Spotting Scopes

[theocguy85]

OK, I am looking for a good-quality, yet inexpensive spotting scope. I would like to spend under $100 if I can. I need one with 60x magnification or better. I found this one at amazon.com for $80. Anyone ever used it? Does anyone have any other recommendations for me? Any thoughts, suggestions, or insights are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[craigz]

There is no such thing as a good quality 60X scope for under $100. If that's what you want to spend, then go ahead and buy that one from Amazon. At that price, it really doesn't matter which one you get. Just don't compare it with anything even halfway decent, or you'll be gravely disappointed. Just for the record, you should plan on spending at least $600 for a good quality spotting scope.

 

[theocguy85]

There is no such thing as a good quality 60X scope for under $100...

OK, Let's say best quality scope that I can get for under $100. I know that nice scopes cost a lot more, but $ is tight right now, and will remain tight for the foreseeable future!

 

[Mike Hull]

The Celestron is an excellent spotter and this place has great prices on them. You won't find quality for any less than this.
http://www.adorama.com/CNU80.html

That's a 22-60x with 80mm objective and an angled eyepiece to save on neck strain.

They make the same thing in a 65mm objective. They are available with straight eyepieces too, if you really want that.
http://www.celestron.com/c2/product.php?ProdID=197

They're waterproof and carry a lifetime warranty. Hard to beat for the price.

I've got the top one on the way now. Just heard too much good about it and the price from Adorama is good. I've been checking spotting scopes in the medium to low price range for a long time and these seem the best for the money in that price range.

 

[Mike Hull]

The Celestron is an excellent spotter and this place has great prices on them. You won't find quality for any less than this.
http://www.adorama.com/CNU80.html

That's a 22-60x with 80mm objective and an angled eyepiece to save on neck strain.

They make the same thing in a 65mm objective. They are available with straight eyepieces too, if you really want that.
http://www.celestron.com/c2/product.php?ProdID=197

They're waterproof and carry a lifetime warranty. Hard to beat for the price.

I've got the top one on the way now. Just heard too much good about it and the price from Adorama is good. I've been checking spotting scopes in the medium price range for a long time.


Edited to add: Here's another option though it costs more up front it's a hard deal to beat for a quality spotter.


If you're just looking for cheap though, go with the one in your link. The problem with those is, above 25-35x they get real dark and hard to see through. They don't handle mirage very well either.
http://www.jarheadtop.com/KONUS.htm

 

[beefangusbeef]

I thought burris made a 20x for under a 100. You might want to look at getting a smaller power so you can actually see out of it. My dad bought a bushnell 60x for 90 and quickly changed it for a nikon wind, sky, and earth which is an awesome spotting scope for around 250. The bushnell wasn't even very useful at the range let alone spotting game in the field.