid to take it out.

Expensive but made to be used…no use sitting in a case. I have taken mine hunting. Routinely use it for birds out the back yard (the binoculars more often). I do have a Leupold spotting scope, also. Primarily bought for the smaller form - 60mm objective vs 80mm on the Swarovski. I REALLY want one of the new modular Swarovski scopes, but putting money into the wife’s photography interests (and putting hunting glass dollars to shame ). So yes, there are many reasons to have multiple spotting scopes.

 

[rabid wombat]

Open box, demos and others are fully warranted but factories authorize below-MAP pricing on those.

I bought mine at Cabelas’ Black Hole a long time ago….saved a ton. Likewise, look at B&H Used. Great people to work with, great return policy, if you use their credit card - you can save the value of the sales tax, and honest appraisal of condition.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=Spotting scope&searchType=USED&sort=PRICE_HIGH_TO_LOW

 

[BobABQ]

I feel better now since I only have 2 spotting scopes and not 4. I really should sell one off but that takes effort. I guess it doesn’t cost me anything to store it.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I don't have a lot of spotting scopes. But i have a bunch of rifle scopes im not using. They were upgraded. When someone needs a scope. I'll pass one on.

 

[PaFrank]

You wouldn't really be "getting rid" of one of your Balscopes if you gave it to your THR buddy - good ol' .308 Norma. He'd give it a good home.

I'd be happy to trade one for some pictures of dead presidents.

 

[jmorris]

I’m the same way as far as getting rid of stuff. I just keep them other places I would use one if I had it handy. Keep a good one for my serious trips, have a pretty decent one at the farm. Another in the shop…

 

[.308 Norma]

I'd be happy to trade one for some pictures of dead presidents.

Sorry, I misread your post. I thought you wrote you'd be happy to trade one of your spotting scopes for some pictures of dead PHEASANTS.
No matter - I don't think I have any pictures of dead pheasants, and I know I don't have very many pictures of dead presidents. Would you settle for a picture of a dead mule deer, or maybe a dead ground squirrel?

 

[kalielkslayer]

To answer the original question: 1) heavy one to use from the truck, 2) a light one to pack, 3) one to give to your son, 4) one to give to your grandson.

I used a pair of 15X56 Swaro binos on tripod for years and thought “I don’t need a quality spotter.”

Then I got a Vortex Razor HD and realized how wrong I was. It’s not top of the line, but I’m very familiar with it. I can jump out of the vehicle and have something in focus 1/2 mile away in less than 15 seconds, sometimes less.

I second the Cameraland RX. I bought the 15X56 Swaros from them. They weren’t demos and Swarovski doesn’t allow retailers to discount their products. But Cameraland through in a pan head, Swarovski adapter and a cheap spotter I wanted for range work for $400. The value of these items was over $800 individually.

I also bought a Zeiss Conquest HD5 scope from them. It was a demo. I got a $1,200 scope for $700 & change.