$400 spotting scope

[GEF1013]

I have about $400 dollars for a new spotting scope.  What would be the most bang for the buck? 

GEF

[JustaShooter]

I talked a bit about the spotting scopes I looked at before buying one in a recent thread (http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,147020.0.html). 

For me, the best scope for the money in the $400 range was a Nikon Prostaff 16 - 48 x 65.  In the field, I've been able to resolve 6mm / .243 holes in white paper targets at 300yards (didn't manage to put any in the black at that range to see if I could resolve them though).  Haven't had the opportunity yet to see if it will go beyond 300, but it seems like it might get me to 400... Maybe...

Hope this helps!

Just a Shooter

[EsoxLucius]

The Bushnell Elite 15-45x60 spotting scope is very good for $350.  The Vortex Skyline 20-60x80 spotting scope is a big scope; an option at $400.  I recently looked at the Nikon Prostaff 16-48x65 spotting scope ($400) and liked it very much.  I actually liked all three, but would probably go with the Bushnell unless I needed the extra power of the Vortex.  You can buy from Eagle Optics and return an item within 30 days for a full purchase price refund.  This lets you check a scope out and return it if you don't like it.  Another possibility is the Celestron Ultima 65 ED w/ 16-48x eyepiece for $310.

A great value is the Celestron Ultima 80 ED w/ 22-60x eyepiece for $429.  This scope is comparable to the highly regarded Pentax PF-80ED 20-60x for $1050.

If you can use a big scope go with the 80mm objective, otherwise if any semblance of portability is required go with a 60-65mm objective scope.

[rich56]

Celestron has a scope ?-60x80mm with straight or angled eyepiece available from Adorama for under $180, I can see bullet holes in paper at 300yds