spotting scope

[bandk]

I am in need of suggestions for a spotting scope....I think anyhow.
We would like to be able to observe open country on a mountain face for wildlife, ~3.5 miles away.
Suggestions for a spotting scope, particularly on a budget for first time use?

thanks

 

[ms6852]

Read the article about spotting scope from this person, she is quite amazing. Check out her forum under spotting scope .

http://www.opticsplanet.net:80/spotting-scopes-for-target-shooting.html

 

[Captcurt]

Do your research and get a good quality scope. I've always wanted a spotter so when I needed $5 extra to get "free" shipping, I had them throw in a NcStar spotter for 20 something dollars. I should have had them throw it out. This thing is a worthless POS. I've seen toys that were better quality.

 

[IllHunter]

Ask to test...

Most places that carry a variety of scopes should not object to letting you take it out to the parking lot to try it at distance. My .02, 40X or better, best optics you can afford. Most all rifle scope makers have a scope, I wish now I had a 60X for some of the longer flat farm fields I hunt.

 

[heron]

We would like to be able to observe open country on a mountain face for wildlife, ~3.5 miles away.

Open your billfold real wide . . . wider . . . wider yet . . .

Really, there's an old-fashioned solution to your problem . . .

GET CLOSER TO YOUR SUBJECT. Effective rifle range ought to do it.

 

[Ditch-Tiger]

Obviously there are better ones out there...much better in fact, but the OP stated that price was an issue and in my opinion, the best quality spotter at the lowest price would be the Leupold Sequoia. They run about $400 and are truly clearer than a $400 spotting scope should be.

 

[kuyawil]

I'm not sure if this would meet your requirements but check out the Konus Konuspot 80 (20-60x80mm) spotting scope at OpticsPlanet.com. I did a lot of research and tried several sub-$100 and sub-$200 spotting scopes but after reading this review, I decided to buy it. And I'm glad I did. Will I ever buy an expensive scope? Maybe. But for now, this Konuspot 80 fits the bill perfectly. Good luck with your purchase...