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I'm in the market for a spotting scope. I'm looking to spend between 3 and 4 hundred dollars. Any suggestions on what would be the best bang for my buck? I know Nikon is a good choice but see others with good ratings such as Redfield. Any input would greatly appreciated!
check out http://www.eagleoptics.com/spotting-scopes?price_min=200&price_max=500&sort=customer-rating&per_page=48
I would look at the Vanguard (MI) or the Vortex model
What is the purpose you want to use it for? As with any glass you get what you pay for. My next spotting scope will have at least an 80mm objective and will cost well more than 3 house payments!!! I've used a couple in the past that have worked alright in your price range but if you can dig up some more money it's always better. When it comes to optics I always say figure out what you can afford then spend half again as much as you can afford.
Nikon has an instant rebate going on their ProStaff 5 spotting scopes of $120 and $150 depending upon the model which would get you down in your price range.
If anyone is interested I have a like new Leupold Sequoia 15-45X60 spotting scope kit with the tripod and aluminum hard case that I'm getting rid of. I need to start a fund for my next one!
If you are going to spot long periods, it pays to get a good one and I don't know if there is one in the $300-400 range.
I hunt mostly mule deer in wide open areas. I have a Kowa 82mm scope that is too heavy to tote around so that is only used near a car.
I have a 60mm Nikon (I think) that is compact and light but gives me a headache after a short time glassing. If your eyes have to adjust for blurry edges/etc, then it wears you down.
I broke down a couple years back and bought a Swaro 65mm. Not only can I glass all day long, but I weigh less now that I don't have all that money in my wallet (!) Okay, that is the bad part, but if you use it in the off-season (birding, etc) and plan to keep it for 20-30 years, you can almost justify it.
For those on a tight budget, look for the older Bushnell or Redfield spotting scopes . Great quality, we would glass for Hog Mulies all day with them. One tip when your looking at one , look through the front glass .If there is any broken parts or glass they will show up.
Go with 10x30 or 12x36 . If you hunt NM, AZ , NV , or UT 20x60's can be useless on some days.
After 30 or so western hunts I switched to good quality 10x50 binos. Easier to carry and I knew at I was looking for.
Vortex Love Them and the ones we have.
Your going to need a tripod and likely a car window mount. Do you want straight or angled? Angled helps when your sitting down. Straight is more natural for finding an animal in the scope that you have first seend with the naked eye.
Several years ago I spent $400 on a 15-45x65 for a trip out after pronghorn. Now I use it for scouting deer from the truck windows. If I knew I was going to be doing a lot of glassing year after year, I would have spent the big bucks like my Zeiss binos cost. But I knew my use was going to be limited and the additional $1000 or more could be spent more productively somewhere else. For me that was new arrows, new fieldpoint and broadhead targets, range and 3D time.....
Kowa and Minox seem to have good glass for the price.
How about http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=276114&gclid=CMbyyY2SmMACFYk-MgodGnMAlQ&Q=&is=REG&A=details
I have the Kowa in bigger glass and it is a very good scope but not the highest end.
The scope in Per48R's link is body only. Another $300 for the eyepiece.
I can't recommend one in that price range. I just sold my 50mm Nikon and picked up Vortex Razor HD 16-48 x 65mm for $999 shipped new.
It's been awesome so far. Glad I took my time saving up for it.
I took this picture through my scope a few weeks ago. Hope to do the same with some whitetails later in the year.
YZF, why an angled eye piece? I've never understood why someone would use one over the other. I've always used straight eye pieces but I'm curious why you went with an angled one.
The angled eye piece is actually much more comfortable to look through. It's easier to keep your chin tucked in and everything properly aligned. It matters more for me (neck problems from motocross accident). At the end of the day, I can glass for hours with this thing and not suffer.
Also, with an angled eyepiece/body you don't have to raise the scope an extra few inches to get it high enough to look through. That makes it more stable (also good for me because I have a cheap Slik Mini tripod).
Thanks for the input everyone. I ended up with a Vortex. Went over my budget but think I will be happy with it.