A spotting scope is a widely used instrument that grants its user’s superman vision. It is mostly used in simple astronomy to even bird watching. Nowadays macro photography can be easily done through digiscoping.
Thus, users of spotting scopes are relieved from carrying heavy camera lenses. On the other hand, this type of scopes allows a hunter to specifically identify the prey's position that helps in aiming.
Best Spotting Scope Comparison
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| | | 22x - 66x 20x - 60x 18x - 55x | | |
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| | | 27x - 60x 22x - 48x 11x - 33x | | |
| | | 27x - 60x 22x - 48x 11x - 33x | | |
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Things that you need to notice in Spotting Scope
First of all, Spotting scope is not another astronomy scope or telescope. You may ask why? The very basic reasoning of this question will be, a telescope or an astronomy scope produces a reverse or inverse (upside down) image, whereas Spotting Scope produces an exact image of any object. Besides, the astronomy scopes are larger in size and weight and have tremendous magnification ability.
Before investing money in scope, one must find out the best kind of spotting scopes that suits him/her. Based on structure this scopes are of two types, To learn about your scope, you need to know about the features of it. Here are some of the important feature and their description-
Objective lens: is a large lens or glass at the end of scope that is directed towards an object which will be magnified by spotting scope. In camera language, the diameter of the objective lens is called Aperture. Normally, an objective lens has diameters of 50 to 90 millimeters. The larger the diameters of an objective lens, greater the amount of light it let through inside the scope, thus clearer the target is.
Apart from diameters the quality of the glass also plays an important role in increasing image clarity. Nowadays, special glasses like ED glass, APO glass or HD glass are being used in scopes. This is why many smaller spotting scopes can create as clear an image as the larger ones.
Eyepieces: is the part of scope which is the nearest to users’ eye. This small part has the most important functions like Amount of Magnification, Field of View, Exit Pupil Size and Eye Relief.
Starting with Magnification, many cheap scopes have fixed magnification of eyepieces but as the price goes up you can unlock the feature of changing eyepieces with higher magnification like 60x to 80x. But in every scope magnification range is genuinely set in up to 40x. You also have to remember, bad weather, like heat waves, dust and fog etc. hampers the image quality at higher magnification. As an equipment every scope has a limitation in magnification. The image quality will always drop in the higher magnification. Only solution is spending more money to have a better spotting scope in which this magnification problem will occur less.
Field of view: indicates the viewing area that is seen through a scope. Field of view is measured both in yards and in angular degrees. As the magnification increases the field of view starts to decrease. Most of the scope in the market has a field of view between 1 degree or 52.5 feet to 3 degrees or 152 feet. The measurement of field of view in feet is determined in every 1000 yard. Based on the eyepieces of spotting scope, the field of view can also be wide ranged.
Eye Relief: is one of the most important features provided by eyepieces of scope. It indicates the maximum distance between users' eyes and eyepieces of the scope where the user can still see the image clearly. As light passes through the scope, the optical system of the spotting scope leads the light through the Exit Pupil of the eyepieces. Eye relief gives the vertical point where all those lights intersect each other. So if you already have glasses in your eyes, you need a scope with better eye relief.
Lens coating: improves the overall quality of image as it reduces harmful component or excess component in light waves. It also improves the durability of the lens. At present, spotting scopes comes with fully coated, multi coated and in fully multi coated lenses that allows the user to use the scopes without harming their eyes.
Prism: this component of the spotting scopes helps bending light waves so that users can get the exact and clear image of the object they are looking at. The reflection of light inside the scope happens based on prism types. Most of the scope which are considered best among peers has Porro Prism made of Bak-4 glass in them. Some of the cheap spotting scope has Porro Prism made of Bk-7 glass. Surely this type of scopes doesn’t provide standard clarity according to users' demand.
Another type of prism that is used in spotting scopes is Roof Prism. This type of prism is used for increasing compactness in scope. The Spotting scopes which have roof prisms lack features like changeable eyepiece and camera adapters etc. Thus the spotting scopes are comparatively less heavy and more portable than other scopes.
Aside from these features of spotting scope buyers can also look for the presence of a camera adapter for digiscoping, armoring of scope for durability, weights of scopes for extreme portability and waterproof or fog proof body. So one thing for sure, to get better features in your spotting scope, you have to spend more.
Top 10 Recommended Best Spotting Scope
According to customers choice, reviews and buying behavior, these 10 spotting scopes are in the top of current scope market.
1. Celestron Ultima Spotting Scope
As a telescope manufacturing company, Celestron has been providing their service for more than five decades. Their Ultima Series of spotting scope is definitely one of the best in the current market. This series holds both types of spotting scopes, straight and 45° angled spotting viewing.
Apart from viewing structure, the series also comes with three types of objective lens which have diameters of 100 mm, 80 mm and 65 mm. Though the price differs according to shape, objective lens of spotting scope and other features like smart phone adapter, tripod etc. all the spotting scope of this series are waterproof. And all of the glasses used in the scopes are multi coated. You will also find Porro Bak-4 prisms in all of them. If your budget is $250 to $450, the spotting scope of Celestron ultima series will be worth it.
