spotting scope help

altaguy · Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 1 Location: edmonton, Alberta

after reading quite a few pages in this spotting scope forum, I now need a little help!!

I want a spotting scope for:

- target shooting (read the article already), range could be anywhere from 100 to 500 yards.
- hunting and viewing wildlife out to 600 plus yards in all light and weather conditions.
- possibly digiscoping in the future

I was settling on either the Pentax PF65ED or Vortex Skyline 20-60x80ED until I came across this forum.
I am thinking that now I may need something a bit higher quality and am now considering the Pentax PF80ED or Nikon Fieldscope 82ED.
I was also interested in the Kowas but the price seems a bit high to get the larger coated objective for low light conditions.
Originally I was hoping to stay under $600 but now see that I may need to pay a bit more for my needs. (The Fieldscope really stretches my budget).
I am not worried about weight but will also use the scope on a window mount at times (one reason I was turned off the Vortex is the length).

Would you prefer one over the other for these situations when looking at the Pentax and Nikon 80mm's? Do you have any other suggestions or ideas?

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5669

Hi

Keep in mind that the atmosphere is going to be the limiting factor at 500 yards. On most days, the atmosphere will not allow scoring with ANY spotting scope, even the largest and best Swarovski or Kowa. If you want to score consistently at those ranges, you will need the aid of a spotter or a camera on the target. Assuming good atmospheric conditions, then, yes, you will definitely need a premium spotting scope. Honestly, the best solution for a spotting scope at this range is simply to move closer to the target.

I would recommend the Nikon 82ED as a minimum. This is also a noticeably brighter scope than the Pentax. You can see the difference, yes. The Pentax is a great scope in its own right, but I consider the Fieldscope to be the best match for your application.
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