Thinking about getting scope for reading mirage. Looking at Kowa models TSN-601,661, and 82SV
What y'all recommend and why?
What y'all recommend and why?
spotting scope selection help
- Thread starter savageshooter86
- Start date
1000 yard Fclass. Some 600 yard matches too
I recommend the 661 because it has a rotating mount collar. The 601 does not have this feature, which prevents you from rotating the scope to the side on a normal stand. this is needed when using from the prone position. A scope with a larger objective is certainly nice, but the 661 is more than adequate when combine with a 27x LER or 30x WA eye piece.
My recommendation is the Nightforce Spotting scope. I had the Kowa SV 82 before it. The Nightforce is the clearest scope I have looked through. I can see mirage very well and with the variable eye piece (20x-70x) you have a wide variety of adjustment. Most scope will get very distorted when you turn them up to full magnification. The Nightforce does not. I really like the focus knob as well. Its in the center of the scope and is actually part of the scope.
I think the only negative thing I have to say is that they don't make a protective cover for it, but I'm sure it won't be long before they do.
KT
I think the only negative thing I have to say is that they don't make a protective cover for it, but I'm sure it won't be long before they do.
KT
figure might help to watch mirage in spotting scope and the target with my scope focused properly for the target
Joe R
Gold $$ Contributor
Andrew, I asked the same questions a few months back and was advises to buy the Kowa 82SV. And that was what I also saw on the range. I was advised to get the 25X LER (Long Eye Relief), when I got it and set it up I thought it was too much of a wide angle for 600 yards and not really functional for the 1K. So I returned the 25X eyepiece and bought the 20-60X eyepiece. I'm very happy with that.
In summary whatever you buy, make sure you can return it if you don't like it. Other's opinion can be useful but ultimately you have to live with it, and you don't want to get stuck with something that you don't like. I used B&H in NYC because they had a full refund return policy.
Kindest regards,
Joe
If you are more budget minded, check out some reviews on the Vortex Razor 85HD. Up there with the best at half the price or less. I certainly like mine. For reading mirage when shooting F class, I still prefer my small Pentax 65mm HD woth a 14mm Pentax eye piece, small, handy, reasonably cheap and easy to use eye piece when in position.
Turbulent Turtle
F-TR competitor
Joe R said:
I'm actually very happy with my Kowa 82SV and the 25X LER eyepiece. I wear glasses and the LER eyepiece presents me with a very usable image while in position, right next to my riflescope.
The wide angle allows me to view many targets on either side of mine, which is a definite plus. It gives me a great view of what's going on do there; mirage, flags, other targets, etc. I have never felt the need for more magnification in my spotting scope, especially when shooting and the 25X is plenty sufficient to me when doing scoring duties at 1000 yards.
The other eyepiece that is of interest to me is the 30X Wide Angle. However, having the eye relief go from 32mm for the 25X LER to 20mm for the 30X WA is probably to much of a handicap for me, and all I would gain is 3 meters in FOV at 1000 yards (going from 35 to 38meters). There is also the 20% increase in magnification with the 30X WA.
The 20-60X has half the eye relief of the 25XLER at 16mm and that renders it too critical for my bespectacled eyes in position. And the field of view at 20X is 4 meters smaller at 1000 yards compared to the 25X LER.
Medic505
Gold $$ Contributor
I just hit the order button for a Vortex Razor 20-60x82. Bullets.com for $1092.21. Heck of a price. I shot with Ian Kleem one day at nationals. After looking through his, I was sold. And to catch one on sale even sweeter. He had the LER eye piece and that is next on the list of things I can't live without.
ohiodan
Gold $$ Contributor
I also believe that a LER eyepiece is a must. I used the Kowa TSN-1 for years with a 25X LER eyepiece, as stated previously they work great with shooting glasses. Shooting without glasses doesn't make sense to me. The variable eyepieces are difficult to use with shooting glasses. There are lots of great spotting scopes available today, more money gets you better resolution. That said, for reading mirage a shooter doesn't need to spend $2k to see pickups, switches, etc.
Dan Pohlabel
Dan Pohlabel
I have a Pentax 20-60x80. Has ED glass. For the most part happy with it. But it's big. When moving around with gear I'd rather have something smaller. I looked through a Vortec Diamondback at the TSRA midrange. It wasn't bad and was much smaller and lighter. It's on the lower quality end of their products but does get the job done. I caught a Pentax 65ed in the classified section this week for $380. Going to try it in the next 1k in Houston. Then I'll make a call on which I sell. Point here is you're not going to see bullet holes at long range. If you're mainly concerned about seeing spotters and reading mirage just keep that in mind when you consider the "size" of the scope. Bigger scopes are bulky if you use them to see mirage while shooting. Some require larger cases to carry them in. Just something extra to deal with.
One other thing, if you're not going to use your scope on the line you may not need an angled eye piece. I think it's easier to use a straight eye piece unless you are using it on the line when you shoot.
One other thing, if you're not going to use your scope on the line you may not need an angled eye piece. I think it's easier to use a straight eye piece unless you are using it on the line when you shoot.
Any other input from users off these scopes?
I can get the 82SV with 25xLER for $150 more than the 661 version.....
I can get the 82SV with 25xLER for $150 more than the 661 version.....
None of those in price range
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