Best Spotting Scope 2022 [Hunting & Target Shooting]

Written By Kim Goodwin

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Are you a bird watcher or a target shooter, or a hunter? For you, we’ve given the world’s best spotting scopes. These scopes offer many advantages to you. The spotting scope is one of the right investments for who want to watch birds or hunt.

If you in a hurry, you can start with the BARSKA Blackhawk Spotter. It got the #1 rank on our list.

Its multi-coated optics and shock sensing armor make this scope as good. It is one of the best spotting scopes which is available in under $100. It perfectly suits your budget. If you want to do target shooting, then this scope will give an accurate view to you. You never miss the target by using this scope.

It has 125x magnification and 24-foot field-of-view at a thousand yards. It is one of the largest spotting scopes when compared to the other models on our list. You cannot use this scope for hunting in low light conditions.

The one issue we’ve found in this BARSKA Blackhawk Spotter is it made of the plastic which is a bit cheap. Most of the cheap rated spotting scopes made with the plastic. This plastic piece is having a lot of chances to break or crack easily.  It depended on your handling.

10 Best Spotting Scopes of 2022

PRODUCTPRODUCT NAMEMAGNIFICATIONOBJECTIVE LENSBODYEYE RELIEF
Vortex Optics20 – 6080mmAngled16.5mm
Vanguard Endeavor15 – 4565mmAngled19mm
Bushnell Trophy20 – 6065mmStaright18.3mm
Leica APO-Televid25 – 5082mmAngled30mm
Celestron Ultima18 – 5565mmStaright18mm
Meopta MeoPro20 – 6080mmAngled18.5mm
Leupold GR20 – 6080mmStaright18.3mm
Swarovski 8020 – 6080mmStaright17mm
BARSKA Spotter18 – 3660mmAngled21mm
Redfield Rampage20 – 6080mmAngled16.6mm

Best Spotting Scope 2022- 10 Spotting Scopes Reviewed

1.Top Pick- Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Sc 4

Why We Recommend It

If you would like to buy a spotting scope under $ 500, then you can choose this Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Sc 4. The magnification range is 20-60 x. The even dielectric prism coating of this scope offers an excellent visual power to you.

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Remarkable Features

• 80 mm large objective lens for clarity views
• Dielectric prism coating gives perfect light transmission
• Constructed with a sunshade which helps to reduce the direct sun reflection
• Rubber twist-up eyecups are durable and last for a long period
• Nitrogen gases offer a weatherproof and fog-proof performance

Pros

  • Rotatable tripod
  • Even dielectric coating
  • Offers excellent vision power

Cons

  • No major cons

Vortex built with the sunshade, which helps to reduce the glare of direct sunlight and shields the lens from raindrops and snow. Then its armor tek is ultra-hard and scratch resistant that helps to prevent the exterior lens from all scratches, and any dirt.

It is also weatherproof scope, so vortex is ideal for use in any weather condition. And also it attached with the rotatable tripod ring. This tripod used to hold the spotting scope.

This vortex scope comes with twist-up eyecups which are highly adjustable. So you can adjust it as per your convenience. You can get a clear view of an object even if you wear eyeglasses.

If you want to view the object with the eyeglass, then you turn the eyecups on the downside. As well as if you would like to see without eyeglass, then you twist the eyecup on up.

You can easily turn this vortex spotting scope body as per your visibility. Just loosen the mounting collar then turn into clockwise. After that, rotate the vortex spotting scope body as per your preferable angles.

You can also adjust the magnification by turning the ring. If you want to increase the magnification, then you turn the adjustment ring clockwise. Whereas if you want to decrease the magnification, then you just turn the adjustment rings in a counterclockwise.

Generally, refocusing needed after modifying the magnification. Just twist the focus dial; you can get the fine focus. You can see the subtle details of the object by using this fine focus.

