NugginFutz Wrote:While not a traditional spotting scope, such as the likes of vortex or Nikon, etc., I dropped just a few shekels on a Celestron C90 Mak. It mounts to a standard tripod and doubles as a terrestrial/astronomical scope.
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-52268-C9...ting+scope
At $180 shipped (with prime), it is a very good scope. The included 24mm eyepiece makes 1000 yards look like back yards.
Mine came with a tripod and carry backpack. There's also another smaller, waterproof Celestron (C65 Mak) spotter for $125. Comes with a hard case.
If, at some point you want to step up and get a rubberized, bulletproof $700+ spotting scope, these won't have set you back that much, but do offer some high quality optics for the money.
NF:
Have seen these used at Boomershoot. Not positive why but they were extremely poor for reading bullet trace or mirage. Difficult to see splash as well. I think it is because of the huge objective lens which gathered too much light and or how the mirrors worked. I wish it would have worked well because of its price.
Finding a decent spotting scope for under $700.00 is a challenge. About the only things I have noted about them is to get an angled eyepiece, a fixed power of about 25, a long eye relief, a objective of 75mm or 80 mm, and that they need to be durable enough to take minor beatings and exposure to elements. Waterproofing the eyepiece with a see through scope cover and ensuring the gasket for the eyepiece seals the body is also a plus. Maybe a wide angle eyepiece too but not positive about that one.
Hay, if it doesn't do well for shooting then use it for star gazing. Can't lose!
LR55