Spotting scopes are portable telescopes that are small in size, which features extra optics for optimal viewing of distant objects.
These are primarily used for – you guessed it right – birding, target shooting (verifying shots) and even sightseeing.
To all nature lovers who still own binoculars, you have no idea what you’re missing! The spotting scope comes with high magnification and better stability…..
…… It allows you to see everything in details; it can also be used on land or at sea.
You can observe sceneries as far as 50 miles away something that mere binoculars is practically impossible to view.
Not only that Spotting scopes are also very useful to hunters and target shooters.
A small portable telescope, Rifle Scopes, a spotting scope produces a vertical image and offers much higher magnification than a pair of binoculars.
This allows you to see across great distances which can be vital in certain situations.
So why should you get a spotting scope?
Luckily we’re here to help you find the best spotting scope for you!. This review will outline factors to consider when buying a spotting scope and also my top picks.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Spotting Scope For Hunting
When choosing the best spotting scope for hunting, it can be a little overwhelming.
With the numerous brands in the market, it’s only natural that one can be confused.
Luckily you don’t have to with these factors you will find selection process much easier for you.
Waterproof Scope
Since the scopes are designed to be used outdoors with a harsh climate, you need the best spotting scope that is waterproof in case of rain or sightseeing at sea.
Some scopes come with rubber armor for protection. It will protect the lens from damage and still maintain visibility.
Portability
You will be traveling from one place to another, so it’s only obvious that the scope has to be very easy to carry.
It should be lightweight not something bulky that will be nearly impossible and tiresome to carry.
Lens Surface Should Be Coated With Magnesium Fluoride The coated of the lens is a very important factor. The more coated the lens is, the brighter the image will appear.
The coat main purpose is to prevent light and reduce reflection. It also prevents unnecessary eyestrain. That can lead to eye problems shortly.
Size and Style:
There are two styles that you can opt when selecting a spotting scope for hunting. They are the angled and straight spotting scope.
An angled spotting scope is there are a lot of people that will use it. This is because this hunting scope can accommodate different heights of your people. Moreover, it is good for hunts that will require you a tripod with little elevation.
However, this style of hunting scope is not advisable for beginners because it has a complex angle. Aside from that, it is hard to pack because of its design.
On the other hand, a straight scope is user-friendly, even for amateurs. It is the best spotting scope when you are riding a vehicle. It is also cheaper compared to the angled body spotting scopes.
Angled Or Straight Spotting Scope
This entirely depends on your preference. A straight eyepiece is advisable if you’re watching birds. In this particular scope, the eyepieces are parallel you simply have to look straight ahead.
The angled scope eyepiece offset is at 45 degrees or 90 degrees. It’s used in the situation of different heights.
Easy to Set Up:
Hunting will require you to move from time to time. After all, your target is mobile. In fact, they can be faster than you. In these cases, you need gears that are easy to set-up. Your arsenals should be ready in less than minutes. For hunting scopes, they should have a quick-to-mount ergonomics to keep up with your pace.
MAGNIFICATION POWER
Typically, binoculars come with an average magnification power between 7 times and 10 times.
Spotting scopes on average, as mentioned earlier, feature magnification between 20 times to as high as 60 times, with a select few having a power of 75 times! While some birds can be observed from closer distances, most birds can’t be as they’re very sensitive to human presence. As such, spotting scopes are better for birding in most cases compared to binoculars.
Such magnification is also great for using at the target range, especially for outdoor rifle shooting between 100 to 300 yards.
Because of the distance, it’s quite a hassle to frequently go to your target paper just to verify your shots. With most spotting scopes higher magnification power, you can quickly verify your shots from where you are.
FLEXIBILITY
Binoculars can be limited in terms of use. For one, you’ll always have to hold them with your hand. Because most spotting scopes come with built-in tripod mountings, you can enjoy viewing objects and animals hands free! And since higher magnification tends to make images more unstable, being able to mount a spotting scope on a tripod helps you see objects from far distances at higher magnification with minimal or no shaking at all.
More and more spotting scopes that are coming out in the market lately feature a camera adapter, which allows it to be used as a telephoto lens for your SLR and phone cameras.
This is a very practical feature especially if you love animal or nature viewing as well as taking good pictures but with limited budget. You can’t do that with binoculars.
Many spotting scopes also feature removable and interchangeable eyepieces. This feature provides greater flexibility for enjoying different magnification powers and eye relief. It’s also one feature that lets you use your spotting scope as a telephoto lens.
