Reddit mentions: The best spotting scopes

Hello :-)

What is your budget?

Most cheap and small telescopes are utter garbage, sorry. "Small" and "Pocket" suggest a small aperture and flimsy mount. For astronomy, that's a deadly combo :-)

• Binoculars. As /u/sflamel wrote :-) Even cheaper $30 binoculars such as the Cometron 7x50 are OK, but you get what you pay for. Still, a better choice than anything in the sub-$100 range.
  
  
• Verdict: Yes!
  
  
• $20: Astromedia Cardboard newtonian, plumber's telescope kit or Galilean kit (US). These work, are educational and fun to build. Overall they make more sense than a small telescope. IF the person likes to build stuff.
  
  
• Verdict: Yes?
  
  
  
• 50mm refractor. These cost under $50, but mount and accessories simply suck. Sorry. They might look like your normal telescope, and beginners will think: "This is great!" but they are not. Some start at 27 dollars. Even the ones from Brands like Celestron or Meade (e.g. 50az, 60az, 60eq) share some of the issues (stability, accessories).
  
  
• Verdict: Please No.
  
  
• $40-$60: Firstscope 76/300, Meade Lightbridge Mini 82 and similar.
  
  
• Travelscope.
  
  
• Those are cute small telescopes, but they do not show a lot. I used mine a couple of nights, but moved on. They have flawed optics making them less ideal for planets, and for wide-field, binoculars are much easier to use.
  
  
  
• Verdict: Firstscope/Mini: Maybe yes. Travelscope: Maybe No.
  
  
• 70eq, 70az and similar telescopes: Mount often not ideal. They work, but 70mm aperture is pretty limited by today's "standard".
  
  
• Verdict: Inspire or LT 70az maybe, but you can usually get a better telescope for a similar price-tag.
  
  
• $70-$100: Orion Skyscanner 100; Often $75 as "2nd" (used/refurbished) via Telescope.com. For that, it's a nice table-top telescope that already is more useful than the 3" table-tops. Still, it's not ideal.
  
  
• Verdict: Maybe. Beats most, far from perfect.
  
  
• $130 Dazzle 4.5. This is where it starts to get a bit better. 4.5" aperture already shows quite a bit compared to the other entry-level telescopes. It's not ideal for planets, but still outperforms all the cheap 3" telescopes.
  
  
• Verdict: Yes. Better choice in this price-range!
  
  
• Ignore all the 127eq and 114eq in this price-range. They either have flawed optics (bird-jones 114/1000, 127/1000; Spherical mirror: Astromaster 130) or a weak mount (All of them).
  
  
• Verdict: Burn. ... Especially these and the smaller refractors can often be found for $10-$20 on the classifieds, because no one wants them anymore.
  
  
• $180-200: Lightbridge Mini 130, Zhumell z130, AWB Oneksy (Europe: Heritage 130p). These are among the best entry-level telescopes despite some quirks. Other telescopes in a similar price-range are the Meade Inifnity 102mm (short, not ideal for planets, but decent otherwise), 90eq (decent but small aperture shows less), Orion xt4.5 (a bit more expensive, focal-ratio has some benefits compared to the 130mm table-tops, but it's price is close to a great 6" dobsonian). These might look like toys to some, but they are much less than an overpriced, bad, weak little refractor with 5 star rating on Amazon.
  
  
• Verdict: Wow!
  
  
• $300, $400: Skywatcher 6" or 8" dobsonian, Zhumell z8. Big. More expensive. Show so much more. z8 has so many accessories it's one of the best deals out there.
  
  
• Celestron Nexstar 130 or 127 SLT: Computerized, but GoTo will NOT make everything easier for beginners. Relatively compact. 8" will show a lot more though.
  
  
• Verdict: DO NOT get these. You will have tired employees all the time. They will stay up all night looking through their great telescope and come to work sleepy every other day!
  
