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Support Equipment For PCP/HPA/CO2 and springers ,rams => Optics, Range estimation & related subjects => Topic started by: Oldgringo on October 10, 2022, 11:43:40 AM

Title: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Oldgringo on October 10, 2022, 11:43:40 AM
My shooting is limited to 30 yards.  What is a good, inexpensive spotting scope for 10-30 yards?  My Bushnell Sentry wants longer distances.
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: EdinGa on October 10, 2022, 12:06:07 PM
I don't know if 12x is enough for you, but I bought this for my wife to bird watch with. It focuses down to about 5 yards and I can can see pellet holes at 30 yards with it.


Viajero 12X50 Monocular Telescope, High Power Monocular with Smartphone Holder & Tripod, Waterproof Zoom Telescope, BAK4 Prism Dual Focus for Hunting Bird Watching https://a.co/d/bqvecmy
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: rualert on October 10, 2022, 12:14:23 PM
     The Champions Choice spotting scopes are what used to use for the 4-H team at 10M so I know they work well for that range out to 100 yards. If they fit your price range, it's a pretty decent scope and you can get them in either straight or 45-degree angled eyepieces for around $130.00 ( http://champchoice.com/store/Main.aspx?p=CategoryBody&c=OPSPCC (http://champchoice.com/store/Main.aspx?p=CategoryBody&c=OPSPCC)) I also just checked and they have some new ones that are a bit less expensive and offered in both straight and angled, 12-36X50 focus down to 10M On the same page I have above.

Good hunting,
Casey
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Earl on October 10, 2022, 01:09:18 PM
I don't know if 12x is enough for you, but I bought this for my wife to bird watch with. It focuses down to about 5 yards and I can can see pellet holes at 30 yards with it.


Viajero 12X50 Monocular Telescope, High Power Monocular with Smartphone Holder & Tripod, Waterproof Zoom Telescope, BAK4 Prism Dual Focus for Hunting Bird Watching https://a.co/d/bqvecmy

You can clip a coupon for $10 off making the price $29.98 which seems to be a bargain.
I have an extra rifle scope that I use as a spotting scope but this one is better.

Order Summary
Items (2):   $39.98
Shipping & handling:   $0.00
Your Coupon Savings:   -$10.00
Total before tax:   $29.98
Estimated tax to be collected:*   $1.80
Order total:   $31.78
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Frank in Fairfield on October 10, 2022, 01:19:35 PM
Why not use a rifle scope that you no longer use?
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: HunterWhite on October 10, 2022, 04:05:13 PM
Someone here on GTA previously suggested using a baby monitor. I found one that was no longer needed,  so free!
I like it.

Hunter
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Oldgringo on October 10, 2022, 04:45:50 PM
Someone here on GTA previously suggested using a baby monitor. I found one that was no longer needed,  so free!
I like it.

Hunter

What is a "baby monitor"?
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: HunterWhite on October 10, 2022, 06:26:42 PM
It's two pieces; there is a TV camera with a wireless transmitter built-in.  Then there is a 5 to 7 inch display. Mine run on 5 volt supplies so I don't need A/C power at the range. I haven't used it past 55 yards.

Hunter
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Yogi on October 10, 2022, 08:01:49 PM
It's two pieces; there is a TV camera with a wireless transmitter built-in.  Then there is a 5 to 7 inch display. Mine run on 5 volt supplies so I don't need A/C power at the range. I haven't used it past 55 yards.

Hunter

A guy at our range sets it up at 200 yards.  Saves him from having a long walk to check his targets. ;)

-Y
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Back_Roads on October 10, 2022, 10:06:02 PM
 Or something like this for a laptop or pc ???
https://www.amazon.com/Entatial-Spotting-Monoculars-Telescopes-Telescope/dp/B09R3R26WQ/ref=sr_1_38? (https://www.amazon.com/Entatial-Spotting-Monoculars-Telescopes-Telescope/dp/B09R3R26WQ/ref=sr_1_38?)
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Yogi on October 11, 2022, 12:26:18 AM
I,  personally am technology challenged.
I would much prefer an optic. ;)

-Y
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: rualert on October 12, 2022, 10:48:55 AM
Someone here on GTA previously suggested using a baby monitor. I found one that was no longer needed,  so free!
I like it.

Hunter

    This sounds like a great idea, I know I posted links to some of the slightly higher-priced scopes, but nowhere near what many long-range shooters are using. this at the ranges we typically shoot is a great idea. Now I need to start looking for a giveaway myself, as it would be very useful at 25-100 yards

Casey
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Oldgringo on October 20, 2022, 10:16:42 PM
Thanks all. 

I don't know if 12x is enough for you, but I bought this for my wife to bird watch with. It focuses down to about 5 yards and I can can see pellet holes at 30 yards with it.


Viajero 12X50 Monocular Telescope, High Power Monocular with Smartphone Holder & Tripod, Waterproof Zoom Telescope, BAK4 Prism Dual Focus for Hunting Bird Watching https://a.co/d/bqvecmy

How does the camera gizmo work?  We both have Samsung S8's.
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Airspace on October 21, 2022, 10:04:29 AM
The phone holder is a simple bracket that holds the phone and attaches to the eyepiece of the scope. I'm almost positive it will fit your s8, if you have the phone in a case you may have to remove it. I have a fancier version for my spotting scope and it works fine (without the case)
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: SILENT SQUIRREL on October 21, 2022, 02:16:55 PM
The phone holder is a simple bracket that holds the phone and attaches to the eyepiece of the scope. I'm almost positive it will fit your s8, if you have the phone in a case you may have to remove it. I have a fancier version for my spotting scope and it works fine (without the case)
I checked the reviews on Amazon
A number of users are dis-happy about not being able to get sharp pictures, among other issues
Please read the 1* reviews before you jump in.
I may be too cautious, but they convinced me to keep looking

Just hoping to be of help
Ed

https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B08JGPCR5Y/ref=acr_dp_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar (https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B08JGPCR5Y/ref=acr_dp_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar)
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: EdinGa on October 21, 2022, 02:57:19 PM
I've never tried the camera mount. I bought it for my wife to watch our bird feeders. It works well for that, and I have used it out to 30 or 35 yards and I have no trouble seeing pellet impacts.
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Ol'DeadEye on October 21, 2022, 04:06:33 PM
For light duty use, I just use my Muddy Laser Range Finder.
At 7 1/2 mag it's just enough.
Mount it to my spotting scope tripod.
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Back_Roads on October 21, 2022, 08:25:33 PM
 Here is one I got with that spotting scope, this is on a PCP but not a sturdy mount with out mods. The scope is so so I have cheap scopes that work better.  :-\
https://youtu.be/zKBaduTpXjs
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Yogi on October 21, 2022, 10:35:41 PM
Greg,

Do you use splatter targets?
Much easier to see you hits ;D, and misses. :-[

-Y
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Back_Roads on January 18, 2023, 08:56:25 PM
Or something like this for a laptop or pc ???
https://www.amazon.com/Entatial-Spotting-Monoculars-Telescopes-Telescope/dp/B09R3R26WQ/ref=sr_1_38? (https://www.amazon.com/Entatial-Spotting-Monoculars-Telescopes-Telescope/dp/B09R3R26WQ/ref=sr_1_38?)

 Well I ended up ordering one of these scopes off AliExpress, I will let everyone know what I think on Valentine's Day.:)
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Frank in Fairfield on January 18, 2023, 10:30:35 PM
Greg,
This is exactly what you need.
I have one in the garage.
10X30
Made in Japan:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334203677973 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/334203677973)

Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Bayman on January 19, 2023, 09:57:21 AM
When shooting my peep sighted Hw30 ten yards in the NY basement I usually use a spare AO scope. Sometimes my 6x rangefinder.

At my AR house where I shoot it more at 25/30 yards I use a set of relatively inexpensive Nikon binoculars that we keep on the deck for bird watching. Realistically any cheap binoculars would probably work well for your purposes and be used for other activities as well.

Just a thought
Be well Greg
Ron
Title: Re: Short range spotting scope
Post by: Back_Roads on January 19, 2023, 09:58:54 AM
 Nice but it does not take video or photos  ;) Too nice to take out in the wild but that would be a nice spotter for sure.