Spotting scopes are, quite simply, an optical instrument designed for long-range observation.
As such, they’re the best choice for high-intensity professional spotting (e.g., hunters, wildlife researchers, etc.), or for avid amateur or newbie hobbyist spotters. And while they’re ideal for observing animals from relatively close range, they’re also used for observing celestial bodies, like the moon, planets, comets, and galaxies.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Emarth 20-60x60AE Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope | Best Overall |  |
| Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope | Budget Pick |  |
| Swarovski Spotting Scope High Definition Glass | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Emarth 20-60x60AE Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope
Pros:
- 45-degree angled eyepiece
- Supports Plunger-Function Zoom
- Waterproof at the primary mirror housing
- Multi-coated optical glass
- Nose piece has elevation dials
- Takes a standard camera tripod
- Many people said it’s a good buy for the money
Cons:
- Small tripod that doesn’t work with high-end cameras
- Included glass received mixed review
This spotting scope comes with a 45-degree angled eyepiece, which allows you to adjust the aiming point accordingly. It’s really helpful for long range shooting as you can align it on your target easily. You’ll find another feature near the eyepiece.
You can twist and lock it into place. It’s the plunger-function zoom that allows you to adjust the power on the spot. You can flick through the power ranging from 1x to 20x. The good thing about it is that you can adjust it anytime and anywhere.
2. Swarovski Spotting Scope High Definition Glass
Pros:
- Has an HD outer lens
- Is a top choice for wildlife observation
- Can magnify distant objects
- 360-degree axis
- Can be focused quickly
- Rotates easily
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Accurate and quick focus
- Can be used for 20-25 years
- Low light transmission
We don’t know how you could spot birds, or any other animal for that matter, without making the shot with your rifle but this powerful spotting scope is just what you need for a great game hunt. The Swarovski Optik Swarovision 15” HD High Definition T* 60mm Spotting Scope w/ Eye Box, HD Sonar T* RainGuard HD Waterproof, Brown, And PURZ Lens Filter, L Case makes it easy to take the shot with a rifle or a bow and is an excellent option for professionals and wildlife protection.
The Swarovision HD high definition spotting scope includes these features:
3. Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope
Pros:
- Warranty
- Great value for money
- Gold-coated 20-60X Magnification
- Waterproof
- Comes with a tripod
Accurate identification of birds in the wild can be tough. There are over 10,000 species of birds. You need to know whether it's an endangered species, to help protect them.
Knowledgeable, experienced bird watchers use binoculars and a tripod made specifically for bird watching.For long trips, experts often take a spotting scope.
A spotting scope is a special optical device, similar to a binocular, but with a larger objective lens, allowing you to see much farther.
4. BARSKA Blackhawk Spotter
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Good field of view
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
- Small magnification ratio
97x63mm.
Looking for a quality telescope to make hunting and fishing a lot more enjoyable? Why not check out the Barska Black hawk?
The Blackhawk is built for durability and comes with a hard case to ensure it stays safe. It’s a great choice for newcomers to astronomy, or people who want a portable telescope for travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best spotting scope on the market?
A good spotting scope with quality optics can cost 2–3 times the price of a mediocre one. When it comes to glassing sometimes you get what you pay for. A lot of people have the misconception that you can keep buying a cheaper scope and the general quality will just keep increasing and increasing as you go down the price scale. That is not necessarily true. You do get what you pay for in optics and if you want to keep your money spend on good optics, than by all means get the best you can afford.
For some people a spotting scope is an expensive luxury item that they never use because it was just too expensive an item for them to allow themselves to buy. Surprisingly cheap, but high quality optics do exist. They are out there if you know how to shop.
What is a good spotting scope for 1000 yards?
The best spotting scope for 1000 yards is not likely to be the best spotting scope for a 50 yards. For example, there are high-magnification spotting scopes that are ideal for extreme close up and minute detail, but may be woefully inadequate for high-power magnification for long distance shooting.
A spotting scope with a lower magnification but with a wider field of view is a far better choice for 1000 yards. A smaller magnification also means that you get a larger field of view with less image shaking. You may also be able to see more on the screen at one time, and therefore have a more accurate ranging estimate with less time spent refocusing.
Are spotting scopes worth it?
Spotting scopes are incredible devices for bird watchers and anyone else that likes to observe nature closely. They allow you to see details that you’d never perceive without some sort of magnification. The magnification is tied to the length of the scope. So, if you have a 50mm model, it will magnify things by 50%.
What is better straight or angled spotting scope?
The straight spotting-scope will give you less magnification but in turn will have a larger field of view. The angled scope will have a smaller view of the object you are shooting, but will give you more magnification and detail of the object. The straight will let you see a larger area and judge distance better when looking for something in the distance. The angled one will let you see more detail but have a harder time judging distance and size of objects.
Choose the right one for you. Spotting-scope can always be switched around to fit your needs. Just pick the one you like better and use it. Everyone should have a spotting-scope in their arsenal. It’s the frosting on the cake for any guns person.
Conclusion
I don’t think we need to tell you that good quality spotting scopes are in high demand. There’s a huge range of models to choose from, and it can be quite overwhelming. Considering how long you might need to keep a scope, it might be even more daunting – and expensive. This is why we put together this guide to help you figure out what you’re looking for before you set out to buy. Hopefully, you will be able to make a better buying decision by the time you finish reading this guide.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Emarth 20-60x60AE Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope | Best Overall | |
| Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope | Budget Pick | |
| Swarovski Spotting Scope High Definition Glass | Upgrade Pick | |