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Rifle Scopes Looking for a good cost efficient spotting scope?
- Thread starter dcsapos
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Re: Looking for a good cost efficient spotting sco
The Bushnell is a pretty good scope, even better when the price is factored in, I went to Rifles Only for some training with my team mates, we looked thru the 5k Zeiss that Lowlight loves, and it's impressive, but we were all shocked on how good the Bushnell was, CKA bought two and his are the same, it's a good piece of equipment.
The Bushnell is a pretty good scope, even better when the price is factored in, I went to Rifles Only for some training with my team mates, we looked thru the 5k Zeiss that Lowlight loves, and it's impressive, but we were all shocked on how good the Bushnell was, CKA bought two and his are the same, it's a good piece of equipment.
Re: Looking for a good cost efficient spotting sco
+1 for the Excursion here. I paid $340 shipped to Alaska. I still do not like the short eye relieve compared to my Alpen, I have to place my eye perfectly close to get full field of view. Glass on the Excursion is superb, no problem seeing bullet holes and read some street signs out to 800 if I remember right. With mildot for that price with good glass, its a steal. I think it is on the heavy side.
But, the power ring in the temps here in Alaska gives me concerns, last week around zero, it was frozen stuck at 15x, had to warm it up to move it, I was worried about breakage but once I got it at 45x, it stayed there all day. Focus ring knob did not seem to be bothered by the minor cold but again very stiff to rotate. I have yet to use it when it gets cold.
I was not too impressed with Leupold spotting scopes but I think their binos are pretty good. I have never looked through the tactical Leupold spotter but have the Gold Ring, its been awhile but to me, the Bushnell is much better.
+1 for the Excursion here. I paid $340 shipped to Alaska. I still do not like the short eye relieve compared to my Alpen, I have to place my eye perfectly close to get full field of view. Glass on the Excursion is superb, no problem seeing bullet holes and read some street signs out to 800 if I remember right. With mildot for that price with good glass, its a steal. I think it is on the heavy side.
But, the power ring in the temps here in Alaska gives me concerns, last week around zero, it was frozen stuck at 15x, had to warm it up to move it, I was worried about breakage but once I got it at 45x, it stayed there all day. Focus ring knob did not seem to be bothered by the minor cold but again very stiff to rotate. I have yet to use it when it gets cold.
I was not too impressed with Leupold spotting scopes but I think their binos are pretty good. I have never looked through the tactical Leupold spotter but have the Gold Ring, its been awhile but to me, the Bushnell is much better.
Re: Looking for a good cost efficient spotting sco
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 45.308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Focus ring knob did not seem to be bothered by the minor cold but again very stiff to rotate. I have yet to use it when it gets cold.</div></div>
What is an Alaskan's definition of 'minor cold'?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 45.308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Focus ring knob did not seem to be bothered by the minor cold but again very stiff to rotate. I have yet to use it when it gets cold.</div></div>
What is an Alaskan's definition of 'minor cold'?
Re: Looking for a good cost efficient spotting sco
If you get the Bushnell, check it against a white background for black specks around the reticle. Once you get a clear one, they're a nice spotter.
If you get the Bushnell, check it against a white background for black specks around the reticle. Once you get a clear one, they're a nice spotter.
Re: Looking for a good cost efficient spotting scope?
If you can afford the Leupold Golden Ring 15-40x60, you can have the mildot or TMR reticle added for $159 I beleive. Bruno's has them for $815+ shipping of course. This should be a little cheaper than buying the Mark 4 (the Mark 4 is the golden ring but in all black). I read mixed reviews on the Bushnell and decided for what I need I would go with the Leupold. Had advice from the Hide here to go with higher end products but can't see the difference for the money. I went to Cabelas and Bass pro and looked thru the different scopes and decided on the Leupold. Couldn't find them any cheaper than at Bruno's. Mine is on the way, it will be my first spotter. can't wait to try it out!
I am not knocking the Bushnell. Just read lots of reviews on all spotting scoes and found the Leupold good for me. I know you said price was an issue so in the end what you have to spend dictates what you will buy. Just wanted to throw those options out there. hope this helps.
LBH
If you can afford the Leupold Golden Ring 15-40x60, you can have the mildot or TMR reticle added for $159 I beleive. Bruno's has them for $815+ shipping of course. This should be a little cheaper than buying the Mark 4 (the Mark 4 is the golden ring but in all black). I read mixed reviews on the Bushnell and decided for what I need I would go with the Leupold. Had advice from the Hide here to go with higher end products but can't see the difference for the money. I went to Cabelas and Bass pro and looked thru the different scopes and decided on the Leupold. Couldn't find them any cheaper than at Bruno's. Mine is on the way, it will be my first spotter. can't wait to try it out!
I am not knocking the Bushnell. Just read lots of reviews on all spotting scoes and found the Leupold good for me. I know you said price was an issue so in the end what you have to spend dictates what you will buy. Just wanted to throw those options out there. hope this helps.
LBH
Re: Looking for a good cost efficient spotting scope?
I'll tell you the same thing I tell everyone looking for a cheap spotter:
One great option is a Konuspot 80. It's 90-95% the scope the Kowas are, at about $200. I did a LOT of hands on research with this, and was fully willing to spend for the Kowa.
Jim Owens has a good description of it here. Just hit it with a nice coat of Krylon Ultra Matte (I did black) and you're good to go!
http://www.jarheadtop.com/KONUS.htm
http://www.jarheadtop.com/Testimonials_Scopes.htm
I found it for under $200 on sale from B&H Photovideo.
Good luck,
BB
I'll tell you the same thing I tell everyone looking for a cheap spotter:
One great option is a Konuspot 80. It's 90-95% the scope the Kowas are, at about $200. I did a LOT of hands on research with this, and was fully willing to spend for the Kowa.
Jim Owens has a good description of it here. Just hit it with a nice coat of Krylon Ultra Matte (I did black) and you're good to go!
http://www.jarheadtop.com/KONUS.htm
http://www.jarheadtop.com/Testimonials_Scopes.htm
I found it for under $200 on sale from B&H Photovideo.
Good luck,
BB
Re: Looking for a good cost efficient spotting scope?
I'll second the Konus. Great spotter for the money.
I'll second the Konus. Great spotter for the money.
Re: Looking for a good cost efficient spotting sco
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: downtown_adam</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 45.308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Focus ring knob did not seem to be bothered by the minor cold but again very stiff to rotate. I have yet to use it when it gets cold.</div></div>
What is an Alaskan's definition of 'minor cold'? </div></div>
0 degrees F or above.
I bought a Nikon Earth and Sky and have been using it out to 1k for 9 years now - no complaints.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: downtown_adam</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 45.308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Focus ring knob did not seem to be bothered by the minor cold but again very stiff to rotate. I have yet to use it when it gets cold.</div></div>
What is an Alaskan's definition of 'minor cold'? </div></div>
0 degrees F or above.
I bought a Nikon Earth and Sky and have been using it out to 1k for 9 years now - no complaints.
Re: Looking for a good cost efficient spotting sco
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter1520</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the imput, is there any other spotting scope optic out there for the money that has the mil-dot feature? </div></div>
I understand he wants a reasonable priced spotter with mildot, not just a good cheap spotter.
Agree, zero is the cut for cold.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter1520</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the imput, is there any other spotting scope optic out there for the money that has the mil-dot feature? </div></div>
I understand he wants a reasonable priced spotter with mildot, not just a good cheap spotter.
Agree, zero is the cut for cold.
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