Spotting scopes are a necessary piece of equipment for a pro hunter.
Spotting scopes are able to increase the field of vision of the user substantially, which is very useful while hunting.
While searching for the right spotting scope for you, you should look for one that has a tripod for stability.
As well, at least 20x zoom is recommended to see all the possible game in the field. We put together a list of the best spotting scopes that will serve you well on the hunting trip.
In Hurry? Here Is Our Top Pick
Vortex Optics Razor HD
- HD premium high density extra-low dispersion glass lens elements are precision-crafted to exacting standards for true-to-life images of startling clarity, resolution and color accuracy
- Exterior lenses are protected by ArmorTek - an ultrahard, scratch-resistant compound that repels oil, dirt and the corrosive salts of fingerprints.
- Fully multi-coated with scratch-resistant XR coatings for extremely high resolution and optimal light transmission
- A die-cast magnesium alloy body with strategically-placed rubber armoring ensures ultimate strength, durability and lightweight performance
- 100% waterproof, fogproof (purged with argon gas), dustproof and shockproof construction
Why is it better?
- Kit includes eye cap, cover, and a case
- High density glass lens creates a clearer picture
- APO system designed for color clarity and sharpness
5 Best Spotting Scopes
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each spotting scope individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.
Vortex Optics Razor HD
- HD premium high density extra-low dispersion glass lens elements are precision-crafted to exacting standards for true-to-life images of startling clarity, resolution and color accuracy
- Exterior lenses are protected by ArmorTek - an ultrahard, scratch-resistant compound that repels oil, dirt and the corrosive salts of fingerprints.
- Fully multi-coated with scratch-resistant XR coatings for extremely high resolution and optimal light transmission
- A die-cast magnesium alloy body with strategically-placed rubber armoring ensures ultimate strength, durability and lightweight performance
- 100% waterproof, fogproof (purged with argon gas), dustproof and shockproof construction
Features
- Kit includes eye cap, cover, and a case
- High density glass lens creates a clearer picture
- APO system designed for color clarity and sharpness
Spotting scopes are a must-have item if you’re not using binoculars.
The last thing you want is prey getting away from you in the woods because they heard a twig snag under your feet, and you weren’t able to spot them to make a proper approach.
Animals have better hearing than you, so you need the visual advantage.
As one of the best optical devices I’ve ever used, Vortex gives you stunning resolution and a glorious picture, partially thanks to the enhanced APO system. That allows you to see clearer colors, sharper images, and more accurately see your prey through the lens.
In most cases, we see HD and know what it means. With optics like these, it stands for high density. That means that the lens is actually built with a higher density glass to filter out light properly, and enhance color.
Vortex doesn’t stop there though. They include a proprietary coating on their lens that gives an anti-reflective design, and delivers better light transmission overall. This is called XRPlus, and it’s probably their most-guarded secret that sets them apart from the rest.
Vortex Optics Diamondback
- The Diamondback 20-60x80 Angled Spotting Scope is a superb choice when you need a heavyweight performer in a light, compact package.
- XR fully multi-coated lenses combined with a retractable, built-in sunshade give the user excellent light transmission and a clear image.
- A twist-and-lock collar allows you to move the scope for various glassing positions. The adjustable eyecup twists up and down to maximize comfort during use.
- Other convenience features include the smooth, easy to use focus wheel and a powerful zoom eyepiece. Eye Relief: 20-16.5 mm
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Diamondback delivers waterproof and fogproof performance. Rubber armor enhances both durability and grip for the user.
Features
- Narrow size for easy portability
- Fully waterproof rubber construction for exterior components
- Includes case and tripod with purchase
Bushnell is basically a deity of tactical gear, as I’m sure you all know. Their best spotting scope comes with a seriously attractive price point while still offering everything that you need from a proper scope.
They include a tripod and a case with your purchase, as well as the lens cap that helps out with protecting those coated lenses from getting all scratched up. That lens is what helps give you up to 60x magnification, despite the compact size.
The prism is angled (visibly) from the back end of the scope to aid in keeping things ultralight and compact.
Bushnell put the pedal to the metal with this one, and honestly, they could be charging another 30% of the asking price. With a comfortable soft-side case, it’s arguably one of the most comfortable spotting scopes to hold in your hand.
