Thread: Spotting Scope Recommendations

I am contemplating buying a spotting scope to save walking the 300m to, then from the distant targets at the local range. Secondary use would be in the field. Are cheaper brands worthwhile or complete rubbish please. Ideally I would prefer and angled eyepiece, 80mm objective lens and tripod-capable base.

mate has a 3 or $400 konus which is pretty impressive when compared to much pricier glass,in fact he chose it out of swarvoski and a couple of other euro and american versions he tried.
nothing to do with budget.

I've got a $260 Konus 20-40x? It's okay at the 20-30x but absolutely useless at 35-40x.

My wife and I bought a Leupold Ventana 15-45x60mm and it was hopeless. Yes we could see 22 cal holes at 100m but at 400m we couldn't decide if we were looking at a hare or a rock. Lost some money on that one!

Originally Posted by Tech

My wife and I bought a Leupold Ventana 15-45x60mm and it was hopeless. Yes we could see 22 cal holes at 100m but at 400m we couldn't decide if we were looking at a hare or a rock. Lost some money on that one!

Take it you are not a Leupold enthusiast! Did you get the rock Tech?

Originally Posted by Ingrid 51

I am contemplating buying a spotting scope to save walking the 300m to, then from the distant targets at the local range. Secondary use would be in the field. Are cheaper brands worthwhile or complete rubbish please. Ideally I would prefer and angled eyepiece, 80mm objective lens and tripod-capable base.

Clarity of glass is one key factor long range. I also struggle with closing one eye and looking for long periods through a spotter. I bit the bullet and bought a Swarovski BTX. It has a binocular eyepiece. Not for everyone but from use so far I am very pleased with it. It’s like looking through a top set of Binos. I find it has eliminated eye strain. I am using an 85mm objective lens but will buy a 65mm for more mobile hunting.
There are certainly spotters that will do the job for less cash.

The Nikon field scope is excellent and has a reasonable price. 80mm is rather heavy to be humping over the mountains.

Originally Posted by Southcity

Take it you are not a Leupold enthusiast! Did you get the rock Tech?

Rule 4 says Identify your target and since I couldn't what turned out to be a rock got to live another day.

Originally Posted by Tech

Rule 4 says Identify your target and since I couldn't what turned out to be a rock got to live another day.

Arrrhh.... I thought you might have shot it stone dead��

I got given a konus. Its fine for spotting shots on the range, I can see my bullet holes at 300 no problem. It's not the clearest and the resolution is average but for that use it works OK.

Don't think I'd bother with it in the field though, not clear enough to be usefull

Originally Posted by Southcity

Clarity of glass is one key factor long range. I also struggle with closing one eye and looking for long periods through a spotter. I bit the bullet and bought a Swarovski BTX. It has a binocular eyepiece. Not for everyone but from use so far I am very pleased with it. It’s like looking through a top set of Binos. I find it has eliminated eye strain. I am using an 85mm objective lens but will buy a 65mm for more mobile hunting.
There are certainly spotters that will do the job for less cash.

Nice bit of kit, very envious but equally happy not to have to carry that up a hill.



Would love to go down that route as like you I find it difficult to spend too long using one eye.

Question for you please @Southcity - what are you using for a tripod?

Yep Nikon fieldscope. Ed60 or ed82 on parr with swarvo. Compared side by side Guiding in BC Canada, nothing between them. Good prices on Ebay. With home made digiscope, bloody great scopes at reasonable prices. Choice of eye pieces, wide angle or zoom.

Originally Posted by planenutz

Nice bit of kit, very envious but equally happy not to have to carry that up a hill.



Would love to go down that route as like you I find it difficult to spend too long using one eye.

Question for you please @Southcity - what are you using for a tripod?

Hi Planenutz. With a 65mm objective it would be quite manageable hunting even in Chamios country. I have used it in Otago Hgh country on deer and found it fine.
I am using a Swarovski carbon fibre ‘Travel’ tripod. They don’t do these anymore unfortunately. I had to get mine out of the US. They were a really good value tripod that Swaro had someone make for them. (Manfrotto?)
The legs are extended and held with levers you clip open or close. I prefer these than the twist type. I am running a Gitzo GH2720FOR 2 way fluid head which is excellent. I could have gone Swaro but a good mate of mine had a Gitzo ( Italian) and it proved to be a quality option so I purchased the same.
I’m a strong believer in buying quality, and crying once!

Originally Posted by Southcity

Hi Planenutz. With a 65mm objective it would be quite manageable hunting even in Chamios country. I have used it in Otago Hgh country on deer and found it fine.
I am using a Swarovski carbon fibre ‘Travel’ tripod. They don’t do these anymore unfortunately. I had to get mine out of the US. They were a really good value tripod that Swaro had someone make for them. (Manfrotto?)
The legs are extended and held with levers you clip open or close. I prefer these than the twist type. I am running a Gitzo GH2720FOR 2 way fluid head which is excellent. I could have gone Swaro but a good mate of mine had a Gitzo ( Italian) and it proved to be a quality option so I purchased the same.
I’m a strong believer in buying quality, and crying once!

I think the Swarvo 2 way head is made for them by gitzo as its 99% the same as gitzos newer head

Originally Posted by res

I think the Swarvo 2 way head is made for them by gitzo as its 99% the same as gitzos newer head

Appreciate that information @res

Been looking online at Gitzos tripods... I guess I have a few weeks of doing nothing (and no courier deliveries) to save for one.

Thanks people.