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some spotter suggestions? |
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4x4man514
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/04/2009 Location: augusta ga Status: Offline Points: 18 |
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Posted: June/04/2009 at 17:57 |
hey guys, new guy here! lol! i know very little about spotters and there seems to be a ton of info on here so i wanted to see what kind of suggestions you all may have. i need a spotting scope to see bullet holes at 3-400 yds and my other use would be to glass the bachelor groups of bucks at my hunt club in the bean fields. (maybe as far as 7-800yds). i was planning on spending about $300. but if that just wont do it then yall tell me what you think i need. id rather spend more for something nice than less for a pos.
thanks
oh and im also in the market for some binocs and a rangefinder if you have any advice for these.
thanks, kevin.
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thanks, Kevin
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4x4man514
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/04/2009 Location: augusta ga Status: Offline Points: 18 |
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nobody?
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thanks, Kevin
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Rancid Coolaid
MODERATOR Joined: January/19/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9318 |
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In that price range, it's a tough call, bullet holes will be no problem for a decent scope (assuming you have good vision and aren't shooting a .22 cal bullet.
Someone will respond with particulars, but be advised, weekends are slow, it might not be till Monday. I'll look around for what is being recommended for that price range and post something later. And welcome to Optics Talk. |
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Tranan
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/09/2009 Status: Offline Points: 85 |
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As allways, when looking for good optics for not so many dollars I will recomend second hand. Kowas especially can be found around that price sometime and they are really good. Nikons and Bushnells as well. A bushnell legend will do just fine.
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CHARLIE DON'T SURF!
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lucznik
Optics Master Joined: November/27/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1436 |
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Buying second hand can definitely net some real bargains.
The only thing to be aware/careful about is with the available warranty service. Very often, second hand, refurbished, and demo optics will offer only very limited warranties, if any at all.
This isn't always the case and even when it is, it's not necessarily an absolute deal breaker. You just need to make sure you know exactly what you are (and are not) purchasing when you make such decisions.
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What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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4x4man514
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/04/2009 Location: augusta ga Status: Offline Points: 18 |
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thanks yall, im not above buying used merchandise but i still dont know what to get. so far ive heard kowas, nikons and bushnells. so where is a good used source? and is there any part. model that everyone favors?
i understand you get what u pay for. esp with optics. i like to go top notch but my budget obviously wont let me. and no more than i would use a spotting scope im trying to not get carried away. BUT if i buy a $300 spotting scope and it wont do what i need it to do then thats $300 down the tube.
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thanks, Kevin
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SChunter
Optics Journeyman Joined: December/02/2007 Location: usa Status: Offline Points: 376 |
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the sponsors of this site have a great site, samplelist.com
check it out--great prices on used, refurbished, returned, and traded gear!
the same sponsors have swfa.com for the new products they sell (which is almost everything!).
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muleycrazy
Optics Apprentice Joined: May/21/2009 Status: Offline Points: 74 |
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The voretx Nomad might be an option.
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JGRaider
Optics Master Joined: February/06/2008 Status: Offline Points: 1540 |
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What do you guys know about the Kowa Prominar TSN 664? I'm having trouble finding many reviews on this glass, and am not able to look through one before I buy. Thanks.
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300Reloader
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/13/2009 Location: Kingwood, TX Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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Don't know if you bought a spotter yet but look up the Winter 2008 scope review at livingbird.org. Extensive scope test and rating of all types of scope and full spectrum of price. Department of Ornithology at Cornell University conducted the scope review and this could help in your search.
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BeltFed
Optics Retard Joined: February/12/2008 Location: Ky Status: Offline Points: 22284 |
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I too have been researching spotting scopes, and while I don't have a specific recommendation, I have been hearing good things about Konus, and Vortex spotters in your price range from some high power shooters.
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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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Agustinmx
Optics Apprentice Joined: September/12/2008 Status: Offline Points: 67 |
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unfortunately the Scope Quest 2008, didnt include the Kowa 664, and the Leica Televid 77 / APO, so for what their results gave the best 66mm class is the Swaro HD....
And I'd like know where to place the kowa 664 and leica against zeiss, swaro, nikon and the rest...... Hope the Scope Quest 2009 wil be soon |
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Agustinmx
Optics Apprentice Joined: September/12/2008 Status: Offline Points: 67 |
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Hey Chris why havent anybody made any good reviews and comparisons of optics in you tube.....
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lucytuma
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: November/25/2007 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 5389 |
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Vortex and Bushnell offer some pretty decent scopes in the $300.00 range.
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"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson
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300Reloader
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/13/2009 Location: Kingwood, TX Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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Compared the Kowa 663 and Swaro 65 ATM and along with 2 other friends ran the two side by side for almost an hour. Overall weight was 2.8 lbs for the Kowa and 3 lbs for the Swaro. The retailer where we were had the Swaro at $2,500 and the Kowa at $1,400. The Swaro had a 20 X 50 eyepiece while the Kowa had a 20 X 60. Both performed great in the conditions, mostly cloudy day at noon in Houston with heat waves. We looked at objects near and far and the bottom line is we all gave the Swaro a slight edge. However, it is not enough of an edge to spend $1,100 more. The retailer stated that you basically get 95% plus of the Swaro for $1,100 less and he sells more Kowas.
If buying new we all felt go with the Kowa but if you find a good used 65 A or STM for $1,500-$1,600 buy it.
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JGRaider
Optics Master Joined: February/06/2008 Status: Offline Points: 1540 |
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Thanks 300.
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RifleDude
MODERATOR EVIL OPPRESSOR Joined: October/13/2006 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 16337 |
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Welcome, 300reloader! Thanks for the insight. Sounds like good advice!
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Ted
Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle. |
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Agustinmx
Optics Apprentice Joined: September/12/2008 Status: Offline Points: 67 |
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Thanks for the good advice 300 reloader, very helpful...... Just one thing, did you compared the swaro HD vs the Kowa TSN or the Standar swaro lens vs the kowa TSN ?
Thanks again |
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300Reloader
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/13/2009 Location: Kingwood, TX Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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It was the HD for the Swaro and ED for the Kowa.
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