Off topic: spotting scope?

Hey Everyone .

Here's hoping for tight lines and lots of slabs all year!

Quick question. I know a lot of you are hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in general. I'm looking to buy a spotting scope (not one of those $1K scopes) to look across the lake and on the lake at various wildlife. We're talking maybe about a half mile or slightly less across the lake.

Do any of you have any suggestions for scopes that will best help me check out the wildlife out there? I'm thinking a budget of no more than $250 tops.

Thanks.

Bruce

Nothing? I know a lot of you are hunters as well. Thought you might have some insight.

I bought one from Bass Pro several years ago, 89 dollars I think it was ok. but I found a good pair of binoculars work a lot better on the water, can spot a jig color long way off................

About the best advice I can offer is, buy a fixed power scope. I know variable power sounds neat, however vpower scopes aren't as clear when looking thru.
I have a Bausch & L, discoverer. At 500 yards you really can't judge a deers antlers well at all. If it were me I would spend way more money, try to find a Kowa fixed power used, run you about 600 or so. You might want to check out some bird watching forums, or long range rifle forums.

I've used a few, mostly higher end scopes and they are sweet for distance. Check Cabelas, they have several. I would want to read up on the optics on whatever you look at. Half a mile is getting to the fringe of a lot of scopes in the lower price range. I think you should be able to find something nice though. Just take the time to shop for awhile.

Thanks Guys. I found a 90mm fixed Bushnell. The larger lens should help it in lower light. But you're right, I'm wowed by the zoom.

Good idea on checking other forums.

Bruce

Guys that use them for a living generally use the fixed power. You can buy other eye pieces with different powers, ie 10, 25...

Don't hesitate to stop by the Bushnell outlet store off Chipman road in Lees Summit. They usually have several set up on tripods to try out. I have bought several scopes from them and they usually have some that are refurbished or discontinued models.

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Originally Posted by jigfisherx

Don't hesitate to stop by the Bushnell outlet store off Chipman road in Lees Summit. They usually have several set up on tripods to try out. I have bought several scopes from them and they usually have some that are refurbished or discontinued models.

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I shoot a lot of long range rifles...I use the bushnell variable power 20-60X http://www.bushnell.com/all-products...%2845%C2%B0%29. love it , clear powerful but its big and in summer mirage can be an issue with anything over probably 15X.

out hunting I use these ...http://www.bushnell.com/all-products...ra-hd/10x-42mm

I think you would be better served with these binoculars and they are in your budget

with this stuff its all about the glass and good clear glass is expensive...big objective lenses will gather more light at dawn/dusk

go to the store on cloudy and sunny day and look at something a half mile that you intend to look at on the lake and see what you think

come onnnn. bikini season!:biggrin

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Originally Posted by south point

come onnnn. bikini season!:biggrin

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That's what I'm talkin about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!