Spotting Scope for Varmint Hunting

[6BR]

I am in the market for a spotting scope for varmint hunting. I have spent a ton of $$$ on my Swarovski 8x30 Range Finder and Zeiss 15x45 Binos, so, I don't have the money to buy a Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss Spotting scope. I have been doing without a spotting scope for some time now, and I have come to realize how important it is to have a spotting scope for long range varmint hunting and target shooting.

My budget for this item is $550.00. I would like to get the best spotting scope in this price range. Another long range varmint hunter, at the range, recommended the Leupold Sequoia Spotting Scope. I am currently looking at the Leupold Sequoia 20x60x80 Kit model, it's between $475 to $500 depending on where you look. I would like to get your opinions and suggestions on spotting scopes in the $550.00 price range and your opinion on the Leupold Sequoia Series spotting scope.

Thanks for your help.

 

[vmthtr]

Look on ebay and buy a Kowa 821 or 822. 82mm scope with great optics, just discontinued due to them coming out with a 88mm now. http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1015690 I bought mine in your price range with 2 eye pieces. It will be a lot better than Leupold. ,except the Gold Rings)



Mike

 

[mwood]

I also happen to have astronomy for a hobby, and there have been a lot of advances in optics there in the last 5 years. I use a Williams Optics, 66m small scope that is 'apo-cromatic' and that with a couple of eye pieces gets you to your target dollars with much better performance than a typical 'spotting' scope.
Woodland Hills has this scope for $312, which leaves dollars for a nice tripod or mount and a couple of eye pieces. When you put this scope on a photo type tripod you can get anywhere from 30 to 120 Power depending on your selected eye piece. I get to use mine for other stuff too, like birds, and astronomy. Most spotting scopes are only 'Acromatic' not apo-chromatic,much better).
A.P.O.'s are very clear and sharp, as they focus the entire spectrum in one spot. Acro's only are designed to focus two colors in one spot I believe. The rest of the spectrum is not in perfect focus, so the impage is not as sharp. It also easier to get more power out of an A.P.O. than other types of scopes.

 

[Moderator]

A friend of mine recently ordered a Leupold Sequoia Spotting scope kit.

This is 'green ring' made in China stuff. Replace 'stuff' with word that rhymes with 'wrap'.

We tried it at 100 yards and we could not get bullet holes or 1/4' thick target lines in focus. Optics were demonstrably inferior to an inexpensive burris rifle-scope. The unit was VERY disappointing and went back on the next UPS truck.

 

[6BR]

That's too bad. I am glad you gave me the info. I will look at one of the Nikons or Bushnells.

 

[engine22]

In my experience, getting a tripod adapter and a quality tripod for your 15x binos would be alot better for varminting. The binos offer,IMO) offer a much wider field of view and target acquisition,?) is much faster. If you plan on using this optic for prairie dog towns, you shouldn't forget the mirage and a spotter at 30 or whatever power will amplify this mirage. Not to mention the binos will be easier on your eyes after a day in the field. Last year I purchased a Lecia 77 for hunting and took it prairie doggin' with high expectations, after looking through my friends tripod mounted binos, my spotter rarely left the truck.
Again, this is what I have experienced. Good luck!

 

[Nodak7mm]

+1 on engine #22.

I went to tripod mounted astronomy binocs for PDs. They are a 100% easier on the eyes compared to a spotting scope when you considering the extra stress your eyes are under when out shooting PD's in the bright, hot sun.. I use a set of 15x80's, sure they are not top shelf binocs but work great for the purpose.. Next step up for me would be a good set of BigEyes.

Nodak..