Magnification (binos/scope)

[Steve]

What sort of magnification would be best for upto 600mtrs? I've been looking at various websites to get some sort of rough price and theres quite a bewildering array of binoculars/spotting scopes.Im leaning towards a set of binos because i know i can get them secondhand from Ebay,Cash converters etc,but have no idea what strength i need.On sunday i was shooting at 300mtrs where my own scope was right at its limit and when it got hot the heat haze totally obscured everything.

*Bear in mind i will be trying to see bullet holes.

[Robin128]

Binos are difficult to keep on the target, especially at range.

I use a Nikon spotting scope...like this one...fixed to a tripod.

:)

http://theopticzone.com/default.aspx?ac ... il&id=1773

[Mike357]

Go too Jessops or similar and try out different magnifications and see what you can hold steady enough to get a clear view. I struggle to hold more than 10x unsupported. If it is for spotting at the range then a spotting scope is what you need. Then go for the at least 60x.

[Steve]

Binos are difficult to keep on the target, especially at range.

I use a Nikon spotting scope...like this one...fixed to a tripod.

:)

http://theopticzone.com/default.aspx?ac ... il&id=1773

Nice,but a little pricey.

[ovenpaa]

Good is going to be better than big and that is going to make things expensive if you need to see a hole a third of an inch diameter at a third of a mile. We used a Kowa spotting scope and not doubt others will do an equally good job.

[Steve]

Go too Jessops or similar and try out different magnifications and see what you can hold steady enough to get a clear view. I struggle to hold more than 10x unsupported. If it is for spotting at the range then a spotting scope is what you need. Then go for the at least 60x.

60x...sounds impressive.So will i be able to see holes in paper (providing i actually hit it)?

[Mike357]

I would be wary of buying off eBay. I have looked through a cheap spotting scope on an overcast day and you would have thought it was dusk.

As they say, try before you buy.

[Steve]

Looks like i've gotta make a trip to Jessops then.

Thanks everyone.

[ovenpaa]

60x...sounds impressive.So will i be able to see holes in paper (providing i actually hit it)?

On a good clear day yes. We ran 80X and with good contrast it was certainly possible to spot the holes at 600. Having said that I have paid less for cars than I did for that spotting scope. These days I find it easier to have someone in the butts marking.

[Steve]

60x...sounds impressive.So will i be able to see holes in paper (providing i actually hit it)?

On a good clear day yes. We ran 80X and with good contrast it was certainly possible to spot the holes at 600. Having said that I have paid less for cars than I did for that spotting scope. These days I find it easier to have someone in the butts marking.

Had to laugh at that remark.