Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Mid Range Spotting Scope

I am currently thinking of upgrading my spotting scope. I have a Bushnell Sentry 18-36x50. I have had it for 10+ years and it has not been a bad scope. It tends to loose its light at the upper magnification (due to the 50mm lense). I am currently looking at the Leupold Win River Sequoia and the Nikon Earth and Sky among others. I can't bring myself to spend the money for a Lieca or Swavarski. Can anyone recommend a good mid priced scope (200-500 dollars). I will be using it from the truck and also backpacking it, so weight is a factor. I have read a few past reviews on these scopes, but am looking for some more input. I am currently leaning toward the Leupold as I have had their binoculars and rifle scopes, and have been very pleased. Any advice or reviews would be helpful, Thanks

Here is a picture from my current scope. I took it with a 35mm pressed up to the eye piece at around 30 power. The deer are about a mile or so away. Just click the picture for a large view.

Matt...

Very nice picture! What make and model scope is it?

Chuck

Oops... My bad.

I did not realize that you had answered yourself.

I was curious because I am also in the market for
a spotting scope.

Chuck

Matt,

I have no first hand experience, but certain of the companies that specialize in target shooting supplies have "house brand" spotting scopes at quite reasonable prices. You might check out Champions Choice, Champion Shooters Supply, Creedmoor Sports, and Buffalo Arms, and maybe jarheadtop.com. I don't recall offhand if all of these outfits carry such scopes, but all are reputable firms that cater to a pretty picky class of shooters, so I doubt they'd sell any junk scopes.

Paul

Matt,

I just checked the latest Champion's Choice catalog, and they have a very reasonably priced (<$300) scope that you can get in 50, 60, or 80mm models with either fixed or variable eyepieces. Buffalo Arms has their Model S-826A that is a 20x60 80mm scope that comes with a case and tripod for $245. The catalog says "I have looked long and hard to find a scope with these qualities at this price" and "The S-826A is the best value in the large 80mm spotting scope market today". The owner of Buffalo Arms is Dave Gullo, who is a top competitor in the BPCR game. Hope this helps. Good luck in your search for a scope.

Paul