[SpEcTeR]

I'm looking for a spotting scope that I can use mostly for the range therefore weight and size is not an issue.

I did want to keep it under 300 but since we get what we pay for I would not rule out higher priced spotting scopes assuming they are worth the extra coin.

Would like to use 200-1000yards, prefer large objectives like 80mm and do not really care how much they weight.

I was considering the Burris 20-60x80mm and the Leupold Sequoia 15-45x60mm. Comments good or bad?

I appreciate any intel or opinions.

 

[spade]

Out of the two you've chosen I would opt for the burris as i find that unless you pick up a golden ring spotting scope from leupold, their clarity suffers a bit. I am curious as to whether a company named Swift or Leica make spotting scopes. If they do you might want to check them out.

 

[SpEcTeR]

In the running are now also KOWA but are much more expensive, and Orion 20-60 x 78mm.

Any comments on these. Thanks.

 

[mele]

spade,

Yes, swift makes spotting scopes, here is one that meets the criteria
http://www.swiftoptics.com/products/sporting/spotting/849u

SpEcTeR,

I'm affraid I do not have direct experience with those exact models, but would agree with what spade said, I would lean to the burris unless getting the golden ring leupold (which are fantastic). I really like leupolds tactical spotting scope, but its way about your stated budget.

MEL

 

[SpEcTeR]

Mel,

I do like the Golden ring spotting scopes but they have one limitation: that is that they do not have very high magnification.

I'm looking for something with higher than a 40x magnification. Plus yes they are much more. How do the Kowa's compare to the Leupold golden ring? Maybe I should go with the golden ring......I really don't have a need for multiple spotters.

So is the Burris is clear, sharp and will it darken as you increase magnification?

I'm open to other models, I just mentioned the ones that caught my attention, bring on your suggestions gentlemen. 8)

 

[TOPO-sniper]

I have the Sequoia, and am not all that pleased with the glass in it. I wanted an affordable waterproof & multicoated optic spotter, but you get what you pay for. As mentioned in a different thread, the spotter isn't that bad until I look through my Zeiss riflescope, different class of glass. If you do not buy before we meet via Jeffvn at the range, you are welcome to try it out at range conditions (I'll make you a good deal on it if you like it....).

TOPO-sniper

 

[SpEcTeR]

Topo PM sent.

 

[SpEcTeR]

What do you guys think of the Bushnell Spacemaster 20-45 x 60mm? Thanks for all the input fellas

Mel what do you recommend?

 

[mele]

Money no object? Leupold Mk4 12-40x60mm with mil-dot reticle. (I'll sell you one for $920)

If we are still talking about keeping it in your budget of $500, look at the following:
Nikon XL2 16-48x60mm ($475)
Burris Signature 18-45x60mm ($445)
Sightron S2 20-50x80mm ($375)

I really like all of those scopes.

If you cannot find those spotters to buy, let me know, I can get them for you.

MEL

 

[SpEcTeR]

Good News! Well.....perhaps.

I found a Burris landmark 20-60x80mm like New for about 175 shipped! Includes case, soft case, tripod! Seems like a decent deal for so little money. I know the optic quality is not that great, but for that price....

What do you all think?

 

[spade]

Burris generally has very nice rifle scopes and would assume their spotters scopes follow suit. My uncle has the burris spotter that your talking about, ill give him a call at some point to see what he thinks of it. (he's a former sniper, served in vietnam).

 

[SpEcTeR]

Spade yes let me know, I would be interested in his opinion as well as what he does like to gauge a reference point as to what he likes and dislikes. I appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[spade]

Just got off the phone with him, he says buy it. Especially for that price. I was a bit confused cause he says his is a 60mm objective. But he's used the 80mm before. Was good optics he said.

 

[mele]

These are not bad scopes with decent glass, but I will make a few comments:

1) Only have 1 year warranty (not the good lifetime warranty found on Burris high end optics)
2) They are not water proof (weather resistent, but not water proof).

I found some good first hand accounts on this spotting scope here:
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/667360

Click on "Read the review". Most people are very happy with it

MEL

 

[SpEcTeR]

Anyone have any other suggestions?

Any other models I should look at before I choose? Want to consider all my options possible.

 

[Jeffvn]

SpEcTeR

I have a little Burris 15-45 that I use in bad weather (otherwise I use the C-5 Spotter scope 50-150X). My burris has been dropped off of benches onto concrete 3 times, scratching the armour cladding, but still keeps going. I've also had extensive use of a Nikon 20-60x80 Land and Sky scope (that fits within your new $500.00 budget). It had wonderful glass and you could see a dramtic difference when set next to the Burris even at teh same magnificataion (that big objective is great). It is pretty big and fairly heavy.

Herre is my comment that is worth the price of admission - make sure you get a SOLID tripod if you go with a big objective scop. Think about how much and how frequently the wind blows here if you can't keep that big scope steady, you'll be pulling your hair out. My current tripod made by Ewing Scope Stand - was expensive (roughly $200.00) and worth every penny. If I couldn't keep that C-5 spotter absolutely steady, I could never use it to its potential.

http://www.scopestands.com/

Good luck making a decision. There are way too many players in this market - jump in any direction and you'll find good glass (finding the great glass at a decent price is the hard part).

JeffVN

 

[SpEcTeR]

Jeff,

Thanks for the info. I'm in no hurry, as you know funds are limited at the moment. :wink: But as we all know that it takes time to research, collect information and personal testimonials. Therefore I'm starting now!

 

[MikeTBC]

Specter,

Have you considered the Nikon Sky and Earth 20-60X 80mm? (#7452)

It's $428.85 at Digital Photo.

MikeTBC

 

[MikeTBC]

Jeffvn,

The Nikon S&E 20-60X 80mm is $428.85 at Digital Photo and has my attention.

This is about tops for my $outlay - though at that price, it seems a good choice over all the 5 to 6 hundred $ scopes.

How does the eyepiece attach ... just twist on, does it lock into place?

How about .22 holes in the white @ 300 yards, will it do it?

Thanks!

MikeTBC

I've also had extensive use of a Nikon 20-60x80 Land and Sky scope (that fits within your new $500.00 budget). It had wonderful glass and you could see a dramtic difference when set next to the Burris even at teh same magnificataion (that big objective is great). It is pretty big and fairly heavy.

 

[SpEcTeR]

I might look into KOWA as they have been very well recommended and am considering the 821 with the 20-60 eyepiece.

Comments, suggestions, testimoninals. 8)