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Spotting scopes

Bowtie747

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Ohio
Ik this is a saddle sight but most of you guys seem to hunt big game and shoot guns a lot. Anyone wanna share what spotting scopes they use either for shooting, or hunting out west and what not? Or if you have recommendations of what scope you like or don’t like. Also angled vs straight and size of the overall scope.
I’m also looking for something to see impacts on steel and or in paper. Maybe use an example of how far you can and or can’t do that with your spotter
 
Ik this is a saddle sight but most of you guys seem to hunt big game and shoot guns a lot. Anyone wanna share what spotting scopes they use either for shooting, or hunting out west and what not? Or if you have recommendations of what scope you like or don’t like. Also angled vs straight and size of the overall scope.
I’m also looking for something to see impacts on steel and or in paper. Maybe use an example of how far you can and or can’t do that with your spotter
What is your budget? This will dictate what advice I provide sir.
 
following... also wondering if anyone has a good tripod they would recommend. I saw Blackovis has a few combo deals with Vortex glass, but unsure if they are a good deal
 
Can't go wrong with Vortex when it comes to optics. After all, the MeatEater guys can't be wrong, right???:laughing: But for real.
 
You might consider getting one with a mil-dot reticle, as you can estimate ranges by using the dots to measure objects of known or estimated size. Google "mil-dot range estimation". Also if you're with others, you'd be able to say things like, "check out that dark spot about 50 mils left of that dead spruce tree".

I've got a Celestron spotting scope which is certainly adequate, but not nearly as nice as more premium brands.

Consider splurging on a nice tripod and head, as well; these items aren't cheap.
 
I have an Athlon Ares G2 15-45x60 UHD and the Athlon Midas AL28 tripod. Decided to purchase the Ares G2 after reading multiple reviews, including a few that were side by side comparisons with higher end optics. Based on that, I figured it was the best value for the money and haven't been disappointed. Also ordered the fixed power ranging reticle eyepiece.

I went with a straight spotting scope vs. an angled spotting scope. Think this is more of a personal preference than necessity. However, I use mine primarily for PRS competitions and have it mounted on the same rail as binos and a rangefinder. Straight just fit my application or primary use better than angled. However, if I was spending hours glassing for game, I could see where an angled spotting scope has some advantages.

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Us Easterners just dont get that good glass aint cheap and cheap glass aint good.

If you spend any amount of time behind cheap glass you will get a headache plain and simple. I love my Vortex 10x42 for deer. Wont hit the woods without them. Spend 2 hours with them glued to your eyeballs and you'll start to see what Im talking about.

I had a Burris spotter I believe that was ok. Then I looked thru a coworkers Swaro for a weekend and I gave it away.

If you really need it save your money and buy it once or youll regret it and buy it twice. At least with a Swaro or comparable you wont get hurt on the resale.
 
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Meopta spotters and binos can be found for reasonable prices if you are patient. Those are my top choices of you are needing a little more budget friendly. Sig is decent and can be found cheaper as well. The higher end Leupolds are good. Maven is another.
 
I fiddled around with an "affordable" spotting scope at one time.
Looked through a Swarovski HD 20X - 60X and decided that was for me.
Saved my shekels and started looking for a lightly used unit and luckily came across one and
have not been at all dissatisfied.
My max shooting range is 300 yards and I can see impacts easily on a white gong.
I use a straight eye peice as it makes it easier to line up the scope and find what you are looking for.
 
Spent 2 days at a mid-range carbine class, staring at 500yd and 600yd targets through a Celestron spotting scope.

Better than nothing, but the difference between that and Vortex is striking.
 
So I'm in the market for a spotting scope. I don't have a lot to spend at the time. Been looking at the cheaper vortex. What I'm hearing here is making me wonder if I need to just wait till a later time and save up some money.
I don't have any plans to go west. I would only be using it to glass bucks the last couple hours of light at approximately 1/2 mile or less most of the time. Would I see a noticeable difference with how I would use it?
 



Looks like your rental would be 5-10% of purchase price, with little to no risk.

Probably about the same as you’d pay to buy used, try it, and sel it. With slightly more risk.
 
I’ve used a Vortex Viper 20-60 for several yrs on TX Muley hunts. We glassed with bino’s until we found something we needed a better look at. I never kept my eye on the scope for more than 10-20 mins at the time, but they worked really well. The spotters belonged to the guides we had with us, and they were on the scope quite a bit while signaling us on the stalk. They never complained of headaches, and absolutely loved the Viper.


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So I'm in the market for a spotting scope. I don't have a lot to spend at the time. Been looking at the cheaper vortex. What I'm hearing here is making me wonder if I need to just wait till a later time and save up some money.
I don't have any plans to go west. I would only be using it to glass bucks the last couple hours of light at approximately 1/2 mile or less most of the time. Would I see a noticeable difference with how I would use it?
If your budget allows either excellent 10x binos or a budget 20x-60x spotting scope - say, Leupold binos or a Barska spotting scope - go with the excellent 10x binos. Magnification is cheap, clarity is not, and clarity should be your priority.
 
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