Spotting Scope

I just recently went to Scheels to look at there spotting scopes and ask a few questions. Yet I don't feel they helped me that well at least to a point. I am looking for a good quality spotting scope and look at trying to save a little money to get a better glass. Right now from previous experience I think I want a spotting scope that will go up to 45x and not sure what brand to get. I want to use it for elk hunting and antelope hunting in the future. I was told to spend at least $200 on a spotting scope and really that was only suggestion I got from the guy at Scheels. I feel like my cap would be $400 on a spotting scope just can't really see me spending much past that.

Either way any input or questions would be really nice.

Nebraska Outlander

Sent you a PM

I did a search for spotting scopes on this forum and found some information that I was looking for. I think I am going to end up with a NIKON PROSTAFF 16-48x65 SPOTTING SCOPE looks like what I am looking for along with it will go with my Nikon Rifle scope.

Either way thanks for looking and any more info would be appreciated.

Thanks
Nebraska Outlander

Hey Nebraska Outlander Mike Eastman did a blog excerpt talking about the Nikon ED 50 spotting scope and he seemed to like it.

Here is the link.

http://www.eastmans.com/mike/2010/10/nikon-ed-50/

Also in the EHJ #113 they did a huge comparison of spotting scope across 3 different price ranges and the Nikon Prostaff was one of the spotting scopes they reviewed with a overall rating of each spotting scope at the end of the article.

This should really help you out. Also could you please post any information you have found for spotting scopes as I am in the market for one as well and it sounds like we are in a similar price range.

Dewey

I own the prostaff 20x60 and i feel that ouce you trun the power up above about 30 it is nearly impossible to focus it. At the lower powers it is a fairly good scope but I am saving my pennies now and wanting a vortex razor hd now.

Neb- I have the 16-48x65, and love it.. Got it in Camofire.com for under $300, I believe. I used it a few weekends ago, sighting in a rifle, and could easily see bullet holes from 200 yards. For the money, you really can't go wrong, it's fairly lightweight and I felt it was pretty crisp on the highest settings. It's not top of the line by any means, but I'm pretty sure it'll get the job done.

I think the Prostaffs are decent, and a good deal at those discounted prices. They just have a narrow field of view, and lose performance at the high end of magnification.

Big Sky,

I can assure you without question: The Razor HD is phenomenal.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bitterroot Bulls

Big Sky,

I can assure you without question: The Razor HD is phenomenal.

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+1. Love mine. Just wished it was a few pounds lighter or it carried itself for those deep trips into the backcountry.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dewey

Hey Nebraska Outlander Mike Eastman did a blog excerpt talking about the Nikon ED 50 spotting scope and he seemed to like it.

Here is the link.

http://www.eastmans.com/mike/2010/10/nikon-ed-50/

Also in the EHJ #113 they did a huge comparison of spotting scope across 3 different price ranges and the Nikon Prostaff was one of the spotting scopes they reviewed with a overall rating of each spotting scope at the end of the article.

This should really help you out. Also could you please post any information you have found for spotting scopes as I am in the market for one as well and it sounds like we are in a similar price range.

Dewey

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Dewey,

I guess first, I would say one reason I am looking at the Nikon is because I have a Nikon on my rifle and love it. It is very crisp and clear and it always holds a zero. I am looking at the pro staff because it has a 65 mil objective which I am hoping will help in low light it is not too big but small enough to pack in and I also prefer a straight spotting scope vs a angled one. I have read it is easier to aquire your game or target on a straight one. I also read they tend to put better lenses in a straight one however I feel that they probably put the same lenses in both. Last with the price where it is I feel it will be the best scope in that price range. With a 10 month old and another baby on the way my wife is already having difficulty accepting this purchase. So right now I am going to be saving for a few months before I can purchase this scope.

Hope this helps and if you do a search on google you can type in spotting scope reviews and it pulls up a few links to research a little more.

Nebraska Outlander

I read some information on the web about the Redfield Rampage....It had good reviews and sells for 239.00 everyday at Bass Pro.
I took a chance on it, and was amazed at the clarity and magnification. I read that Redfield is now made by Leupold.
I can read license plates on vehicles a mile away.....thats good enough for me.....