Rules for importing a Spotting Scope

[Ramandeep]

I would like to know is there any law regarding specifically for import of a spotting scope. I have checked couple of websites but could not come across any law that specifically mentions about a spotting scope and is it legal to import in India, the only reasonable clues that i could find that a spotting scope may fall under the category of a "monocular" is that right?

If any of the IFG members own a spotting scope kindly share the details and benefits of use that you have got from a spotting scope.

[StampMaster]

There is no hard and fast rule for importing spotting scope. However, it is highly recommended that you get one/import through personal baggage when coming from abroad.

[hamiclar01]

spotting scopes have multiple uses and are not prohibited items. you have to clear the same loops as importing telescopes.........viz, pay the customs duty!

useful if you shoot over distances, or nature watch.

[winnie_the_pooh]

No restriction on import.However you have to pay 30% duty on Cost+Freight+Insurance. A decent spotting scope would be around $800-900 USD.By the time it gets to India,it would be almost double that.You would also need a sturdy tripod to get the best out of your scope.That would be another 25-30K rupees and up.

Nikon and Zeiss have service centers in India.I would look at their products.If something goes wrong at least you can get it repaired.

[Ramandeep]

spotting scopes have multiple uses and are not prohibited items. you have to clear the same loops as importing telescopes.........viz, pay the customs duty!

useful if you shoot over distances, or nature watch.

By telescope you mean astronomical telescope or a rifle scope coz as far as i know rifle scopes are banned in India

[Ramandeep]

One more thing i would like to ask is what edge would one get by using a spotting scope over a binocular.

[Vikram]

One more thing i would like to ask is what edge would one get by using a spotting scope over a binocular.

What is your intended use?

[Ramandeep]

One more thing i would like to ask is what edge would one get by using a spotting scope over a binocular.

What is your intended use?

Mostly target shooting at say may be 50 mtrs or 100yrds may be more.

[timmy]

When shooting at 100 yards, I doubt that binoculars would be sufficient for spotting holes in the target.

I use a Bausch & Lomb Discoverer. It is not a true spotting scope, as it is longer and has no prism, more like a conventional telescope. It ranges from 15x to 60x. I usually run between 20x and 30x at the range.

We were young with four kids and money was tight. I wanted something I could use for shooting, as well as general spying and staring at planets and stars. It also has the ability, with an adapter, to be used with an SLR camera as a zoom lens. I never got such a camera, but I wanted something that would do most everything.