2. Best for Long Range- Vanguard Endeavor HD 65A Spotting Scope

Why We Recommend It

Are you searching for the advanced spotting scope? Then I’m sure you must like this Vanguard Endeavor HD spotting scope. It is one of the best all-round spotting scopes, which is available in today’s market. The weight is around 3.4 pounds. It is one of the best multi-use scopes for under $ 300.

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Remarkable Features

  • It is a 15-45 x 65 magnification scope which has a rubber-armored magnesium body.
  • The premium ED glass ensures vivid colors and sharp detail
  • Dual focus control used for fine-tuning adjustments Its sunshield rejects the direct sunlight

Pros

  • Multi purpose scope
  • Field worth spotter
  • Multi coated lens

Cons

  • Quite heavy

It is a mid-size scope that provides a mid-level performance at an affordable price. It’s metal body construction is very durable, and the metallic finishing creates an elegant look.

Its rubber armoring body construction helps to prevent the scope from the damage. The package includes scope cover, lens cloth, lens, and eyepiece cap.

The important highlight of this spotting scope is it comes with weather guard feature. So you don’t have to worry about the weather condition. You can also use it for a rainy day or a wet situation. It is also fog proof. So it is ideal for a smoky or foggy situation.

One of the notable features of this scope is its extended eye relief. It will give an extra convenient view for you. The multi-coated lens produces vivid colors and clear details.

If you are a bird watcher or a nature lover, then this Vanguard Endeavor HD spotting scope is one of the best choices for you. You can see the long-range clearly by using this spotting scope.

It constructed with the sun shield that helps to reduce the glare in direct sunlight. And it also attached to the raincoat with a sling that protects the scope from breakage and helps to carry out easily.

3. Best for Target Shooting- Bushnell Trophy XLT 20-60x 65mm Spotting Scope

Why We Recommend It

Are you searching for the quality spotting scope? Then I am sure you must like this Bushnell Trophy XLT 20-60x 65mm spotting scope. It will give the perfect view of your target object. This scope made of 100 percent quality material, which is very durable and lasts for a long period. It is the best spotting scope for ocean viewing. 

For: Hunting, Long-distance View, Wildlife, Gun Shooting, Eyeglass Wearers,
Bird Watching, Moon-Viewing, Astronomy

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Features

  • Porro prism function
  • Multi-coated optics offers clarity clear pictures
  • Attached with hard and soft case
  • Durable rubber armor framework
  • The magnification range is 20 to 60 X
  • Rubber armor housing assures the quality of the scope
  • 65 mm large objective lens

Pros

  • Perfect eye relief
  • HD image clarity
  • 100 percent supreme quality material

Cons

  • Doesn’t integrated with sunshade

It has a 65 mm objective lens which is fully multi-coated, and straight eyepiece that offers high-quality HD clear pictures.

The package includes lens caps, cleaning cloth, hard and soft case, and the user manual. It is one of the best portable spotting scopes which are available in today’s market. And also it attached with the small tripod.

Its hard and soft carrying case made of the high-quality fabric which helps to give more protection for your spotting scope. It prevents the scope from all damages.

You can also adjust the magnification range according to your preference. It is an ideal choice for wildlife, gun shooting, and hunting. It’s 18.3 mm eye relief provides a clear view even if you wear eyeglasses.

It will perfect grip even if you wear gloves in your hand. You can also use this spotting scope for bird watching and backyard astronomy. It comes with 6.6 pounds amount of weight which is lightweight and compact to carry anywhere.

It doesn’t integrate with the sunshade. You can also use this spotting scope in poor light condition and also night.

Its prism glass offers an extraordinary reflection. This scope made of rugged rubber-armored housing that ensures durability. And also it is a water and fog proof scope.

The great advantage of this spotting is its clear view. You can get the perfect view of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons by using this scope. It is a unique point when compared to the other models that we’ve found.

4. Leica APO-Televid 82 82mm Spotting Scope

Why We Recommend It

Are you looking for the best glass engineering spotting scope? Then you must like this Leica APO-Televid 82 82mm Spotting Scope. It comes with a straight eyepiece, which is interchangeable. It is the best spotting scope for birding. If you are interested to see nature’s beauty, then you pick this scope.

