Published Dec. 13, 2021
We’ve probably all been guilty of subscribing to the Super Troopers school of shot placement from time to time, but it’s best not to admit that. Whether you’re dialing your hunting rifle before opening day or scanning the horizon for trophy bucks, it’s important to know what you’re shooting at and exactly where your shot will land. That’s where a spotting scope can help.
Spotting scopes offer far more magnification than binoculars or a rifle scope. They’re mounted on tripods so you can get a clear view at tremendous distances. This isn’t just helpful for long-range precision shooters, but it’s also useful for anyone who wants to check their target at the local range without waiting to leave the bench during the next cease-fire.
We rounded up some of the best spotting scopes out there, spanning brands, features, and prices. We also broke down the basics of choosing a spotting scope, so you can put your money to work with something that meets your needs.
Best Overall
Our pick for best overall had to go to a spotting scope that checks all the boxes for performance, features, build quality, and price. Vortex nailed all of those with the popular Razor HD.
Magnification ranges from 11- to 33-power. That’s not what we’d choose for dedicated long-range duty, but it’s perfect for checking targets out to a few hundred yards or spotting game at more manageable distances. The exterior lens is coated to cut down on reflection and resist scratching so you can see clearly without giving your position away. Rubber O-rings lock out water and prevent fogging.
The Vortex Razor HD is ideal for hunters who cover a lot of ground on foot or shooters trying to optimize space in a range bag. It’s not the most hardcore spotting scope out there, but it’s a solid contender for just about anyone.
Product Specs
- Magnification: 11-33 power
- Objective lens: 50 millimeters
- Minimum focus: 6.6 feet
- Length: 10.3 inches
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
PROS
All the magnification most shooters will ever need
Compact enough to stuff in a backpack
Anti-reflective lens coating is a big perk for hunters
Sealed construction resists water and fogging
CONS
Not powerful enough for serious long-range shooting
Hunting optic should be earth-toned, not light gray
Eyepiece is love-it-or-hate-it for many shooters
Best Value
You can shop spotting scopes with four-figure price tags all day long, but the Barska AD11430 is proof that you can get the job done for a fraction of the money.
Aside from the price, this spotting scope’s most compelling feature is its mil-cross reticle. The markings, which are one mil apart at 33-power magnification, allow for quicker shot adjustments. This takes some practice but can be a big time-saver, especially when talking another shooter onto a target.
This spotting scope is definitely built to a price point, but it still features a rubberized exterior that protects against water and fog. It’s also on the smaller side, which is nice when space in your pack takes priority over outright magnification. There’s a significant dropoff in quality from mid-level and premium scopes, but this will get you the basics.
Product Specs
- Magnification: 11-33 power
- Objective lens: 50 millimeters
- Minimum focus: 16.4 feet
- Length: 11 inches
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
PROS
Mil-cross reticle aids in follow-up shots
Smaller and lighter than some binoculars
Waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant
Included tripod is good for shooting from a bench
CONS
Reticle is nice to have, but not super crisp
Build quality is noticeably inferior to more expensive spotting scopes
Requires careful eye positioning
Editor’s Choice
Bushnell makes all kinds of crowd-favorite optics, and the Trophy Xtreme gives shooters a solid platform for hunting and target practice in all kinds of inclement weather. It’s even available with two different objective lens sizes (50 and 65 millimeters) to match your budget.
Most spotting scopes in this price range top out around 33-power, but the 50-millimeter Trophy Xtreme reaches further with a maximum magnification of 48-power. Jump to the 65-millimeter objective lens for 60-power magnification. Clarity at the high end isn’t perfect in either case, but it’s usable if you need to save money for other gear.
If you treat your gear like we do, you’ll be pleased to know that the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme is waterproof, coated in rubber armor to absorb impacts, and tethered to its own lens cap. A soft case, hard case, and 12-inch tripod are included.
Product Specs
- Magnification: 16-48 power, 20-60 power
- Objective lens: 50 millimeters, 65 millimeters
- Minimum focus: 30 feet
- Length: 15 inches
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
PROS
Extremely tough and built for real-world use
Available in two sizes (and prices)
No-questions-asked warranty is reassuring
Lens cap is attached for your own good
CONS
Image quality falls off at greater distances
Quite a bit heavier than many comparable spotting scopes
Tripod is fine on a bench, substandard in the wild
Best Straight Spotting Scope
If you have refined taste and prefer the rapid target acquisition of a straight spotting scope, this Leupold is for you. The SX-5 Santiam is built on a legacy of performance and quality.
Leupold cut no corners when building the SX-5 Santiam, so you’ll get a spotting scope that can perform anytime, anywhere. The 80-millimeter objective lens, protective coating, and Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System create crystal-clear images from edge to edge in any weather.
