Hi all, I need some help, I know this is on the low ($) end for a lot of folks but not really for me. I am currently researching a Vortex Diamondback 20-60x60 spotting scope and 2 Alpens, 745 and the newer gem series all are 20-60x60. Anyone have any experience with these? I am going on a mule deer hunt soon and need/want one but can't afford over these price ranges. The vortex costs more but is it any better, the Alpens have received awards. Thank you very much.
Another spotting scope question
- Thread starter mobertok
- Start date
If you want a real good scope,get a birds watcher model.
I looked thru one at the range one day and it was as clear
as could be and you could see bullet holes at 400 yards with
it. He told me it was very expensive and I bet it was..Good luck
in your search,but pay as much as you can...But I know
what you mean when it come to the dollar issue...I know of
another guy that took out a loan to buy a nightforce scope..
No way would I do that..But to each his own..
I looked thru one at the range one day and it was as clear
as could be and you could see bullet holes at 400 yards with
it. He told me it was very expensive and I bet it was..Good luck
in your search,but pay as much as you can...But I know
what you mean when it come to the dollar issue...I know of
another guy that took out a loan to buy a nightforce scope..
No way would I do that..But to each his own..
I have a 20 x 60 x 100 Konas and love it but that's a lot to lug around on a hunting trip. I can see 223 holes at 300 yards clear as a bell even on colored targets (black can be tuff though). They do make a 20 x 60 x 60 and I believe an 80mm as well. I purchased the Konas and the Vortex your looking at together and stuck with the Konus only because of price and a very slight increase in clarity. Vortex does have an outstanding warranty, drop it on a rock in the field and it will be covered no questions asked. Sorry I've never looked through a Alpene to comment but I don't think you will be disappointed. If you order from Optics Planet you get free shipping and 30 days to send it back with free return shipping, I doubt you will send it back.
Hope this helps, John
Hope this helps, John
I do not have a spotting scope, however I have a good set of binoculars. The place I go to for spotting scope reviews as well as binoculars is betterviewdesired.com I highly recommend that site. It is a bird watching web site, but the reviews are very well done by a knowledgeable guy.
A good spotter for rifle shooting is going to cost as much as a new rifle.
If you get something cheap it will not do the job and most of your money is a total waste.
Just remember that your spotter goes to the range everytime unlike your various rifles.
Better view desired gives the best advice on scopes.
We get screwed over by the scope industry. There are ways to quantify the optical quality of spotters - namely brightness, resolution and color accuracy. Resolution is easily tested but they will not tell us how good their scopes are.
If you get something cheap it will not do the job and most of your money is a total waste.
Just remember that your spotter goes to the range everytime unlike your various rifles.
Better view desired gives the best advice on scopes.
We get screwed over by the scope industry. There are ways to quantify the optical quality of spotters - namely brightness, resolution and color accuracy. Resolution is easily tested but they will not tell us how good their scopes are.
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
Save your money and get something better at a later date. Really is a waste to buy a cheap spotter if you ever want to get serious about hunting trophy western big game.
If you must have a cheap spotter, I would go on ebay and try to find an old Bushnell "Spacemaster" or "Stalker" spotting scope with the JAPANESE glass. It will blow any modern day cheap spotter out of the water in comparison. Just make sure it is one of the older models with the Japanese glass.
If you must have a cheap spotter, I would go on ebay and try to find an old Bushnell "Spacemaster" or "Stalker" spotting scope with the JAPANESE glass. It will blow any modern day cheap spotter out of the water in comparison. Just make sure it is one of the older models with the Japanese glass.
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
Heres an example of what im talking about. Notice in the pictures that on the rear sticker and the front objective glass locking ring it says "Japan". Thats what you want to look for.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Bushnell-Spotting-Scope-2-tripods-Spacemaster-781217-15-45x60-mm-/252106222878?nav=SEARCH
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Bushnell-Spotting-Scope-2-tripods-Spacemaster-781217-15-45x60-mm-/252106222878?nav=SEARCH
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