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Features
  • Includes eyepiece technology
  • AquaDura lens coating
  • Dual focus control used to focus the object clearly
  • Interlock secure connection

Pros

  • Ideal for bird watching
  • Vivid and vibrant color images
  • 100 percent pure fluoride glass

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with the case

It comes with multi-coated optics dual focus control and aquadura coatings. And also has the waterproof bayonet eyepiece catch system so you can use this scope in any weather conditions. It includes an 82 mm objective lens, which offers a clear picture to you.

The unique point of this spotting scope is it has a six percent light yield which offers clear picture quality, even if you’re on poor light condition.

It is a great feature when compared to the other models on our list. Its fluoride glass delivers vivid and vibrant colors and a clear detailed view of the object without losing any scope of view.

It is fog and proof scope which is ideal for any weather condition. These fog and waterproof layers protect the scope from the moisture and, it ensures high-quality images.

The next notable feature of this scope is its 12 feet focus which is specially designed for bird watching. Are you a bird watcher? Then I’m sure you could like this scope.

The unique feature of this spotting scope is it has a six percent light yield which offers clear picture quality even if you’re on poor light condition. It is a perfect choice for digital photographers because of its magnificent image quality.

5. Celestron Ultima 65 18 to 55×65 Spotting Scope

Why We Recommend It

It is the last scope on our list, which is also fully weatherproof and camera adaptable. It is one of the best high-performance spotting scopes on our list. It will give a clear view up to 1000 yards, which are very high range when compared to the other models.

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Features

  • 18 to 55 X eyepiece
  • Light rubber armoring framework
  • 17 percent more light and 8 percent high performance
  • Crown and flint glass optic lens ensure the clear view

Pros

  • Camera adaptable
  • Clear view in low light condition
  • Ideal choice for wild life observation

Cons

  • Some users said colors are blurred at long range

Are you looking for the best spotting scope at a reasonable price? Celestron Ultima 65 heavy-duty scope is an ideal choice for you. If you want to take wildlife pictures, then you can use this scope.

It comes with a fully multi-coated optic lens that offers high-quality images. It is a 65 mm straight scope which is very easy to use while you’re hunting.

The long focusing knob is used to focus the object that is located on the top of the prism housing. This prism housing made of light rubber armor that ensures durability and reliability.

And the waterproof feature helps to use in all weather conditions. This portable and durable refractor design spotting scope comes with the 2.31-pound amount of weight, which helps to easy carrying. There is no other spotting scope available to beat this scopes size range, performance, for its price.

It can able to give 17 percent more light and 8 percent higher resolution when compared to the conventional 60 mm spotting scope. This light holds and increases your normal observing time even the low light condition such, as the early morning or, late evening. So you can easily identify all the species in every light situation.

6.Meopta MeoPro HD80

Why We Recommend It

The second excellent scope on our list is Meopta MeoPro HD80 20-60×80 Spotting Scope. The great feature of this scope comes with Meobright, Meoshield, and the ED class technology, which creates perfect optical energy.

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Features

  • 80 mm large HD lens for a clear view
  • Attached with the sharpness 20x-60x eyepiece
  • Meobright and Meoshield both work well and provides clear image quality
  • HD glass eliminate color fringing
  • 99.7 percent light transmission

Pros

  • Perfect for all weather condition
  • Made of high quality material
  • Attached with the tripod

Cons

  • A bit heavy

This scope is fully weatherproof, so you don’t have to worry about the climate changing problems. It made of excellent quality material that ensures the durability of the scope.

So you can use it for a long time based on your proper care and handling. It comes with a four-pound amount of weight, which is quiet when compared to the other competitor in our list.

Its compact angle, rubber-armored framework, waterproof, and fog proof and durable material all are making this scope better. Its multi-coating lens gives a 99.7% light transmission per lens surface.

The package comes with a tripod which ensures grip and gives a comfortable zone to hunt. You can get a clear view up to the 600 to 1000 yards distance because of its higher magnification.

