Hawke Endurance 20- 60x85 Spotting Scope
- Last updated: 19/12/2016
This year has marked the slow and steady acquisition of all the kit that I need for rifle shooting. I have found myself doing more and more long-range work, especially on steels. Since I have started this, and got better with my rifle, I have found my spotting skills to be lacking. Normally shooting in pairs, I believed it would be simply a case of seeing the fall of shot through my scope. There are limitations; the lack of magnification for one and importantly the position of the spotter needs to be as close in as possible, so that the fall of shot can be accurately relayed. Hence the need for a spotting scope!
So I thought I’d look at something that offers exceptional value for money as well as ability – the Hawke Endurance 20-60x85! Priced at £649.99 it’s far more affordable than the more expensive European makes, so making it a serious consideration.
It comes with a stay-on cover, which helps protect from the elements yet allows easy access to the lenses and all the controls and also includes a handy sling to make transportation easy. It weighs in at 56oz and is 17” in length, so the sling is a welcome addition. Incorporated in the design is also a retractable sunshade, a twist-up eyecup and importantly, the mounting bracket is also able to rotate around the main tube. This allows for viewing from virtually all positions. It may be of interest to know that it is also digi-scope compatible for use with your camera.
Internally it uses BAK-4 porro prisms, in conjunction with extra-low dispersion glass for optimum clarity, as well as fully multi-coated optics to produce a sharp image. During use, identifying the exact position of bullet strikes at 400 yards + was not a problem at all. The controls included a duel focus knob to allow for very small adjustments, which worked well. Anyone will know that when using a spotting scope at high magnification any slight movement is amplified, I was pleased to find that the magnification ring was very light indeed making unnecessary movement easy to avoid.
I think a small tripod would have been a good addition to the package; I actually ended up using the scope rested on a bag, which worked surprisingly well, as you can get very low to the ground and pack material around it. I found that the front scope cap did not fit that well but other than that I have no complaints. The optical performance was very good and the specifications for the price are great. I also found a secondary use for it and greatly enjoyed watching wildlife from a distance. The moon doesn’t look too bad either!
PRICE: RRP £649.99
CONTACT: Hawke Optics, 01394 387762, www.hawkeoptics.co.uk