As you’d expect, this straight spotting scope isn’t as compact as angled alternatives. The tradeoff is a slim profile that slides in and out of a pack much easier. Step up to this premium optic to see what the fuss is all about.
Product Specs
- Magnification: 55 power
- Objective lens: 80 millimeters
- Minimum focus: 11 feet
- Length: 15.8 inches
- Weight: 4.3 pounds
PROS
Legendary image quality and excellent low-light performance
Straight shape makes target acquisition fast and easy
Every component is built to a high standard
Functional in temperatures from -40 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit
CONS
Worth every penny, but those pennies add up quick
Extra length of straight spotting scopes isn’t for everyone
One heavy piece of glass
Best Angled Spotting Scope
Premium spotting scopes justify sky-high prices with incredible capabilities and build quality. The Swarovski Optik HD-ATS-80 is a perfect example of what you get when you pay top dollar.
The 80-millimeter objective lens allows a huge amount of light to reach your eye. High-quality glass throughout ensures that the image you receive is clear, undistorted, and as lifelike as possible. That’s nice on the range and a huge asset when you’re glassing for game. The Optik HD-ATS-80 is particularly useful for anyone who plans on using their spotting scope for photography since the resulting images are crisp and rich enough to print.
Swarovski offers a nice selection of compatible tripods, covers, and adapters for phones and cameras. Build out your ideal setup with genuine Swarovski components.
Product Specs
- Magnification: 20-60 power
- Objective lens: 80 millimeters
- Minimum focus: 16.4 feet
- Length: 15.8 inches
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
PROS
Excellent image quality for viewing or photography
Multiple configurations, eyepieces, and objective lenses are available
Take advantage of compatible Swarovski accessories
Functional in temperatures from -13 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit
CONS
Cost is hard to justify for most shooters
Even with the angled eyepiece, this is a large spotting scope
Makes it painful to use anything else
Best Compact Spotting Scope
Whoever said that good things come in small packages must have been talking about this compact Leupold Gold Ring. Don’t let the size and affordable price fool you, this spotting scope is full of Leupold goodness.
This compact Gold Ring spotting scope is light enough to be used freehand but can still be mounted to a tripod. Its body is made from carbon fiber, resulting in incredible strength without added weight. High-quality glass and anti-fog treatment provide a clear picture when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
The relatively small 40-millimeter objective lens isn’t ideal in low-light conditions, so you’ll want to use this during the brighter hours of the day. Maximum magnification of 20-power is less than most spotting scopes, but it fills the gap left by riflescopes.
Product Specs
- Magnification: 10-20 power
- Objective lens: 40 millimeters
- Minimum focus: 5.5 feet
- Length: 7.5 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
PROS
Premium components in a portable package
Waterproof body is tough enough for hunting in bad weather
Fills the gap between rifle scopes and full-size spotting scopes
Image quality is fantastic
CONS
Costs more than some full-size spotting scopes
Good for scanning, but not long-distance work
Accessories like a tripod must be purchased separately
Best Weatherproof Spotting Scope
Hunting or shooting in lousy weather isn’t ideal, but it’s a hell of a lot better when you have gear that can handle it. Leupold’s SX-2 Alpine is built to take whatever nature can throw at it without missing a beat.
Waterproof spotting scopes aren’t uncommon, but the SX-2 Alpine takes durability a step further with features like a proprietary Guard-Ion objective lens that’s better equipped to survive exposure to water and debris. The magnesium body is rugged without weighing you down. Refined inner workings result in a smooth operation that lets you dial in perfect focus on the first try rather than chasing it.
The SX-2 Alpine is even more compelling when you consider the price. If you’re looking for a quality spotting scope that you won’t feel bad about dragging through the field, this could be it.
Product Specs
- Magnification: 20-60 power
- Objective lens: 60 millimeters
- Minimum focus: 60 feet
- Length: 14.3 inches
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
PROS
Top-notch weather and impact protection
Genuinely capable at long distances
Punches above its weight in terms of image quality
Integrated hood shields the lens from glare
CONS
A noticeable step down from more expensive Leupolds
Eyepiece interferes with some phones and cameras
Image quality starts to deteriorate at full magnification
Why you should trust us
Your Task & Purpose team is full of writers and gear testers who have made a living shooting for Uncle Sam and working with firearms in the private sector. Whether we’re checking our 100-yard groups or watching 5.56 arc like a rainbow from the 500-yard line, we know how useful a good spotting scope can be. We use all that collective experience to find the best gear possible to recommend to you. When it comes to spotting scopes, we know what it’s like to make do with budget-friendly glass and violate the laws of time and space with high-end optics. Nothing makes this list without earning our vote of confidence.
