10 bestSpotting Scopesof June 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Vortex Optics Viper HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope -V502
Vortex
9.9
2
Swarovski ATS 80 HD W/ 20-60X (86614)
Swarovski
9.8
3
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Spotting Scopes (16-48x65 Angled)
Vortex
9.6
4
Swarovski Optik ATS-65 HD Spotting Scope with 20x60 Eyepiece (Angled, 65mm)
Swarovski
9.5
5
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes (20-60x85 - Angled), Black
Vortex
9.3
Other
Swarovski Optik STS-65 HD Spotting Scope with 20x60 Eyepiece (Straight, 65mm)
SVBONY SV41 Pro Mak Spotting Scope, 28-84x80mm Compact Spotter Scope with Tripod, Dual Focus Spotting Scope for Target Shooting, with 1.25-inch Eyepiece for Astrophotography
Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope 13-39x56 Angled
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope, Green, 20-60 x 65mm - 886520
6
Celestron Regal M2 100ED Spotting Scope – ED Glass for Hunting, Birding and Outdoor Actvities – Phase and Dielectric Coated BaK-4 Prism – Fully Multi-Coated Optics – Dual Focus – 22-67x Zoom Eyepiece
Celestron
9.2
8% off
7
Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scopes with Tripod, Carrying Bag and Quick Phone Holder - BAK4 High Definition Waterproof Spotter Scope for Bird Watching Wildlife Scenery1,Green
Gosky
9.0
8
Maven CS.1 15-45X65 Spotting Scope Gray/Orange (Angled)
Maven
8.8
14% off
9
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
8.6
10
SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scopes with Tripod, Angled 25-75x70mm Spotter Scope with Phone Adapter, Waterproof Fogproof Spotting Scope for Bird Watching, Target Shooting, Wildlife Viewing, Green
SVBONY
8.4
Related Reviews You Might Like
A Guide to Selecting the Best Spotting Scopes
Choosing a spotting scope can be a rewarding process if you know what to look for. Spotting scopes are used for activities like birdwatching, target shooting, nature observation, and even stargazing. The right scope for you depends on how and where you plan to use it. Understanding the key specifications will help you match a scope to your needs, ensuring you get clear, comfortable, and enjoyable views.
Magnification
Magnification tells you how much closer an object will appear compared to the naked eye. Spotting scopes usually offer a range, such as 15-45x or 20-60x. Lower magnification (15-30x) gives a wider field of view and is easier to use in shaky or windy conditions, making it great for general nature watching. Higher magnification (40-60x) brings distant details closer but can make the image shakier and dimmer, and is best for stationary use or when you need to see fine details, like at a shooting range. Choose a magnification range that matches your main activity: lower for scanning and wider views, higher for detail at long distances.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter, measured in millimeters, is the size of the front lens. A larger lens (like 80mm) gathers more light, giving you brighter and clearer images, especially in low light. Smaller lenses (50-60mm) make the scope lighter and more portable but may not perform as well at dawn, dusk, or in dense forests. If you plan to carry your scope long distances, a smaller lens is easier to manage. If you want the brightest, clearest image and don’t mind extra weight, go for a larger lens.
Field of View
Field of view is how wide an area you can see through the scope at a certain distance, usually measured in feet at 1,000 yards or meters at 1,000 meters. A wider field of view makes it easier to find and follow moving subjects, like birds in flight. Narrower fields of view are common at higher magnifications and are better for focusing on small, distant details. If you want to track moving wildlife, a wider field of view is helpful. For stationary targets or detail work, a narrower field is fine.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance you can hold your eye from the eyepiece and still see the full image. Longer eye relief (15mm or more) is important if you wear glasses, as it allows you to see comfortably without removing them. Shorter eye relief can make viewing uncomfortable, especially for extended periods. If you wear glasses or want a more relaxed viewing experience, look for longer eye relief.
Prism Type
Spotting scopes use prisms to correct the image orientation. The two main types are Porro and Roof prisms. Porro prisms usually offer better image quality and brightness for the price but result in a bulkier scope. Roof prisms make the scope more compact and streamlined but can be more expensive for the same image quality. If portability is key, consider a roof prism. If image quality is your top priority and size isn’t an issue, a Porro prism may be better.
Waterproofing and Fogproofing
Waterproof and fogproof scopes are sealed and often filled with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent internal fogging. This is important if you plan to use your scope outdoors in varying weather conditions. If you’ll be in damp, rainy, or cold environments, make sure your scope is both waterproof and fogproof to protect your investment and ensure clear views.
Straight vs. Angled Eyepiece
Spotting scopes come with either straight or angled eyepieces. Straight eyepieces are easier to use for quickly spotting and tracking objects, especially from a standing position or when sharing the scope with others of different heights. Angled eyepieces are more comfortable for extended viewing, especially when looking up at birds or using the scope from a lower position, like sitting or lying down. Choose the style that matches how you plan to use the scope most often.
Best Reviews Guide Newsletter
Get exclusive articles, recommendations, shopping tips, and sales alerts
Sign up for our newsletter to receive weekly recommendations about seasonal and trendy products
Thank you for subscribing!
By submitting your email address you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy