What spotting scope best suits my needs?

Welcome aboard Gary,

When it comes to optics, you'll find that most of us will suggest Leupold for all optics needs.  However, as some Leupolds are outside the price range of some folks, Bushnell tends to be the next best thing recommended.  You'll find some folks that would recommend Nikon as a 2nd choice (that would be me), Burris, or Weaver.  Some even like Trashco .

Spotting scope huh?  Unfortunately I can't be of much help here.  The only reason I use a spotting scope is at the rifle range.  Where I do most of my hunting, binocs are all I need.  But when it comes to brand, I would recommend Leupold (of course), followed by Nikon (what a surprise).  Someone will give you an answer pretty soon though on a spotting scope.

Glad to hear from you Gary, welcome to dis place.

I have three scopes including one I just purchased 3 weeks ago, after lots of shopping and evaluation.

It depends on your use for the scope.  I think there are two types for me:

 A hunting scope this should be small and have a light tripod for glassing.  Looking for animals at 1000 yds or less.  Mule deer and antelope are relatively big and fine optics ($$$$) are not required or wanted due to the weight and size.  Most of the spotting will be to identify animals that were previously seen with binoculars.  I have a small 20x Nichols that was about $90.  It is good but not a Leopold, but it was lots cheaper, and fills the bill for a compact scope (weights less than 20 oz).

A target scope.  My eyes are bad (only one work son most days).  So I want something that will clearly show a 22 cal at 2-300 yds.  I also use this type of scope for PD hunting.  I just bought a Burris 20-60x 80mm Landmark.  They have a sale at Midway, it was about $199 + shipping.  It came with a hard carrying case and a soft case included. The Burris 15-45x 60 mm is a real good scope and about $30 cheaper; my brother has one.  The 15-45 landmark would have been my choice except for my eye problems, and that model gives you a table tripod also free with the purchase.  Burris also makes a small compact 20x, that is a great scope for the earlier described hunting scope, and it will function for most at the range, about $99 with a hard case and a table tripod.

Just some of my personal thoughts on spotting scopes.  You can't beat the Swarovski and the Leuopld if they are in your budget.  Bushnell also makes a good line of scopes.  I'd avoid house branded scopes like Cabela, Pine ridge, Winchester-- most are low quality and China made.  If you are looking for good top end scopes, go to a bird watching event.  These people are more demanding than shooters and will let you look thru lots of good high-end scopes.  They are opinionated and they demand better color definition than shooters; but they are very helpful (don't tell them you are hunter).

BEAR

Kowa's are excellent and not too costly.

Spot

I don't thing that waterproof is a good term for spotting scopes.  A waterproof device could be submerged, like falling in a lake and still work without any cleaning, etc.  Water resistance would mean you could safely use it in the rain, snow etc without water intrusion.

I have three spotting scopes, I don't use them uncovered in the rain!  Now that I think of it, when I'm hunting rifle in the rain, I'm usually in a shelter or under a tarp....and I'm miserable!

BEAR

Saddle sore summed it up pretty well. Look for fully coated optics, not just the lenses. I'm not familiar with northern BC, but the southern part is pretty much like around here. His recommendation should fill your needs. Your price range will be difficult to find any quality glass buying new. Don't overlook Ebay!

I'll be passing through your province early in the morning, heading for a gopher slaying safari in Alberta. We cross at Roosville, and go across Crows Nest Pass.

One thing I forgot to mention. I wish I had opted to buy a spotting scope with a 45 degree downward looking eye piece.

Out hunting I don't like to carry a big tripod, and with the 45 degree, you can just carry a short tripod. With a short tripod and straight scope, you have to find a rock or soemthing to sit it up on or get down on your belly to get a view. With the 45 degree, you can sit it on the ground and look down into it, providing grass or brush doesn't obscure your view.

At the range, they work much better if you are firing prone in matches. You can sit the small tripod right on the bench if that is how you are shooting.

Another  nice addition is a spotting scope mount with ball head that clamps on your truck window.These are nice for antelope hunting when you are driving around trying to spot herds and then get out and stalk. I see they now have similar clamps that may clamp on tree limbs,etc.

However, the 45 degree type spotting scopse are usually only offered in the high end models.

I don't have that compact.  But my 80 mm is great and I believe a very good value.

That 45 degree angle helps from getting a stiff neck if you are an old fart.  I spent 2 hours watching my brother stalk a nice brown bear in AK.  My neck was hurting for 2 months.  But I can still see that bear blow out of a blueberry patch 50 yards after my brother crossed thru it.  It when straight up the mountain at about 30 MPH.  Never stopped to say "Hi".

BEAR