I'm in the market for a decent spotting scope.  A while back I bought some POS online.  I could barely see 200m and had to use my rifle scope to plot hits.  PITA!!!  Needless to say, that spotting scope went into the trash.  I realize this is another area where you typically get what you pay for but sometimes I hear of a diamond in the rough.  I'm curious to see what people are using and if they like what they have, the price and where they got it.  If it has some shortfalls, let us know.  On the flip side, if you're able to see a gnats ass at 300m and you got it for under $250.00 DEFINITELY let us know!!

 

Thanks.

Konus has a decent line up of spotting scopes.  They are a big step up from Barska, BSA, etc.

 

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

 

I have one and it has served me well.  The tripod is not the best.  A small photographer's tripod would be a good upgrade. 

 

If I were a dedicated high-power shooter, I'd upgrade.  But it works great for sighting in at 100 yards.  And it's decent at 200. 

Bumping this to hopefully get some more responses. Anyone else care to recommend anything? Thanks.

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

 

i got this one on sale last years Black Thursday sale for $208 shipped.

good quality, fine for about 200yds ..but that's about it. like previous poster said, the tripod is skimpy, i went with a Manfrotto tripod for $75 form Best Buy if i remember right. comes with a soft case. and angled view finder, shade sleeve 

 

but, this thing is HUGE fyi...  TWSS!

I know several people happy with the konus 20-60x100mm and more expensive. 

Got a new Leupold SX-1 Ventana Spotting Scope, Black, 15-45 x 60mm for $198 shipped on Woot last year.  Decent scope.

Got a new Leupold SX-1 Ventana Spotting Scope, Black, 15-45 x 60mm for $198 shipped on Woot last year.  Decent scope.

How is it out to 200 yds?

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

 

i got this one on sale last years Black Thursday sale for $208 shipped.

good quality, fine for about 200yds ..but that's about it. like previous poster said, the tripod is skimpy, i went with a Manfrotto tripod for $75 form Best Buy if i remember right. comes with a soft case. and angled view finder, shade sleeve 

 

but, this thing is HUGE fyi...  TWSS!

This one is on DVOR right now for $155

I have a Minox MD-50 Compact; 16-30x with a 50mm objective. Key for me is fits inside a pistol box. I got it at B&H for $260. I use it for indoors and outdoors for 25 and 50 yard precision pistol. I think 30x is good enough for 100 yards. Past that, make life easier on your eyes. If possible, try before you buy, as eyes are different.

 

Other reputable entry-level spotting scopes:

- Leopold SX-1

- Nikon Prostaff 3

- Bushnell Legend HD ultra

 

Don't cheap on optics.