bugs11

Here's the deal. For a bonus at work I get to pick an item from a list. One of the items is the Bushnell Sentry 18-36x50 spotting scope. I don't own a spotting scope and haven't needed one, but I'm planning on going elk hunting in CO this fall on a DIY hunt, so a spotting scope might come in handy.

Anyone know if this is decent scope? Does it make sense to haul a spotting scope around when hunting from a backpacked to spike camp?

I googled and the price is around $105-$120. If I don't pick the scope my wife wants the American Tourister black 3-piece luggage set from the Bonneville series... I suppose I could take that on the elk hunt too. Or I could always go for the Orrefors Crysal Bowl.

-Bugs

p.s. I posted this in the gear review forum. Hope no one gets ticked over that.

handloader1

That kind of luggage is kind of pricey. I would let her have the luggage if she would let you purchase a spotting scope of the same value as the luggage. Good luck.

bugs11

HL1,

I googled the luggage and couldn't find anywhere what it's selling for. I'd quess it's worth about $150.

-Bugs

skeeter 7MM

bugs my suggestion is take the wifes pick. #1 - a happy wife is a very good thing. #2 I don't think 36x50 really does much over a decent set of bino's. #3 If she gets her pick you maybe be able to justify buying a scope or better binos for the hunt - ones you want/like.

My wife (bless her heart) bought me an Leupold Sequoia 15x45x60 a couple year ago. However I now wish I either upgraded it to 20-60x80 model or opted for a better quality spotter. While it works ok, at distance(1000yards+)at 45x it doesn't give me great detail, especially in the shadows. I use a spotting scope mainly as a scouting tool and can't see toting this one in lieu of a decent set of binos while hunting. Now maybe if I had a upper end piece of glass my thoughts would be much different. Personally I think 18-36x50 offers very little advantage for long range peering and while i have no experience with the model you mention I assume it would be on the lower end of spotting scope scales. I consider mine to be their as well even though it sells for much more than 100 bucks. I do get good use out of the spotter but if it where me for a hunting trip, i'd skip the spotting scope and get good binos instead. Based on all factors, binos IMO are abetter investment for the average hunter as usage is not so defined. The bonus is the wife can view them as a shared good and take them to see her plays, events or vactions. I know my binos have found their way to many events in my wifes hands...again a happy wife is always a very good thing!

Just my 2 cents worth. Best of luck in your decision.

stinkbelly

I have that spotting scope. It is good for the range and ok in the field, but I wouldn't pack it in anywhere. I have a pair of pentax 10x42 that are much better than the scope. If you are planning on buying a scope, and using it, go all the way. The bushnell is free, but like the other guys said, a happy wife lets you hunt more. I always buy my wife something before or during an extended hunt.

bugs11

For the record, I ordered the luggage. Hopefully that will earn me some points come hunting season.