Types of spotting scopes
Spotting scopes can be categorized by their construction. The way they’re built determines which advantages and disadvantages you’ll be working with, so it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. None of the factors we break down are better or worse than one another, they’re just different. As you do your research, pay attention to whether a spotting scope is straight or angled. Most use unmarked glass, but some feature a reticle that can be used to gauge distances or make shot adjustments.
Straight spotting scopes
Straight spotting scopes look similar to a large rifle scope or a small telescope. Many hunters prefer them because their slim shape is easy to pack. This style also allows fast target acquisition because you can line them up before going to the glass. You can also keep a lower profile, which is good in hunting and tactical situations.
On the downside, they’re awkward to use on an incline (but more comfortable facing downhill). If you’re part of a group that will be sharing the optic, people of different heights will have a harder time getting to eye level with a straight spotting scope.
Angled spotting scopes
Angled spotting scopes are generally shorter end-to-end, but they take up more space than a straight scope. Many people find that bending over an angled eyepiece is easier than getting behind a straight one. A lot of guides attach cameras or digital displays to their spotting scopes, and this type of setup works much better with an angled eyepiece.
The tradeoff to being easier to use on an incline is that angled spotting scopes require serious neck contortions to use on a decline. They can also be cumbersome to use when mounted to a vehicle’s window. You’ll also have to be more mindful of snow and rain accumulating on the eyepiece.
Spotting scopes with a reticle
The vast majority of spotting scopes use an unmarked reticle. They provide an unobstructed view of the target. Some, on the other hand, include a reticle similar to what you’d see on a rifle scope. There are various styles, including MIL and MOA markings. A reticle can be used to estimate range and is especially useful when talking a shooter onto a target.
Having a reticle on your spotting scope seems like a significant advantage, but most people choose not to use one. Finding this kind of scope takes a little bit of digging, and using one effectively requires practice. We were able to track one down for this gear guide (and at a great price, we might add), but most spotting scopes use unmarked lenses to provide a clear view.
Key features of spotting scopes
Magnification
The whole point of using a spotting scope is to see further than you can with other optics. Even rifle scopes and high-powered binoculars can’t compete with a good spotting scope. At the range, rifle optics show you the target, whereas spotting scopes show you the actual hole left by the bullet. In the wild, they allow you to spot game at great distances so you can move in the right direction and know what to expect when you get there.
Some variable-power spotting scopes start as low as 10-power magnification. Most work is done in the 30- to 40-power range. It’s common to see spotting scopes go as high as 60-power magnification. That kind of capability is a game-changer in open landscapes where game animals could be a mile away when you first spot them. At that distance, they’re not even a spec with the naked eye.
Objective lens diameter
The objective lens is the one furthest from your eye on a spotting scope. In optic nomenclature, this is the last number you’ll see. A fixed power optic marked 30×80 will have 30-power magnification and an objective lens size of 80 millimeters in diameter.
Bigger objective lenses let in more light than smaller ones. This usually translates to a clearer picture and a wider field of view. Predictably, the downside to big glass is the space it takes up in your pack. You can also expect to pay more for a larger objective lens, but not always. The quality of glass also plays a factor.
Clarity
If you’re comparing two spotting scopes with similar features but drastically different prices, the cause probably lies in the glass itself. Making durable scope tubes is one thing, but creating material that magnifies images without adding color or distortion is quite difficult. As with diamonds and camera lenses, clarity is a major factor to consider.
Inexpensive spotting scopes can absolutely get the job done while saving you money. They’ll probably include some imperfections, may not provide color that appears true-to-life, and can include distortion (typically around the edge). High-end glass does away with all these distractions, but you’ll have to shell out the big bucks for it.
Benefits of spotting scopes
Target identification
Have you ever spotted a trophy buck for the record books, followed it all day, and then discovered that it’s an undersized adolescent? Or how about that banger of a string of fire that ended up covering the target like chickenpox? It would sure be nice to see what’s going on from the beginning. That’s where a spotting scope comes in handy.
Rifle optics and binoculars are fine for locating targets and game animals, but they don’t do a great job of conveying the finer details. If you think the view through a 10-power rifle scope is good, try a 60-power spotting scope for a change in perspective. Boosting your vision will allow you to more effectively engage all targets.
Shot adjustments
Whether you’re working as a team or on your own, seeing exactly where your shots land makes a huge difference. I’d much rather be told to hold two inches left than hear that I’m “like, a little bit to the right, probably.” The difference is in how much magnification you have at your disposal. In fact, if you set up correctly at a long enough range, you can even watch bullets fly toward the target.
This is helpful during long-distance precision shooting, but it’s just as useful when you’re sighting in a new optic. Rather than running back and forth to check your last group, you can check as you go and dial-up adjustments in no time.