If you want to see nature at long ranges, then this Meopta MeoPro HD80 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is the perfect choice for you. It provides high definition performance.

If you are looking for the best spotting scope for hunting, then it is the ideal choice for you. The great feature of this spotting scope is its objective lens.

This scope comes with an 80 mm HD fluoride element that helps to provide unbelievable resolution, illumination, and clear color while reducing chromatic aberrations (CA).

The notable feature of this Meopta MeoPro HD80 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is its centric drive mid-body focus control which is very simple to handle, even if you wear the gloves in hand.

7. Leupold GR 20-60x80mm Gold Ring Spotting Scope

Why We Recommend It

If you are willing to spend more money for a spotting scope, then you can buy this Leupold GR 20-60x80mm Gold Ring Spotting Scope. It comes with Xtended Twilight Lens System and DiamondCoat 2 in a magnesium chassis. Are you searching for the best spotting scope for digiscoping? Then I am sure you like this scope.

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Features

  • 30 mm long eye relief
  • 1/4-20 tripod adapter port
  • Perfect for any weather conditions
  • Magnification range is 20x- 60x
  • A folded light path system
  • 80 mm diameter lens gives an accurate view
  • Index matched lens system to gives an extraordinary light management

Pros

  • Digiscope compatible
  • Diamond coating lens
  • Used for photography

Cons

  • The price of this scope is a bit high

This spotting scope is 100 percent fog-proof, weatherproof, and shockproof.  So it ideally suits for all weather conditions. Its multi-coated lens can give an accurate view of the objects.

The major advantage of this spotting scope is it is digiscoping adaptable. You can attach your mobile phone into the scope, and you can get wonderful photography.

The lens of the spotting scope is diamond-coated, which gives higher light transmission. And the ET system provides extra 10 minutes of glassing light.

The notable feature of the scope is folded light path technology. It gives a great magnification ranges to you. It provides an excellent resolution, intensity, and color fidelity with unbelievable accuracy at all magnification levels. The weight is around 5 pounds.

The package includes the very adjustable tripod which allows you to adjust as per your convenience. It has a prismless folded light path system that is very compact, and the size of this system is very small when compared to the other competitor.

A spotting scope is one of the essential tools in bow hunting and archery world. If you want the best spotting scope for elk hunting, then you can use this Leupold GR 20-60x80mm Gold Ring Spotting Scope. Its optional reticle gives an exact view of the object. This feature is very useful for long-range hunters.

8. Swarovski Spotting Scope HD-STS 80

Why We Recommend It

It is one of the best quality spotting scopes, which is constructed by the world-class engineering technology to make accuracy. If the price is not a concern for you, then you can buy this spotting scope.

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Features

  • The multi-coated lens gives sharp clarity images
  • Straight angled framing
  • 4.3 pounds amount of weight
  • Nonstick swaroclean coating helps to improve the life of the lens
  • An ideal choice for digital photographers

Pros

  • High density glass
  • Clear and vivid color images
  • Perfect for all low light condition

Cons

  • A bit pricey

This straight viewing design attached with a fluoride magnified lens. This objective lens made of HD apochromatic glass, which provides vivid colors, and contrast.

The important highlight of this scope is its lens. It’s 80 mm large objective lens assures the highest light transmission. And also it provides higher magnification even if you are using in low light condition.

Its long-distance focusing, high magnification, unique ergonomic design, great light transmission all are making this scope as the best.

The great thing about this spotting scope is it constructed by the supreme quality material. And it helps to prevent the spotting scope from all scratches or cuts.

Now, we are going to talk about the scope lens. This scope has an HD fluoride lens that helps to reduce the color fringing. It produces high-quality images with accurate figures.

This HD lens is very helpful for digital photographers. If you want to take the picture via spotting scope, then you can use this Swarovski Spotting Scope HD-STS 80. It will give clear pictures to you.

The outer surface of the lens of this scope is coated with nonstick swaroclean which helps improve the life of your lens. So it will last for a long period.

