Spotting Scope Recommendations For Hunting & Shooting?

[Brydawg512]

Hello all,

I am looking for some spotting scope recommendations. I would like this scope to be capable of clearly identifying the number of points on a deer/elk at 600 yards (about as far as I would shoot at an animal). Also, I would like to be able to see impacts on targets out to about 1,000 yards if possible.

My budget is fairly tight, $400 or so being about my top end. I had looked at the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x60 online -- what are your thoughts? Please give me your recommendations! Scope power/Obj. Diameter recommendations, brands, specific models, etc.!

Thank you all in advance!

 

[muleskinner1]

Hello all,

I am looking for some spotting scope recommendations. I would like this scope to be capable of clearly identifying the number of points on a deer/elk at 600 yards (about as far as I would shoot at an animal). Also, I would like to be able to see impacts on targets out to about 1,000 yards if possible.

My budget is fairly tight, $400 or so being about my top end. I had looked at the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x60 online -- what are your thoughts? Please give me your recommendations! Scope power/Obj. Diameter recommendations, brands, specific models, etc.!

Thank you all in advance!

I have been researching scopes for quite some time now. My advice don't get in a hurry and it will pay off.

 

[Mram10us]

I'd look for something used. Lots of nice used spotters out there for that price

 

[Brydawg512]

I have been researching scopes for quite some time now. My advice don't get in a hurry and it will pay off.

I'd look for something used. Lots of nice used spotters out there for that price

Note taken.. now, what magnification power shower I be looking at? I'm unclear on this part.

 

[muleskinner1]

Note taken.. now, what magnification power shower I be looking at? I'm unclear on this part.

You need to study Linear Field of View and Exit Pupil and magnification will be clearer for you IMO.

 

[Plinker147]

You get what you pay for in optics, for $400 your not going to get much quality. The more Magnification the more you need quality. Look a Razor 11-33 or Luepold in the $4-600 range. They are descent glass and will work for the distance you mentioned. If it were me I would save more and buy better but its not me..........

 

[Wedgy]

Are you going to pack it hunting ? If so what is your weight and size limit ?
Spotting hits at 600 can be difficult for any spotter depending on conditions, in good conditions I can spot hits on paper at 600 with my compact 16oz Nikon ED50 13-40x but in bad conditions you can't see hits with my Meopta S2 20-60x82mm(~$2,000). You aren't going to get much for $400 but get HD or ED glass for sure. I'm not much of a Vortex fan but their Razor line is descent. Hits on paper at 1,000 is next to impossible but is much easier using a cellphone adapter like what this Viper comes with;
https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/vortex-viper-hd-15-45×65-spotting-scope-like-new.231144/

 

[Blancoalex]

I have always liked binoculars on good stable tripod. Two eyes are always better for seeing.

Here is my Oberwerk 15x70 ultras on Bogen tripod. I don't carry this when on foot but for going out on the Mule they come along as we see so much better with them.

Get the best glass and solid tripod.

 

[jjmp]

People are always wanting to improve on what they have or don't have , in your case Waite and save up you should spend 3times 400 that will buy you one you'll be happy to keep years down the road , buy once & cry once but then you have it ! , other side of the coin ,buy to cheap and keep replacing what you bought after not to long , this can go on for years and just brings onFrustration, now add up the combined cost of 3 or4 spoting scopes and you could have bought a Way better one from the beginning . I inherited poor eyes I bought a Leica APO Televid 77 angled 20/60 eyepiece , with it I could see 30 caliber bullet holes at 1000 yards in a cheap 10.5 inch white paper plate ,yes what's not a compermize ,65 mm is more packable 85/90 mm is to bulky and heavy , but their make ing them shorter so there is weight savings haven't checked them in a while ,mines still good enuff,big names better reputations .....,cheers

 

[Brydawg512]

Thank you all for your help!

 

[ducky]

I'd look for a used Nikon 60mm Fieldscope with a 20-45X eyepiece, something like this one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Fiel...e4ec837:g:V-kAAOSwHP1d3DL4&LH_ItemCondition=4

 

[LongProng]

If you happen to be a veteran, Vortex is 50% off msrp for the next 10 days or so through ExpertVoice.

 

[Bounce]

In bad conditions, you're not going to see squat no matter how good your scope is at long range. I happen to love my Meopta cuz it has the FOV and clarity at distance that ranks with the best at a considerably lower price. Not sure I'd want to lug it up to the top of a mountain though.

 

[Brush4646]

Hello all,

I am looking for some spotting scope recommendations. I would like this scope to be capable of clearly identifying the number of points on a deer/elk at 600 yards (about as far as I would shoot at an animal). Also, I would like to be able to see impacts on targets out to about 1,000 yards if possible.

My budget is fairly tight, $400 or so being about my top end. I had looked at the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x60 online -- what are your thoughts? Please give me your recommendations! Scope power/Obj. Diameter recommendations, brands, specific models, etc.!

Thank you all in advance!

I have a Swift 15x-60x that I have used for forty years from NY to Colorado and it has served me well. I have a window mount and a Lamson tripod to keep it steady. I shoot benchrest at the Super Shoot in Ohio where there are every kind of scope there you can
look through. Mine isn't as good as the $2500 ones but it isn't bad. You can get one on Ebay for $100 to $200 .