a good cheap spotting scope

[elkcrazy]

What is a good cheap spotting scope ? I can't afford too much .I was thinking a Leopold or Nikon but I can't decide between a straight or turned. Anybody got any advice?

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

What is your budget and use? Will you use it backpacking, or from the truck, or both? What distances will you be glassing?

 

[*******]

Take a look at Nikon. I have beat mine far more than anyone really should and it is still great. Not quite the low light resolution of a Swarofski and not quite the edge detail to judge a 7'' from a 8'' billy at 2 miles, but good for me. I paid about $400 for it a few years ago.

 

[elkcrazy]

OH I would say about $400 something that would be good all around.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

This one has that price segment.

http://www.adorama.com/CNR65.html?utm_term=Other&utm_medium=Shopping%20Site&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=gbase

You might also find one of the discontinued Vortex Skyline EDs at that price range, and that would be a good choice as well. The Celstron above compares well to the Pentax 65ED, which is an excellent spotter that costs about twice the Celestron. Both the Celestron and Pentax will also take astro eyepieces, and so are quite flexible. It is tempting to recommend the Leupold GR 15-30X50, but it falls behind the bigger scopes in low light.

 

[Elkoholic307]

Have you read the thread, "Best budget spotting scope? (under $400)"?

 

[6mm Remington]

elkcrazy I would look at the Leupold Gold Ring Compact 15x-30x-50mm scope they have. It is small and compact, has really good optics, and good eye relief. I just saw one for $360.00 the other day. I own a 25x-50mm fixed Leupold Gold rind really like it, but I'm even thinking about upgrading to the 15-30 as I think it's so nice!
David

 

[Dan]

http://www.camofire.com/
Great price (319.00) on a good scope. Nikon Prostaff 16-48x65

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Nikon Prostaff spotters are a little narrow on field of view, and a little short on eye relief, but otherwise decent spotters.