Any advice on a cheap spotting scope to 30X

[stickandstring]

There are so many brands. Hoping to spend less than $200 or should I just save up and get a name brand?

[Hermon]

I have no experience with spotting scopes, but with other optics (or any of my hunting items) I have found that the old saying "Buy nice or buy twice" holds true.  Buy the best you can afford.  You will spend less in the long run and be happier with your purchase.

[macbow]

Back when I could still Elk hunt thought I needed a spotting scope. Bought one near $200. Took it out west hunting.
Had a great spot on the edge of a bluff with about 5 elk feeding in an opening  mile away.

Never did find them in scope.  Never used them again.
Found for bowhunting 10 binocs were much better for me.

It takes some getting used to a spotting scope if you haven't used one.

[Pete McMiller]

I'll second what macbow said but if you really 'need' one, check out the Vortex line.

[Jeff D. Holchin]

My advice is get some asperin; you will need it after looking through crappy glass for any amount of time.  I can't afford good glass so I bought a cheap Alpen spotting scope - it is OK for short periods of spotting.

[stickandstring]

Thanks guys for your thoughts; Never used one and don't know anything about spotting scopes. However, if I do, will buy an expensive scope.

[wingnut]

Yep if you are truly in need of a spotting scope you do not want to spend hours with a cheap scope.  First of all you won't spend hours because the optics will tire you out and you'll stop spotting.

I've used cheap on hunts and very nice on hunts and will never use a cheap scope again.

Mike

[mjh]

Cheapest I'd go might be a Nikon, can't remember the model I used, it was a piece of work equipment.  Mother in law has a high end Leica, really nice, and she let's us borrow whenever we want.  Save up for decent glass, should last a very long time.

[Steve O]

The best advice you will get is DO NOT buy a cheap spotting scope.  If you need to  USE a spotting scope, a cheap one will be of no help.

I bought my Zeiss spotter in 2001.  I don't ever need another and it is just as good today as it was the day I bought it.

It has allowed me to see the little white dots in the Yukon at 4 miles were rams and worth a closer look.  It allowed me to spend weeks on end glassing huge country in Colorado finding the Bighorn ram I would chase every day. It has been from Alaska to Arizona and has helped me on every trip I took it on.

Save up, get a Swarovski, Leica, or Zeiss and be satisfied.  You will spend much more upgrading until you finally end up with one of those three...

 

[Old Chief]

Steve, that is the BEST advise I have read here for a long time!

[96ssportsp]

Originally posted by Steve O:
The best advice you will get is DO NOT buy a cheap spotting scope.  If you need to  USE a spotting scope, a cheap one will be of no help.

I bought my Zeiss spotter in 2001.  I don't ever need another and it is just as good today as it was the day I bought it.

It has allowed me to see the little white dots in the Yukon at 4 miles were rams and worth a closer look.  It allowed me to spend weeks on end glassing huge country in Colorado finding the Bighorn ram I would chase every day. It has been from Alaska to Arizona and has helped me on every trip I took it on.

Save up, get a Swarovski, Leica, or Zeiss and be satisfied.  You will spend much more upgrading until you finally end up with one of those three...

 

Best advice yet! Scott.