Ideal Lens Size
The bigger, the better, a spotting scope with a large lens will have better images as compared to a smaller lens.
It also has a wider field of view which is advantageous especially when you are sightseeing. Although on a downside the bigger the lens, the heavier the spotting scope.
Recommended Best Spotting Scope For Hunting
I know too well the challenge and pressure that comes with choosing the best spotting scope for hunting. The numerous brands add to the confusion.
Below are my top personal picks after extensive research. Spotting scopes brands vary some might have different designs or magnifications the trick is you choose one that suits your need.
Why Hunters Need The Best Spotting Scope?
Spotting scope for hunting is necessary for hunters. The sport requires precision and accuracy after all. If a hunter doesn‘t have these two on his side, then he would miss his targets most of the time.
Our resources in a single hunt have always limits. Therefore, you need to shoot your targets precisely. Or else, you are just wasting money and energy.
A spotting scope for hunting can cure these problems. When it comes to enhancing your hunting performance, these accessories are certainly reliable.
However, do you know how to choose the best spotting scope? How about the best spotting scope for birding? Each hunting sports will require you to have a good scope. If you are new to this rifle accessory, then this guide will come to your benefit.
1. Celestron 52250 80mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope Review
Target shooting is a fun sport, but not when you are shooting blanks.
The rifle does play a big role indeed, but when it’s combined with a perfect scope, shooting blanks will be history.
The Celestron 52320 Landscout features a 50 mm, fully-coated lens with a magnification of 10 times to 30 times. It also features a minimum focus of about 3 meters and eye relief of 18-14 mm.
It comes in a 45 degree-angled viewing body and with an objective lens cover, eyepiece cover and tabletop tripod with a rotating tripod mount.
Impressive Optics
One of the Landscout’s beneficial features is its eye relief of 18 mm at maximum. If you’re wearing glasses, you’ll be able to view images through the Landscout much better.
And more than the eye relief, the Landscout is able to give you bright and sharp images through its fully coated optics.
You can enjoy seeing birds in great and crisp details as well as your shots on the target shooting range.
The view is clear, sharp and wide just at 20x. The scope can be used for birding and other wildlife observations.
The scope can be zoomed up to 60x still making the image clear and maintaining color.
Portable
Personally, I hate things that are heavy they just weigh me down unnecessary. The Ultima luckily is very portable; its light weight is making it easy to carry it if you are traveling or going to the shooting range.
Another benefit is its rotating tripod mount. It allows you to adjust your scopes position without having to reposition your tripod. As such, you’re able to enjoy stability and flexibility when viewing distant objects at higher magnification.
Weather Proof
This particular spotting scope is designed with a soft padded case with zippers on both ends so the scope can be protected even when it’s mounted on a tripod.
The scope is designed to handle any harsh weather conditions more so rain since its waterproof.
Features at a glance
- Multi-Coated Optics
- Sight tube for quick targeting
- Soft Carrying Case
- Zoom Eyepiece
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Shop now at Amazon.com
2. BARSKA 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight Spotting Scope Review
Sitting in the comfort of your car and just viewing the birds with the help of Barska 20 is the way to go. It’s even appropriate for hunters as well as target shooters. It’s very easy to mount it on top on the rifle, and it’s perfect for hunting.
Warranty
Warranty is a very important factor when purchasing any item. It provides a customer with a sense of guarantee. This particular product has a full lifetime warranty, and now that’s impressive you have a lifetime guarantee.
Coated Lens
The Barska 20 is designed with a 60mm fully coated lens. This is necessary it ensures that the clarity of the image being viewed is clear. The coat added benefit is it protects the eyes from unnecessary eyestrains.
Accessories
It comes with a lens cover to be used when the lens is not in use. It also has a soft carrying case to make it easy to carry around especially if you are into traveling. One last accessory is the pan head tripod essential for support.
Features at a glance
- 20x-60x zoom magnification
- 100 percent waterproof and fog proof
- Smooth focusing knob
- Fully-coated optics
- Includes pan-head tripod and soft carrying case
- Shop now at Amazon.com
3. Emarth 20- 60x60AE Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope
Emarth 20- 60x60AE Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope comes with a tripod, and a carrying bag is handy for shooting, birders, hunters, naturalist, and travelers. It has a sharp resolution that can make the image vivid and show every detail clearly.
