Best spotting scope under or around $200?

gmcgraw · Guest

I'd like a recommendation on a quality spotting scope around (preferably under) $200

I'll be using it for archery spotting out to 100yds and watching people and city scenery out as far as possible, at least 1000yds. At some point I may use it for rifle shooting.

Size is not a huge issue, but I'll be packing it around on public transit so it should be reasonably portable (maybe less than 15", 3lbs)

The magnification I'm interested in is the neighborhood of 20-60x60mm, with the best optical quality in this price range. (hopefully less than $200, definitely less than $250) It seems to me that long eye relief will be best as well; I don't wear glasses, but I'll need to quickly switch from shooting an arrow to looking in the scope.

On a general note, I'm unsure as to whether I'll be happiest with a straight or angled eyepiece. There will probably not be multiple people using this scope at a time. Any other factors to consider here?

What about a suitable tripod for this setup? ($30-60 or so)

So far I've looked at:
Bushnell Legend 20-60x60mm

Bushnell Trophy 20-60x65mm

Burris 20-60x80mm
Is their claim of discerning bullet holes at 1000yds reasonable? This one might be a little on the bulky side.

Should I even bother with (what seem to be) low-end brands like Barska and Tasco?

Although a bit out of my price range, one scope that intrigues me is the
Yukon 6-100x100mm
Is this scope worth it? Is there much benefit to having that big a range of magnification?

I'll appreciate any thoughts you have on these questions, as well as any other products you think will suit my situation.

Thanks,
Gavin

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

Hi

Spotting scope quality and performance is a direct function of price. $200 will buy a budget grade scope, but not anything I would regard as a high grade scope. The Bushnell 20-60x60 Legend is as good as it gets at this price. No, the Yukon is not a practical choice, in that 1) the atmosphere seldom allows that kind of magnification and 2) the Yukon does not have the optical quality to provide good images at those magnifications. Quality is ALWAYS more important than numbers. The Bushnell is a better choice for your application.

No spotting scope, regardless of quality, can discern bullet holes at 1000 yards, especially one at that price. Scopes at that distance are used to judge mirage and air currents, but not for scoring. Scoring at 1000 yards requires the aid of a spotter or a camera.

A good tripod match for the Bushnell is the Bushnell 784030 or the Nikon 848

For more on the basics on spotting scopes, you might also want to see my article at What is a Spotting Scope?

For the basics on spotting scopes for target shooting, see my article at
Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting
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gmcgraw · Guest

Bushnell Legend it is, then. Thank you.

I humbly realize that my desired level of equipment is greater than my budget allows, so I appreciate the recommendation, with all things considered. At some point I will upgrade, but I'm sure this one will do just fine for now.

-Gavin

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

You are very welcome.
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