i've asked this question before but here it goes again.

myt_hunter · Feb 9, 2004

I am planning to buy a spotting scope very soon. I am still a little unsure of which one to get though. I am on a budget where i can't spend a whole lot of money. Which would be better??
1- 15x45 - 60 mm lense
2- 20x60 - 80 mm lense

I have had different people tell me that the smaller power is better and other people tell me that the bigger power is better. I have always thought that the highest power you could get, the better off you are.
What do you guys think? Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Scott

D13er · Feb 9, 2004

For optics, usually quality is in direct proportion to price. The cheaper scopes run into clarity problems at the higher power setting and some aren't even usable at the higher settings but are very satisfactory from the low setting to 45x or so. I would buy the 15-45 if buying an inexpensive scope. $200-$400. I had a 20 to 60 cabelos scope for years and it was real clear up to about 45-50x

JB

BUCKSPY · Feb 9, 2004

Nikon's Sky and Earth 15x45 from www.outdoorsmans.com is THE best buy for the money. I think they have it for $299. Great reviews on this product across the board two years ago when the new one came out. I'd stay away from the 60 unless you go high dollar.

BRDDAWG · Feb 10, 2004

Like you, I was on a budget last year. I bought a Winchester 15-45, 60mm. I'm pretty pleased with it. It doesn't do all that well on 45x in low light but I think it's pretty good considering the price. I paid around $150 for it and it comes with a nice lockable hard case, a soft case, and a bench tripod.

BOWUNTR · Feb 10, 2004

If the quality is the same, the main difference between those two scopes is going to be weight and size. If you plan on packing it in on your back you might think about the smaller one. 45 power has always been pleanty for me. Ed F

dakotakid · Feb 10, 2004

I have the Nikon Earth and Sky in 20-60x80. Its quality and clarity is uncomparable. Its a heavy pig but I dont pack with it so it suits my purposes just fine. As with any glass purchase, decide what the most you can possibly afford is then ad at least 10% to that figure and go buy your glass. You will never ever regret buying good optics.

Mike

redrabbit · Feb 10, 2004

I would choose the scope with the larger 80mm objective lens, as this would give you a brighter, and maybe sharper, image at comparable powers(bigger exit pupil and higher relative brightness). Chances are that you would spend more time glassing at 20-30x than 60x anyway. I too have an older Cabelas' 20-60x60mm spotter, and image quality suffers near 60x, not to mention mirage being more apparent.

Doug/RedRabbit