Spotting scope questions

[IWAC]

I have a nice Leupold Golden Ring 15-30 X 50mm spotting scope that does well at up to 50 yards, but I have trouble seeing my 25 caliber holes at 100. It is light, which is one of my criteria, and does a creditable job for birding. but, my aging eyes seem to need more help nowadays.

I am thinking of buying another scope, perhaps with a 60 or 65 mm objective, which will admit more light and transmit more detail. The figures say that a 60mm objective will transmit 1.25 times the light and detail, and a 65 mm transmits about 2.25 times, depending upon coatings, etc. It looks like the 65m wins, and should be good compromise between compactness and weight.
But, High-power shooters have been using the heavier, but relatively inexpen$ive Konus 20-60 X 80 scopes, or Celestron scopes for years, with reportedly good results. They don't carry their scopes much, though.
So, has anyone had experience with going from a 50mm objective scope to a 60 or 65, and did the additional area of the objective make any difference in clarity and sharpness? How about from ~50 mm to 80?

Any help/recommendations will be appreciated.
Thanx

 

[Zeke/PA]

Your scope should be good enough plus to see target holes at 100 yds.
READ the instructions that came with your glass!

 

[IWAC]

Zeke; Thanx for the response. It wasn't good enough the last time I was at the range, which is why I am seeking information. There were no instructions that came with it....just scope, end caps and carrying case.
Perhaps I could try some of the Shoot 'n See types of targets, to see if that helps.

 

[WhiteFoot]

I went from 50 to 80 a few years back and don't have a single regret. I mostly use my spotting scope for hunting (but still use it at the range) so the extra light that it lets in helps me see earlier in the morning and later at night. I think that the size is worth packing around, so much that sold my smaller backpacking scope because I never use it. I have the Vortex Skyline (no longer in production, bought it on clearance) so it's not even a high end scope.
If you decide to get a new spotter I'd strongly recommend Vortex because of their warranty. I've used it on my binoculars that I broke (my fault) and I had a new pair within 2 weeks. Great customer service and warranty.

 

[RainDodger]

I have one of the Redfield "Rampage" $199 ($179 on sale sometimes) spotting scopes. Comes with a little tripod and it's got a rubberized coating that protects it quite well. I think it's a 20-60X and I can see my .17HMR holes at 100 yards. For the money, it's a great little scope. I think the Redfield is also made by Leupold now, or at least it has some relation to Leupold.

 

[Walkalong]

I agree with Zeke, the scope you have should be able to see .25 Cal bullet holes at 100 yards under reasonable conditions.

Here is a small, easy to carry Celestron offering that's light and has good glass. If it had been available when I bought a similar product, I would have bought it instead. I might still break down and get one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...on_52308_hummingbird_9_27x56_ed_spotting.html

 

[farmerboy78]

I just bought the celestron Ultima 80 from optics planet on sale with a tripod. The quality is far above the price tag so far!

 

[Walkalong]

I have a Celestron 80 and am very happy with it. Here it is on my hme made stand.