What are the best spotting scopes? This Best Spotting Scope Review will comprehensively answer this question.
To view targets at extremely long distances, a spotting scope is imperative. In our post today, we will take you through the high-rated and top-performing models to help you find the best spotting scope for your needs.
What Makes the Best Spotting Scope?
Spotting scopes, like binoculars, telescopes, and monoculars are used for a wide range of outdoor activities. They are perfect for birding, wildlife observation, and ocean viewing. Furthermore, the high magnification power and the large objective lens they have makes them ideal for long-range hunting, stargazing, and astronomy.
Avid photographers also add this versatile sighting tool to their photography gear for Digiscoping. Given their versatility, spotting scopes are by far one of the most valuable optics to have. But finding a model that best fits your needs is no mean feat.
Here are some features that make a good spotting scope:
Magnification: A good spotting scope should have adequate magnification to see the subject in detail. Magnification is usually indicated by a number followed by an “x,” for example, 20x or 60x.
Objective lens size: The objective lens is the lens at the front of the spotting scope that gathers light. A larger objective lens size will allow for more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter image.
Image quality: A good spotting scope should produce a clear, sharp, and bright image. This depends on factors such as the quality of the lenses, coatings, and the overall design of the scope.
Durability: A good spotting scope should be built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Look for scopes with sturdy construction, waterproofing, and shock resistance.
Portability: Depending on your intended use, a good spotting scope should be easy to carry and transport. Lightweight and compact scopes are ideal for travel and field use.
Eye relief: Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and your eye when you view through the scope. A good spotting scope should have sufficient eye relief to avoid eye strain, especially for users who wear glasses.
Price: A good spotting scope doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, but it’s important to invest in a quality product that will last for years and provide excellent performance.
The market is flooded with a plethora of spotting scopes from so many brands. This makes it an exhaustive task, especially for first-time buyers to find the right product. We have done our homework and put up this list of the best spotting scopes to help you choose right.
No matter your intended use, you will find these spotting scopes a handy companion in the field. Let’s have a look.
Best Spotting Scopes
1) Gosky 20-60×80 Spotting Scope (for Bird Watching & Wildlife Scenery)
First up we have the Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope. This budget-friendly spotting scope comes with an array of user-friendly and quality features that make it the best spotting scope money can get you.
It has a wide range of accessories included like a tripod and a carrying bag so you don’t have to buy them separately. The variable 20-60x magnification makes it easy to zoom in on targets at any distance. It also boasts a dynamic lens focusing system which makes it a perfect companion when watching birds and wildlife, camping, outdoor sporting, and hiking.
The spotting scope is built to offer long-term durability and be operable in any weather condition. It is filled with nitrogen to withstand fog and mist and be operable in the toughest environments. It also features a durable framework and rubber armor which provides a non-slip grip and durable and shockproof external lasting protection.
The scope brings to the table fully multi-coated objective lens and quality BaK4 prism optics which provide bright and crisp clear views, even in poor light settings. A smartphone Digiscoping adapter is also included for Digiscoping.
Features
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Durable framework
- Fully multi-coated objective lens
- Variable 20-60x magnification
- Quality BaK4 prism
- Rubber armor
- Retractable eyepiece shield
Pros
- Tripod adaptable
- Lots of accessories included
- Easy on the wallet
- Multifunctionality
- Easy to use
Cons
- Poor quality coating
2) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes
Vortex prides itself in making versatile and high-quality optics like the Razor HD Spotting Scopes. Getting this top-of-the-line spotting scope for your outdoor adventure activities will get you closer to the great outdoors and make your expeditions more enjoyable.
Featuring a compact and ultra-lightweight design, this spotting scope is easy to pack for your convenience. The focus wheel is broken down into macro and micro-adjustments for quick and easy focusing, even when you are on the go. The zoom eyepiece also allows easy magnification adjustments.
Like any other Vortex optic, the Razor HD Spotting Scope is built for durability and all-weather use. It has a rubber armor that enhances grip and shockproof performance. Moreover, it is fully waterproof and fog proof for use in any environment, and has an Armortek lens coating that protects the lenses from oil, scratches, and dirt.
The eyecup on this spotting scope folds up and down to ensure comfortable viewing with or without spectacles. It also has XR Plus anti-reflective coatings applied on the lenses to maximize image brightness in low-light settings.
Features
- Close focus
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Adjustable eyecup
- XR Plus anti-reflective lens coatings
- Rubber armored body
- Armortek lens coatings
- High-density, extra-low dispersion glass
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Great image quality
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- None
3) Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope
The Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope is the best spotting scope if you are looking for an all-around spotting scope thanks to its massive 80mm objective lens and a 45-degree viewing angle. It includes all the essentials for better viewing, including a T-adapter for Digiscoping.
Built with multi-coated optics, the spotting scope maximizes light transfer so you get images that are not just bright, but also clear and rich in color. Furthermore, you get to use the scope in any weather condition as it is fully waterproof and filled with nitrogen to prevent the lenses from fogging.