You don’t have to buy a new lens instantly. It comes with a 4.3-pound amount of weight. Finally, its straight angle covering is very simple to install. The one issue of this scope is its price.

It is expensive for some people but it will give a lot of benefits for its price. It is a worth able scope for your money.

The body of the Swarovski Spotting Scope HD-STS 80 has a rubber armor that helps to prevent the scope from shock and noise. It also provides a strong grip for you. So you don’t have to worry if your hands are wet.

9. Barska Blackhawk Spotter

Why We Recommended It

One of the best spotting scope in our list is the BARSKA Blackhawk Spotter. It gives a lot of good features for you. It comes with hard case and soft case in it. This scope is 100 percent fog proof and weatherproof. So you can use this scope in any weather conditions. 

For: Long-range, target shooting, bird watching

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Features

  • This 18-36X spotting scope is an ideal choice for 400-500 yard distance and 200-yard target shooting
  • Able to use any weather
  • Includes soft and hard case, tripod and lens cloth
  • Shock-absorbent armor body
  • Budget-friendly and its compact size ensures the portability
  • 60 mm optical lens delivers an exact view of the target

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Weather and fog proof
  • Comes with soft and hard case

Cons

  • Doesn’t suits for the low light

ts multi-coated optics and shock sensing armor make this scope as good. It is one of the quality spotting scopes which is available in under $100. It perfectly suits your budget.

If you want to do target shooting, then this scope will give an accurate view to you. You never miss the target by using this scope.

It has 125x magnification and 24-foot field-of-view at a thousand yards. It is one of the largest spotting scopes when compared to the other models on our list. You cannot use this scope for hunting in low light conditions. It is the best spotting scope for 200 yards.

The one issue we’ve found in this BARSKA Blackhawk Spotter is it made of the plastic which is a bit cheap.

Most of the cheap rated spotting scopes made with the plastic. This plastic piece is having a lot of chances to break or crack easily.  It depended on your handling.

Its multi-coated optics and the lens provide you a crystal clear view of your target. You can also adjust the magnification for the extra accurate look. Then its rubber armor of the scope works as a protective safeguard.

10. Redfield Rampage 20-60x 80 mm Angled Spotting Scopes

Why We Recommend It

The Redfield Rampage 20-60×80 Angled Spotting Scope is one of the best versatile scopes which are available in today’s market. It attached with a compact tripod. It provides enough support to hold the scope. And also has a soft and hard carrying case that helps to prevent the scope from all scratches and damages.

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Features

  • Magnification range starts from 20 x to 60 x
  • Multi-coated optics lens offers perfect light transmission
  • Lens uses BAK4 prism glass
  • The eye relief ranges from 19 mm to 17 mm
  • Bulletproof glasses

Pros

  • Perfect image quality
  • Knurled focus knob
  • Provides strong grip

Cons

  • Doesn’t have fine focus control

It comes with a multi-coated objective lens that gives perfect light transmission and clear images. The 80 mm lens’s magnification range is started from 20 x to 60 x.

It offers excellent quality images when compared to the other scopes on our list. It is an ideal choice for intermediate long-range views.

Its nitrogen-filled polycarbonate framework is lightweight and able to hold the elements. And the rubber armoring ensures durability. So it will last for a long time. If you are wearing winter gloves while mounting, the slip-resistant ridges are very helpful to you.

One of the great advantages of this spotting scope is very easy to use. You can easily handle the scope’s controls. Its focus knob is much knurled that allows you to make a strong grip even if you are in gloves handed.

If you have a sweating issue, you don’t have to worry about that. It will give the perfect grip while you’re in shooting or hunting.

It also attached with a tripod adapter which helps to mount the scope into the adapter. It can able to turn up to 45-degree angle so you can change the angle as per your target preference.

The notable feature of this Redfield Rampage spotting scope is its clarity. It will give a clear and bright picture, even in low light condition. It is perfect for photography.

