Best spotting scopes according to redditors
We found 78 Reddit comments discussing the best spotting scopes. We ranked the 46 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 78 Reddit comments discussing the best spotting scopes. We ranked the 46 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Pick up one of these for easy smell proofing O's or small bongs, big pipes, bubblers, etc. It may be a little suspicious hanging onto an ammo can like this, but they are 100% air tight. The newer more expensive ones like the one linked have a rubber seal that protects from water and air, older ones (and I believe current standard issue) do not have the seal.
While it may be too noticeable for moving stuff in a car, it's good for dorms, bedrooms, even outside. I use an older one as an ash tray and smoke stays inside of it overnight when I throw a butt in there.
Another stupid tip, is get a gas mask filter for indoor smoking. filters smoke 100%, may not be the easiest thing to come by, but it works like a charm.
Works with iphone 4/4s/5, and I'm assuming 5s. Here are the links to the items:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003N7NQOY
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BTBPCWA
The fit is a little loose on the eye piece but a thin layer of gorilla tape around the eyepiece made it perfectly snug. The focus works flawlessly and between the scope's focus and zoom, and the phone's focus and zoom, it makes for a great image.
I had this idea to help relieve the eye fatigue I get after spotting someone for a while - the eye relief on spotters under a few hundred bucks is generally not the best. It works great!
> Even if not, a halfway decent spotting scope can cost $2k
Wrong.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010FAUJ46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Xw1.BbJW77TFD
This Konus is only slightly out of your price range @$235, but has good reviews.
Military Surplus .30 Caliber Ammo Can and make sure what you have inside it is not in contact with the sides of the can.
Hello, the 70AZ (with new mount) isn't bad, it's a nice small refractor, but of course it's limited to it's aperture :-) Sometimes you can find a used 114/900 (Not 114/1000) but that requires you to build a simple and sturdy rockerbox-mount to replace the weak kit-mount.
The cheapest good eyepieces are Plössl. You need at least two or three (overview, planets, in-between).
Overview: 32mm Plössl, largest overview, $20 China, $30 USA
Planets: 6mm gold-line $18 China, $39 USA. Plössl is cheaper, but under 10mm they have very short eye-relief. $10-$20 barlows work too but reduce the contrast. 5mm eyepieces will push you into over-magnification, the image will start to get dimmer, duller, not really gaining anything. 140x or above is tempting, but a 70mm aperture is the bottle-neck.
in-between: 15mm. Plössl $10-$20, Gold-line $25-$40.
So that's almost $50 or more. Together with the telescope that's awefully close to a new $120 Dazzle 4.5 for example, that will show more in the long run.
On a tight budget, you can get eyepiece kits for under $20. These are basically those cheap plastic-y eyepieces you'll find in most department store telescope sets: Huygens and Kellner eyepieces (old design), 20mm, 12.5mm, 6 or 4mm. Yes, they work. But field of view, eye-relief, contrast and overall quality leave much to be desired.
Caution: Not great. Requires a 0.965"-1.25" adapter.
For $40 you can get a Plössl-type eyepiece-set, and while not ideal, it's better than the cheap one above. https://www.amazon.com/Gosky-12-5mm-1-25inch-Telescope-Eyepiece/dp/B00ZNJO8OC/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1501412314&sr=1-2&keywords=eyepiece+12.5
700mm field of view simulation http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/field700mm.png
Do you have a finder on the telescope?
For something a little different I like a Pilad 1x42 Red Dot
I have mine on an AS VAL and I really like how it works. My favorite part is the “T” shaped reticle (has a “T”, “T” + a dot, and a dot by itself)
Because it’s open I find it’s very quick to use, and doesn’t give me any sort of tunnel vision. More of a personal preference though.
I got one off amazon a few years back for like $50. You don't need a real expensive one unless you are shooting real long range or abuse.
Edit: Just checked and I actually paid $70. It's $79 now but here is a link... http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003N7NQOY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Really not purpose built, but what I'm using in this setup is an HP Elitebook with a microsoft 720p webcam (is actually the roommate's) literally just duct taped onto an Emarth 20-60x60. Alternatively to a laptop and webcam is to use your phone with something like this.
Better results could be had with better equipment, but it worked well enough for my purpose. Two side notes: For outdoors, reducing the camera's exposure settings helps reduce washout. The other thing is shoot and see type targets work well.
Just about anything should hit at those distances.