Another impressive feature of the scope is the large focus dial that lets you bring your subject into sharp focus effortlessly. A zoom eyepiece is also included to help you zero in on distant targets and get more detailed views.
Features
- T-mount adapter for Digiscoping
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Multi-coated optics
- Angled eyepiece
- Zoom eyepiece
- BaK-4 prisms
Pros
- Excellent contrast
- Easy to use
- Decent price
Cons
- Fixed Tripod
4) Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope
When it comes to multifunctionality, it is hard to go wrong with the Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope. It is designed with good optical quality which makes it a perfect sighting tool for shooting, hunting, stargazing, and birdwatching.
The spotting scope features fully multi-coated lenses that provide great light transfer and bright images through the entire 20-60x zoom range. The optics are nitrogen purged to stay clear and free of fog in all environments. Besides, the scope is waterproofed for additional water protection in rainy conditions or when you submerge it in water accidentally.
For added convenience, the spotting scope is built with an extendable sunshade that minimizes flare and reflection in broad daylight. It also boasts a rotating ring that you use to rotate it into different viewing angles.
Features
- K9 prisms with silver coating
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Composite chassis
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Extendable sunshade
- Rotating ring
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Crisp clear optics
- Good value for money
Cons
- The tripod included is short
5) Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes
Next on our best spotting scope list is the Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes from Vortex. Glassing at long ranges demands an HD optic that delivers stunning clarity. This and more are what you get with this Vortex spotting scope.
The redesigned Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes have the horsepower that you need for long-range hunting. They excel even in low-light settings and the exterior is streamlined to provide a sleek, snag-free profile.
Furthermore, the spotting scope features a built-in helical focus wheel for fast and fine adjustments. The eyecup twists up and down to provide comfortable viewing with or without eyewear. A built-in sunshade is also included to reduce glare and shield the objective lens from snow, dust, and raindrops.
The scope has durable rubber armor that enhances durability and grip for the user. It is also O-ring sealed and purged with argon to offer a lifetime of waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Features
- Adjustable eyecup
- HD optical system
- Waterproof and argon purged
- A built-in helical focus wheel
- Multiple anti-reflective lens coatings
- Built-in sunshade
Pros
- Easy to use
- Crisp clear optics
- Great extended vision
- Fairly lightweight
Cons
- Fragile eyepiece
6) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope is the best portable, all-weather spotting scope for bird-watching and trophy hunting. It is compact yet powerful, so you will be able to zoom in on targets across vast ranges and carry them around with ease.
Housed in shock-absorbing rubber armor, the spotting scope provides a sure, anti-slip grip in any weather condition. Furthermore, it has a 100% waterproof and fog-proof construction to ensure unimpeded field use in any weather condition.
The scope has multi-coated optics which increase light transmission and alleviate both glare and internal reflection that leads to light loss. This guarantees the production of bright and crisp clear images even at the highest magnification.
Features
- Sturdy and durable housing
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Multi-coated optics
- Porro prism design
- 12-36x magnification power
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Short eye relief
7) Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Spotting Scope
Getting the Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope for your outdoor activities will guarantee long-range visibility and more detailed views of your subjects in any environment.
The spotting scope employs premium ED glass that yields quality and color-rich image views from sunrise to sunset. The advanced MultiGuard coatings reduce glare and offer higher light transmittance in low-light settings. Better yet, the built-in sunshade eliminates glare in direct sunlight so you have a more comfortable glassing experience.
Built with a detachable angled eyepiece, this spotting scope is perfect for Digiscoping and group sharing. It also boasts modern ergonomics that ensure comfortable handling, and a rubber-armored magnesium body that maximizes durability.
Features
- Premium ED glass
- Stacked, dual-focus control
- Built-in sunshade
- Detachable angled eyepiece
- Advanced MultiGuard lens coatings
- Waterproof and fog proof
Pros
- Bright and clear optics
- Easy to use
- Excellent image quality
Cons
- Slightly heavy
8) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm HD Spotting Scope
Lastly, we have the Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. Leupold, a top-tier optics manufacturer is known for its quality optics and this spotting scope model is not any different.
It boasts a vast 20-60x magnification power to help you pursue different targets across varying ranges. The large 60mm aperture collects as much light as possible to ensure that the images generated at each zoom power are clear and of good quality.
Moreover, the spotting scope is built to last. It features the legendary Leupold ruggedness to weather whatever punishment you throw at it. It also features high-quality optics that yield stunning image clarity and a weatherproofed body for all-weather operability.
Features
- Angled eyepiece
- Twist eyecup
- Easy-grip rubber armor
- Rugged construction
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Scratch and smudge-resistant lens coatings
Pros
- High-definition clarity
- Tripod ready
- Accommodating eye relief
- Relatively lightweight and portable
Cons
- None
Related: 7 Best Scopes for Long-Range Shooting and Hunting
How to Choose the Best Spotting Scopes
Explained below are the important factors you should consider when shopping for the best spotting scopes.
