The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

The Aldi scopes are brilliant for what they are. I use mine to 600yds with no problem.

We must have got a bad one then, because I bought one a few years ago for exactly such a purpose - guess I should have taken it back because it doesn't even focus properly.

I'm going to look at Kowa and Opticron.

Kowa every time unless of course you can afford a Leica or Zeiss. The majority of Target rifle shooters use Kowa for a reason, they work. I know many who have used Opticron but they all seem to go back to Kowa in the end. You do know that the main use of the scope' in long range shooting is looking at the mirage and for that you need a decent scope.

DW58 wrote:We must have got a bad one then, because I bought one a few years ago for exactly such a purpose - guess I should have taken it back because it doesn't even focus properly.

I'm going to look at Kowa and Opticron.

By "for what they are" I do mean "£20 cheap'n'cheerful"! It's certainly not brilliant compared against Kowa, Zeiss or whoever, but they're cheap and magnify the target with adequate clarity. I find mine good enough for coaching.

I bought a Practica 25-75x90 spotting scope for around £100 delivered.
I use it out to 600 yards and I am pleased with the quality of the optics for the money.

The 90mm objective lens makes for a bright image and the pull out lens hood helps to minimise glare.

It is not the smallest spotting scope in the world and you need a good, solid tripod to mount it on.

Having said that, I would recommend it to anyone who wants good quality optics without breaking the bank.
ukrifleman.

Thanks for your replies, most helpful.

There seems to be a problem obtaining Kowa scope as some suppliers are out of stock. Plenty of Opticron to choose from, perhaps too many models making things a tad confusing. I'll have a look at Practika as they always made good budget model cameras/lenses.

Shooting Sports this month (June issue) have tested Hawke Nature Trek 20-60X80 and gave it a good review - £219: unfortunately no tripod which must be bought separately.

Salut,
You can pick-up on Ebay som ex-BW Optolyth in excellent condition & for a very decent px. They are "old generation" so a bit bulkier & heavier than recent Mdls but the quality of the optic is excellent.

Well, the decision was made yesterday and the scope ordered - I went for a Vortex Diamonback 20-60x80 angled viewfinder version, which I bought via an ebay dealer. Ordered it early yesterday afternoon and had it in my hands this morning.

Absolutely delighted - well built, optically very good and perfect for both shooting and wildlife watching.

DW58 wrote:Well, the decision was made yesterday and the scope ordered - I went for a Vortex Diamonback 20-60x80 angled viewfinder version, which I bought via an ebay dealer. Ordered it early yesterday afternoon and had it in my hands this morning.

Absolutely delighted - well built, optically very good and perfect for both shooting and wildlife watching.

Very nice!