i am looking for a first spotting scope and have been reading around here for hours and hours. I have narrowed my search down to two in my price range. i need a scope that i can use at the rifle range to view tiny bullet holes at up to 600 yards as well as wildlife observation. Digiscoping is not currently a big hobby of mine but I like to do lots of things and want to leave that door open as well. My wife enjoys taking pictures so digiscoping may become a reality.
I have gathered that Nikon Fieldscopes and Kowa scopes are both highly regarded. However, I have not been able to find a direct comparison between the 82mm Nikon and the 66mm Kowa. Is the Kowa 66mm an equal to, or just riding the name of, the high end Kowa 82 and 84mm scopes. Stated another way: how does Nikon's top scope compare with Kowa's third or fourth from the top?
The zoom range of the Nikon seems like a plus for use at a rifle range. The smaller objective of the Kowa is not a concern for me. I was thinking about adding the Nikon ED50 to the ED82 in the future so I could use the eyepieces for two seperate scopes.
If my desired budget is $1000-$1200, am i better off with the Nikon or the Kowa for my desired uses? Thanks for all the help so far.
I have gathered that Nikon Fieldscopes and Kowa scopes are both highly regarded. However, I have not been able to find a direct comparison between the 82mm Nikon and the 66mm Kowa. Is the Kowa 66mm an equal to, or just riding the name of, the high end Kowa 82 and 84mm scopes. Stated another way: how does Nikon's top scope compare with Kowa's third or fourth from the top?
The zoom range of the Nikon seems like a plus for use at a rifle range. The smaller objective of the Kowa is not a concern for me. I was thinking about adding the Nikon ED50 to the ED82 in the future so I could use the eyepieces for two seperate scopes.
If my desired budget is $1000-$1200, am i better off with the Nikon or the Kowa for my desired uses? Thanks for all the help so far.