Is there a great durable crystal clear spotting scope you can recommend for under 1K ?

20-60 Athlon Cronus if you can find one.

Don't overlook a top level used scope. Optics depreciate considerably. I sold a Zeiss 20-60X spotter here on the Campfire for $1000. Buyer got a great deal on an alpha scope.

Nice

I'd look at Vortex's Razor line, and I'd buy refurbished from these guys - https://aaoptics.com/Razor-HD_c_147.html

Dr, someone gave me good advice years ago. If you intend to use the scope for spotting bullet holes at 100 or 200 yards, there are many low-end scopes on the market that will do that well. If you intent to hunt sheep, or count points on a deer or elk at 600 yards, only then it makes sense to buy a quality spotter.

I'd qualify Bieb's comment. If you are trying to spot bullet holes or anything else in good light, you don't really need a super scope. However, if you are shooting where there are shadows, clouds, like in the shady glade of a range where used to live, a better scope may be worth it. It's not just about distance, light and contrast are important factors to consider.

I like my kowa 664 so far, I think I would like it even more with the 30x wide angle eyepiece. Pretty clear all from 20 to 60x.

Celestron Regal HD. It's what I use for Service Rifle competitions.

Anyone have a TALOS spotting scope??

Konus 80mm has served me well for many years. Have spent considerable time observing critters, with it clamped on the truck window. Also like the Vanguard multi position window mount.,

I have one. For a cheapie, I think it's pretty good.

I picked up one of these on sale from Doug at Cameraland this year and have been very pleased with the optical quality.

I have one of these listed in the classifieds .
Would pass as new.

Might want to poll Doug at Cameraland who is a sponsor here.

A while back I got a refurbished Nikon Earth/Sky Model 15x60 that was practically new and came with the box and cordura soft field case.

It was several hundred $ but can’t remember exactly. It is very clear, easy to carry and use quickly. I believe it came with a lifetime warranty also.

I have a Hawke endurance 15-45x60 from Doug and it’s been great little spotter for around $500. Big enough for range and light enough for a back pack.
I can see 6.5, 270, 7 and 30 cal holes at 200 yards.
Can it keep up with alpha glass? Probably not. Do I care? No!
For my 2-4 weeks a year in the field, and weather limited range Time.
I’m ok with what I got.

My thoughts exactly

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The big question however is how much is the cost of a quality spotter?
Meaning one with which you can count points on an animal at 600 yards and further, even much further?
And even more than that, when conditions are bad, will the very expensive ones perform better so as to allow for things like counting points?
And the answer to that question is no they wont.
The old cliche regarding optics (always) applies, that being that on a good day most optics will look pretty good.
On a less than good day the better ones will be a bit better.
And on a bad day none of them, regardless of cost will be any good, especially for things like counting points.
And you can take that to any bank and cash it.
But thankfully it still is at least for the time being a free country, and we can spend our money any way we wish.
Ive been long range hunting exclusivly for more than 50 years now.
I currently own 6 different sets of twin spotting scopes in machined brackets, including Kowa 77 mms.
I have at least 10 close friends using 80 mm Swarovskis.
On a bad day you wont be counting points with any of them, same as you wont with the lower cost ones.
And when the conditions change to where you can, so will you be able to count them with a set of clean 50 year old B&L Balscopes, or a set of old Bushnell Spacemasters.
But again, it is your money.

I’ve read this numerous times. Am I understanding that your opinion is, there is no difference in say a Meopta scope and a Vortex Diamondback?