time to upgrade my spotting scope

[lal357]

time to throw the simmons scope in the trash and get a better scope now my problem is i can only budget 350.00 for a spotting scope (also have to buy a new rifle scope). i have narrowed it down to 3 scopes
1- konus 20-60-80
2- yukon 8-100-100
3- LEUPOLD 15-45X60 SX1 VENTANA

if you had to choose between the 3 what would you choose or do you know of another in that price range . my shooting is mainly 300yds but i also shoot some places that go out to 1000 yds

i left out the redfield rage 20x60x60 or 80

 

[Jonathan Zimmerman]

I started with a Konus 20-60x80 in service rifle and then long range. I used that scope for three years and can say for the money it would be hard to beat. When I moved to a new spotting scope, my dad got the Konus. He is learning the F-TR game and it is working for him right now out to 1000 yards. I do not have any experience with the second or third scopes on your list. Wish you the best. Jonathan

 

[FroggyOne2]

Of those three in your list, I would reconmend the Konus

 

[Nodak7mm]

Not one on the list, but it is a great scope and I have one. Couldnt be happier with it, its a great deal for $348.00.

I know of three members on this board who personally have one and I played with them when they wernt using them, finally got mine this spring..

Look hard at the Celestron Regal 65 F-ED: http://www.adorama.com/CNR65.html?gclid=CIj0jd3DhrMCFal7Qgodnm0ANQ

Rod

 

[lal357]

i thiught about the celestron's but i dont know anyone who even knows anyone who has used one .thats why i left it off the list anound here it is yukon, konus, kowa, and leupolds pretty much and all say they are good scopes.

 

[Preacher]

I ran a C-90 Celestron for years until I could afford a Swarovski...
Celestron makes good stuff and at a reasonable price, so don't overlook them..

 

[jhelmuth]

What about a wireless "range cam"? These are getting cheaper everyday and do not suffer from mirage, etc. I think this is a better option for pure spotting.

...now if you're trying to read mirage from the spotting scope (and conditions down field), then the "range cam" idea isn't so great.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Range cam wouldn't do so well in matches. I can see it for practice, but still would more than likely need a spotting scope to see mirage.. and in matches to score with.

 

[RHux]

Midway has a Barska 20-60 with ED glass for 209.00 with free shipping...

 

[brian427cobra]

I have been using and abusing a Celestron for 5 years now, the eye relief sucks but thats my only complaint.
http://www.adorama.com/CNU80.html

 

[lal357]

well wife suprised me with a konus 20x60x100 the other day so now for a better stand i'm thinking of the freeland 1
" rod one

 

[FroggyOne2]

Take a look at the stand that Doug Giraud makes. I am not a big fan of his scope head, but the stand is awesome.

 

[Nodak7mm]

I really like my First Strike stand, I was looking for a Ray-Vin or equivelent and couldnt find one. I was advised to look at the First Strike, couldn't be happier with it. Its cheaper ($) and built well compared to others I have seen on the line. I really like the two adjustment handles vs one, its shown here: http://www.first-strike-products.com/

Website sucks but call Anna up and they will answer all your questions.

Rod

 

[Lesloan]

I use a Konus 20-60 x 80 and am very pleased with it. Great optics, good eye relief. But I shoot an "old farts" RF match every Thursday (the match gets its name from the fact that it's shot on weekdays and mostly only retired old farts have the day off.) Easy to see .22 holes in the white out to 200 yds or more, mirage permitting, in the black at 100 no sweat.

We usually have 8-12 shooters, and almost all of them use the Celestron 20-60 x 80 spotting scope. I have to say that the Celestron is optically equal to the Konus, for less $$. The only advantage the Konus I can see is that the mount is on a ring that lets you rotate the scope on the tripod, which the Celestron lacks. If this doesn't matter to you, go with the Celestron. It's an amazing bargain, and if I'd known about it before buying the Konus that's what I'd be using. If being able to rotate the scope matters to you, then the Konus is hard to beat for anything like the price.

 

[lal357]

used it to qualify on a range at 700 yards i was able to see the hits on the steel plate at 722 yards and with the 100mm objective it was nice and clear. the next thing i want to try/do is get the t2 adapter for a camera/video camera and see if i can record the hits.

 

[beardedboar]

Take a look at Vortex www.vortexoptics.com.

Their Nomad 20-60x60 is pretty decent and a great value for the price, they have really good customer service. MSRP is $370-390

Let me know if you like them, I can get them for you.

Tony

 

[Nodak7mm]

"The only advantage the Konus I can see is that the mount is on a ring that lets you rotate the scope on the tripod, which the Celestron lacks."

I think either this function has evolved on new models or is unique to the Regal series, regardless, all the Celston Regals I have used in the past 1-2 yrs have this function Just an FYI.

Best advise is to go to a range/match and look thru someof these and let your eyes decide.. Bad ju-ju to buy optics without looking thu em.....

Rod

 

[Damfino]

Just a plug for the 20-60X80 Konus. No experience with the others. I been using the Konus for a few years now. In high power matches and now in F-T/R. It works well with good optics, especially for the money. A few years back, I cleverly broke the mounting ring using brute force. I sent it to the service center in Miami, Fl (taking full responsibility and a note to let me know the repair cost). I had a new scope within a week. Yes, Virginia, a week. Needless to say I was impressed.