I'm looking for advice on a mid priced (under $1K) spotting scope

[Joe R]

Hi Guys,
I'm looking for a spotting scope for scoring at F-TR matches up to 1k. I know little about them so I'm looking for advice on a mid priced (under $1K) spotting scope that would work well.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[fpskills]

I've got a Celestron Regal 65 that I couldn't be happier with. I did some research on some birding forums and they got great reviews. I know there are other people on here that have them also and like them. There's guys with the Konus that I've looked through and the Celestron is much better. Will the Konus work? Yup but not as clear and the eye relief is worse. For reading mirage I usually don't take it out of focus as I just look at the top of our target carriers.

 

[Joe R]

Thanks. I appreciate your advice.

Joe

 

[PRECISIONWELDING01]

Kowa 82 SV is hard to beat

 

[Joe R]

Kowa 82 SV is hard to beat

Do you have it? Which eyepiece do you use? How do you use it?

Joe

 

[NWnewguy]

It will get about up to your price limit, but the Pentax ED scopes are really well made, and have the most commonly used type of eyepiece. It's a little cheaper in 65mm, but they are both very good.

 

[truchot1]

+1 on the Kowa 82 SV with LER eyepiece. I have looked through some of the more expensive models. Even though I can see a difference, it is more difficult to see the advantage. Probably wouldn't be realized until using them I suppose.

 

[Joe R]

OK guys, I appreciate all your help, couldn't have done without you. Creedmoor was out of stock and they wouldn't honor the sale price that ended last week. So I just bought it the Kowa TSN-82SV and the TSE-17HD 25x Long Eye Relief Spotting Scope Eyepiece from B&H with free shipping.

I'll get a hard case for it from Harbor Freight later. Seems silly paying $130 for a soft Kowa case.

Kindest regards,

Joe

 

[Lesloan]

You made an excellent choice, IMO. Your new Kowa is one of the very best. FWIW, you can get a fitted Kowa case a lot cheaper than $130 at Champions Choice or Champion Shooter's Supply. Last time I looked they ran about $75-80, if I remember correctly. Or, you can save even more by getting a house brand padded fitted case for about half that.

I recently bought a Celestron Regal 65mm like fpskill's and am very happy with it. It came with a fitted case, but it could use a more padding. I thought I'd want a hard case for it, so ordered one made for small tools from Harbor Freight. Unfortunately, it's just a lot bigger than I expected (more than I wanted to schlep around) so I'll have to find another use for it. I suggest you see before buying, if possible.

 

[Joe R]

I thought I'd want a hard case for it, so ordered one made for small tools from Harbor Freight. Unfortunately, it's just a lot bigger than I expected (more than I wanted to schlep around) so I'll have to find another use for it. I suggest you see before buying, if possible.

Les,
I appreciate your comments.

I used to have a Leupold spotting scope a few years ago and it came with a really nice hard case, I'm hoping to find something like it. I happen to have an HF store just 10 minutes from my house, so I'll be sure to take the scope with me when shopping. Like you, I don't want to wind up with something too bulky. I'm sure HF, Plano, Flambeau, etc... has just the right thing at a reasonable price just waiting to be discovered. The 'net has been a boon/curse for OCD personalities like me.

Kindest regards,

Joe

 

[NoahbodyImportant]

I bought the Kowa 82 SV with 25x LER for $860.00 at Camp Perry from either Champions Choice or Champions shooter supply (dont remember which).

The Kowa cover cost $62.00.

So far, I am happy with the purchase.

 

[Joe R]

NoahbodyImportant,
You got a better deal than I did. I paid $910 including shipping. But from what I understand Kowa had a special promotion that ended about 10 days ago.

 

[NoahbodyImportant]

It was a great deal. I did have to pay sales tax though

When I went over to the other Champions, he looked at me and said "they must still be selling at the old price".

I said um ok and went back to the other Champions and bought it.