I need a good scope.
Academy has a Nikon variable 15x45 on closeout for $244.00. Someone told me the Nikon optics are not as good as the price indicates.
Cabela's has a Leupold Sequoia for not a lot more.
I will use the scope mostly at the range, trying to see .223 caliber holes at up to 200 yards. Some hunting at probably the same range.
I want bright, crisp and clear, sharp image but I am not made of money.
Do the Bushnell Trophy scopes have a good quality image?
Who makes the best, affordable optics in a spotting scope?

Jim

I bought a used Alpen from sonebody here at AR and I am happy with it for range work. I can see 243 holes at 200 no problem

Camera Land in NY has Nikon Sky and Earth 15x60 80mms on sale for $350. I don't know how good they are but I'd by the 80mm over the 60mm for range use even at a $100 more.

Just noticed the Nikon 15x45x60s on ebay for $199 NIB. I didn't check to see if there were any cheaper but it might be an option.

After taking a "How to Glass for Trophy Animals" class from AZ Guide Duwane Adams (also bought his cd) and using binocs for game spotting I bought 20x60 Pentax binocs from Camera Land in NYC.Duwane is a guide dealer so he had 15x45 Zeiss & Swarovski binocs that are lighter but way out of my budget.I have a Redfield Spotting Scope but prefer binocs after taking the class, we were spotting Coues Whitetail over a mile away. http://www.arizonabiggamehunting.com email coon@theriver.com ph# 520-385-4995.My advice is take his class in Arizona you'll learn alot.

Leupold also has a 15X30 power that is optically superior to the Sequoia. A cheaper scope is fine for the range, but it will cause you headaches in the field.
Minox makes a great scope for the money. 20X45X62. I have one and it is the best scope for the money I have seen. I used to use a Leupold 30x but this Minox is far better. Try Janssens Adventure Outfitters 1-888-935-HUNT

Got to OPTICS Planet.com They have some good buys. I just got me a Celstron 80 52259/w And you can see bullett holds at 300yrd.

celestron ultima 80 from birdbino.com
less than $200 and you can see everything at 100 yds clearly lifetime warranty is great too
super scope for the money
divr6347

Check the Classifieds here They have Nikon's at a good price

FWIW I ordered the 20x60x80mm Nikon Skyand Earth Scope (as well as a 15x58 Minox bino) from Doug Paymer at Camera Land in NY today. While this is my first order from them, he was a pleasure to do business with, willingly answering questions and giving his opinions on options in the same or different price classes. He gave very high marks to the Nikon S&E, calling it by far the best in that and several higher level price ranges ( of course it is discounted quite substantially from it suggested retail, possibly a model change?, I didn't ask). Shipping (but not insurance which is reasonably priced) is included in quoted prices (which is a refreshing change) and he has a no questions asked return policy. I guess you never know how good someone is until the sh.....ummmm.....something goes sour, but so far I'd give him a solid 5 Stars (highest rating).

I believe I have about decided on a scope. The Konus 20x60x80 was recommended by someone at OpticsPlanet even over the Konus 100mm scope for everything but night and very low light use. Konus scopes
It seems everyone deems the Sequoia disappointing, and the Nikon E&S has a too short eye relief for use with glasses.
Optics PLanet said this and the Celestron Ultima 80 are the best choices in my price range- under $300.00-$400.00.

Jim

quote:

KINKY FOR TEXAS!!!!

Whassamatter, Gato, you unhappy with Gov. Prick Fairy?

Stonecreek:

I'm basically unhappy with 99.9% of our politicians at every level of government mostly because they put being politicians and getting re-elected above their word, honor, and common sense. Hell, I don't even like most of my local school board members (an unpaid position) because they passed a random drug test requirement for all extra-curricular activities. While the Supreme Court has ruled this is legal based on an Oklahoma case, they used some really twisted reasoning to come to that conclusion. I strongly believe it is a violation both of the 4th Amendment and my parental rights. Needless to say, my children are drug free and hopefully will stay that way but that is not the point. Due to my children's ages, I don't have to finalize my responses until next year. These include allowing it (highly unlikely but I might bow to my kid's pressure), not allowing my kids to do extra-curricular (probably not really an option and at least one of my kids is a real star in the UIL inter-scholastic leagues or whatever they call it so the school system loses some prestige as well), home schooling, attempting to sue the shit out of them (it is a rare bureaucrat who can follow ALL of their own rules), or transferring to another system. There are no private schools close enough to consider. But I digress.....

I admire Kinky's humor and intelligence and he'll definitely be a fresh viewpoint. I realize he is a long shot, but I'm not sure it is impossible.