Spotting Scope - Need Advise

[TPAW]

Gents,

I'm looking for a decent spotting scope. I shoot 100 and 200 yards from a bench rest position. I would like something that I could also use for a further distance if I ever get the chance to shoot beyond 200 yards. My price range is about $150.00. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[wjkuleck]

It's been too long since I surveyed the market, and I'm a real cheapskate anyway...but I do have one suggestion.

Whatever you get, get a spotting scope with an angled eyepiece. You'll be glad you did, every time you look through the scope by turning your head a little bit instead of having to move your whole body to get your head behind a straight eyepiece.

Regards,

Walt

[sholling]

There isn't a lot that's worth a darn in that price range. Probably the best bargain is just above you limit. A Bushnell Discoverer can be had for right at $200. It's really a birding scope and is not weather proof and the eye relief is pretty short, but the optical quality is head and shoulders better than most $200 and below spotters. For something at or below $150 I'd give eagle optics a call and see if they have anything from their floor samples in your price range. Their CSRs actually know their products.

[ohen cepel]

I can't vouch for any of them. However, these guys have many choices and are who I always my first choice for optics:

http://www.swfa.com/c-5-spotting-scopes-and-telescopes.aspx

If nothing else, it's a good selection to compare.

The angled eye piece is a huge plus as mentioned above.

I looked around their site a bit and Tasco will get you an angle head for under $150
http://www.swfa.com/c-1167-tasco-world-class-spotters.aspx Three choice from them under that. I can't speak to the quality. However, if you're looking for a bullet hole on a range I think they will be fine. I have a cheap older Tasco and it works for that fine.

Wouldn't take it birding, but I'm not into that.

[Capt Charlie]

Back in 2006, we had an interesting and somewhat lengthly discussion on spotting scopes in this thread (http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=216908&page=2&highlight=cassegrain).

You might find some helpful information there.

[TPAW]

Thank you guys, I'll follow through on your suggestions. Maybe I can bump up my budget a little over $200.