I’m in the market for a serviceable spotting scope.?
March 30, 2010 by
Filed under nikon spotting scopes
I know practically nothing about spotting scopes but I’m looking for something that’s usable. Maximum range I expect to use it is 600 yards. I have no idea how much magnification I need or how much quality I need. Would something like a $100. one from Gander mountain suffice or do I need to spend more money? I’m a big fan of Nikon… I own their cameras, lenses, binoculars and rifle scopes but if I can avoid it I’d rather not spend what they’re asking for a spotting scope…. a nice little Super Blackhawk with a 10 1/2′ barrel followed me home and sort of depleted my toy budget. Then again I’d rather spend that much than waste $100. on something that will only cause frustration.
Thank you… I appreciate your effort.
Butch… you surely may and thank you. I suspected as much but I wanted to hear it from someone who KNEW… not SUSPECTED. I’m off to do your suggested reading.
Simmons Prosport at http://www.natchezss.com about $100.
600 yards and a $100 spotting scope really don’t mix, you’ll never see your bullet holes at that distance unless you’re using some sort of artillery. Kowa is going to be the best one for you, but expect to spend a “bit” more than $100… Might I suggest a little light reading on the subject here:
http://www.longrangebpcr.com/Scopes.htm
Ignore the fact that it’s on a black powder cartridge rifle site, the info applies to all forms of medium to long range shooting.
I personally have some 1970s vintage Japanese brand that I bought at a pawn shop some years back for about $65, if I remember correctly. It’s fine for seeing bullet holes in paper targets out to 200 yards. But, another poster got it right…if you are wanting to spot things at 600 yards, you will need high quality optics and probably a nitrogen filled scope body.
About the best/easiest spotting scope I ever used was a variable power Redfield; I think it was a 20x-60x.