spotting scope recommendations

[guzzijohn]

I am looking to buy a spotting scope and would like to stay under $500. Most use would be wildlife observing from my house, range spotting, generally at 100 yards sometimes more and lastly sky/star watching. Any out there that a camera can be attached to?
GuzziJohn

[JustaShooter]

For that price range, you won't be able to get a good scope with the special glass/coatings that reduce color distortion, etc (ED glass, I think it's called) that makes viewing wildlife at longer distances more true to life.  But, you can still get a very good scope for that price.

I've got a Nikon Prostaff 16-48 x 65.  You can swap the eyepiece for an adapter to a Nikon camera, don't know if there are adapters for other cameras or not.  Price comes in at well under $400, and if you want bigger, there is a 20-60 x 82 that comes in a bit under $500.

I've been very happy with mine, should serve you well for your needs.

I posted a review of the various scopes I compared before buying mine, you might take a look if you are interested.  I had some surprising results...

Anyway, post is here: http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,147020.0.html

Hope it helps!

Just a Shooter

[Lloyd Smale]

contact doug at cammera land and ask him for his recomendation. they often have spotting scopes on sale.

[Reverend Recoil]

I use a Konus Spot-80 20-60x80mm spotting scope for high power rifle competition.  It is a good scope for $250.  On bright days, I can see 22 cal holes in the 200 yd target.  It comes with a camera adapter but I have never used it.  I have looked through several Celestron Regal scopes.  They look very clear and bright and have a more advanced lens coating system.  Price is $450 - $550.
 
The next step up is with a Kowa spotting scope.  Expect to pay $800 to $2300 for scope and eyepiece.  Kowa is the best.
 

[melsdad]

  Kowa is the best.

I was watching a show on the history channel today "modern Sniper" I think. Anyways Kowa spotting scopes is what the marine scout snipers were using. That should tell you something right there.
 
Guzzi I am in the same boat as you. I have been wanting a spotting scope for a few years now. I don't want to buy junk, and I don't want to spend a fortune either. Every scope that looks "good" is in the $1,000 price range. It seems from $1,000 down to about $500 you will be sacrificing important qualitys here and there. And anything under $500 seems like it is not worth the money. So I decided to keep saving.
 
Good luck with your search.

[gr8fuldoug]

IMO, the best buy in that price range in a spotter is the http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviperhd15-45x65 Vortex 15-45x65 HD @ $549.99 and we are still running our Holiday Promo of 10% off all in stock Spotters under $1000.00. For $494.99 I do not believe there is a better option.