Konus spotting scope quality and opinions

[ScottShepherd]

Hello Shooters,
i am looking for a spotting scope. i dont have a lot to spend on it but i a not buying another junk spotter. i have several that make great wheel chocks. i am getting back into silhouette and would like some opinions on a konus i found on amazon. konus model 7120

here is a link

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DX ... PDKIKX0DER

also looking at the nikons and bushnells in the $350 price range.

any input would be appreciated
thank you
Scott Shepherd

[JDBraddy]

I have one, it's quite usable, but no where near the quality of the old Kowa TSN77 that I used to have. The tripod and case are junk though, you'll need to find a used Freeland or other base and stand. The scope cover from Creedmore or Champions Choice that fit the 80mm Kowa will fit it also, and are a usefull accessory.

[ScottShepherd]

i plan to use it of small bore mostly but i am going to shoot HP at times also.
i think im gonna get one. im sure its worlds better than the junk i own - bushnell and barska
thank you for your input. exactly what i wanted to know
Scott

[Jetmugg]

Also in the $300 range, you might want to consider a pair of Celestron 25x 100mm Binoculars. I have been using a pair of the Celestron 20x 80mm binocs for SB silhouette, and have been impressed. Everyone who looks through them has had positive comments. The stereo viewing is a big bonus over single objective spotting scopes.

The 20X models can be had for about $125. The 25x 100mm model sells for more like $300. I haven't looked through the 25x 100 model, but if the 20x80mm model is an indication, they should have excellent optics for the money.

SteveM.

[Jason]

Nothing in the price range can touch the Celestron Regal 65 F-ED spotting scope. It's got a 16-48X eyepiece, 45-degree angle body, and ED glass. It even comes with an adapter for attaching a camera. If you want to use it with a Freeland or other similar scope stand, it also has a rotating mounting ring. They can usually be found for $370 or so with full U.S. lifetime warranty. The only complaints that I've seen are that the included soft case doesn't zip open on both ends or have a hold for a tripod attachment like the case that Kowa makes. To get better glass, you need to step up to a Kowa 65+ mm scope.