Spotting scopes

[WNYBuckHunter]

Id like to get a spotting scope for reaching out there further than my binos will go while scouting, watching deer, etc. I do not want to break the bank. Any opinions on some decent ones that are out there? What to look for, etc. My budget for this needs to be below say $250.

[WNYBuckHunter]

Heres an example of what Ive been looking at...

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1995855&cp=4406646.4413993.4414427.4414460

is something like that any good or no? I just am not too sure on what I should be looking out for. I know I will need to use it in lower light conditions, like right around dusk and dawn.

[Deerthug]

Saw this one at Walmart the other day for $60. Was thinking of buying it but didn't know much about its reliability.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Simmons-Blazer-20-60X60-Spotting-Scope/19417508

[phade]

Redfield's scope is awesome....it's right around your $250 range, I think. But it is very nice for the cash.

I have a cheapo Barska that does OK but it almost always is abused (on a window mount being tossed around in the truck). Not great at clarity...and nothing compared to the Redfield.

I'll be honest and say it's probably the only model (Redfield) I would be pleased with under that price range. To be even more honest...it's underpriced. I recently noticed that the Redfield scopes are going up in price in many stores from $160 to $200 for the 3-9x40 with the regular duplex.

Edited February 8, 2012 by phade

[Lawdwaz]

If you buy a lower end unit, save your receipt. You will be disappointed.

I had a pretty good Leupold 25x50 for 15+ years. It was a decent value but I sure wouldn't want to use it in low light. What ever you do, you want at least 65mm objective.

[Lawdwaz]

I'd give Doug a call at Camerland in NYC. He has some great deals going all the time on wonderful optics and knows his stuff. Buy a few, try them out and send back what you don't want.

Here's a link to his joint..................................

http://www.cameralandny.com/

His customer service is impeccable,

[Dinsdale]

+1 on Cameraland.....

They often buy up close outs and show demo's that can put you in upgraded optics for a discount price.

I only buy optics two places; there and EuroOptics in Pa.....both have outstanding service.

[WNYBuckHunter]

Thanks. I was looking at the Celestron, as I know they make great telescopes. I will give cameraland a look. I dont want anything too pricey though, as it will spend alot of time in the truck. Id just like something clear enough to see antlers from a distance. I wish there was somewhere you could test the glass out.

[WNYBuckHunter]

Also, straight or angled?

[Lawdwaz]

Straight.

[132 eight pointer]

Also might want to check pricefalls.com and opticsplanet.com.

[Deerthug]

I was in Walmart today and I broke down and picked up this spotting scope.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Simmons-Blazer-20-60X60-Spotting-Scope/19417508

It cost $65 including tax. I was skeptical at first not only because of the low cost but also because the box looked like it was previously opened. I decided to buy it and test it out. I kept the receipt and made the decision that if I did not like it I would return it being that Walmart is down the road from my office.

Well I brought it home and opened up the box. I took out the scope along with the tripod. My first thought when looking at the tripod was that it was very flimsy. But I knew I had sturdier tripods that I can use it its place. I attached another sturdier tripod I had laying around at home. Set up the scope and lo and behold I was quite impressed with its ability to zoom in, focus and most of all its steadiness on my own tripod. It was actually very good for the price. I'm going up to the cabin this coming week and I'm going to try it out there hoping to see some Gobblers walking about. I will update my review then . . .

[mac]

Phade, was that the Redfield Rampage? I am looking for a new one around $200-250 . Anyone have positive views on thier Redfield or whatever else they are using, please post

[Elmo]

I have a cheapo Barska 20-60 as well. Paid in the $60-70 range if I can remember. Only real complaint I have on it is the tripod is horrible.

Only use it at the gun range. Yes, it's not as clear especially at max zoom but I can clearly see 223 holes 100 yards out. Even someone with bad eye sight should be able to see it. So much so, that I actually only use it at around 4- or 50 zoom but 60 brings me too close. I guess it comes down to what you're looking for. If you want to ID a bird 200 or 300 yards out, then it'll do the trick. If you want photo-quality vividness of that same bird at that same distance, then you might want to invest in a better glass.

[Gthphtm]

I have a Bushnell,For years used mostly at my range,take it to and from bouncing in a tool box on my atv has held up well.As said make sure you get a goo tripod to keep it steady.

[phade]

Phade, was that the Redfield Rampage? I am looking for a new one around $200-250 . Anyone have positive views on thier Redfield or whatever else they are using, please post

I think Redfield is the best "working man's" option. I like Vortex glass, but the cost of their scopes are a bit higher.