Thread: Cheap Spotters

I want to get a cheap spotter that i can chuck in the bag and not worry about, does anyone use some of the cheaper ones, what do you think of it.
I know they arent going to compare to the bigger brands but i wont be using it every hunt so not worried about that.

Any help appreciated.
Cheers
Mal

Watching with interest

See if you can pick up a secondhand Leupold gold ring spotter. They are a good size.
I bought an Alpen 15-45x60 from Opticsplanet a few years back now. OK at around 30x, not the best past there. Alpen 15-45x60mm Compact Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope, 45 Degree Eyepiece 728 39% OFF |

I've often wanted a cheap spotter that I can just "chuck in the bag and not worry about" until I trying and use one to look at an animal +500m away. I now believe I need a really good one, that I place in the bag, with nice neoprene shell, wrapped in a fleece and that I care for and look after.

However, no spare money for such a thing and not going to buy a cheap one as it will just f#$k me off!

@Malhunting
Bought a Bushnell 12X-36X short spotter off a forum member here, some weeks ago.
At 3kms on 36X, can identify individual young pine trees in a commercial plantation, on the ridge line of foothills in the Tararua's.
Bought for range use - so hi-def isn't a requirement, just make sure I'm actually putting them on LR paper targets.
I'd suggest that this could be a suitable choice, but if trying to identify an animal for 'trophy potential' at very long distance, this might not be clear enough for your requirements.
Cheers

The other option is one of the super zoom cameras. Take a photo on 60x and then you can zoom in on the photo even more. I don't carry a spotter anymore.

I have a cheapo Konus with up to 60 zoom and 80mm objective. It gets a bit foggy on full power when viewing at bigger distances, but is ok for my needs.
Also manage to grab a camera adapter for it, which makes it a dream to use as you are not straining the old eyes when glassing for longer periods. Much easier just looking at the led screen on the camera.

This model of scope is too big to pack in comfortably though.

wrong pic

Beehives are aprox 3.8 km away, with scope on x20

FFS! Cant upload new pic for some strange reason

Originally Posted by Pengy

Beehives are aprox 3.8 km away, with scope on x20
Attachment 54745

Pengy that is a crap photo. Stick with your day job as a flightless fish muncher.

I use a konus spot 15-45x60 i only paid $190 from jacobs digital. We have used it judging Tahr and chamois out to 1km and it seems to do the trick

Originally Posted by jknavara

I use a konus spot 15-45x60 i only paid $190 from jacobs digital. We have used it judging Tahr and chamois out to 1km and it seems to do the trick

Sounds good, Are you local JK, like Gore or close to?

So the idea for me is that I just want to assess whether i need to get a closer look at an animal or just keep walking, I have been measuring heads for a few years now and already have a fair idea how good they are but through 10x binos just doesn't cut it at range.

Originally Posted by Malhunting

So the idea for me is that I just want to assess whether i need to get a closer look at an animal or just keep walking, I have been measuring heads for a few years now and already have a fair idea how good they are but through 10x binos just doesn't cut it at range.

Would your rifle scope not do the job?