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10 bestSpotting Scopesof November 2024

112M consumers helped this year.

1

Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes (20-60x85 - Angled), Black
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes (20-60x85 - Angled), Black

Vortex

9.9

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2

Vortex Optics Viper HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope -V502
Vortex Optics Viper HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope -V502

Vortex

9.8

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3

Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Spotting Scopes (12-36x50 Straight)
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Spotting Scopes (12-36x50 Straight)

Vortex

9.7

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10% off

4

SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scopes with Tripod,Hunting,25-75x70,Angled,Waterproof,Range Shooting Scope,with Phone Adapter,Compact, High Power,for Target Shooting,Bird Watching Wildlife Viewing
SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scopes with Tripod,Hunting,25-75x70,Angled,Waterproof,Range Shooting Scope,with Phone Adapter,Compact, High Power,for Target Shooting,Bird Watching Wildlife Viewing

SVBONY

9.5

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5

Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope – Fully Multi-Coated Optics – Hunting Gear – ED Objective Lens for Bird Watching, Hunting and Digiscoping – Dual Focus – 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece
Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope – Fully Multi-Coated Optics – Hunting Gear – ED Objective Lens for Bird Watching, Hunting and Digiscoping – Dual Focus – 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece

Celestron

9.4

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6

Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope 27-60x85 Angled
Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope 27-60x85 Angled

Vortex

9.2

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7

SWAROVSKI ATS 80 HD W/ 20-60X (86614)
SWAROVSKI ATS 80 HD W/ 20-60X (86614)

SWAROVSKI

9.0

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8

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope, Green, 20-60 x 65mm - 886520
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope, Green, 20-60 x 65mm - 886520

Bushnell

8.7

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9

SWAROVSKI ATS 65 HD W/ 20-60X (86314)
SWAROVSKI ATS 65 HD W/ 20-60X (86314)

SWAROVSKI

8.5

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10

Maven CS.1 15-45X65 Spotting Scope Gray/Orange (Angled)
Maven CS.1 15-45X65 Spotting Scope Gray/Orange (Angled)

Maven

8.3

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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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