Sub $500 Spotting scope recommendations ?

[RPRNY]

My Barska 20-60 is becoming even less reliable and was never any good. Time for an upgrade.

I really only use it on the range and rarely out past 300 yards. I do not need and cannot afford Zeiss Swarovski etc. So, recommendations for a good angle view spotting scope under $500 please. Personal experience highly valued.

 

[Newtosavage]

Celestron makes some very good scopes for much less than $500.

If I were spending $500 on a scope, I'd find a used Leupold on feeBay - the one with the folded light path.

For new scopes, the Nikon Prostaff is pretty solid with very good optics.

If weight is a consideration, Leupold makes a 15-30x50 compact for under $500

 

[Walkalong]

Here you go, and just under $500.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/celestron-regal-m2-65ed-spotting-scope.html

I have had the 80MM version for some years now and am very happy with it. My wife's bird watching friends sure do like it.

 

[Howard Roark]

Konus is another good option in this price range.

 

[RPRNY]

That Celestron Regal is the same price point as the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80. Can anyone compare and contrast?

 

[WhiteFoot]

I'm a big fan of Vortex, and their warranty. Hard to beat IMO. I'd try to look through a diamondback if i were in your shoes.

 

[Sav .250]

If you haven`t looked all ready, Check out the "Natchez" site. They have plenty.

 

[Jack B.]

Look around for a used one . I picked up a really nice Bushnell Spacemaster ll with the hard to find 22X w.a. eye piece for $80 at an estate sale. Not sure what power it is, but I can see my shot's at 300 yards just fine.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

I'd also look for a local used one. Bird watchers generally have the best optics. I'd check in with you local bird groups.

 

[RPRNY]

Have a line on a Kowa TS-611.

 

[Howard Roark]

Have a line on a Kowa TS-611.

Set the hook on that line. Kowa scopes are the de facto standard scopes used in highpower competition. There are better scopes out there but they are expensive.

I have a 15 year old 611 and it's still a good scope today.

 

[farmerboy78]

I have a celestron, it's a very good scope for the price

 

[RPRNY]

Hooked and reeling in the Kowa from a THR member. Thanks for the good advice and experience.

 

[RainDodger]

I figured, why go for super expensive glass and a big-bucks spotting scope for the range, if a lesser priced one will work just fine for my use? So.... I picked up a Redfield "Rampage" (if I remember correctly, it's goes up to 40X) for $179 on sale. Normally $199. It has been a great scope for the money, and it is just fine out to 300 yards. It's bright enough for the gloomy days we have in the Pacific N.W., and I don't worry a lot about taking great care of it. It has a rubberized coating, it's pretty sharp and bright, and it comes with a bench tripod. Excellent buy in my opinion.

 

[webrx]

I bought the celestron 65 for a similar application you are asking about and I am happy with it. ~$140 off amazon.

Celestron 52248 65mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope

For $300, you can get the
Celestron 52252 100mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope

Celestrons are pretty well rated and like I said, I am happy with mine.

Now to be fair, I used a $40 spotting scope for a long time so for me this was a significant upgrade and I already had a nice tripod.

Dave