Spotting scope question...

[HexHead]

My old, cheap spotting scope broke and needs to be replaced.

The old scope was a 15-45x which was fine for 100 yards with .223, but bordered on useless at 200 yards. I realize, I'm going to have to spend about double what I hoped to, but I can use some guidance here.

I was thinking about getting a scope that is 20-60x to give me extra reach out to 200 yards. But pretty much all the reviews I've been reading say that once you dial it up past 40-50x, the scope isn't sharp and is virtually worthless. So I'm wondering if I get a better quality (Leupold) 15-45x if the extra clarity will overcome the issues I had with my cheap scope at that distance or even the "extra reach" of a less expensive 20-60x scope?

Basically, it's quality vs quantity?

 

[jakk280rem]

I just posted this in another spotting scope thread. I don't know what your budget is or what you consider cheap, but 4 bills will get you into a 20-60x80mm Bushnell Legend Ultra HD. It's what I use to spot my 222 Rem at 200 yds.

 

[Outlaw Man]

I haven't really used a new one, bit I shared an older (10+ years, probably older) Leopold prairie dog hunting last year, and it was GTG well past 200. I've never heard "make sure you get an old one" when talking about Leupolds, so I'd wager the new ones are up to par.

 

[fallout mike]

I've got a vortex 25x-75x. No complaints with it.

 

[oldfortyfiveauto]

I really like Vortex, but my spotting scope is the Leupold 12-40 due to the 1" of eye relief. That long relief is a must if you wear glasses and extended use is a lot less tiring. I usually take it and my Vortex Viper HD 6x32 binoculars on dog hunts. That's a tough combination to beat for a long day's use.

 

[HexHead]

Thanks guys. I ended up ordering a Redfield Rampage 20-60x60. At least it's got Leupold's limited lifetime warranty. The limited part just means it's not transferable.

 

[herrwalther]

Picked up my first spotting scope from Wal-Mart the other day for $60. A 20-60X model. Haven't had a chance to use it on the range yet but looks clear enough aiming out the window. As long as it will sight in my rifles at 100, should be worth the money to me.

 

[B!ngo]

Spotting scopes (and shooting optics in general) is one of those, 'you get what you pay for' categories of stuff. Sure, at the high end the curve flattens out quite a bit so that you have to pay a lot more to get even slightly better.
But I'd rather have a low-power scope with good glass than the opposite. I suspect that the recommendation of the respondents of the Leupold or Vortex were good ones.
I inherited an older nameless (well, a low-quality name) spot scope that we use to look at the city from up our hill and it is somewhat pathetic. I couldn't imagine using it as a spotting scope and I suspect it's Wal-Mart quality.
B