Spotting Scope Questions

[Lonewolf]

I am thinking about buying a new spotting scope to replace my 15 year old Nikon. It is still clear and good working condition.

But was wanting to know with newer technology will it help cut out the heat waves? Or do the higher end you go help with heat waves?

Recommendations? I would like to stay $1,000 or less.

Thanks

[Lonewolf]

No opinions on here?

[CSIceman]

No expert here and have never used a really high end scope. That said, my Vortex is about $500 and heat waves are still present at long range. Not much help but it’s all I got.


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[Lonewolf]

Thanks Iceman

[Bowhuntamistad]

I’ve got a Leupold Golden Ring and still get heat waves.

[waterdog]

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[Cajun Blake]

But was wanting to know with newer technology will it help cut out the heat waves? Or do the higher end you go help with heat waves?

Thanks

You’re talking about “mirage” which cannot be dialed out of a riflescope or spotting scope. All scopes will suffer from mirage (heat waves). It occurs from a region of different indices of refraction due to the difference in temperature (hot ground vs. cooler air). Early in the morning, mirage is pretty much non-existsnt. As the day warms up, mirage gets worse. At high noon it’s unbearable to shoot through.

In benchrest competition shooting, skilled shooters have learned how to read wind direction based on the mirage and how the heat waves are viewed through the glass.

[softpoint]

Mirage will always be there. I have a Leupold 12x40x60 that I like. It's plenty for medium range work, It's a Golden Ring, and i think they are right around $1000.

[Bowhuntamistad]

Forgot to add.....for your budget, I’d go with the leupold for sure unless you want to save up a little more and get a Swaro or Leica.

[wytex]

You might want to look at a Meopta spotting scope as well.
I would stay away from the lower end Vortex.

[Lonewolf]

Thanks Guys.

[Lonewolf]

You might want to look at a Meopta spotting scope as well.
I would stay away from the lower end Vortex.

What about the higher end Vortex?

[Cajun Blake]

Recommendations? I would like to stay $1,000 or less.

Thanks

search and read the bird watcher forums with spotting scope reviews. Those people are hard-core a-null about high end glass. That being said, I'd look for a used KOWA with ED glass. I've owned 2 KOWA spotters and like a dummy, sold them

[Geoff995]

What about the higher end Vortex?

Steer clear of vortex.

[cj_sandman]

My boss always brings out his Swarovski spotting scope. Cost nearly $4000. Still suffers from seeing mirage just like any $50 spotter.