Spotting Scope Reccommendation

First topic message reminder :

There have been many threads, and I've read them all and tried to find what I think fits my need.  A compact, clear, quality scope, which is probably what everyone else wants with an angled eye piece.  My current spotting scope was given by a good friend to get started, but its starting to fall apart, its heavy, and pretty bulky without an angled eye piece, but man, its super clear and I love that.

I think I have a good start at a list, but if I'm missing something, specifically in the used/discontinued market, I'm happy to hear about it and start hunting.

Champion's Choice CC1030 

Magnification:          10 -30 x 50mm
Dimensions:              8.9" x 2"
Min Focus Distance:  Less than 10m

http://www.champchoice.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetailOptions&item=CC1030



NG Baby Spotting Scope

Magnification:          20 x 33mm
Dimensions:             7" x 1.3"
Min Focus Distance:  Less than 10m    
Eye Relief:                       
Weight:                   32 oz


http://www.potfire.com.au/ng-spotting-scopes/ng-baby-20x33-spotting-scope.html





Minox MD 50 W Spotting Scope

Magnification:          16 - 30 x 50mm
Dimensions:             8.4" x 2.5" X 4.8"
Min Focus Distance:  5m
Eye Relief:               15 - 11mm
Weight:                   22 oz
Note:                      Waterproof and nitrogen filled to prevent fogging.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/524108-USA/Minox_62225_MD_50_W_2_0_50mm.html



Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Spotting Scope

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598391-REG/Bushnell_786351ED_Legend_Ultra_HD_2_0_50mm.html

Magnification:           12 -36 x 50mm
Dimensions:              9.8" x ??"
Min Focus Distance:   4.6 m
Eye Relief:                17 mm
Weight:                   36 oz
Note:                      Waterproof and nitrogen filled to prevent fogging, but discontinued.




Nikon ED50-A Spotting Scope 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/426150-REG/Nikon_8321_Fieldscope_ED50_A_2_0_50mm.html

Magnification:          16 -30 x 50mm
Dimensions:              8.1" x 2.8" x 3.9"

Min Focus Distance:   3m
Eye Relief:                9.4mm
Weight:                   16 oz
Note:                      Waterproof and nitrogen filled to prevent fogging.




Kowa TS-501 Spotting Scope

Magnification:          20 x 50mm or 20-40 x zoom eye piece
Dimensions:             8.9" x ?? X ??"
Min Focus Distance:  6m
Eye Relief:               13 mm
Weight:                   13.6 oz
Note:                      No weatherproofing

Well, tried the NG Baby during the match and didn't like it as well as the Simmons 12-36 spotting scope I currently have.  I had trouble discerning some shots from the 22 that were in the rings, especially the X-ring.  One major caveat, is that the eye piece had a small scratch.  It seemed very well made, but I'm going to try my Son's CC1030 next.

My personal favorite is the Burris Landmark Compact 12-24-50. This scope is very easy to focus, fits in the box nicely and has great lenses. Even on low light days I don't have to crank it up over 12x to see the .22 strikes at 50 yds. Burris seems to have discontinued them but they can still be purchased new at several places or pounce on one when they come up on Ebay. They are not angled so you have to lean over a couple more inches but they are worth it. This is of course JMHO.

Len  NFI

Thanks Len, looks much cheaper than the Minox and good quality.   I'll keep an eye out on Ebay.

Here's one. NFI
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Burris-Compact-12-24x50mm-Spotting-Scope-/151958765806?

Thanks!

Warning!  Do not ever, under any circumstances try the Kowa TS-501!

The problem is this scope is so good nothing else is close.  The problem is the Kowa is hundreds of dollars more expensive compared to cheap scopes, but it really is something special.  If you have old eyes, poor eyesight, it is worth it.

Chip

I really liked the Kowa but trying to find an angled eye piece is unobtanium.

Champions choice 1030 best if you use a gun box. small does not take up much room. the 45 angle is great and the barrel has rotation allow you to set you system up perfectly.

love mine.
mt2020

I think I'm gonna get the vortex razor hd angled 11-33x50. Can be my bullseye/hunting scope.