Waterproof And Fog Proof
The scenario where the scope won’t be visible in rainy season or case of fog is old news. The Emarth scope comes with rubber armor which protects the lens from the rain. It prevents condensation which might interfere with your visibility in case of either fog or rain.
User Friendliness
The particular scope is designed for traveling it is portable and best of all comes with its bag. If you want to either travel to a game reserve Emarth scope is one to buy. It also has friendly easy to reach support system in case of an issue or problem
Features at a glance
- Angled spotting scope with variable 20x to 60x magnification
- 60mm objective lens, dynamic lens focusing system makes it easy to zoom in on target.
- Complete waterproof and fog proof protection for all weather conditions
- Ergonomically designed with shock-absorbing rubber armor for best protection and enhancing overall handling.
- Reliable and friendly customer service
- Shop now at Amazon.com
4. Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
Instead of telling stories of the animals that got away you will be telling a different story with the help of Trophy XLT. This hunting partner will guarantee you success hunting stories. Nonetheless, it’s not limited to only hunting but also other sporting and nature study.
Magnification
The scope is designed with impressive zoom magnification of up to 60x. This enables one to see everything to the detail such as observation of birds and even when hunting the magnification of the lens plays a very big role.
Multi-Coated
The lens is fully coated making the image appear bright. The scope is usually used outdoors the multi-coating prevents reflection from the lens, the clarity that is presented is all thanks to the coats.
Durability
The spotting scope features a beautiful design with a very strong construction for durability. It is a device that you will enjoy using for so many years to come.
Features at a glance
- Quality optics with stunning HD clarity
- 100% quality materials used and tested extensively
- Beautiful design and durability built to last
- Tough spotting scope with 20 to 60x magnification and 65mm objective lens
- Fully multicoated optics deliver ultra-bright, crystal-clear images
- Rugged, rubber-armored housing is 100-percent waterproof
- Includes compact tripod and premium hard-side case
- Measures 13.4 inches long; weighs 42.3 ounces
- Shop now at Amazon.com
5. BARSKA Benchmark Straight Spotting Scope Review
This is my all favorite, Barska 25 scope magnification; its lightweight is what impressed me the most. It’s easy to mount on the rifle, and target shooting begins. You can never go wrong choosing this scope if it’s sightseeing that you are in to.
If you frequently drop or bump your favorite gears or equipment, then the Barska Benchmark is for you as it offers a decent level of shock absorption with its rubberized body.
Magnification
The Barska Benchmark features an fully coated 88 mm objective lens with a magnification power of 25 times to 125 times and eye relief of 13 mm maximum.
The scope zooms up to 125x but still maintains clarity; the high-class magnification design is admirable. When watching birds or just nature, it shows very clear images.
It comes in a straight body and with 2 carrying cases (hard and soft) and 2 tripods (hand held and table top). The best of all in a target shooting range the capability of the scope to see far things clear can come in handy.
The biggest pro of this spotting scope is its magnification – a whopping 125 times maximum! With its relatively wide lens diameter (88 mm), you can enjoy good quality images.
They may not be spectacular given its power and lens size for the price but they’re good value for money.
Of course, as with practically all scopes, image quality tends to deteriorate at the higher end of the magnification power and as such, image quality may be best at below 100 times zoom.
Tripod
Unlike the tripods that might require you first find it a place to set it up, the Barska 25 scope tripod is handheld. It still maintains stability, and you can move with the tripod plus the scope viewing.
Fog Proof And Water Proof
The O -ring seals offer 100 percent waterproof protection, in case of rain, the lens will not be damaged. It’s also filled with nitrogen which guards against fogs that might interrupt the viewing process and even moisture.
Lastly, you can use the Benchmark in just about any weather condition because it’s both fog and waterproof. Now, you can enjoy the outdoors regardless if it’s warm and sunny or cold and rainy. The only limit is your immune system.
Features at a glance
- Straight spotting scope with 25x to 125x magnification and 88mm objective lens
- Dynamic lens focusing system makes it very easy to zoom in on target
- Fully coated optics; shock-absorbing rubber armor for rough conditions
- 100-percent waterproof and fog proof; tabletop tripod with handheld mount
- It has a hard case and soft carrying case; measures 13.2 inches long. Please refer the User Manual before use.
- Shop now at Amazon.com
6. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60 x80 (45 degree) Spotting Scope Review
This angled spotting scope is effective in hunting, nature study, birding among others. The Bushnell is most appropriate in the range the clarity of the view can make even an armature with a rifle shoot perfect.
