View Full Version : Recommend a good and durable monocular or spotting scope under $150.
I need a recommendation on a good, durable monocular or spotting scope under $150.
Trying to see bullet holes better at 100-200 yards.
I use Shoot-N-C targets, but would like a little bit of help at those distances.
"Good and Durable" The Vortex Diamondback at $399 is as low as I would recommend. Just save a bit more time and buy once cry once. Maybe someone will have a better idea.
Going to be Konus ( i had one once, not too bad for cheaper) $85 to $237
Barsca and Tasco, just don't do it.
PB
Inkslinger
03-24-21, 18:37
Second post in one day by two different people about monoculars? If this is for shooting, you don’t want a monocular. There are plenty of Chinese spotting scopes on Amazon for less than $75 that will suit most people’s general range use.
"Good and Durable" The Vortex Diamondback at $399 is as low as I would recommend. Just save a bit more time and buy once cry once. Maybe someone will have a better idea.
Going to be Konus ( i had one once, not too bad for cheaper) $85 to $237
Barsca and Tasco, just don't do it.
PB
I agree on buying quality and be done with it. But I’m running out of money. [emoji16]
Second post in one day by two different people about monoculars? If this is for shooting, you don’t want a monocular. There are plenty of Chinese spotting scopes on Amazon for less than $75 that will suit most people’s general range use.
I’m not sure on the durability of those $75 spotting scopes, that is why I’m looking at going higher to $150 or even $200.
Or perhaps PB is right and the only choice is a Vortex or similar priced spotting scopes.
And what is wrong with a monocular? I think it can work well, and can also be used at sporting events.
Inkslinger
03-25-21, 07:20
I’m not sure on the durability of those $75 spotting scopes, that is why I’m looking at going higher to $150 or even $200.
Or perhaps PB is right and the only choice is a Vortex or similar priced spotting scopes.
And what is wrong with a monocular? I think it can work well, and can also be used at sporting events.
How much durability do you need? If your intended use is putting it on a bench or the ground at your range to check targets at 1-200y, you’ll be fine. If you where using it to hike into the back country to glass for elk or mule deer, then maybe not so much. If money is an issue, walk down and check your targets. That would free up more money for ammo and training.
I'm afraid no inexpensive monocular will let you see bullet holes at 200 yards. I have a decent pair of budget (Nikon Prostaff) 10X binoculars and they are borderline at 100 yards, no way they would work at 200.
Andy
everready73
03-25-21, 11:46
"Good and Durable" The Vortex Diamondback at $399 is as low as I would recommend. Just save a bit more time and buy once cry once. Maybe someone will have a better idea.
Going to be Konus ( i had one once, not too bad for cheaper) $85 to $237
Barsca and Tasco, just don't do it.
PB
Listen to this guy. Konus is your best bet in the under $250 range
I have no experience with Athlon spotting scopes but they may be worth a look as well. Their scopes offer a really good value for the money. Call Doug at Camera Land NY and he will hook you up
https://cameralandny.com/shop/brands/athlon-optics/athlon-optics-talos-20-60x80-spotting-scope-charcoal-grey/a146d840-7829-0138-971e-00163ecd2826?variation=2247721
That one is on sale and might be ok for what you want. They have some bundles for like $229 with binos as well
https://cameralandny.com/shop/brands/athlon-optics/athlon-optics-talos-20-60x80-spotting-scope-grey-315001g-talos-10x42-binoculars/265788a0-782f-0138-9876-00163e6c3713?variation=2247729&query=spotting%20scope
How much durability do you need? If your intended use is putting it on a bench or the ground at your range to check targets at 1-200y, you’ll be fine. If you where using it to hike into the back country to glass for elk or mule deer, then maybe not so much. If money is an issue, walk down and check your targets. That would free up more money for ammo and training.
Taking it out back country/hunting is always a possibility.
Walk down to check targets every few shots is not efficient. Plus on a range with other people, breaks are usually every 15 or 20 minutes.
I'm afraid no inexpensive monocular will let you see bullet holes at 200 yards. I have a decent pair of budget (Nikon Prostaff) 10X binoculars and they are borderline at 100 yards, no way they would work at 200.
Andy
Yeah, I know. And in my case I need at least a 12X power to see at those distances.
Listen to this guy. Konus is your best bet in the under $250 range
I have no experience with Athlon spotting scopes but they may be worth a look as well. Their scopes offer a really good value for the money. Call Doug at Camera Land NY and he will hook you up
https://cameralandny.com/shop/brands/athlon-optics/athlon-optics-talos-20-60x80-spotting-scope-charcoal-grey/a146d840-7829-0138-971e-00163ecd2826?variation=2247721
That one is on sale and might be ok for what you want. They have some bundles for like $229 with binos as well
https://cameralandny.com/shop/brands/athlon-optics/athlon-optics-talos-20-60x80-spotting-scope-grey-315001g-talos-10x42-binoculars/265788a0-782f-0138-9876-00163e6c3713?variation=2247729&query=spotting%20scope
I’ll look at Konus and Athlon as well. [emoji1303]
Unfortunately a good setup is going to be expensive, not only for the glass but the tripod.
Even a decent spotting scope on cheap tripod that isn't stable it's difficult to see bullet impacts clearly.
For a quality tripod you're probably looking at the budget you mentioned in your first post.
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Unfortunately a good setup is going to be expensive, not only for the glass but the tripod.
Even a decent spotting scope on cheap tripod that isn't stable it's difficult to see bullet impacts clearly.
For a quality tripod you're probably looking at the budget you mentioned in your first post.
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I disagree with the implication that a heavy/stiff tripod is needed for the OP's intended use. The weakness of lesser tripods is when they are extended to use standing they are flimsy. The more leg sections the flimsier. When used on a bench, sitting or prone most are fine. I am NOT a long range shooter and this setup works well for sighting in a rifle 3-4 times a year. Casual use at best. Same as my $40 Harris clone bipod. TASCO 20x60x60 on a GEEKOTO chicom tripod with a homemade "L" bracket. I have never used it in conditions that wouldn't allow seeing 22 caliber holes in white paper at 100 yards in decent light. I'll admit on a cloudy day at 200 yards it would probably be almost useless but it serves my purposes for 200 bucks.
https://i.imgur.com/ylD80DO.jpg
I am going to get a good pair of binoculars (12x50 minimum) that I could use for other purposes and be done with it.
I am going to get a good pair of binoculars (12x50 minimum) that I could use for other purposes and be done with it.
You ain't gonna be done with it if you still want to see hits on target.
You ain't gonna be done with it if you still want to see hits on target.
You might be right.
Binos for seeing bullet impacts doesn’t work for me. Too much shaking. A stable platform is what is needed. Spotting scope on a tripod is really going to be best. I got lucky and found a “Winchester” branded spotting scope that came with a hard case and tripod. There is even a small padded bag that is included for carrying in the field.
I found this Vortex Solo monocular on Amazon for $150
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004WFYG0Y/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=T7nGykvjmuQ0l2VpHtKiUA&hsa_cr_id=3785211550101&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi2m_asin_0_img&pd_rd_w=90vYK&pf_rd_p=75532ed1-af3f-4574-ad4f-acd8e0e7d89a&pd_rd_wg=AdD5j&pf_rd_r=3RRX310JHSEH93H1NHB0&pd_rd_r=95e37f97-0bc2-4bbc-9226-4261edaac788
A tripod mounted spotting scope is really going to be the best for spotting target shots.
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