Thoughts on Spotting Scopes

[MVW]

There is a lot of info on spotting scopes, so this appears to be a well traveled topic. I am looking for a spotting scope that might show 30 cal holes at 600 yards - at least in a splatter target. From reading, it sounds like Kowa and Vortex make some of the best scopes, but I am wondering if even they capable of pulling off that task? >$2K is a lot to spend on a scope, so I want to make a well informed decision.

Better, is there is something suitable for somewhat less $, or is this a case where you get exactly what you pay for. I have a cheap Konus 45x scope that I use for bullseye shooting at 50 yards, but the optics are nearly useless at long range outdoors. I can see better with my 32x sightron rifle scope.

I have seen the Celestron Regal get some good press. Any thoughts on this one?

Any suggestions on a tripod or support for prone shooting with any of these scopes?

Thanks, Mike

 

[fr3db3ar]

I have a Celestron, though not the model you mention. They have great optics IMO. I have a hard time imagining being able to see anything clearly that won't more than a couple inches across @ 600 yards. Mirage alone with play hell with magnified vision at that range.

 

[CoverDog]

I have a Vortex Razor and if the mirage is not bad I can just make out 30cal bullet holes a 1K. This was at Williamsport last fall.

 

[Waskawood]

I have an 80mm Celestron Regal. It was my first and only spotter. I can seen 6mm holes at 600 yards on a good day. I am 58 years old with bifocals so I am not in a great position to evaluate glass. I have looked through top quality glass and cannot tell much difference. Note: I did not say it is as good as top quality glass only that my eyes cannot tell the difference. If the mirage is going it doesn't matter how much money you spend!!!!

 

[Nodak7mm]

I have an 80mm Celestron Regal. It was my first and only spotter. I can seen 6mm holes at 600 yards on a good day. I am 58 years old with bifocals so I am not in a great position to evaluate glass. I have looked through top quality glass and cannot tell much difference. Note: I did not say it is as good as top quality glass only that my eyes cannot tell the difference. If the mirage is going it doesn't matter how much money you spend!!!!

Tho I am not near as old as Waska, I have spent a few hours behind a 80mm Regal and have been impressed. Yes I have spent time behind Kowas, Vortex, and high end Swaros. Sure the more expensive scopes appear clearer & crisper, but for the money, I think the Celstron Regal is the best bang for the buck and the 65 mm Regal is on my to-buy list. The others cost 2-5x as much, but I sure as heck cant distinguish/justify a 500$ difference, I think the Regal is a "Best Buy"...

Rod

 

[bdale]

I read some where that the celestron regal uses the same type of glass as the 2000.00 Kowa . Some type of fluorite crystal.

 

[fr3db3ar]

I had to go look at mine. I have the C5. I love the way it looks through the scope but it's a bit of a pain to pack around. It's not small by any measure. It's only 50X but it's 5" around and a bit bulky.

 

[DennisH]

I used a Swarvoski one time during a match. Don't know what model it was, but I swear I could see the bullet hitting the target! 600 yds

It's the best I have ever looked through.

 

[Gman]

I use a Pentax PF-80ED with a Pentax XW-14 eyepiece, (making my scope 36x) and can see 6mm holes in white targets @ 500 yards, if there is not too much mirage.

 

[in2deep]

Around here after about 11:00 a.m. the mirage is so bad it doesn't matter how much the scope costs when the mirage starts going.... the blur looks the same through all of them although comparing a Kowa to a Swaro one day the $2K Swaro unit could define them a little better and a little longer but was still rendered useless as the day went on so definately not worth the price difference for me.

Early mornings sometimes you can see 6mm holes on white paper at 500 yards even through a Leupold rifle scope just depends on the heat waves.

 

[favload]

Buy a 4.5" celestron telescope and use it for astronomy too for that matter. Same money, dual purpose.

 

[fr3db3ar]

Buy a 4.5" celestron telescope and use it for astronomy too for that matter. Same money, dual purpose.

That's the way the C5 works. It will focus down to 30'. I can read the numbers off sail boats @ a distance that the naked eye didn't even know there was a boat on the big lake.