Waterproof And Fog Proof
This particular spotting scope was invented to handle any temperature. The lenses are protected by a rain guard HD water-repellent coatings. The view clarification is impressively maintained even when there is fog or condensation.
Angled
The spotting scope has fine adjustments that you can turn the scope to your preference. A keen reminder as the title suggested it is 45 degrees
angled spotting scope only.
Magnification
The spotting scope has a magnification of 20X to 60X. This gives you clear images even at its highest level of magnification.
Features at a glance
- 20-60 x 80mm
- End Prime low dispersion glass
- 2-Speed dual focus control
- Waterproof & Rain Guard HD water-repellent coatings
- Bak-4 prisms
- Spotting scope with 20 to 60x magnification and 80-Millimeter objective lens
- ED Prime extra-low dispersion glass for color-tuned, high-resolution viewing
- Fully multicoated optics, rain guard HD coating, offers clarity in wet weather
- Stacked, dual-focus controls for making rapid and fine-tuning adjustments
- 45-Degree angled zoom eyepiece, measures 16.5-Inch, weighs 80.1-Ounce
- Shop now at Amazon.com
Final Words
If the plan is to go spotting scope shopping, then this review will be of great benefit to you. The models listed above passed the criteria of being termed as the best in the market so any depending on your preference will do just fine.
You deserve the best spotting scope that will suit your needs and make your hobby or work enjoyable and not stressful through eye strains or bulkiness something that can be avoided easily with the correct spotting scope. The main purpose of this review is to guide you on your mission to find the best spotting scope for hunting.
HOW TO BUY THE BEST SPOTTING SCOPES
Admittedly, the word “best” is subjective one. What may be best for you may not be the best for me. As such, I can just guide you in terms of how to buy the best spotting scope for you – yes, you – and not for anyone else. Here are the important things to consider when choosing the best spotting scope for you.
USE
Assuming you already know the benefits of buying a spotting scope, the first thing you need to do is ask yourself what do you intend to use the spotting scope for? Is it for birding, verifying your long-range rifle or pistol shots at the outdoor target range or taking long-distance shots with your smart phone?
When you know exactly how you intend to your spotting scope, you’ll be able to identify the important features through which you’ll filter your choices and come up with a short-list. For example, if your primary reason for buying a spotting scope is birding at the beach or other open spaces, you may want to consider getting spotting scopes with higher magnification powers and if you’re planning to bird in relatively closer and tighter spaces, spotting scopes with lower magnification may just be what the doctor will order.
If you want to use it more for verifying your shots on the target range, you’ll need the higher-powered ones. You may also want to buy one that’s tripod-mountable and if you’re on a budget, one that comes with a free tripod.
If you simply want a cheaper alternative to buying zoom lenses for taking cool pictures, especially with your phone, then your priority should be scopes that are SLR cameras or smart phone adaptable, the magnification powers of which depend on your desired average picture taking distance.
Another thing to factor is the weather conditions in which you plan to use your scopes. If you have no plans of birding, target shooting or nature viewing in the rain or snow, then you don’t need to go for fog and weather proof spotting scopes. But if you have such plans, then it’s best to narrow your choices to those that are weather proof and fog proof.
Lastly, you also need to consider how well you handle your things. If you’re the type to drop or hit things often, you may need to consider spotting scopes with rubber coated or armored bodies that can withstand shocks from being accidentally dropped or hit. If you’re the careful type, you can afford not to consider models that are shock proof.
QUALITY
Spotting scopes are important investments and as such, you don’t want to buy inferior quality ones, especially in terms of durability and the features you are looking for based on your planned use. In order to help you shortlist your spotting scope options to those of good quality, you’ll need to check out product reviews from reputable sources. In particular, reviews from people who are certified buyers of the models you’re considering.
When looking at reviews, you’re better off looking at models with the most number of reviews. Why? It reduces the chances of “paid” or “influenced” reviews, which is what you’re trying to avoid.
When looking at reviews, you should pay careful attention to the most negative or critical reviews because these tell you the potential problems you may encounter if you buy a particular model or brand of spotting scope. But of course, exercise your better judgment as you would in looking at positive reviews because not all critical reviews make logical sense.
PRICE
Lastly, go for the spotting scope that gives you the best bang for your buck and is offered at a price that you’re comfortable paying for. In most cases, it would be the one that’s cheapest among the alternatives that offer similar benefits and advantages but there will be times where some higher priced alternatives may be more practical to choose.
Spotting Scope infographic
