Spotting Scopes?

Georgezilla · Post by **Georgezilla** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 9:55 pm

Last year I won a coupon for 60% off coupon for any Alpen Optics product -- I've decided to use it on a spotting scope. I want it to use for Bullseye pistol shooting (needs to see .22 holes at 50yards). My price range is around $200 - 300 MSRP. I'd appreciate it if you could let me know which one you'd recommend for my purpose and for my curiosity tell me what you are looking for in a spotting scope for Bullseye shooting. Heres the link to the spotting scopes: http://www.alpenoutdoor.com/html/spotting_scopes.html

Thanks

Post by **Bullseye** » Sun Mar 01, 2009 8:47 am

George,

I have a 20x-50mm spotting scope in my gun box and it is plenty magnification to see .22 holes at fifty yards. Choose the scope with the options you prefer. An adjustable zoom will work but remember that the higher the magnification, the more ambient light is needed to see the target clearly.

R,
Bullseye

bearandoldman · Post by **bearandoldman** » Sun Mar 01, 2009 9:48 am

George, go for the largest objective lens you can afford as this and the power control it;s light gathering ability. divide the objective diameter in mm by the power and it will give you the exit pupil diameter, the larger number the brighter it will be.

Georgezilla · Post by **Georgezilla** » Sun Mar 01, 2009 1:59 pm

So if I go with a higher power adjustable zoom and there isn't enough ambient light for good clarity at a higher magnification, say 45x will, adjusting the magnification down to 20x bring the clarity up? Or do the adjustable ones need ambient light for the highest magnification regardless of what magnification you set the scope on (ie if you had the scope set on 20x would it still need the same amount of light as if it were set on 45x).
Sorry if this is a silly question, but I don't know anything about the mechanics of scopes.

Is the 45 degree eye piece helpful for Bullseye shooting, or is it just a personal preference?

bearandoldman · Post by **bearandoldman** » Sun Mar 01, 2009 3:38 pm

Georgezilla wrote:So if I go with a higher power adjustable zoom and there isn't enough ambient light for good clarity at a higher magnification, say 45x will, adjusting the magnification down to 20x bring the clarity up? Or do the adjustable ones need ambient light for the highest magnification regardless of what magnification you set the scope on (ie if you had the scope set on 20x would it still need the same amount of light as if it were set on 45x).
Sorry if this is a silly question, but I don't know anything about the mechanics of scopes.

Is the 45 degree eye piece helpful for Bullseye shooting, or is it just a personal preference?

If you dial a 45X down to 20X the exit pupil is larger and the image will be brighter, not necessarily clearer but brighter. As far as the eye piece whatever suits you.

Georgezilla · Post by **Georgezilla** » Sun Mar 01, 2009 6:51 pm

I see. Thank you very much for the info. In your opinion is this a good option for my needs: http://www.alpenoutdoor.com/html/spotting_scopes_1.html

I understand that the larger objective lens is better, how ever how much of an advantage does 60mm have over 50mm? I'm also considering getting the smallest spotting scope the company makes ( http://www.alpenoutdoor.com/html/spotting_scopes_0.html ). The smaller size of this model is very appealing to me. The other one I am considering is 13" long, that seems a bit bulky.

bearandoldman · Post by **bearandoldman** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 11:48 am

Georgezilla wrote:I see. Thank you very much for the info. In your opinion is this a good option for my needs: http://www.alpenoutdoor.com/html/spotting_scopes_1.html

I understand that the larger objective lens is better, how ever how much of an advantage does 60mm have over 50mm? I'm also considering getting the smallest spotting scope the company makes ( http://www.alpenoutdoor.com/html/spotting_scopes_0.html ). The smaller size of this model is very appealing to me. The other one I am considering is 13" long, that seems a bit bulky.

George, that looks like a nice little compact scope yet it has a 50mm objective, it should get the job done. At 50 yards 20X will make the bullet hoile look like they are at 7-1/2 fest or 2-1/2 yards. Plus it won't take up too much space in the range bag.