Things to Consider Before You Purchase a Spotting Scope

Choosing the best spotting scope is the toughest task. So we’ve given some tips for your purchase. There are many factors to consider before you go to buy a spotting scope.

Magnification

Magnification is one of the important features of the spotting scope when compared to the other features. Most of the magnification range starts from 15 X to 60 X. The single zoom eyepiece required to change the power of the magnification.

If you are doing target shooting or hunting, then you can choose 60 X magnification. Magnification can play a big role in your hunting when if you are a big game hunter.

No matter how steady you are, the images will shake sometimes. For this problem, we’ve provided one solution. That is use bipod for your rifle. Check out our blog about the best rifle bipod to keep steady images.

Objective Lens

There are three types of coating on the spotting scope. That is fully-coated, multi-coated, and fully multi-coated. These coatings help you give the clearest images at high magnification. Every type of coating plays a big role in transmitting light into the lens.

Most of the premium spotting scopes are fully multi-coated, and first-rate scopes are multi-coated.

Before you buy a scope, check whether the scope is coated or not. This coated lens will absorb light. It also helps to prevent glare while you are in direct sunlight shooting.

A zoom lens can able to change the magnification range from 20 X to 60 X. It is the perfect choice for bird watching. You can easily change the magnification from low to high by using the zoom lens.

Filed of View

The field of view is an essential thing which is based on your activity.

If you are watching the bird, then you need a large range of field of view.

If you are doing target shooting, then you can adjust the field of view as per your preference.

Body Type

There are two types of body style on a spotting scope. That is angled and straight body. Both are works well based on your needs.

Straight body spotting scopes are designed to find the target quickly. It is very easy to use and adjust.

Even you can easily handle this scope while you’re moving on the vehicle. This straight body scope is a portable one and easy to carry.

Angled body spotting scopes are doesn’t have the height adjustment problems. But these scopes are slightly difficult to handle by beginners.

Weatherproof

Most of the premium and first-rated spotting scopes can able to perform at any climate. If your scope is weatherproof, then you can use at any bad weather conditions even fog, dust situations.

Before your purchasing, you have to make sure the scope is weatherproof or not.

Quality

Quality of scope is one of the important factors. Most of the entry-level spotting scopes are made of plastic or polymer material. Don’t buy these types of material scopes because it can break easily.

The durable material for a spotting scope is magnesium alloy. This magnesium is mixed up with other materials such as aluminum, manganese, zinc, copper, or alloy. It makes the scope as lightweight and durable.

Digiscope Compatibility

If you have a DSLR camera, then you can buy the digiscope compatible spotting scope.

You also require adaptors to connect both devices. Make sure, if you want to capture an image while you are going hunting, then you can pick this type of scope.

Eye Relief and Eyepieces

Distance between the user’s eye and eyepiece of the scope is called eye relief. If you are a glass wearer, then you should consider the eye relief. 14 mm eye relief is an ideal choice for eyeglass wearers.

Most of the spotting scopes built with eyepieces. This eyepiece is removable, and it offers zooming power as per the user preference.

There are two types of the eyepiece on the spotting scope that is single powered eyepiece and zoom eyepiece. You can easily use the single powered eyepiece, and the zoom eyepiece provides higher magnification. It also gives better eye relief.

Keep these things in your mind while you make a purchase.

Final Verdict

Buying the best spotting scope is not a tough task. Here we’ve given the right information about the products and the right review from the customers. So you can easily find out the perfect one.

After spending 37 hours, we’ve made this list of the top spotting scope. As per the design, quality, feature, price and the customer’s ratings we’ve given this list. These are the best value for your money.

All the products on our list are tested and proven, so you don’t have to worry. It is more powerful when compared to the binoculars, which are perfectly suits for the target shooting, bird watchers, and nature photographers.

Hope so, our article about the best spotting scope is helpful to choose the right one.

About Kim Goodwin

Kim Goodwin holds a Master's in thermal engineering from the University of Rhode Island. At Thermo Gears, she reviews most equipment that uses thermal imaging technologies.

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