Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics spotting scope... first one, what do i need to know?

hey all,
the title says it all. i'm looking for my first. would use it mostly at the range, but would also take it in the woods for 1 week every year for deer season. i would prefer a name brand... leupold, nikon, or bushnell.
any pointers? recommendations?
thanks for the help,
kstockfo

Right now Cabela's has a sale on a Winchester model with hard case in the 12 X 50 power........this is all you will need for deer in the woods or the shooting range. The price is $69 dollars plus shipping.

I have one (the wife's) and a Bushnell 20 X 60 scope but like the Winchester better for the range. I also have a good Leupold for hunting trips, is better but something I really don't want to take to the range.

Depends on how much you want to spend. Remember, you get what you pay for in high magnification optics like spotters. The only Leupold to have is the Gold Ring, or Gold Ring HD in 12-40x60.

Doug has a awesome sale on Minox 15-45x62 spotters. I think they are around $400 bucks. They are a nice spotter and will work well for what you need it for.

Kstock:
Welcome to the fire. Good place to get opinions, I agree with
the last 2 posters. What is your budget? That will help in
giving you advice.

Be sure to check out eye relief, especially if you will be wearing glasses, and everybody should do so while shooting.

Most variable spotters are short on eye relief.

Paul

+10k

You might take a look at the Konus 20-60X 80 mm spotter. It is reasonably priced, and seems to have more eye relief than the general run. Probably won't match the famous name$, but may come close in most categories. jarheadtop.com has an interesting review,aimed at competitive shooters. Let us know what you decide.

Pretty much get what you pay for.

Above 25x to 30x, a moderately priced 60mm scope is likely not going to shine very much...if at all. If higher magnification is important to you, go for the 80mm objective.

Have owned both a Bushnell Spacemaster and a Leupold Sequoia in 15x45x60mm...certainly is the case with either of these.

I really like my gold ring compact 15-30x50. It's useful at the range and spotting from the truck, but really shines when you need to pack in a few miles to glass.

You might look at the Bushnell Excursion. The 60 mm model can be had for less than $300.

I am thinking for the Bushnells, look at the Elites, that is their best choice here. Otherwise, save up, quality in a spotting scope starts at $500.00.