Just as far as brands go, and I really have no experience with their spotting scopes, but for the money Vortex optics makes great products. Well really they just make great products all around. And their customer service and warranty programs are second to none. Again I've never looked through one of their spotting scopes so you'll have to look for yourself but I do have a viper PST 6-24 on my 308 and I love it for a scope under 1000. I don't know the rules for USCA will she have the scope on the line with her? If so is say she'd need an angled eyepiece to use it without moving too much.

 

Thanks. I did look into the Vortex line but they were a little more than I wanted to spend. I am however, planning to order the Vortex Solo 8x25 monocular for my daughter to keep with her when shooting at the line. The plan for the spotting scope is for my wife and I to use it when we go watch her matches.

 

Used on her is probably your best bet

 

Konus makes an excellent spotting scope at a reasonable price point. I have been happy with mine.

 

Affordable spotting scopes have been discussed a lot over in the FITA/JOAD forum (see thread below). Take a look at the Alpens, they have some very good values.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1842230&highlight=spotting

 

I'd check out the Celestron Ultima's. I've been looking for a cheaper scope for sighting in rifles and coyote hunting. The Celestron Ultimas get excellent reviews and are very affordable. From what I read, they are primarily a telescope company so they know what they're doing.

 

A few comments...all from personal experience as a shooter and coach.

When we used to shoot 4 separate distances, it was useful to have a variable power scope. A good 15-45x60 was more than enough to see 90 meters in great detail.

Now, with compound doing 4 single distance rounds, a good 20 power compact scope is more than enough power.

In realistic sense, a 15x scope is more than enough to see the detail and read the logos of a 80cm 6 ring target in the spectator area. A 20x single power scope is powerful enough to be used by spectator and archer alike.

A great deal is the Alpen 20x50 scope. 70 dollars on Amazon and other sources like OpticsPlanet. You can then throw on a SunPak 6000PG tripod with Pistol grip for 30 dollars at Best Buy and you have a killer combo for 100 bucks. For 200, you have a scope setup for you and your archer - each.

When shooting outdoor, the archer should have either a good 10x42 bino or a spotting scope. Period. Monoculars are too shaky and too hard to consistently acquire your target. You have 40 seconds per arrow...binocs are okay, spotting scope is far better.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm going to have to do some more research. Sounds like for what I'm going to use it for the 20-60x60 is an overkill.

 

Brunton optics might be another one to look at, they are a small US based company with a great warranty program. No questions asked, however old your glass is, they send you a new one. Just another to check out and make your decision a little harder

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Haven't looked at Brunton yet, need to add them to my list.

 

My findings that an average $200 spotting scope is more than just perfect for FITA, but I would not go below 100, I have seen and the glass quality can really make difference...

I would like to call your attention to a good tripod, this not necessary to be 200 bucks expensive, go and find a most stability possible where you can extend the legs and extend the neck and tilt the head....not much room there on the shooting line so need to manage the available space as much possible.

Years ago I got one amvona AT-858 (dynatran) from ebay, skeptical at the first but when arrived it was my real surprise how well and strong was built. All aluminum and casting no plastic parts, heavy duty looking and behaving, the pro photographers may never vote for it but for a ~70 bucks finding this as a best bet.
Need a good leg room also a safety room for the bow-riser

I have two spotting scopes and my vote is going towards my birding scope (Eagle Optics Denali 15-45x60 regular price 269 but on sale now for 99 http://northmetro.wbu.com/content/show/28689) also just for an every day shooting or walking around have a Vortex monolucar....

 

Thanks for the info on the tripod. I was planning to use a camera tripod I have but will be giving that a second thought. Might need something a little more sturdy. Currently these are the spotting scopes I'm checking out; price range is roughly $70 - $200 the ones I'm looking at.

Alpen 20x50 Model 711 Waterproof Mini Spotting Scope ~ $70
Alpen 15-45x60mm Model 728 Compact Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope, 45 Degree Eyepiece ~ $175
Barska Blackhawk 18-36x50 Angled Waterproof Spotting Scope ~ $100
Barska Blackhawk 20-60x60 WP ~$110
Redfield Rampage 20-60x60mm Spotting Scope ~ $200
Redfield Rampage 20-60x80mm Angled Spotting Scope ~$280 (definitely an overkill for what I'll mainly be using it for, and over my budget, but it would be nice to have)

 

I will friendly recommend to have a closer look at that birding spotting scope, when I was searching for myself it was rated pretty well, crisp sharp and decent depth of view....I was comparing it to more expensive models and decided to go with a lower budget but turned out surprisingly decent quality...if you have any "bird feeders" store in your area they shall have this on display, also I am shocked for this recent unbelievable sales price if you ran a search.....

 

I did read a review on a birding sight on the Denali and reviewer was not too impressed; granted it was just his opinion. There actually is a "bird feeder" store near my place and I didn't even think about going there, excellent recommendation. As for the prices most are from Optics Planet or Amazon, haven't do a real thorough search yet, need to narrow down my list first. My daughter gets great deals through her college archery team for items at LAS,so that may enter into my decision, i.e., towards the Alpen or Barska.