Specification:
Objective lens | 100 mm | 80 mm | 65 mm |
Magnification | 22x - 66x | 20x - 60x | 18x - 55x |
Field of view (feet @ 1000 yards) | 94 ft - 52 ft | 103 ft - 53 ft | 89 ft - 38 ft |
Eye Relief | 18 mm |
Environmental protection | waterproof |
2. Creative XP Glasshawak HD spotting scope
This is one of the best low budget spotting scope in the market. Born in the USA, Glasshawak HD surely delivers more than it's worth to the customers.
With 80 mm of objective lens combined with 20x - 60x magnification ability it delivers a crispy image of any targeted object. You can even clearly see a bullet hole 300 yards away.
But the best part is this waterproof machine comes with many small but important accessories like tripod, cell phone adapter, protective case and photo clicker. Its Fully multi coated lens will allow you to see colorful objects clearly.
Specification:
Objective lens | 80 mm |
Magnification | 20x - 60x |
Field of view (feet @ 1000 yards) | 114 ft - 60 ft |
Eye Relief | 12 mm - 17 mm |
Environmental protection | waterproof |
3. Vanguard Endeavour HD Spotting Scope
Vanguard is one of the best manufacturing companies that is providing Tripods, binoculars, Spotting scopes, tripods, accessories etc. to the global market for more than 100 years. Their Endeavour HD series of spotting scopes are one of those top notch products that is available in the current market. Based on price, there are 2 types of Spotting scope in the series.
First one has an objective lens of 65 mm with magnification ability of 15x - 45x and the second one has objective lens of 82 mm with magnification ability of 20x - 60x. All the lenses are built with the ED premium glass and are multi coated. The whole spotting scope also includes scope cover with strap, lens and eyepiece cap and lens cloth. As a lower price spotting scope it will serve your eyesight as a royal knight.
Specification:
Objective lens | 82 mm | 65mm |
Magnification | 20x - 60x | 15x -45x |
Field of view (feet @ 1000 yards) | 330 ft - 156 ft |144 ft - 69 ft |
Eye Relief | 19 mm - 20 mm |
Environmental protection | Waterproof, Fogproof, Sun-shield |
4. Celestron Hummingbird ED Spotting Scope
Like the name suggests, Celestron Hummingbird ED is the smallest spotting scope in our list. Focusing on absolute mobility, Celestron has successfully created a mystical spotting scope with a weight of 1.46 pounds. The helical focused dial of the spotting scope allows the user to adjust focus even when running.
Hummingbird ED will be an excellent hunting partner to hunters who like to carry less weight and hunt silently. This little spotting scope also comes in 2 configurations as well. Based on price, One has the objective lens of 56 mm with magnification of 9x - 27x and the other has the objective lens of 50 mm with magnification of 7x - 22x. Another great side of these spotting scope is changeable eyepiece. All Hummingbird scopes have multi coated lenses and Bak 4 porro prisms in them. Considering all of the features, Hummingbird ED is a blessing for travelers who carry spotting scope.
Specification:
Objective lens | 56 mm | 50mm |
Magnification | 9x - 27x | 7x -22x |
Field of view (feet @ 1000 yards) | 216 ft - 98 ft |144 ft - 69 ft |
Eye Relief | 15 mm |
Environmental protection | Waterproof |
5. Gosky 20-60x80 Dual focusing ED Spotting Scope
Gosky is another american optic accessories manufacturing company who are providing binocular, Monocular, Spotting scope, Night vision and rangefinder world wide. Dual focusing ED spotting scope of gosky is their top spotting scope.
This spotting scope will provide you with an objective lens of 80 mm and regular magnification is 20x - 60x. As the name sounds, all the lenses are made with ED glasses and are multi coated. Apart from regular features they also made the spotting scope waterproof and fog proof. The spotting scope also has retractable sun shade. The spotting scope itself has fully robber armor increasing its durability and granting it a shock proof body. So undoubtedly this is one of the best scope available for digiscoping.
Specification:
Objective lens | 80 mm |
Magnification | 20x - 60x |
Field of view (feet @ 1000 yards) | 147 ft - 69 ft |
Eye Relief | 19.5 mm - 18 mm |
Environmental protection | Waterproof, Fogproof,Shockproof |
6. MINOX MD 50 W Spotting Scope
Another small but ridiculously good spotting spot produced by American company MINOX. Though this company is widely known for producing subminiature cameras in the post world war2 era, currently they are producing some of the best hunting accessories in the market.
MINOX MD 50 W is one of these hunting accessories. With an observation lens of 50mm the spotting scope has 16x - 30x magnification ability. This spotting scope is submergible upto 16 ft. With many other features, it can be surely said that MINOX MD 50 W is the best for 50 to 100 yards view.