Just get a decent inexpensive optic. Like maybe 1-6X on sale or blem.
Feeding it costs more. Wolf gold is about as good as it gets for decent cheap 223 ammo.
Maybe invest in a $70 cheap spotting scope from Amazon to see if you're hitting anything.
I’m using an iphone 6s, and a spotting scope is used for hunting, watching animals and for shooting, i think you get the idea...
I don’t hunt or shoot any guns though I just really like the scope, it provides amazing clarity and is waterproof.
Here is an amazon link if you want to take a look:
https://www.amazon.com/Barska-20-60x60-Waterproof-Colorado-Spotting/dp/B06XCFWGBY
I have an old pair of Sears 8x34 or something similar that I got as a gift when I was young. They're not good in low light, but the glass is clear enough to enjoy topless wildlife on boats or the shore.
If I were to replace them, I'd likely get a spotting scope and rig a monopod on the 'yak. A couple hundred bucks can get you one with nice glass and a decent zoom.
https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Trophy-Xtreme-Spotting-Scope/dp/B01BNSHNVQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?keywords=spotting+scope&qid=1569201005&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sr=8-14
The one I referenced above will cost more then people would expect to pay. But you will get excellent optics, the two most common eye pieces, and it will be small enough to easily take with you in the trunk of most cars. I bought the 8-inch version, and while I love it, I wished I had gotten the smaller one. There is no reason the one linked above or one like it could not last you the rest of your life.
Now if 270 is a bit too much you can check if there is a telescope store near you, most sell used scopes on consignment.
Or binoculers are a good alternative. The one linked should last the rest of your life. Will proved decent views of the heavens, and can be used by a nosy neighbor as well.
A third alternative is a good spotting scope. Through my brothers you can see Jupiter and its moons. For Binoculers and Spotting Scopes you will need a tripod for the best views.
Differences in these options.
Through the scope with a good night, and the right eye pieces you should see Jupiter's Major cloud bands and maybe the Red Spot. as well as all Galilean Moons and sometimes others. In the right conditions you will see Saturn's Rings and the Cassini division.
Binoculars and a spotting scope should yield views similar to OP's photo.
Leupold binoculars are incredible but a bit pricey. Sports stores often have a display where you can try out the binocs. Otherwise, you could try a cheap spotting scope.
I think I got this for under $50 on sale a few years back. https://www.amazon.com/Emarth-20-60x60AE-Waterproof-Spotting-45-Degree/dp/B010FAUJ46/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=spotting+scope&qid=1572338205&sprefix=spotting+&sr=8-3
I would try for the binocs for your situation though.
https://www.amazon.ca/Barska-CO11500-15-40x50-Colorado-Spotting/dp/B0049IZMUW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1480084327&sr=8-3&keywords=Spotting+scope
For a 100 metres this 40x should be plenty sufficient.
If I'm only shooting between 25 and 100 yards - is this dubiously cheap spotting scope going to be sufficient to check my groups?
http://www.amazon.com/BARSKA-15-40x50-Colorado-Spotting-Scope/dp/B0049IZMUW
I appreciate you backing me up bud. Cause of what you said I looked it up. Pilad appears to be the manufacturer? But "weaver" defo refers to the mounting interface. On amazon you can find P1X42 "dovetail" and "weaver" models. "Weaver" is a ᵗᵉᶜʰᶰᶦᶜᵃᶫᶫʸ ᵉʳʳᵒᶰᵉᵒᵘˢ synonym to refer to 1913 "Picatinny" rails. I think Weavers were close enough to be used on picatinny or RIS rails and eventually just became synonymous.
the mor u kno
$150 is still tough. maybe catch a deal on something like a Bushnell or a Nikon.
If you don't need a name brand, you can give Primary Arms a shot.
100% not trying to be a dick. Just don’t understand.
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Razor-HD-Spotting-Scope/dp/B0746YT1KT?th=1&psc=1
Is this model shown as $700 on AAOptics? Same price as new?
Of course, Sorry im late!
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I ended up getting a 25x-150x scope, because it was <$200 and waterproof, came with a case and all that.
Barksa Benchmark
It's not the best scope in the world, but it works, You can check it out next time we bump into each other @ Caledon. But here are the cliff notes, i guess.
How about this spotting scope? It only needs $55. It features 20x to 60x magnification and 60mm objective lens, BAK-4 Porro prism. Great for bird and weather watching.
