I am considering a new spotting scope. My budget is $3-400. I know that wont buy a premium one, but hopefully much better than my $89 one from a few years ago, it is awful.

The main use would be for target shooting up to around 400 yards.

Does anyone have experience with scopes in this price range?

Look at Vortex. Very nice for the money.

By shooting do you mean seeing bullet holes on paper at 400 yards?

I've got a Vortex Diamondback that I'll make you a deal on. Where are you located? This time a year I drive a lot and maybe could meet and let you take a look at it and see if you think it would work.

Yes, seeing holes on paper targets. Is that not possible at 400 yards? If the distortion wasn't so bad on my cheap one, I think that seeing holes would be possible at 200-300 yards. Is there a Vortex model in my price range?

I've got an angled 20-60x80 diamondback that retails for $499. I'm not sure how well you could see a holes in the paper at 400 yards though...have to get some input from the shooters on here cause I ain't one. I'd take $475 for it and the vortex tripod I have if you are interested.

Thank you for the responses. My budget is $300 to $400, so I will have to keep looking. Apparently there are not many options in this price range.

I posted a similar thread a little while back with a slightly higher budget. Just thought you might be interested in the discussion.

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/2731272/replies/45733460

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Thank you for the responses. My budget is $300 to $400, so I will have to keep looking. Apparently there are not many options in this price range.

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Actually, there is a great number of viable options within your price range. Alpen, Konus, Leupold, Bushnell, Redfield, Celestron, Nikon, all make serviceable spotters. In fact, you can get a 50mm Leupold Gold Ring in your price range (not that you should get a 50mm scope).

Since your viewing will be static in nature, you might as well get an 80mm. Take a look at the Bushnell Ultra Legend HD, the Leupold Ventana, and the Celestron Trailseeker. Heck, order all three from Optics Planet, and return the two you don't like. They will cover the cost of return postage. Make sure you use O.P.'s 10% discount code that they are always giving out.

Keep in mind that although many scopes in your price range will have upper magnification levels of over 50x, the upper ranges are seldom useful. Personally, I would go with something under $300, and save the rest until you can get to the level of a Vortex Razor or Pentax PF-80. A Celestron T.S. or Ultima will do well, and cost under $300. The Konus 80mm is supposedly pretty good, and also costs under $300. Lastly, Redfield has an 80mm now. I have not used one or read a review, but it might be worth looking through as it also costs under $300.

Thanks for the good recommendations in my price range. I was having trouble finding options but you gave me several to look at. Once I make a selection, I will post a report.

Thanks again for the help.

Dvor has the 80mm Konus with tabletop tripod right now for $145. Usually around $200.

Not saying you should buy one, but just in case you want one. It seems that lots of people like them.

C

Sorry OP, I lost track of this thread.

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I'm not sure how well you could see a holes in the paper at 400 yards though

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From my experience, it takes a GREAT spotter to see bullet holes on paper at 300 yard. Viewing factors, like mirage, have a lot do with it, but so does the quality of the glass. This is why most shooters start placing steel targets at longer distances. Seeing splashes on steel is much easier than attempting to view bullet holes on paper at long range.

Your price range won't do it at 400. Nothing wrong with your budget, as there is some really nice stuff in that range. But it won't resolve bullet holes at 400. Maybe put some money away for a steel target? Cheaper option than buying a Swaro or Leica spotter...

Way to go -- crush a man's dreams why don'tcha?

Ok, just kidding. I agree that 400 yards is a tough nut to crack with an inexpensive spotter. Splatter type of targets can help though.......

I recently purchased a Vanguard Endeavor HD spotting scope. Specifically the angled 20-60x82 for $550. (The 62mm is $450, priced from amazon.) It had a mail-in offer for a free Vanguard tripod with PH-113 head. The tripod and head made it a bargain IMO.

Vanguard Endeavor HD Spotting Scope - Amazon

I haven't had it long enough for my own in-depth review. There are plenty of reviews out there that suggest this spotting scope is an excellent value.

Rokslide Review - Straight 65 mm

I purchased the spotting scope for the following purposes:

1. Identifying waterfowl on a pond about 350 yards from my front porch.
2. Spotting shots out to 800 yards shooting steel.
3. Sky viewing

So far it's met all these requirements and been very enjoyable to use. I have not punched any paper lately, so I can't speak to how far out it will get you there. If you can still get the mail-in tripod w/head, you should add this scope to your list of potential spotting scopes.