Magnification Power
How far you plan to use the spotting scope will determine which magnification power to get. If you want a sighting tool that offers great extended vision, get the model with a high magnification power. It will get you closer to distant targets and let you observe your subjects across vast ranges.
Style
There are two styles of spotting scopes; angled and straight. Choosing the right style is important if you want to get the most out of your outdoor expedition.
Angled spotting scopes are best for most outdoor activities. They allow for much more comfortable use in different positions. They are also the best for group sharing and Digiscoping.
Straight spotting scopes are comfortable to use when you are in a seated position or glassing downhill. They also have the added benefit of being easier to pack and simple to use, even for beginners.
Lens Coatings
Coatings of the lens surface of any optic are very important. They reduce the loss of light and glare. The end result is bright and clear as crystal images that are rich in color contrast. No matter the application you plan to use the spotting scope for, ensure that you get a model that has fully-coated or multi-coated lenses.
Eye Relief
The distance at that you can hold the spotting scope away from your eye and still get a full field of view is called eye relief. It is measured in inches or millimeters. The best spotting scope has a long eye relief to ensure comfortable glassing, with or without spectacles. Long eye relief also aids in rapid target acquisition.
Build Quality
Look for a spotting scope that has durable and rugged housing. With solid construction, you are guaranteed many years of use as well as reliable performance in any situation. The best spotting scope should also be shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof to be operable under any weather condition.
What is the Purpose of a Spotting Scope?
Spotting scopes are high-powered sighting tools optimized for detailed observation of targets across various distances. Given the broad zoom power and the large objective lens that they boast, spotting scopes are perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities including hunting, birding, and wildlife watching, in addition to astronomy and stargazing.
What is the difference between a Telescope and a Spotting Scope
The two main differences between a telescope and a spotting scope are versatility and packability. A spotting scope is more versatile than telescopes, which are used for astronomy only.
With packability, spotting scopes are more portable than telescopes. Most telescopes are big and bulky and usable from a stationary point only.
Straight vs AAngled Spotting Scope
Spotting scopes have two eyepiece designs; straight or angled. Angled spotting scopes have the advantage of being more comfortable to use, especially during long glassing sessions. Better yet, they are the best for Digiscoping and group sharing.
Straight spotting scopes on the other hand are more packable, given their compact size. In most cases, they are best for hunting as they allow for easy identification even when you are seated.
Best Spotting Scopes FAQs
Q: How is a spotting scope different from a binocular?
A: While both spotting scopes and binoculars are used for outdoor activities and have similar functions, spotting scopes are typically larger and more powerful than binoculars. Spotting scopes also tend to have higher magnification and larger objective lenses, which allows them to provide a more detailed and clearer image of distant objects.
Q: What is the difference between a spotting scope and a telescope?
A: While both are designed for observing celestial and terrestrial objects, telescopes are better suited for celestial observation and have higher magnification power. Spotting scopes, on the other hand, are specifically designed for terrestrial observation and have lower magnification power.
Q: What are the important features to consider when buying a spotting scope?
A: The most important features to consider are magnification power, objective lens size, the field of view, eye relief, and the quality of the optics.
Q: What is magnification power?
A: Magnification power refers to the degree to which a spotting scope can make an object appear larger. For example, a spotting scope with a 20x magnification power will make an object appear 20 times larger than it actually is.
Q: What is the objective lens size?
A: The objective lens is the lens at the end of the spotting scope opposite the eyepiece. The size of the objective lens determines the amount of light that enters the scope and affects the brightness and clarity of the image.
Q: What is the field of view?
A: The field of view refers to the area visible through the spotting scope. A larger field of view allows you to see more of the surrounding area.
Q: What is eye relief?
A: Eye relief refers to the distance between the eyepiece and your eye when you are looking through the spotting scope. A longer eye relief distance can make it more comfortable to use the spotting scope, especially for those who wear glasses.
Q: What is the importance of the quality of optics?
A: The quality of optics affects the clarity and sharpness of the image. A spotting scope with high-quality optics will provide a clear, bright, and sharp image.
Q: Can spotting scopes be used for stargazing?
A: While spotting scopes are primarily designed for terrestrial observation, some models can be used for stargazing. However, telescopes are generally better suited for celestial observation.
Q: How do I clean my spotting scope?
A: To clean your spotting scope, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lenses. Avoid using any abrasive materials or cleaning solutions that contain ammonia or alcohol.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this article to be helpful and insightful. Knowing the features that you need the spotting scope to have will make your selection process simple and less time-consuming.
Choosing the best spotting scopes calls for some research before you make any selection. But irrespective of what your budget or needs are, there is a model out there waiting for you.
Read Also: 7 Best Vortex Scopes for Long-Range Shooting