[dvdstdg]

I would like to get recommendations for a spotting scope. Will be used primarily for range work and bird watching. Weight not a big issue. What is best: power vs variable, objective lens size, top eyepiece vs straight thru, etc. I like Sightron but they are expensive and before I lay out that kind of money I wanted to get your experiences.

 

[knifeblade]

i am sort of partial to the nikon scopes i used to be in the business and nikon makes all of its glass most all of the scope companies buy glass from different vendors. i recently bought a tactical scope for my mini. it is sharp as a tack. it is up there with the german glass, they also make there own. i also after taking my rifle to the range and i can not see like i did at 25, now 55.i got the nikon cat and there are 3 different types of nikon scopes. there is the earth and sky models they are the least in the dollar field, then there are the spotting scopes called there 111 series these are not just water resistant they are water proof. i do not know if that maters?? then they have the one that i would like to have both of these are good to go to actualy be mounted to a camera. this would be like a spotting scope and a 1000mm to take pictures with. the top of the line is called the 3 series ed scope it is a tactical scope. it is available 15-45x60. it is alco a new 20-69x82 mm. the 6omm front optical is about 900 or so the 20x60x83 a do not know but i am sure it is to much for me about 1300????????. the series 3 with the 15x45x60 is agreat scope i will most likely have to get that amd i am hoping i can get it for500-700.NIkon has a sight on the web.pentax also has a good scope they also make there own. it is also a ED that stands for extra dispersion glass( i can not spell worth a sh---. this site does not have spell check.HAVE FUN LOOKING.

 

[centershot]

I guess it depends what you want to spend-if you don't object to spending the money for it, I find it hard to beat the 82 mm Kowa. I prefer the 27X long eye relief (LER) eyepiece, but, if you want a variable, they have those too. The price is right up there, but the qiality is there, also! It holds up well to the rigors of high power competition (sun, wind, dust, rain and, yes, snow!) and just keeps on working! Optics are still crystal clear! Now, Nikon, Pentax, Swarovski and others all make fine optical equipment. I have no experience with them, except for the Nikon, and it was an excellent scope. I wanted a brighter image and a fixed power eyepiece and the Kowa filled the bill for me. No, it's not inexpensive. But I'm glad I spent the money for it! It's a really fine piece of equipment, you won't be sorry if you buy one!

centershot

 

[jeff]

I have the leupold wind river which is thier cheap line. I think it was worth the 200.

Jeff :usa:

 

[cjgemm]

Ive used a Kowa 82mm @ a Garand match. @ 100 yds it was like I was standing in front of the target. I purchaced a smaller Kowa scope after that 50mm objective and an adjustable 20x-40x eye piece. It works good out to 100 yds, but I don't think you would be able to see your hits past 100 yds though. It cost about 200.00 and is small and portable. They even have a hand held case for bird watching. If I get into High Power Compititions more I will have to buy a bigger scope (82mm), but for now this one is the best deal I found for what I need. Kowa Scopes

 

[Sniper]

I also have the 82mm Kowa. One thing that I've found......you get what you pay for.

:sniper:

 

[mikr]

Originally posted by Sniper@Mar 29 2004, 02:58 PM
I also have the 82mm Kowa. One thing that I've found......you get what you pay for.

:sniper:

I want one of those so bad, alas, I am still limping along with my employer surplussed spotter.

 

[Sniper]

The one I have is the TSN-823M. I opted to "go for the gusto" so to say. The Kowa starts around $550 for the 82mm. If you get the flourite lenses......double it.

:sniper: