Bought a Vortex 11-33x50 spotting scope (second guessing the purchase for my purposes)

Not really trying to be talked into or out of the purchase I think; but I bought a Vortex 11-33x50 spotting scope (went with the compact smaller model intentionally). My thought was that I would prefer a smaller model for now as it would get more use off the range if it was the more compact model.

I am having second thoughts mostly because I am also saving for a quality spotting scope for High Power competitions (For that purpose I am going for the "buy once cry once" approach and saving for Kowa).

I can use this one for 100 and 200 yards at the range and can even get a little more zoom out of it using a digiscoping adapter to mount my cell phone (giving me a 4x digital zoom on top of the 11-33 optical zoom)

While this spotter will fill my needs nicely in a limited manner. I am second guessing the purchase. It is a quality piece I am just not sure I shouldn't have kept the funds in the piggy bank for a Kowa TSN-883

Anyway in the following pictures each picture has the 11 power picture, the 33 power picture, and 4x digital zoom from cell phone on top of the 33x optical.

Restaurant sign is 181 yards, Bass Pro sign is 248 yards, reflector on telephone pole is 110 yards, and house at end of block is 220 yards.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...psmszqfbvg.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...psv0ickxba.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...psy8rickre.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...psyucrxcxb.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...psydnetc7i.png

That 4x optical zoom really seems to make a difference.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Irving

That 4x optical zoom really seems to make a difference.

---

It is digital zoom from the phone, so it adds no optical clarity it just magnifies what it has. Also for range purposes (sighting in or plinking at the range) It would likely only be useful from a shaded position.

I think it is a reasonable option. The kowa would typically be used with a fixed 25x for highpower so you are not missing anything there. The delta will be light transmission and clarity of glass. That helps with spotting holes at 200 and sometimes 300 but more so with picking up mirage. It will satisfy all your basic needs for pit services matches. The 200 yd reduced matches are where you need to be able to see your shots.

I ran a Konus for a few seasons before the Kowa, a good option at a great price. I do wish I had the 600 vs the 800 for size and weight.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by esaabye

I ran a Konus for a few seasons before the Kowa, a good option at a great price. I do wish I had the 600 vs the 800 for size and weight.

---

I do pay attention to your preferences and it is true the more common (from a price point and a need standpoint) is the smaller KOWA for High Power specifically. I still have a lot of time to settle on that consideration.

And the fact that the CRC High Power matches are flagged from the Pit and you will see both the spotter and scoring disc easily with this option is the primary reason I chose to go ahead and purchase this one for now.

You should be able to do some side by sides on all the options at the coming matches. Great poetry it to see what the money buys, same with stands...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by esaabye

You should be able to do some side by sides on all the options at the coming matches. Great poetry it to see what the money buys, same with stands...

---

Equal misery awates me shopping for a stand (thankfully there are fewer vendors and options for them when specifically for High Power) You can even go the home made Home Depot route if you are handy enough. I have a Ray-Vin for this one, but is his shorter 3/4 tube bench height stand not the High Power one.