Efficient use of time
Time is money, folks. You pay for range time with cash and you pay for hunting trips with PTO, so make your investment count. That means spending more of it taking care of business and less of it wandering around trying to get a better view of things.
At the range, spotting scopes cut down on downtime because you don’t need a cease-fire to check your shot placement. In the field, you can determine if that thing in the distance is the animal you’re after or a rock. If you have enough space, you can call in game animals and adjust your position as they approach from any direction.
Pricing considerations for spotting scopes
Budget
Entry-level spotting scopes can be had for less than $200. Most are from smaller manufacturers with less-established reputations, but there are a few options from the bigger brands.
These basic scopes are fine for range duty because most shooters don’t reach beyond about 200 yards. At that distance, these spotting scopes will give you a solid understanding of your shot placement without emptying your wallet.
As distances increase, cost-cutting measures start to become more apparent. These entry-level spotting scopes may not offer the level of magnification you need. You’ll probably notice slight color variation and distortion as a result of the inexpensive glass. There may even be small imperfections that clutter your view. These drawbacks might not bother you, in which case there’s no reason you can’t save a bundle.
Mid-range
Many spotting scopes cost somewhere between $200 and $500. At this level, you’ll find quality options from just about all the major manufacturers and get a versatile optic that can do what you need it to do.
By stepping up to this price range, you’ll get access to better materials in the lenses, tube, and eyecups. Straight and angled spotting scopes offer nice variety so you can find what works best for you. The same goes for tripods and window mounts. The image you see will be noticeably better than what you’d get from a budget spotting scope.
On the downside, there’s still a big difference between these everyday spotting scopes and their top-of-the-line alternatives. In some cases, you might not be able to justify the hefty jump in price, though. These tend to be great options for people who need their gear to perform but don’t baby it.
Premium
Premium spotting scopes cost well beyond $500. It’s not uncommon to see them going for $2,000, and we found a few that are pushing $4,000. That’s a massive increase over what most shooters pay, but the quality is undeniable.
The prices of these spotting scopes reflect the cost to build them. Not only do they use much higher-quality glass, but they’re also built with metal that is both light and strong. Image quality is excellent and natural in appearance.
Sadly, this level of build quality puts top-tier spotting scopes out of range for most people. In most cases, they’re also unnecessary. If you do a lot of long-range precision shooting or big hunting trips out west, though, we encourage you to consider stepping up to this kind of gear because the difference is undeniable.
How we chose our top picks
For this gear guide, we tried to account for the different things people need their spotting scopes to accomplish. Some shooters just need to check paper targets from 50- to 100-yards out. There’s no need for them to blow the budget when a basic spotting scope will do. Others need the very best for their backcountry hunting trips. We accounted for everyone with a variety of spotting scopes that––regardless of their price and features––we’d be comfortable using for the intended purpose.
FAQs on spotting scopes
You’ve got questions, Task & Purpose has answers.
Q. What is a spotting scope used for?
A: Spotting scopes are used to see accurately at great distances. Hunters and wildlife tour guides use them to observe and identify animals without disturbing them. At the range, spotting scopes allow shooters to evaluate their shot placement without leaving the bench.
Q. Can you use a telescope as a spotting scope?
A: It’s possible, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Telescopes tend to be much larger and more fragile than a spotting scope.
Q. Can I attach a camera to my spotting scope?
A: Yes, and that’s a great way to get the most out of it. Wildlife guides and hunters both use this technique to take pictures of the animals they see. You might be surprised by how well the pictures turn out.
Q. What makes a spotting scope good for hunting?
A: Spotting scopes allow hunters to see far beyond what’s possible with the naked eye, binoculars, or a rifle scope. They allow much better target identification and can scan distant terrain much more effectively than less-powerful optics.
Q. How should I carry my spotting scope?
A: Spotting scopes are built for hunters who will be carrying them across rugged terrain in all kinds of weather. That being said, they’re still precision optics and it’s a good idea to take care of them with a padded case when possible.
Q. What do the numbers on a spotting scope mean?
A: Numbers before the X indicate the fixed or telescopic range of magnification. The number after the X indicates the objective lens size in millimeters. A scope labeled 10-20×40 can zoom between 10- and 20-power magnification and has an objective lens that’s 40 millimeters in diameter.
Q. What magnifications are typical for spotting scopes?
A: Most spotting is probably done between 30- and 40-power magnification. Plenty of spotting scopes reach far beyond that, and there are times when that’s useful. People in wide-open landscapes with clear, calm air can certainly take advantage of more powerful optics.
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Scott Murdock is a Task & Purpose commerce writer and Marine Corps veteran. He’s selflessly committed himself to experiencing the best gear, gadgets, stories, and alcoholic beverages in the service of you, the reader.
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