Thread: Unofficial Spotter Test

So I am in the market for a spotting scope. I have been using a 20yr old Nikon now called Prostaff 3 16-47x60 Made in Japan. Its not a bad scope, doesn't look that impressive but gets the job done. Looking to take advantage of an overseas trip I wanted to see if it was worth bringing a better scope home or purchase here. I have recently read this article from Outdoor Life Magazine.

https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles...nked-and-rated

Of course the top scopes are not available here so what was here and was it a step up from what I have been using. I trundled along to Reloaders and while buying some powder asked of I could have a look through what they had on hand. They very obligingly agreed. So before they could change their minds I dashed 100m down the road with some of their box tape and put up a Snellen eye chart. I then had a look through the 3 scopes on hand.

Sightron S2 Angled 16-48x68 RRP $1000
Vortex Viper HD Straight 20-60x80 RRP $1500
Vortex Razor HD Angled 27-60x85 RRP $2800

Set up on a decent tripod I checked the chart on x20 except the Razor as lowest is x27 then x40 I counted how many lines I could read. Then out of interest I looked at some tree stumps on Mt Mangere 2500m away. Scientific hell no, did it give interesting results you bet. I then did the same with my old Nikon. Sure you can do the test yourself. Yup you can complain about how I did it. I don't care its interesting only and might be of help to any wondering how much to spend on a new optic. You can't call me a Vortex hater as I own a heap of their rifle scopes.

Lines I could read x20 x40
Sightron S2 4 7
Vortex Viper 4 5
Vortex Razor 4 6
Nikon 4 6

Enough said this was done with my eyes they are not young anymore I wear glasses but not for this test. I wont go into the features you can read all about it however the scopes with a course and fine focus knob were much easier to tune. My pick value for money was the Sightron S2 it also has a very nice cover which would help protect it from bumps and environmental crap like dust

Big thanks to the guys at Reloaders.