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Confused and need help

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Coyotejunki View Drop Down
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    Posted: August/26/2009 at 18:54
I'm looking for a spotting scope. I won't be taking it hunting, so it'll be used on the bench. I already have a Bushnell discoverer. I am wanting something nicer. I do wear glasses, so any extra eye relief would be a bonus.

Is the Nikon XLII much better?

I may be able to spend  up around $500-700, But if I don't need to, that would be nice.

Thanks for any help and/or suggestions.
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Coyotejunki View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Coyotejunki Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 19:45
I've been thinking of one of the Vortex scope with the great prices, since I realize I'll want a tripod of some sort too.

I'm really trying to keep this under $500, but don't want to regret what I bought later on.
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motts View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote motts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 00:19
If you're not going to take it hunting, pass on the Nikon XLII. It was made with portability first, and optics second...specifically for hunters who need something lightweight. I would look at the new Bushnell Legend HD...can be head for under $500. Also the Nikon Prostaff would be in your price range.
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Urimaginaryfrnd View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 00:47
I really find the inexpensive spotting scopes rather frustrating and the expensive ones too costly so it's a vicious circle.   I would look at the used and demo stuff on samplelist and if you can afford a used Swarovski or Zeiss that really is the ticket to being happy with it this one is really close to your price and a pretty darn good optic:
 
10268 Minox 62mm ED W/ 20-45X eye piece 62212 & 62300, Straight body, built in retractable sun shade, image focus, removable 20-45X eye piece included, w/ Nylon case, like new condition, demo model   $599.95

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
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Sparky View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 11:12
What distances are you looking at?

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Coyotejunki View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Coyotejunki Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 15:52
100-300 yards mostly. But I do shoot some small caliber rifles and those tiny bullet holes can  be hard to see.
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BeltFed View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 16:48
I don't have any experience with this scope, but you might check out the Nikon Prostaff 20-60x82. It fits in your price range.
I can't recommend the Bushnell Legend 20-60x80. I tried one for several days and I could never seem to get it focused. I compared it against a Celestron in the same price range; spotting .30 cal. holes at 300yds. and I had difficulty spotting holes with the Bushnell that the Celestron easily showed. The target was not even a typical black and white target, but white with red 2" squares.
Just my .02.
Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tmoffatt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2009 at 18:50
Hi - It sounds like it is above your range, but I put my Zeiss Diascope 65 T* FL with its 15-45x eyepiece and neoprene jacket for $800. Optics and focus are perfect, with a few "in-car" scuff marks. Shipping is free. Anyway, if you want a look, the item # is 130329171641 -
I don't know what it will go far but you could be lucky and everyone is too busy with getting ready for fall...
Optics make us what we are.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BobinKy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2009 at 22:51

I recommend the Kowa 661 with the 30x wide-angle fixed eyepiece. This may be at the upper limit of your budget, however, you will have a very nice scope. You could go with the Kowa 20x-60x zoom eyepiece to push the scope to 40x. Beyond 40x, the image begins to darken.

...Bob
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Trays 7940 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trays 7940 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/06/2009 at 08:24
Go with urimaginaryfriend on this one.  Check out the sample list.  Great stuff at great prices.  I just bought a Nikon Prostaff 48 x 60 and got a great deal.  It is a factory rebuild but it works and looks great past 600yds...
Good Luck!


I don't shoot innocent animals, just the one's who look guilty.
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2Tonic View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 2Tonic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/10/2009 at 00:09
Worth your time to check out this post 
 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=18031

Seems the Celestron Regal line is getting a fair bit of favorable press lately.
Several models in the $425~ $500 range

Just my $.015 (inflation sucks)

Later
2tonic
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hunterwingler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/10/2009 at 01:03
why not save even more money and buy some shot in see targets ? thats just my 1.50 (yes inflation sucks big time) lol sorry just had to that in there
I wasn't upset about the black cat crossing my path this morning but mouthing "your fu@#ed" as he passed was just rude.

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2Tonic View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 2Tonic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/10/2009 at 01:53
Originally posted by hunterwingler hunterwingler wrote:

why not save even more money and buy some shot in see targets ? thats just my 1.50 (yes inflation sucks big time) lol sorry just had to that in there


Cuz.... Shoot N See's don't help you when you're trying to check out the hot new neighbor at poolside...um...I mean birdwatching, yeah that's it, birdwatching!!   Embarrased


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etudiant View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote etudiant Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/10/2009 at 20:03
One option is to get a more economical Celestron or Pentax. These take astronomy eyepieces which should work very well for target monitoring at reasonable cost.
The Celestron Ultima or the older Pentax 65 would be models your budget would easily cover. Astromart has lots of deals on used eyepieces and other optics, as does Cloudy Nights, among the astronomy sites, but new eyepieces are also great value, as long as you don't demand huge fields of view or zoom range.
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