spotting scope on a budget

[Chasing elk]

I made a thread asking about high end spotting scopes. An individual made the comment to get a 'cheaper' spotting scope to make sure I like them, and I feel comfortable using them.

I was thinking...that is the best route to go. Before spending 3,500 on a scope I should get a cheaper one and use it this year to see how I like them. I will be using it for deer hunting this year. Next year I plan to head west for an antelope hunt. I would like to see out to 1,000 yards or so. More the better. I am wanting to be able to pick out and see antler size.

Which spotting scope do you guys suggest for $1,000 or under??

I have a Scheels here in town, so I want to buy one from Scheels.

 

[Wrench]

Pentax pf80ed, nikon fieldscope ed3 82mm with WA30 eyepiece, zeiss diascope....all used. That's where I'd spend my money.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

GPO APO Spotters would absolutely be our suggestion.

• Apochromatic (APO) Lens System: The "APO" designation means these scopes utilize an advanced apochromatic lens system. This high-grade glass virtually eliminates chromatic aberration (the annoying "color fringing" often seen on high-contrast edges in lower-tier scopes). The result is superior resolution, true-to-life color fidelity, and edge-to-edge sharpness.
• GPObright™ Multi-Coatings: GPO applies proprietary vacuum-coated treatments to every optical surface. This maximizes light transmission (up to 92%), ensuring bright, crisp images even in challenging low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.
• Precision Helical Focusing: Unlike scopes with finicky or stiff focus knobs, the PASSION APO line features a precision-machined helical brass gear focus system. This provides incredibly smooth and accurate focus adjustments, even when you are wearing heavy gloves in the field.
• Rugged Construction: Built around a lightweight internal magnesium core, these scopes are both tough and relatively light. They feature full protective rubber armoring, making them highly durable and weather-resistant against extreme backcountry environments.
• Field-Ready Features: They include built-in sliding sunshades to mitigate glare on bright days and a locking rotational tripod base, allowing you to easily adjust the eyepiece viewing angle to match your terrain and seating position.

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• 20-60x85 The flagship model, offering massive light-gathering capability and high magnification. It is ideal for stationary glassing and picking apart minute details (like antler tines) at extreme distances.
• 16-48x65: A newer, compact alternative. Weighing in at just 46 ounces and measuring 13.7 inches in length, it maintains the premium optical quality of the 85mm but in a much more pack-friendly footprint for mobile hunters and backpackers.

 

[alexnelon]

$1,000 is kind of a dead zone for spotting scopes.

There’s not a lot of value in going over ~$600 until you get to $2k+

Best choices for performance are older used scopes. An old Nikon ed3 for $450 absolutely dog-walks a $1,000 vortex viper.

 

[Kurts86]

Rent one to try it out. Spotting scopes are expensive specialized tools.

 

[elsb0048]

You might also consider a used compact spotter like a kowa 553/554 15-45, mini razor 11-33 or 13-39, or Leupold 12-40 (hd). Imho for the uninitiated (myself included) that's an easier zoom range to get the handle of and they're less impacted by not having the absolute best glass. With the lighter weight you'll also be a bit more likely to pack it on a regular basis than a big-un and if you were to get a big spotter someday the little-un may still have a space in the quiver for certain hunts if you decide not to resell.

The little kowa is renowned in that class as the best glass and I've seen some on here for ~1100. Leupold has great eye relief and is popular as a field spotter for longer range shooting often on eBay for $700-1000, razor is the most affordable and you can often find used for like $500-700.

Here are some photos I've taken thru my Leupold that might give you an idea of how useful it may be for sizing antlers at distance. I would guess sizing an antelope at 1000 may be kind of the edge of capability for mine but it might get you an idea.

Not from any of the spotters on your list but with my leupy 12-40

~700-750 yds, no digiscoping adapter
View attachment 941954

~400 yds
View attachment 941955

~650yds
View attachment 941956

Edit: these goats are 2000-2100 yds
View attachment 941965