Help ... utterly confused ... shooters spotter scope

xtal01 · Joined: 03 Aug 2005 Posts: 4 Location: SC

Help

I am utterly confused!

I need a spotter scope (getting tired of running down the range to see if I hit the target). Used two cheap tosco scopes but they did not have the resolution to see a hole at 100 yards (300 ft).

I want to see a .17 hole at 100 yards (300 ft). I wear glasses. Since I shoot outside it should be water proof, fog proof and relatively rugged (even thought I plan to take care of it).

I don't mind spending $300 if this is what it takes but I don't want to spend $300 if a $100 scope will do the job. On the other hand, I don't want to throw away $100 if it will take a $300 to do the job.

At the low end I was looking at the Bushnell Trophy 20 - 50 x 50 (787325) for $120.

For $167 I can get the Bushnell 25 - 50 x 50 (782550) .... don't know the differency in these two scopes.

For $180 I see you have a Komus Konuspot 20 - 60 x 100 .... add $30 for a tripod (probably need one with fine adjustments for shooting). The 100mm lens says it has fine resolution. The only thing I am not sure about is the 45 deg. viewer .... nerver tried anything but a straight one.

For the same price I can get the Bushnell H20 20 - 60 x 60 ... looks different than the others.

For $279 I see a Leupold Wind River ... Korean optics (this scope did not get as good of a review as the Bushnell spacemaster for almost the same price on another site).

For $295 you have the Bushnell spacemaster 781217 15 - 45 x 60

And finally for $300 Zaumell (never heard of them ... not that means much).

Between all of these are Swift, Lomo and a host of other scopes.

I am not hung up on any brand name or configuration (straight thru, prisom, reflector ... straight of angled viewer?). I just want a scope that will do the job well.

Sorry for the long message but after reading pages of specifications, I am more lost than ever.

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks .... Mike Question

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:23 am Post subject:

Hello Utterly Confused

Yes, I know how difficult it can be to wade through all the specs and models of scopes. I help people everyday on this, so rest assured, I know you are not alone in your frustration.

First, eliminate any roof prism model in this price range - none of them will have the resolution of a porro prism. (The Bushnell H2O is a roof. That;s why it looks different than the others)

Second, if you wear galsses, you'll need a model with good eye relief. Unfortuantely, most zooms in this price range are poor in this regard.

Third, a good 50mm scope will do the job, but 60mm is better and will be a more versatile choice for other applications where you may need more magnification. (The Bushnell Trophy 787325 is the older version of the 50mm Tophy, 782550 is the new versuion)

Fourth, forget the off brands, they aren't waterproof and quality control is variable. Some of these "big lens miracles" scored no better optically than a good 60mm scope, anyway.

Here is what I recommend based on actual testing on resolution charts and field experience.

Bushnell Trophy 20-60x65, http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-20-60x65-trophy.html - This scope tested out with the highest score for a 60mm class scope under $200. It's waterpoof, too, though eye relief is only fair. Still, for the price, it is an excellent buy in terms of performance.

LOMO 70 LER, http://www.opticsplanet.net/as70lersp.html (get the demo). Not waterproof, but resolution and eye relief is good with the fixed 37x eyepiece and you can interchange eyepieces with any one of hundreds of different telescope eyepieces on the market. Made in Russia and all metal - a refreshing change these days.
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Joanie (Jne) K
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xtal01 · Joined: 03 Aug 2005 Posts: 4 Location: SC

Thanks so much!!!!!

This is exactly the information I was looking for!!!!

I will place the order this weekend (wife wanted to buy me a birthday present).

THANKS AGAIN ..... Mike Very Happy