Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: dylanb on July 16, 2011, 04:20:08 PM

Title: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: dylanb on July 16, 2011, 04:20:08 PM: i need a good scope but dont want to spend alot of money.any ideas
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: coop2424 on July 16, 2011, 04:24:43 PM: I have heard good things about the vortex spotters and I think Zen Ray came out with one under 500.
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: ribka on July 16, 2011, 04:39:36 PM: For the money great deal

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62210 (http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62210)
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on July 17, 2011, 10:37:16 PM: Another though get on Ebay, and bid on a leupold gold ring 60mm many used ones go for around that. Honestly one of the best spotters on the market for size, weight, and overall quality. They are about a thousand new, but there are deals out there I picked mine up for 690 brand new on there low to mid 500 dollar range is about what they go for used.
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: Alan K on July 18, 2011, 12:29:32 PM: I haven't seen it on there for a while, but I was able to pick this scope up on CamoFire for like 389.00 I want to say.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-skyline-ed-20-60x80-straight-spotting-scope (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-skyline-ed-20-60x80-straight-spotting-scope)

Usually their deals aren't as good as they advertise, and I made sure to call their customer service to be sure that it was in fact their ED (high quality glass) version because it just seemed too good to be true.

I matched it up with this tripod/head combo and and very happy with the setup:

http://www.opticsplanet.net/vanguard-alta-263at-aluminum-tripod-w-pistol-grip-ball-head-gh-100.html (http://www.opticsplanet.net/vanguard-alta-263at-aluminum-tripod-w-pistol-grip-ball-head-gh-100.html)

It has already gotten a ton of use this summer. :)
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: MtnMuley on July 22, 2011, 04:21:50 PM: Camofire has a Nikon Prostaff 16-48x65mm for 58% off at $258 right now.
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: washelkhntr on July 22, 2011, 04:31:55 PM: Right now on camofire . . .

NIKON PROSTAFF 16-48x65 SPOTTING SCOPE

$258.18

https://www.camofire.com/index.php (https://www.camofire.com/index.php)

I picked up a Minox recently . . Have to say I am impressed so far. Well worth the 200 bones.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,72861.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,72861.0.html)

:twocents:
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: briancorneal on July 22, 2011, 04:35:36 PM: I second ebay. I got a leupold golden ring 12-40x60 for $600. That's about 400-600 off the original price. Besides that good deal, there are many others if you're willing to be patient and check the auctions daily. Also check out craigslist. Every now and again, you'll find a spotting scope.
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: Bean Counter on July 23, 2011, 12:09:55 AM: Quote from: briancorneal on July 22, 2011, 04:35:36 PM
I second ebay. I got a leupold golden ring 12-40x60 for $600. That's about 400-600 off the original price. Besides that good deal, there are many others if you're willing to be patient and check the auctions daily. Also check out craigslist. Every now and again, you'll find a spotting scope.

:yeah:

I held off on a spotter for a year or two until i found a really good deal. There out there, just be patient. better to sit on your cash than to "settle." Life is too short for cheap optics.
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: alwinearcher on July 23, 2011, 12:19:33 AM: I have a new spotting scope from Hawke Optics.
It was right around $500 and is a awesome Scope. I loaned it to shane and Chris (both members) for the weekend to do some mule deer scouting. maybe they can give you a review on it also, but i love the thing!
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: huntnnw on July 24, 2011, 01:18:56 PM: Just returned from scouting...tested it out and ill be buying one. We used it to glass up to 4 -5mi it was light too! Picked up a ton of light in low light conditions.

These are moo cows at almost 5 mi away on 60x. Taken with a Droid phone
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: C-Money on August 01, 2011, 01:36:29 PM: I would look at anything Leupold! To me, Leupold is the best option always!
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: duckman nale on August 04, 2011, 08:26:38 PM: get the redfield rampage my dad bought one and i will say that the spotting scope is well worth the money. my dad and i have used it in alot of harsh weather up above enumclaw. from sideways rain and wind to sleet and snow the spotting scope has never fogged up on us and we have taken it out in the woods 15 plus times. so the redfield rampage spotting scope is the best value for a spotting scope.
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: huntnnw on August 05, 2011, 12:39:07 AM: The Vortex line is affordable and I have seen tons of rave reviews on their glass for years
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: JLS on August 06, 2011, 01:19:10 PM: X2 on the Minox. This is a very good scope with a great warranty. For the money on the demo models I wouldn't hesitate or think twice. Buy it.
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: Jason on August 06, 2011, 06:09:12 PM: Quote from: huntnnw on August 05, 2011, 12:39:07 AM
The Vortex line is affordable and I have seen tons of rave reviews on their glass for years
I agree.

For $549 its really hard to beat the Vortex Viper HD 15-45x65 spotting scope, not the lightest but not the heaviest in the 65mm catagory, the glass is better than any other spotting scope in that price range.
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: link on August 07, 2011, 12:44:35 PM: I just picked up a Leupold 12-40x60 HD, used for $800. It was the one I was looking for, and it is in brand new condition, the entire "kit". I know if I'd shopped around I probably could have gotten one for a little less, but like I said, this one is flawless and was the one I was looking for. Saved maybe 500 or so over a new one.
Still saving up for the big glass, but this is a good scope for the money.
Title: Re: best spoting scope for under 500.00
Post by: addicted on August 13, 2011, 07:42:03 PM: http://www.camofire.com/ (http://www.camofire.com/)

prostaff 16-48x65 is on sale for about 2 more hours. even with swfa's 100$ off this is still a better deal.