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10 bestSpotting Scopesof April 2025

112M consumers helped this year.

5% off

1

Gosky 20-60x80 Spotting Scope with Tripod, Carrying Bag, and Smartphone Adapter - BAK4 HD Angled Spotter Scope - Waterproof Scope for Target Shooting Hunting Bird Watching Wildlife Scenery
Gosky 20-60x80 Spotting Scope with Tripod, Carrying Bag, and Smartphone Adapter - BAK4 HD Angled Spotter Scope - Waterproof Scope for Target Shooting Hunting Bird Watching Wildlife Scenery

Gosky

9.8

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2

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

ZEISS

9.6

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5% off

3

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

Celestron

9.4

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4

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

Hawke

9.2

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10% off

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

9.0

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6

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

Celestron

8.7

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7

Celestron 52304 Regal M2 65ED Spotting Scope, Green
Celestron 52304 Regal M2 65ED Spotting Scope, Green

Celestron

8.5

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15% off

8

Svbony SV28 Spotting Scope with Tripod Phone Adapter 25-75X70, HD Zoom BAK4 Prism FMC Optics Lens Angled Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting, Bird Watching, Wildlife
Svbony SV28 Spotting Scope with Tripod Phone Adapter 25-75X70, HD Zoom BAK4 Prism FMC Optics Lens Angled Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting, Bird Watching, Wildlife

Svbony

Editor’s Choice

8.2

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9

Svbony SV401 20-60x80mm HD Spotting Scope, with Dual Tripod and Carry Bag, High Power Scope with FMC Optics Lens, IPX6 Waterproof Fogproof Angled Spotter Scope for Target Shooting Archery Birdwatching
Svbony SV401 20-60x80mm HD Spotting Scope, with Dual Tripod and Carry Bag, High Power Scope with FMC Optics Lens, IPX6 Waterproof Fogproof Angled Spotter Scope for Target Shooting Archery Birdwatching

Svbony

8.0

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10

Svbony SA412 Spotting Scopes 20-60x80mm, HD FMC Range Spotter Scope with 1.25” Eyepiece, with SV146 Adjustable Desktop Tripod Phone Adapter Wireless Controller,for Target Shooting Hunting
Svbony SA412 Spotting Scopes 20-60x80mm, HD FMC Range Spotter Scope with 1.25” Eyepiece, with SV146 Adjustable Desktop Tripod Phone Adapter Wireless Controller,for Target Shooting Hunting

Svbony

7.7

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A Guide to Selecting the Best Spotting Scopes

Choosing the right spotting scope can greatly enhance your outdoor experiences, whether you're birdwatching, hunting, or simply enjoying nature. Spotting scopes are designed to provide high magnification and clear images of distant objects. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a spotting scope.

Magnification

Magnification refers to how much larger an object appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because higher magnification allows you to see more detail. Spotting scopes typically offer magnification ranges from 15x to 60x. Lower magnifications (15x-30x) are easier to use and provide a wider field of view, making them ideal for scanning large areas. Higher magnifications (30x-60x) are better for detailed observations but can be harder to stabilize and may require a tripod. Choose a magnification range based on your primary use; for example, birdwatchers might prefer lower magnifications for easier tracking, while hunters might opt for higher magnifications for spotting game at long distances.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the spotting scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because a larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in brighter and clearer images, especially in low-light conditions. Common sizes range from 50mm to 100mm. Smaller lenses (50mm-60mm) are more compact and lightweight, making them easier to carry, but they may not perform as well in dim light. Larger lenses (80mm-100mm) provide better image quality and brightness but are bulkier and heavier. Consider where and when you'll be using the scope; if you need portability, go for a smaller lens, but if image quality is your priority, a larger lens is better.

Field of View

Field of view (FOV) is the width of the area visible through the scope at a given distance, usually measured in feet at 1,000 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the landscape at once, which is useful for tracking moving objects or scanning large areas. Narrower FOVs provide more detail but limit the visible area. FOV is inversely related to magnification; higher magnifications result in narrower FOVs. If you need to observe fast-moving subjects or scan wide areas, choose a scope with a wider FOV. For detailed observations of stationary objects, a narrower FOV is sufficient.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance from the eyepiece to your eye where you can still see the full field of view. This is important for comfort, especially if you wear glasses. Longer eye relief (15mm or more) is more comfortable and allows you to see the entire image without straining your eyes. Shorter eye relief can make it difficult to use the scope for extended periods. If you wear glasses, look for scopes with at least 15mm of eye relief. For those without glasses, shorter eye relief may be acceptable, but longer eye relief is generally more comfortable for everyone.

Lens Coatings

Lens coatings are applied to the glass surfaces to reduce glare and improve light transmission, resulting in clearer and brighter images. There are different levels of coatings: coated (a single layer on at least one lens surface), fully coated (a single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces), multi-coated (multiple layers on at least one lens surface), and fully multi-coated (multiple layers on all air-to-glass surfaces). Fully multi-coated lenses provide the best image quality and brightness. If you need the best possible image clarity and brightness, opt for fully multi-coated lenses. For casual use, lower levels of coating may be sufficient.

Waterproof and Fogproof

Waterproof and fogproof features protect the scope from moisture and internal fogging, which can occur due to temperature changes. These features are important for outdoor use in various weather conditions. Waterproof scopes are sealed to prevent water from entering, while fogproof scopes are filled with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent internal fogging. If you plan to use your spotting scope in wet or humid environments, or if you expect to encounter significant temperature changes, look for models that are both waterproof and fogproof to ensure durability and clear viewing.

Body Design

Spotting scopes come in two main body designs: straight and angled. Straight scopes have the eyepiece in line with the objective lens, making them easier to use for viewing objects at or below eye level. Angled scopes have the eyepiece set at an angle (usually 45 degrees) to the body, which can be more comfortable for extended viewing sessions and for sharing the scope with others. Choose a straight scope if you plan to use it primarily for viewing objects at eye level or if you need to quickly acquire targets. An angled scope is better for prolonged use, especially if you need to look up or down frequently.

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