Who makes a good, budget-priced spotting scope?

[Darrell]

So I was at the range today zeroing a new rifle and I find that my old eyes just aren't able to see bullet holes at 200 yards anymore, even with a pretty good rifle scope. I guess it's time to get my hands on a spotting scope. 

I'm interested in hearing of your experiences with budget-prices scopes, say under $250. Is it possible to buy a decent scope in that price range? 

[hipower]

1 hour ago, Darrell said:

So I was at the range today zeroing a new rifle and I find that my old eyes just aren't able to see bullet holes at 200 yards anymore, even with a pretty good rifle scope. I guess it's time to get my hands on a spotting scope. 

I'm interested in hearing of your experiences with budget-prices scopes, say under $250. Is it possible to buy a decent scope in that price range? 

I have a couple of Barska Spotting Scopes that have been very good. 20x60 and clear views. Not the high end stuff but serviceable for most range use.

[ken_mays]

I bought one of these a few years ago and though it's large, that isn't a problem for me.  No problem at all seeing .22 hits at 100 yards, haven't tested it much further except to look at Jupiter and Saturn.  It's about as long as my forearm, from elbow to fingertip.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-52250-Ultima-Spotting-Scope/dp/B0002CTZ70/

Edited December 31, 2020 by ken_mays

[jpx2rk]

I have the same one as ken_mays linked to, it's good for 200yds if the lighting conditions are good, mirage is not bad, etc.  The splatter type targets that change to ugly green are easier to see, but I use a white background with orange/red diamond are visible as well to me and I've got crappy eyes with several different things going inside them.  

[Darrell]

Thanks for the inputs. The Celestron looks pretty good, and I see that the Athon Talos is being closed out for about $150. I have an Athlon scope that I like a lot. And I have a Barska scope that outperforms it's price-point. I saw a used Swarovski for just $10,000. 

[Gunner4570]

I’d suggest spending as much as you can afford.  Good glass is not cheap I went through several before finding a used kowa.  

[Whisper]

8 hours ago, Gunner4570 said:

I’d suggest spending as much as you can afford.  Good glass is not cheap I went through several before finding a used kowa.  

Agreed.  Once you've used a good spotting scope and understand what one is, the POS Walmart versions won't suffice any more.

Cheers,

Whisper

[Nikiski Dave]

Athalon has served me well

[615Guns]

Maybe not a "budget" spotting scope, but recently found a vortex viper spotting scope  roughly 40% off at cabelas. It's been amazing 

[DesertRanger]

I have a gift card for Cabelas- I’ll check that Vortex out. Thanks!