When U get there.......I like stickers.....Which reminds me, I need to ask my dad where the zombie certified stickers I had made went.
Budget Minded Spotting Scope
- Thread starter BigBL87
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When U get there.......I like stickers.....Which reminds me, I need to ask my dad where the zombie certified stickers I had made went.
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BigBL87
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Heeeeeey, now that we're back...
Picked up the scope this afternoon. Due to having a toddler with unlimited energy, didn't get much of a chance to try it out right away but did get a quick look into the back yard. Very impressed with the clarity. I don't have high end optics to compare it to, but it will definitely do everything I need it to and probably more. I am definitely glad I ordered a hard case, the soft case is nice but I for sure want better protection for it. Foam comes in tomorrow, but the case itself hasnt shipped yet.
I tried to do some amateur digiscoping with my phone later, but much like @LoonWulf my phone can't do it justice. At 60x, I was scoping out the interstate about 700 yards from my house (through our breakfast room window albeit), could make out most of the branding on the semis and identify car makes/models as they passed. Wish there would have been one stopped on the offramp or something so I would have had a better subject to test out what I could read. The other thing that surprised me was how light it is, I really expected it to be alot heavier. The tripod is in fact plenty sturdy, but I am glad I ordered the other one if for no other reason than the QD attachment base.
So, these are the binocs I was talking about. They cost $59.96 back in 1989. Ran into a problem I hadn't considered. I have a big head (like, almost size 8 hat big), and these old binoculars can't get wide enough for my eyes. I think I'll have to really do some research before I invest in some nicer ones, part of it being to figure out my IPD so I can get a wide enough pair.
Picked up the scope this afternoon. Due to having a toddler with unlimited energy, didn't get much of a chance to try it out right away but did get a quick look into the back yard. Very impressed with the clarity. I don't have high end optics to compare it to, but it will definitely do everything I need it to and probably more. I am definitely glad I ordered a hard case, the soft case is nice but I for sure want better protection for it. Foam comes in tomorrow, but the case itself hasnt shipped yet.
I tried to do some amateur digiscoping with my phone later, but much like @LoonWulf my phone can't do it justice. At 60x, I was scoping out the interstate about 700 yards from my house (through our breakfast room window albeit), could make out most of the branding on the semis and identify car makes/models as they passed. Wish there would have been one stopped on the offramp or something so I would have had a better subject to test out what I could read. The other thing that surprised me was how light it is, I really expected it to be alot heavier. The tripod is in fact plenty sturdy, but I am glad I ordered the other one if for no other reason than the QD attachment base.
So, these are the binocs I was talking about. They cost $59.96 back in 1989. Ran into a problem I hadn't considered. I have a big head (like, almost size 8 hat big), and these old binoculars can't get wide enough for my eyes. I think I'll have to really do some research before I invest in some nicer ones, part of it being to figure out my IPD so I can get a wide enough pair.
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troy fairweather
Member
I've been using these for years, there swift from Japan. Nothing special but back in there day maybe, there still pretty clear tho. Mine is a 6-12 power, and the zoom in pretty good, it takes some time tuning focus. One day they will get retired, when I have the money for something better lol.
dieselchief
Member
the first time I looked through a kowa scope I was all done. jmho. dc.
troy fairweather
Member
Na I'm good, I have to go and handle some one day, either at Cabelas or cameraland. I don't know if I want the compact or bigger ones, I can't remember the different types.
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BigBL87
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@LoonWulf , Appreciate the offer but I'm good. I don't use them enough to really need to worry alot at the moment (especially considering the gun budget is tapped out!).
I also discovered the sun shade by accident, haha. I thought there was something wrong with the scope until I messed with it a bit and realized what it was.
I also discovered the sun shade by accident, haha. I thought there was something wrong with the scope until I messed with it a bit and realized what it was.
I've only heard good things about Kowa optics, haven't tried one yet tho.
troy fairweather
Member
Best scope I ever seen, ironically was used for 10 meter air rifle. Are instructor at the time colonel Jackson, he came in one day with his new swarovski spotting a scope. I was surprised if focussed at 10 yards, he let me take it outside. Was scary how far away I could read things, think he payed about $6000 back then in 2005. Must be nice retiring as a bird colonel lol.
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BigBL87
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Wow, for $6k back then it better be that good!
troy fairweather
Member
Lol same here, tho I've put about 5k of cosworth parts into a Ford escort lol. That car was one heck of a sleeper lol. I really can't see spending over $2500 on a gun, unless it was a real nice mauser type. Tho to please my need for a double rifle would be pricey.
remember those rust holes just make it the lightweight sports model lol.
Konus 20-60x100 $179.99 on sale
https://cameralandny.com/shop/tags/...d1e9-0134-d8dc-00163e9110c0?variation=1439156
https://cameralandny.com/shop/tags/...d1e9-0134-d8dc-00163e9110c0?variation=1439156
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BigBL87
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I looked hard at that one before I ordered the Athlon. Ended up with the Athlon due to the price difference, but the Konus was very tempting.
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BigBL87
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So, no shooting related shots yet, but went out tonight to look at the moon with my son. Used a celestron NexYZ phone adaptor and my S9+. Not bad for default settings with no adjustments to exposure and all that.
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BigBL87
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And here's the case with the foam. Unfortunately don't have room to include the phone adaptor in the case, I'll have to find something for that...
I ran across one of these used in a pawn shop for $90 including tripod. It ain't the best, and when I go much over 40X the image isn't very sharp. But I can see 22 caliber bullet holes at 200 yards with it on lower magnifications. That's about all I ask it to do.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/redfield-rampage-20-60x60-spotting-scope
I've read nothing but good things about Athlon, and Konus for the money too.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/redfield-rampage-20-60x60-spotting-scope
I've read nothing but good things about Athlon, and Konus for the money too.
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BigBL87
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I wish l could find stuff like that in the pawn shops around here. Ours seem to be mostly power tools and other random junk. Any used firearms seem to be listed for new prices too. 
troy fairweather
Member
Ya northern pawn shops suck, there better down south.
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