  Difference a large aperture makes
  
  Size, Portability
  
   
  
  If you where thinking of something like a small $10-$20 handheld monocular or a $20-$50 spotting-scope: These work well for day-time and the moon. They are pretty bad for astronomy though. Anything with zoom in this price-range is. And over 10x magnification is difficult to hold free-handed, during the night, when you try to focus on a small detail. It's tolerable during the day, but not for nebulae and such.
  
  &nbp;
  
  TL;DR: "Turn left at Orion" or "Nightwatch" plus binoculars -> Best entry level set for beginners. Or at least the telescope in the $120-$200 range.
  
  
  Clear skies!

Works with iphone 4/4s/5, and I'm assuming 5s. Here are the links to the items:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003N7NQOY
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BTBPCWA

The fit is a little loose on the eye piece but a thin layer of gorilla tape around the eyepiece made it perfectly snug. The focus works flawlessly and between the scope's focus and zoom, and the phone's focus and zoom, it makes for a great image.

I had this idea to help relieve the eye fatigue I get after spotting someone for a while - the eye relief on spotters under a few hundred bucks is generally not the best. It works great!

The one I referenced above will cost more then people would expect to pay. But you will get excellent optics, the two most common eye pieces, and it will be small enough to easily take with you in the trunk of most cars. I bought the 8-inch version, and while I love it, I wished I had gotten the smaller one. There is no reason the one linked above or one like it could not last you the rest of your life.

Now if 270 is a bit too much you can check if there is a telescope store near you, most sell used scopes on consignment.

Or binoculers are a good alternative. The one linked should last the rest of your life. Will proved decent views of the heavens, and can be used by a nosy neighbor as well.

A third alternative is a good spotting scope. Through my brothers you can see Jupiter and its moons. For Binoculers and Spotting Scopes you will need a tripod for the best views.

Differences in these options.
Through the scope with a good night, and the right eye pieces you should see Jupiter's Major cloud bands and maybe the Red Spot. as well as all Galilean Moons and sometimes others. In the right conditions you will see Saturn's Rings and the Cassini division.

Binoculars and a spotting scope should yield views similar to OP's photo.

I'm a believer in quality glass, but there comes a point where price and quality are not a linear relationship. 100 bucks typically buys something mediocre For about 500 bucks (or even less) you can get some pretty high quality glass that will work well as a spotting scope. For 1500 dollars you get something fantastic, but not 3 times better than the 500 dollar optic. If you've got the money and will use it a lot however, it may be worth it.

One thing to keep in mind, at 82x magnification, you will need a lot of light for a bright image, and the effects from heat rising will be very magnified. You'll need to get a massive objective lens to make 82x work well.

I've got one of these (which I highly recommend) and the effects of heat and light loss are noticeable even on 60x with an 82mm objective lense. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJFAYJ2/ref=twister_B00EYB2TPK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Also, are you sure it's 82x and not an 82mm objective lens. That's an oddly specific magnification.

I ended up getting a 25x-150x scope, because it was <$200 and waterproof, came with a case and all that.
Barksa Benchmark

It's not the best scope in the world, but it works, You can check it out next time we bump into each other @ Caledon. But here are the cliff notes, i guess.

1. you don't need that much magnification, 30x-50x will give you about right. @ 25x you can see the whole target, at 40 I think is our sweet spot for seeing blue+ and in good detail. over 50 tends to become unstable(with my tripod/wind etc) and hard to see anything.
   
   
2. You want a waterproof scope, it rains, wind can blow into over into the mud, etc.
   
   
3. the one i got is a straight scope, it's not ideal, but it works. I would want an adjustable eye piece if i ever upgrade.
   
   
4. You may want to invest in a good tripod as well, the cheap ones are not as stable as you really want for good viewing, but they do work.
   
   

Really not purpose built, but what I'm using in this setup is an HP Elitebook with a microsoft 720p webcam (is actually the roommate's) literally just duct taped onto an Emarth 20-60x60. Alternatively to a laptop and webcam is to use your phone with something like this.


Better results could be had with better equipment, but it worked well enough for my purpose. Two side notes: For outdoors, reducing the camera's exposure settings helps reduce washout. The other thing is shoot and see type targets work well.

Simmons Truplex Adjustable Objective Prosport Riflescope (4-12X40, Matte) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VYZMJO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oiMLzb5AG3AE2

It's not fancy, but it's clear. Plus, I put it on a rifle that is basically disposable. Still getting great performance. I'm happy.

I don't think a FAL is a good gun for much of anything. If you intend on making it your primary though do yourself the favor and run a few hundred rounds through it at the range. Just see how well it holds up and get used to the sights on it by standard just in case.

If all goes well with the shooting test then Id go for the upgrades. I would go with the new stock and probably get a nice RDS on it like the dagger defense DDHB or for longer ranges something like a Trijicon ACOG TA01, however its on the more expensive side of things... For a stock, when I looked its kinda slim pickings but I didn't look too hard but I liked this one a good bit.

I ended up with this one. Crystal clear, although like anything, I wish I had more zoom, but then I'm spotting much more than 100 yards.

The Birchwood casey black targets with the dayglow underneath really are great. Highly recommended over white paper.

Pick up one of these for easy smell proofing O's or small bongs, big pipes, bubblers, etc. It may be a little suspicious hanging onto an ammo can like this, but they are 100% air tight. The newer more expensive ones like the one linked have a rubber seal that protects from water and air, older ones (and I believe current standard issue) do not have the seal.

While it may be too noticeable for moving stuff in a car, it's good for dorms, bedrooms, even outside. I use an older one as an ash tray and smoke stays inside of it overnight when I throw a butt in there.

Another stupid tip, is get a gas mask filter for indoor smoking. filters smoke 100%, may not be the easiest thing to come by, but it works like a charm.

I have an old pair of Sears 8x34 or something similar that I got as a gift when I was young. They're not good in low light, but the glass is clear enough to enjoy topless wildlife on boats or the shore.

If I were to replace them, I'd likely get a spotting scope and rig a monopod on the 'yak. A couple hundred bucks can get you one with nice glass and a decent zoom.

https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Trophy-Xtreme-Spotting-Scope/dp/B01BNSHNVQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?keywords=spotting+scope&qid=1569201005&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sr=8-14

This is what my buddy has when we go to the range together. It's great for observing trace, but I'll be damned if I can see the impact at 500 yds unless the sun is behind the target and the background isn't shadowy. I would suggest that you find a friend to shoot with, so you can help each out at the range by learning to observe fire. The US Army manual is here, and if you're willing to spend a couple bucks, this is (and I can't stress this enough) a GREAT resource for all concerns long-range. The author stresses knowledge and technical proficiency rather than cool-guy stuff, unlike a lot of other books on the subject.

Happy shooting, and happy Independence Day!

I bought this scope and put this tripod on it. It works great out to 100yds with .22lr/.223. Cheaper glass will get fuzzy at higher magnifications, so I find that 30x works best for this particular scope.

For the money you're willing to spend, Nikon has a number of really nice products - I personally really like their Fieldscope. The image quality is outstanding on a tripod.

I have a Barska 20-60x scope that is $75 on amazon. It's not exactly high quality, but it works pretty well for the price. I'm not sure how well it'll work at 300 yards, I've only used it at the 100 yard range. Also FYI, if you wear glasses, you'll need to take them off to look through this scope.


http://www.amazon.com/BARSKA-Colorado-Waterproof-Spotting-Scope/dp/B001HN9QZY

I’m using an iphone 6s, and a spotting scope is used for hunting, watching animals and for shooting, i think you get the idea...
I don’t hunt or shoot any guns though I just really like the scope, it provides amazing clarity and is waterproof.
Here is an amazon link if you want to take a look:
https://www.amazon.com/Barska-20-60x60-Waterproof-Colorado-Spotting/dp/B06XCFWGBY

Barska Colorado is a pretty decent spotting scope for your budget range of $75. I've had mine for 2 years now and it's still doing well. The only real issue with it is the fact that there is NO eye relief whatsoever. Your eye needs to be pressed right up to the eyepiece. But for the price, I deal with it. I've used this spotting scope out to 650yds for steel and at 200yds I can easily see bullet holes on a bullseye target.