How about this spotting scope? Found it on amazon with good reviews. Just want to buy one for my kids to spotting animals when camping, but I'm not familiar with the products. Thanks.
So when it comes to spotting scopes (since I can't find a focal length) if it's a decent/ reputable brand, like Celestron, etc. Does that mean that the advertised magnification of say 20x-80x would be the same as a telescope with the math that equates to 80x? In short, is 80x just that, 80x, regardless of the device or combination to achieve it?
so for example this one or this one or even this
yeah, now I need to find somewhere to stretch it out even further.
the phone mount works pretty good, this is the setup https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CG54ZXH
Buy an ammo canister
Then get a cord lock/gun lock. Feed trough the hole on the clamp and the little handle thing or drill hole in top and side. Keep key for lock safe.
I've used this a few times and intend to buy one once I have a bit of cash burning a hole in my pocket. Economical, does the job. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DX7Q8W/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;colid=134Y3HDZ1OFXX&amp;coliid=IZTA2YXI2M30X
This Konus is a fantastic deal.
http://www.amazon.com/Konus-7120-20x-60x80mm-Spotting-Tripod/dp/B001DX7Q8W
It's usually the go-to recommendation for people that don't want to spend a lot on one. I've had one for years and am very pleased with it.
I have a Barska 20-60x scope that is $75 on amazon. It's not exactly high quality, but it works pretty well for the price. I'm not sure how well it'll work at 300 yards, I've only used it at the 100 yard range. Also FYI, if you wear glasses, you'll need to take them off to look through this scope.
http://www.amazon.com/BARSKA-Colorado-Waterproof-Spotting-Scope/dp/B001HN9QZY
Barska Colorado is a pretty decent spotting scope for your budget range of $75. I've had mine for 2 years now and it's still doing well. The only real issue with it is the fact that there is NO eye relief whatsoever. Your eye needs to be pressed right up to the eyepiece. But for the price, I deal with it. I've used this spotting scope out to 650yds for steel and at 200yds I can easily see bullet holes on a bullseye target.
I don't know for a fact if it's the blackhawk model, I got it through Amazon, here's the exact model I got. I know for a fact it didn't come with a hardcase, only a softcase. And for the money, it's simply incredible.
Nice, relevant username.
But seriously, if the farthest you're going to shoot/observe rounds is 200 yds, you can get away with spending way less than $500 right here.
I know, the glass ain't great; hell, it ain't even good, but you'll be able to see your rounds at two hundred. Happy shooting!
I use this one around 100 and it works really well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003N7NQOY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I ended up going with this Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60x65 and calling it a day, since Amazon's price has dropped since yesterday and beats the other places I'd checked. It seems like it'll be fine for the distances I'd be shooting at (100 yards or less), and if it's not, I've spent more on worse. 🤷♂️
Hey, I modified one of these a few years back: https://www.amazon.com/Stedi-Stock-Shoulder-Stabilizer-Spotting/dp/B004816LZA and it still serves it's purpose well! I've gotten plenty of compliments and questions about it over the years. I bought a simple 15mm mount, plate and rod setup to go on top of this. I had to glue some rubber to the top of the stock for better grip on the mount, but that was a breeze (it's still attached for the record). It's almost literally run and gun.
Dunno if this is what you have mind, but there are rifle stock-like camera mounts, some of them pretty darned expensive. But if it's the overall weight of the camera, a tripod and gimbal mount might make more sense.
Or, getting a smaller/lighter camera, maybe if she's using a dSLR. A micro four-thirds camera has a 2x crop factor, so a smaller/lighter lens can be used to get an equivalent FoV.
Here, Here and Here, though i would pick a $10 binocular over a $30 spotting scope. (based on experience with both)
I bought this scope and put this tripod on it. It works great out to 100yds with .22lr/.223. Cheaper glass will get fuzzy at higher magnifications, so I find that 30x works best for this particular scope.
I've found this set I've been looking at, would it be any good? It has 6mm, 12.5mm and a 20mm.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ZNJO8OC/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1519800531&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&amp;keywords=eyepiece%2Bset&amp;psc=1&amp;th=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010FAUJ46/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
These are pretty good for double and triple pedals:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Y5C132/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687742&amp;pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&amp;pf_rd_t=201&amp;pf_rd_i=B000J4HXUC&amp;pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_r=1VDJW7QDA8NZ0W5VZ7NQ