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10 bestSpotting Scopesof December 2024

112M consumers helped this year.

1

Hawke Nature-Trek 20-60x80 Spotting Scope
Hawke Nature-Trek 20-60x80 Spotting Scope

Hawke

10.0

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2

Celestron 52252 100 mm Ultima Spotting Scope 45 Degrees, Grey
Celestron 52252 100 mm Ultima Spotting Scope 45 Degrees, Grey

Celestron

10.0

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3

Hawke Endurance ED 25-75x85 Spotting Scope
Hawke Endurance ED 25-75x85 Spotting Scope

Hawke

9.9

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4

Zeiss Conquest Gavia 30-60x85 Spotting Scope
Zeiss Conquest Gavia 30-60x85 Spotting Scope

ZEISS

9.8

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5

Svbony SV406P ED Spotting Scopes, 20-60X80mm 1.25” Zoom Spotting Scopes with Dual Focus FMC BAK4, Spotting Scope for Birders Birding Wildlife Casual Astronomy Photography
Svbony SV406P ED Spotting Scopes, 20-60X80mm 1.25” Zoom Spotting Scopes with Dual Focus FMC BAK4, Spotting Scope for Birders Birding Wildlife Casual Astronomy Photography

Svbony

9.6

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6

Celestron 52306 Regal M2 22-67x100mm ED Angled Zoom Spotting Scope Telescope with Multi-Coated Optics, BaK-4 Prism Glass, Lightweight Magnesium Alloy Body and Padded Carry Case, Green
Celestron 52306 Regal M2 22-67x100mm ED Angled Zoom Spotting Scope Telescope with Multi-Coated Optics, BaK-4 Prism Glass, Lightweight Magnesium Alloy Body and Padded Carry Case, Green

Celestron

9.5

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7

Svbony SV410 ED Spotting Scope 9-27x56, Mini Hummingbird Scope Compact Portable, ED Glass FMC Lens Angled Telescope Monocular Stay-on Case for Bird Watching, Travel, Landscape, Hunting
Svbony SV410 ED Spotting Scope 9-27x56, Mini Hummingbird Scope Compact Portable, ED Glass FMC Lens Angled Telescope Monocular Stay-on Case for Bird Watching, Travel, Landscape, Hunting

Svbony

9.3

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8

Celestron 52305 Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope
Celestron 52305 Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope

Celestron

9.1

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18% off

9

Gosky ED Double Focus Spotting Scope with 20-60x 80mm with Smartphone Adapter, Spotting Scopes with Extra Low Dispersion, Perfect for Bird Watching, Target Shooting, Hunting, Wildlife Scenery
Gosky ED Double Focus Spotting Scope with 20-60x 80mm with Smartphone Adapter, Spotting Scopes with Extra Low Dispersion, Perfect for Bird Watching, Target Shooting, Hunting, Wildlife Scenery

Gosky

8.9

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10

Nikon Fieldscope ED50 Angled (Pearlescent Green)
Nikon Fieldscope ED50 Angled (Pearlescent Green)

Nikon

8.7

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A Guide to Selecting the Best Spotting Scopes

Kayla Carstens

Kayla Carstens

How to select a spotting scope

A spotting scope is a type of a telescope. Its shorter focal length makes it ideal for terrestrial observations, as well as stargazing. If you are an astronomer, a hobbyist, or a game hunter, you know its importance all too well. They come in varying optical and design standards. Therefore, it’s absolutely imperative to know about all the specifications, to know how to select the best spotting scope for your needs within your budget. Here is a thoroughly-researched buying guide after going through thousands of spotting scope reviews on the Internet.

Important Features

What should you consider when selecting a spotting scope?

Before wading through the market for purchasing a spotting scope, consider the factors listed below:

  • Go for higher magnification: Look for one with a higher magnification power. Spotting scopes are used in applications where larger magnifications are required. The objective lens diameter is also vital. A larger objective lens diameter allows more light into the scope, thereby resulting in a brighter image.

  • Decide between straight and angled scopes: Choose a straight scope if your object doesn’t require you to adjust the height of the scope a lot. These have parallel eyepieces and are more suitable for applications where your eyes will stay level with your viewing object. On the other hand, if you need to look up and down frequently to view your object, then the angled one is best for you.

  • Opt for magnesium fluoride coating: Try to buy lenses with this coating, as it reduces the unwanted glare due to reflection. A scope with a magnesium fluoride coating on the surface of the lenses ensures greater prevention of loss of light.

  • Check for a folded light path: If you are looking for a compact spotting scope with a long focal length, this is ideal for you. This is a combination of mirrors and lenses. This setup ensures that the focal length of the scope is longer than the total scope length.

  • Check eye relief: Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the spotting scope's eyepiece. Check for the proper eye relief that suits you best, especially if you wear glasses.

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