This Konus is a fantastic deal.

http://www.amazon.com/Konus-7120-20x-60x80mm-Spotting-Tripod/dp/B001DX7Q8W

It's usually the go-to recommendation for people that don't want to spend a lot on one. I've had one for years and am very pleased with it.

How about this spotting scope? Found it on amazon with good reviews. Just want to buy one for my kids to spotting animals when camping, but I'm not familiar with the products. Thanks.

How about this spotting scope? It only needs $55. It features 20x to 60x magnification and 60mm objective lens, BAK-4 Porro prism. Great for bird and weather watching.

These are pretty good for double and triple pedals:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Y5C132/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687742&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000J4HXUC&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1VDJW7QDA8NZ0W5VZ7NQ

So when it comes to spotting scopes (since I can't find a focal length) if it's a decent/ reputable brand, like Celestron, etc. Does that mean that the advertised magnification of say 20x-80x would be the same as a telescope with the math that equates to 80x? In short, is 80x just that, 80x, regardless of the device or combination to achieve it?

so for example this one or this one or even this

Just about anything should hit at those distances.

Just get a decent inexpensive optic. Like maybe 1-6X on sale or blem.

Feeding it costs more. Wolf gold is about as good as it gets for decent cheap 223 ammo.

Maybe invest in a $70 cheap spotting scope from Amazon to see if you're hitting anything.

Buy an ammo canister

Then get a cord lock/gun lock. Feed trough the hole on the clamp and the little handle thing or drill hole in top and side. Keep key for lock safe.

This Konus is only slightly out of your price range @$235, but has good reviews.

I use this one around 100 and it works really well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003N7NQOY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Military Surplus .30 Caliber Ammo Can and make sure what you have inside it is not in contact with the sides of the can.

I don't know for a fact if it's the blackhawk model, I got it through Amazon, here's the exact model I got. I know for a fact it didn't come with a hardcase, only a softcase. And for the money, it's simply incredible.

Leupold binoculars are incredible but a bit pricey. Sports stores often have a display where you can try out the binocs. Otherwise, you could try a cheap spotting scope.

I think I got this for under $50 on sale a few years back. https://www.amazon.com/Emarth-20-60x60AE-Waterproof-Spotting-45-Degree/dp/B010FAUJ46/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=spotting+scope&qid=1572338205&sprefix=spotting+&sr=8-3

I would try for the binocs for your situation though.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010FAUJ46/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If I'm only shooting between 25 and 100 yards - is this dubiously cheap spotting scope going to be sufficient to check my groups?

http://www.amazon.com/BARSKA-15-40x50-Colorado-Spotting-Scope/dp/B0049IZMUW

https://www.amazon.ca/Barska-CO11500-15-40x50-Colorado-Spotting/dp/B0049IZMUW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1480084327&sr=8-3&keywords=Spotting+scope

For a 100 metres this 40x should be plenty sufficient.

Here, Here and Here, though i would pick a $10 binocular over a $30 spotting scope. (based on experience with both)

I ended up going with this Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60x65 and calling it a day, since Amazon's price has dropped since yesterday and beats the other places I'd checked. It seems like it'll be fine for the distances I'd be shooting at (100 yards or less), and if it's not, I've spent more on worse. 🤷‍♂️

I got one off amazon a few years back for like $50. You don't need a real expensive one unless you are shooting real long range or abuse.

Edit: Just checked and I actually paid $70. It's $79 now but here is a link... http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003N7NQOY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

> Even if not, a halfway decent spotting scope can cost $2k

Wrong.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010FAUJ46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Xw1.BbJW77TFD