Specification:
Objective lens | 50 mm |
Magnification | 16x - 30x |
Field of view (feet @ 1000 yards) | 154.2 ft - 105 ft |
Eye Relief | 15 mm - 11 mm |
Environmental protection | Waterproof up to 18.4ft submerged |
7. Celestron Regal M2 100 ED Spotting Scope
This spotting scope of Celestron is one of the high end spotting scope produced by Celestron. Though the regal series has three types of spotting scope based on objective lens and price, we will mainly focus on Regal M2 100 ED. This spotting scope has 100 mm objective lens and magnification ability of 22x - 67x.
Premium ED glass and fully multi coated lens confirm about the clear image quality. Bak-4 porro prism is used in this spotting scope. Like all other Celestron spotting scope it is also waterproof. Twisted eye cap, excellent close focus range and 20 mm eye relief are some of the services the scope will provide to the users. To watch birds, digiscoping, hunting and in firing range this spotting scope will be a blessing to its user.
Specification:
Objective lens | 100 mm |
Magnification | 22x - 67x |
Field of view (feet @ 1000 yards) | 100 ft - 47 ft |
Eye Relief | 20 mm |
Environmental protection | Waterproof |
8. Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope
As a manufacturer of optics accessories Vortex Optics has regularly produced high quality spotting scopes. Razor HD is the newest line of spotting scope produced by Vortex Optics.Like its predecessor Vortex Optics Viper, Razor HD also maintained its reputation, Giving its user clear image and user friendly features.
Based on price and features, Razor HD includes a variety of Objective lenses like 50 mm, 65 mm and 85 mm. The magnification ability also differs according to specific objective lenses. All the lenses are fully multi coated with XR coating. But the best feature of the spotting scope is flexible viewing angles. Basically if you are buying a Vortex Optics Razor HD you’re buying an extra vision which is worth the money you're spending.
Specification:
Objective lens | 85 mm | 65 mm | 50 mm |
Magnification | 27x - 60x | 22x - 48x | 11x - 33x |
Field of view (feet @ 1000 yards) | 117 ft - 68 ft | 138 ft - 84 ft | 191 ft - 96 ft |
Eye Relief | 16.7mm - 17mm | 16mm - 19mm |
Environmental protection | Extendable Sun Shade |
9. Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope
Well known for their customer service American company Burris has introduced this excellent spotting scope. Burris Signature HD Spotting scope has an objective lens of 85 mm with the magnification ability of 20x - 60x. They also provide an optional fixed 30x eyepiece for wide range view. The spotting scope has been purged with nitrogen gas thus making it waterproof and fogproof.
The built in sunshade is also very useful to the users as it makes sure the user doesn’t get disturbed with sun glare and even in snow. Also User can easily adjust the eyecap if he or she wears eyeglasses. HD quality glass with fully multi coated lenses allows this spotting scope to provide it’s user with crystal clear image. If you decide to purchase Burris Signature HD Spotting scope, you will feel relaxed as you are including yourself in the Burris family which itself is reassuring as they give a life long warranty on all Burris products.
Specification:
Objective lens | 85 mm | 65 mm | 50 mm |
Magnification | 27x - 60x | 22x - 48x | 11x - 33x |
Field of view (feet @ 1000 yards) | 117 ft - 68 ft | 138 ft - 84 ft | 191 ft - 96 ft |
Eye Relief | 16.7mm - 17mm | 16mm - 19mm |
Environmental protection | Extendable Sun Shade |
10. Swarovski ATS-80 HD Spotting Scope
Every enthusiast of spotting scope or optic accessories knows about Swarovski Optik because of their costly product. But none can complain because each and every product of Swarovski Optik consists of expensive materials and technology. Swarovski ATS-80 HD is one of the top notch spotting scope in the market. Now let me remind you again that Swarovski Optik’s main focus was always their continuous product innovation.
So there are already new lineups of Spotting Scopes like Swarovski ATX, STX & BTX, but Swarovski ATS product line still seems to be dominating the high end spotting scope market. That is because these ATS spotting scopes maintain proven quality. These machines were tried and tested by professionals whom you will find a lot on the web. Interchangeable parts and excellent availability of mixing them is another major reason why Swarovski Spotting scope is top tier spotting scope. For Example, you can use the objective lens of Swarovski ATS-100 HD with the eyepiece of Swarovski ATS-65 HD. Basically, with money you can have your own poison. Every Swarovski ATS-80 HD spotting scope has 10 years of warranty. Here are some features of the Swarovski ATS-80 HD.
Specification:
Objective lens | 80 mm |
Magnification | 25x - 50x |
Field of view (feet @ 1000 yards) | 126 ft - 81 ft |
Eye Relief | 17mm |
Environmental protection | Submersible up to 13 ft | Sun Shade| Shockproof |
Final Verdict
If you are a hunter, bird watcher, marine or natural lover, then it is crucial to have a perfect spotting scope that suited your needs to identify and spot the target properly. This best spotting scope review will help you to select the perfect item for you
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