Spotting scopes
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jpwilly
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Okay, Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness! Actually a lot depends on what your using it for and how far you'll need to see. Cheapies are good for a couple hundred yards max beyond that good luck. From what I've gathered the Konus brand offers a lot for the money.
I don't mind spending some money to get something decent, but don't want to spend a lot of money either. I plan to use it for target shooting on a range. I shoot 50 and 100 yards now and plan to shoot 200 yards in the future. Anyone have any insight as to how much magnification I would need to locate the holes easily?
As far as the objective lens goes- how big does it need to be able to gather light. I shoot after work sometimes and I need something that will work in the early evening sun.
As far as the objective lens goes- how big does it need to be able to gather light. I shoot after work sometimes and I need something that will work in the early evening sun.
I bought one of these cheap Barska (Slavic name aside, it is a Chinese made scope) from Gander Mountain a couple of years ago. It was $100.00 at the time, came with a case and cheapie tripod.
I can see .223 bullet holes at 100 yards with the thing. I believe I can see 30 caliber holes at 200 yards.
The image has a green tint. Images at the edges are not clear. Using it in a match, at 500 yards I could see the color difference between the black pasters and the black bull. Same day, same target, with my $1000.00 Pentax, I could see the edges of the pasters at 500 yards.
Obviously the Pentax is a lot better optically.
But, for $100.00, if I bust it, so what.
I can see .223 bullet holes at 100 yards with the thing. I believe I can see 30 caliber holes at 200 yards.
The image has a green tint. Images at the edges are not clear. Using it in a match, at 500 yards I could see the color difference between the black pasters and the black bull. Same day, same target, with my $1000.00 Pentax, I could see the edges of the pasters at 500 yards.
Obviously the Pentax is a lot better optically.
But, for $100.00, if I bust it, so what.
Here is a Bushnell:
http://swfa.com/Bushnell-Elite-Spotting-Scopes-C448.aspx
Or a Nikon:
http://swfa.com/Nikon-16-48x60-XL-II-Spotting-Scope-P2901.aspx
And a Minox:
http://swfa.com/Minox-16-30x50-Spotting-Scope-P12021.aspx
http://swfa.com/Bushnell-Elite-Spotting-Scopes-C448.aspx
Or a Nikon:
http://swfa.com/Nikon-16-48x60-XL-II-Spotting-Scope-P2901.aspx
And a Minox:
http://swfa.com/Minox-16-30x50-Spotting-Scope-P12021.aspx
Spotters
A good spotter sure makes your range sessions a lot more enjoyable. And you can use it for looking at wildlife and some casual stargazing, too.
Look for:
a) fully multicoated lenses
Lens coating increases light transmission and cuts down on reflection. If you look for the reflection of a light fixture in a coated lens, it will look dull and green or dull and purple. Almost all scope makers will claim "coated optics" or "fully coated" or "multicoated". None of those statements is really good enough. Go with a scope that says it's been fully multicoated for the best results. This gives you better light transmission and brighter images. At least go for "multicoated" as a minimum.
b) good eye relief
Especially if you wear eyeglasses. Look for at least 1.5 inches (38mm). This is the distance your eye is from the eyepiece to get a full view. If you back up beyond the specified eye relief, you get "black out" and an incomplete view.
c) good usable power range
If you're going to be using the scope for no more than 100 yards, 25x to 30x is probably enough. If you're going farther out, look for a top power of 45 to 60x.
d) large objective lens
The larger the objective lens, the brighter and more detailed the image will be. My own scope has an 80mm objective lens and it works real well. You'll sometimes see spotting scopes with 50mm objectives - stay away from these. They'll be too dim under most conditions. There are some decent ones with 65mm objectives. They have the advantage of smaller size for easier portability, but they lose some brightness.
Real good spotters at reasonable prices are:
Celestron Ultima
Konus
Vortex
Bushnell Spacemaster
Burris
You should be able to get one of those for $200 or less.
If you're willing to double that amount:
Nikon Prostaff
Bushnell Elite
Celstron Ultima ED
If money's no object:
Swarovski
Zeiss
Leica
And don't forget to buy a STURDY tripod. You can have the world's best scope, but if it's mounted on a jiggly tripod, you won't see anything clearly.
A good spotter sure makes your range sessions a lot more enjoyable. And you can use it for looking at wildlife and some casual stargazing, too.
Look for:
a) fully multicoated lenses
Lens coating increases light transmission and cuts down on reflection. If you look for the reflection of a light fixture in a coated lens, it will look dull and green or dull and purple. Almost all scope makers will claim "coated optics" or "fully coated" or "multicoated". None of those statements is really good enough. Go with a scope that says it's been fully multicoated for the best results. This gives you better light transmission and brighter images. At least go for "multicoated" as a minimum.
b) good eye relief
Especially if you wear eyeglasses. Look for at least 1.5 inches (38mm). This is the distance your eye is from the eyepiece to get a full view. If you back up beyond the specified eye relief, you get "black out" and an incomplete view.
c) good usable power range
If you're going to be using the scope for no more than 100 yards, 25x to 30x is probably enough. If you're going farther out, look for a top power of 45 to 60x.
d) large objective lens
The larger the objective lens, the brighter and more detailed the image will be. My own scope has an 80mm objective lens and it works real well. You'll sometimes see spotting scopes with 50mm objectives - stay away from these. They'll be too dim under most conditions. There are some decent ones with 65mm objectives. They have the advantage of smaller size for easier portability, but they lose some brightness.
Real good spotters at reasonable prices are:
Celestron Ultima
Konus
Vortex
Bushnell Spacemaster
Burris
You should be able to get one of those for $200 or less.
If you're willing to double that amount:
Nikon Prostaff
Bushnell Elite
Celstron Ultima ED
If money's no object:
Swarovski
Zeiss
Leica
And don't forget to buy a STURDY tripod. You can have the world's best scope, but if it's mounted on a jiggly tripod, you won't see anything clearly.
Faitmaker
Member
Barska Blackhawk Spotting Scope 18-36x 50mm Angled Body with Tripod and Soft Case Rubber Armored Green
MidwayUSA for $89.99 plus shipping. Got mine about two weeks ago and it's wonderful on the 100yard. I really like this scope. Does what it needs to do and looks exactly like the pic above.
MidwayUSA for $89.99 plus shipping. Got mine about two weeks ago and it's wonderful on the 100yard. I really like this scope. Does what it needs to do and looks exactly like the pic above.
SwampWolf
Member
Though it hasn't been mentioned for whatever reason, I have been satisfied with my Leopold 80 power variable. I use it for "service rifle" competition when I compete with my AR 15. I will offer the caveat that not many spotting scopes are capable of providing effective definition of .22 caliber holes at 200 yards, especially when located in the black; let alone when shooting at the 600 yard stage of fire.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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You should be looking for the best quality you can find within your budget. What's the budget, are you willing to buy used, or new only, and what's the max distance you want to see .22 holes at?
But skoro has given you a nice summary. This belongs in the Accessories forum.
But skoro has given you a nice summary. This belongs in the Accessories forum.
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