Spotting Scope???

Firemedic54

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What are the pros/cons on spotting scopes? I am looking to pick up one in the next little bit. What are the differences between the straight scopes and the scopes with the angled eye piece?
 
What are the pros/cons on spotting scopes? I am looking to pick up one in the next little bit. What are the differences between the straight scopes and the scopes with the angled eye piece?

It’s about head position. The angled you don’t have to have as high. Camera land has some good deals on them. I bought some 12x Binoculars for the Lr stuff I’m doing and I will get a spotting scope soon. I want one with a mrad reticle in it though. Tripods are a whole nother discussion lol.


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The angled eye piece is easier to use when in the prone position or looking upward, such as a hillside. Straight eyepiece is easier to use from an upright or seated position such as a shooting bench or looking downhill.
 
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Angled eye piece for sure especially if you are in prone position or shooting from a bench. Have both Leupold mildot straight and Kowa angled.
 
First, what is your planned usage of a scope; bench prone, distance, clarity requirements and price limits.
 
I picked up a Bushnell Legend recently and am pleased.



paired with a Sirui tripod that Cameraland (@gr8fuldoug ) spent a bunch of time helping me choose. Awesome service.
 
Bench shooting, mostly just sighting in deer rifles, can't see myself getting into any super long range shooting. I figure 200-300 yards probably be my max.
 
With reasonabily good eyesight the Bushnell will serve your purpose up to 300 yards, past that distance mixed with poor eyesight gets you into the world of expensive glass. Just remember nobody's eyes get better with age so for my use buy the most expensive scope you can afford and only suffer once.
 
I just need something that sees .223 holes at 200 yards for zeroing. To avoid frequent trips down range. Doesn't need to do any more than that.

Any recommendations?
 
I bought this ($89 Barska off Amazon) and have been very pleased out to 200 yds. It is a cheap option but it's worked flawlessly.
I'm sure the more expensive ones are better but I'm cheap and only need to see where (or if) I knocked a hole.
Now, if I knew about Doug and the deal above I probably would have done that. I've wished many times I had the angled viewfinder.
 
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I bought this ($89 Barska off Amazon) and have been very pleased out to 200 yds. It is a cheap option but it's worked flawlessly.
I'm sure the more expensive ones are better but I'm cheap and only need to see where (or if) I knocked a hole.
Now, if I knew about Doug and the deal above I probably would have done that. I've wished many times I had the angled viewfinder.
I’ve never used that one, but I think it would do just fine. I lucked into a free one in the BST several years ago that has the angled view finder, but it maxes at 45X...60X would be nice.

ETA: Found a pic. Forgot it was a Konus:

90EE2239-BB5D-49A8-B098-9B45CCB9DDF1.jpeg
 
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I bought this ($89 Barska off Amazon) and have been very pleased out to 200 yds. It is a cheap option but it's worked flawlessly.
I'm sure the more expensive ones are better but I'm cheap and only need to see where (or if) I knocked a hole.
Now, if I knew about Doug and the deal above I probably would have done that. I've wished many times I had the angled viewfinder.

Something similar to this price range I feel would work for me. I am tired of guessing with binoculars and squinting with my rifle scope. I do believe I have been educated to get one that is angled. I might sneak out to the $150 range but that would be max, figure to only use 1-2 times a year.
 
I've spent a lot of time behind a spotting scope over the years and here's a few things that I've learned (in no particular order):
  • The higher the magnification, the smaller the field of view
  • The higher the magnification the more you amplify distortion and conditions, such as mirage
  • When you crank up the magnification, the slightest bump on the scope will knock you off your target
  • The bigger the objective lens, the more light is allowed into the scope which makes for a brighter image
  • Angled eye pieces and long-eye-relief lenses are always a plus
  • Tripod mounts are steady, but take up lots of real-estate on the shooting bench. A solid, easily adjustable scope stand is a must
  • Seeing bullet holes is usually a matter of having good conditions (favorable light, mirage, etc.)
  • 25x-27x seems to be a good compromise of power & clarity
I have a Kowa 821M with a 27x LER eyepiece. On most days I can pick out 223 holes at 200yds and occasionally at 300yds. But like I said, it depends on conditions. The use of shoot-n-see targets helps out a lot.

It might hurt to pony up the cash for quality glass but "buy once, cry once"
 
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