Spotting Scopes

[AckleyImproved]

Hi

I now have my Leica 1200 rangefinder... all I need is a spotting scope?

What are peoples thoughts on brands, as well as clarity and so forth?

Has anyone had anything to do with the Meade ETX range of spotting scopes?? They seem to be very good, and take eye pieces that can extend the magnification to 300X..... Obviously a little to much! But a 100X to 150X might be pretty darn good... specially with the 90mm objective for light gathering!

In early morning or late have people seem bullet holes at 1000yds?? Ive heard of odd occasions?? I understand mirage during sunny weather will make it impossible..?

Ok thanks
AI

http://www.meade.com/catalog/etx/etx_spotting.html

 

[dreever]

AI,

I've looked thru a lot of spotting scopes in an effort to find the "Magical" brand that will allow me to see bullet holes at 500 meters MOST of the time. My conclusion is there is no such animal. I put this search in the same category as searching for Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, that is to say it may exist, but no ones found it yet!

Having said that here are the ones that have shown the most promise so far:

#1 Zeiss Diascope 85MM
#2Pentax PF-80 ED,my current scope)
#3 Sworaski 82 MM

Having said that I'd sure love to look thru a Pentax PF-100ED and the Optyloth 100MM,excuse the spelling) in the real world setting of a Match.
I know I'm going to get shot for this, but the Meades and Celestrons at this point haven't measured up to the above scopes when the mirage is running. IMHO.

Most of these comparisons have been made at the most difficult range I know of when it comes to mirage...Shippensburg Fish and Game in Pennsylvania. I've even looked thru Kerry Shenks pair of Sworaski 82MM "Big Eyes",like about $3500 worth) and they couldn't make the "MOST" of the time criteria.

So my advice, go to the matches, look thru as many as possible during same day conditions, find the one with the features you like and that suits your eyes and pocket book the best, and then shop for best price.

I'm still searching for that Magical one though.

Post Script: Remember too,,and I can't stress this enough) the best scope in the world is only as good as the tripod it's sitting on! Don't scrimp here since this will make or break your set-up!

Danny

 

[AckleyImproved]

Thanks Buddy..

I've looked at the Pentax.... and thought it maybe the right one for the job... When the sun is down... and the mirage is near non-existant.. I can see 30 caliber holes with a 32x nightforce easily... at 500m.

How do you rate the Pentax...????? Good??

I would really like to hear from someone using the Meade though...

Ok keep it coming!!!

AI

 

[jb1000br]

Danny--maybe the HD glass would add some more chance of seeing?

Kerrys eyes at 45x allowed us to see holes in the white no problem--at least with 6.5 cal?

you couldnt see 6mm holes with it?

Seems 60 power is plenty to do it to 1000yds in the white--maybe BIG obj. and filters to match are what is needed??

JB

 

[AckleyImproved]

So 60X power is enough you believe??? AT 500m I can see 30 caliber holes with 32X.. when the suns down and the mirage not visable.

When the mirage is not there.. like early morning and evening with a decent spotting scope it should be possble to see holes at 1000yds. unless... and people please tell me... is there a distortion other than mirage at that range??? bending of light or something???

Ok, thanks for your help.....

AI

 

[jb1000br]

30 cal is a different critter -- 6mm and 6.5 are where it starts to get interesting.

JB

 

[dreever]

AI,

You asked how I rate the Pentax? Well I would say in value dollar for dollar it's on top of the heap. I know of one NY camera shop that will sell you your choice of straight or angled with the 20-60 zoom eyepiece for $799 plus shipping. Compare that to the $1500+ of the other two I mentioned and no contest.
I'm happy with it most of the time at any rate. The angled body can be turned to suit, so it's real nice when your shooting and have it next to you, all you need do is turn your head.

JB,

The Pentax has ED glass but for target shooting I don't think the flourite ones have any advantage especially when it comes to price. As to Kerry's big eyes...........well, at close to four grand they ought to do everything except brush your teeth! LOL!

Danny

 

[AckleyImproved]

Not bad then the old Pentax..... How would you compare it to the bigger name brands, Ziess,swas, Leica).

Looking on bird watching sites.. they have even mentioned that it gives the big names a fair run for there money!!! If not to say better???

Thank you
AI

 

[dreever]

AI,

Like I said the Pentax is a very good scope, especially since it
is half the cost of a Zeiss or Swarovski. In order of who's the best IMHO, I'd rate the Zeiss #1, the Swarovski #2 the Pentax #3 Leica #4 Nikon Sky and Earth 20-60X80 #5,the Nikon is a sleeper for under $500).

If I had unlimited $$$ to spend right now, today, I'd buy the Zeiss, it's that good.

Danny

 

[AckleyImproved]

Hi

dreever.. Funny you mentioned the Zeiss as your number one.... I have already ordered mine.... A green sucker angled body... Should do the trick nicely.. I ve been hanging out on the bird watching forums and reading there reviews..

The Zeiss is definitely the one to choose going by them..

Thanks for your help all

AI

 

[dreever]

AI

I looked thru all three side by side at the same target and the Zeiss comes out on top.

Remember don't try to cut corners on the tripod and head. That makes or breaks the system especially when the wind blows!

Danny

 

[Tim_in_TN]

Ackley Improved, Did you get the 65 or 85 model, and please let me know where you purchased it, as I also am in the market, Tim