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I am contemplating buying a spotting scope to save walking the 300m to, then from the distant targets at the local range. Secondary use would be in the field. Are cheaper brands worthwhile or complete rubbish please. Ideally I would prefer and angled eyepiece, 80mm objective lens and tripod-capable base.
mate has a 3 or $400 konus which is pretty impressive when compared to much pricier glass,in fact he chose it out of swarvoski and a couple of other euro and american versions he tried.
nothing to do with budget.
I've got a $260 Konus 20-40x? It's okay at the 20-30x but absolutely useless at 35-40x.
My wife and I bought a Leupold Ventana 15-45x60mm and it was hopeless. Yes we could see 22 cal holes at 100m but at 400m we couldn't decide if we were looking at a hare or a rock. Lost some money on that one!
Take it you are not a Leupold enthusiast! Did you get the rock Tech?Quote:
Originally Posted by Tech
Clarity of glass is one key factor long range. I also struggle with closing one eye and looking for long periods through a spotter. I bit the bullet and bought a Swarovski BTX. It has a binocular eyepiece. Not for everyone but from use so far I am very pleased with it. It’s like looking through a top set of Binos. I find it has eliminated eye strain. I am using an 85mm objective lens but will buy a 65mm for more mobile hunting.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ingrid 51
There are certainly spotters that will do the job for less cash.
Attachment 133595
The Nikon field scope is excellent and has a reasonable price. 80mm is rather heavy to be humping over the mountains.
Rule 4 says Identify your target and since I couldn't what turned out to be a rock got to live another day.Quote:
Originally Posted by Southcity
Arrrhh.... I thought you might have shot it stone dead��Quote:
Originally Posted by Tech
I got given a konus. Its fine for spotting shots on the range, I can see my bullet holes at 300 no problem. It's not the clearest and the resolution is average but for that use it works OK.
Don't think I'd bother with it in the field though, not clear enough to be usefull
Nice bit of kit, very envious but equally happy not to have to carry that up a hill.Quote:
Originally Posted by Southcity
:)
Would love to go down that route as like you I find it difficult to spend too long using one eye.
Question for you please @Southcity - what are you using for a tripod?
Yep Nikon fieldscope. Ed60 or ed82 on parr with swarvo. Compared side by side Guiding in BC Canada, nothing between them. Good prices on Ebay. With home made digiscope, bloody great scopes at reasonable prices. Choice of eye pieces, wide angle or zoom.
Hi Planenutz. With a 65mm objective it would be quite manageable hunting even in Chamios country. I have used it in Otago Hgh country on deer and found it fine.Quote:
Originally Posted by planenutz
I am using a Swarovski carbon fibre ‘Travel’ tripod. They don’t do these anymore unfortunately. I had to get mine out of the US. They were a really good value tripod that Swaro had someone make for them. (Manfrotto?)
The legs are extended and held with levers you clip open or close. I prefer these than the twist type. I am running a Gitzo GH2720FOR 2 way fluid head which is excellent. I could have gone Swaro but a good mate of mine had a Gitzo ( Italian) and it proved to be a quality option so I purchased the same.
I’m a strong believer in buying quality, and crying once!
I think the Swarvo 2 way head is made for them by gitzo as its 99% the same as gitzos newer headQuote:
Originally Posted by Southcity
Appreciate that information @resQuote:
Originally Posted by res
Been looking online at Gitzos tripods... I guess I have a few weeks of doing nothing (and no courier deliveries) to save for one.
Thanks people.
:thumbsup:
I bought a Vanguard Endeavor 15-45x65 a while ago and am very pleased with the performance for the price.
https://www.jacobsdigital.co.nz/prod...UaAqm0EALw_wcB
They get some good reviews.
Quote:
Originally Posted by planenutz
Facebook second hand photography groups are a good source of nice tripods, I got my gitzo tripod for half the cost of a new one and i looks like its never been outside
I've got a mint and I mean mint, Really Right Stuff carbon fibre tripod and ballhead for sale but it's way too big and expensive for use with a spotting scope. Must get around to putting it on the yellow site.
As Southcity said it is a real shame that Swarovski stopped making the CT 101 Travel CF tripod, not only were they reasonably priced but they had a good max and folded height. I have the same tripod and Gitzo head that Southcity mentioned and they were great value for money but the Gitzo head has also been discontinued.Quote:
Originally Posted by planenutz
Wilson Sports are still listing the CT 101 with the DH 101 head which is also a nice unit. Here is a link to their site,
Wilsons Hunting and Outdoors - Tripods
At one stage Shooters World in Gore had a CT 101 carbon fibre tripod so it may be worth contacting them once things return to the new normal.
Pm some info pleaseQuote:
Originally Posted by 10-Ring
My aplogies res; I just noticed this. Will get some info to you today.Quote:
Originally Posted by res