Last but not leash, Bushnell gives it their lifetime warranty with absolutely no questions asked. They’re so confident (as they should be) that they’re making some of the highest quality, top caliber tactical gear, that they’re willing to put their money where the mouth is.
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme
- 1/4 inch -20 tripod mounting shoe/tabletop tripod with window mount
Features
- Impressive 60x magnification scope for long-distance viewing
- Multi-coated lens for crystal clear quality, anti-reflective properties, and better light transmission
- Cell phone adapter allows you to capture videos on your local storage
I don’t even know where to begin with this one. Landove’s spotting scope packs a serious punch with up to 60x magnification through a multi-coated lens. That lens coating is important, because it allows for better light transmission and sharper colors to come through.
With your purchase, you get a carrying case, but you also get a cell phone adapter that lets you plug in, and record video with your scope right to your local storage.
It would be nice to bring home some footage of your trip for others to see, especially if you spot a whopper of a buck or elk.
You get a tripod with your purchase as well: they’re basically setting you up with a full kit right from the start.
Utilize the digiscope adapter to align your scope to the right spot, and get back to aligning your shots properly. It’s not going to take the place of a laser rangefinder, but it’s pretty close.
Landove Prism
- FULLY MULTI-COATED GREEN LENS - High definition 80mm fully multi-coated green film objective lens with superior BAK4 prism which reduces stray light from entering the lens and allows light transmission and brightness for more clear and brighter viewing, gets crisp images.
- HIGH VARIABLE MAGNIFICATION - Magnification 20X-60X continuous variable zoom and dynamic lens focusing system make it easy to zoom in on target. Perfect for target shooting, archery, hunting, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, astronomical observation etc.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - High quality material brings you better experience. Special design: non-slip grip, shock-proof grip, nitrogen-filled waterproof, fog-proof, built-in retractable sunshade, eyepiece shield...Provide you with the best quality products.
- CATCH THE NATURE INTO YOUR SCREEN - Comes with a digiscoping cell phone adapter - which enables you to take videos and images in the distant world.The phone adaptor fits most of smart phones with or without cases on the market, which is quicker and easier installation and remove. It is not only suit for spotting scope, but also other optical instruments.
- ALL IN ONE - You will receive a black oxford carrying bag in a black box, which includes a LANDOVE 20-60X80mm BAK4 Waterproof Angled Prism Spotting Scope, a metal table tripod, a QUICK SET SMARTPHONE ADAPTER, a cleaning cloth, two lens covers and LIFETIME WARRANTY GUARANTEE, LIFETIME MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.
Features
- Impressive 60x magnification scope for long-distance viewing
- Cell phone adapter allows you to capture videos on your local storage
- Multi-coated lens for crystal clear quality, anti-reflective properties, and better light transmission
I don’t even know where to begin with this one. Landove’s spotting scope packs a serious punch with up to 60x magnification through a multi-coated lens.
That lens coating is important, because it allows for better light transmission and sharper colors to come through.
With your purchase, you get a carrying case, but you also get a cell phone adapter that lets you plug in, and record video with your scope right to your local storage.
It would be nice to bring home some footage of your trip for others to see, especially if you spot a whopper of a buck or elk.
You get a tripod with your purchase as well: they’re basically setting you up with a full kit right from the start.
Utilize the digiscope adapter to align your scope to the right spot, and get back to aligning your shots properly. It’s not going to take the place of a laser rangefinder, but it’s pretty close.
Emarth 20-60x60AE
- ✅【High Magnification】This spotting scope features a powerful zoom magnification range that adjustable 20x to 60x magnification,45 degree angled eyepiece ergonomic design allows more comfortable viewing. Field-of-view is 39-19m/1000m, brings nature closer to you than ever. Perfect for target shooting, hunting, bird watching wildlife, spotting moon, traveling, hiking, camping, archery, astronomy etc
- ✅【Fully Multi-coated Lens】The lens are all fully multi-coated and features BAK4 roof prism to increases light transmission and delivers bright, clear, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions. For long range viewing, a dual focus wheel system enables fast and fine-tuning focus adjustment,allows you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail clearly
- ✅【Durable Construction】High-quality rubber armor provides non-slip grip, shock-proof grip and durable external protection. Built-in retractable sunshade reduces glare, come with tripod allows rotation of the eyepiece to a sideways position, providing adjustable viewing angles
- ✅【Waterproof Fogproof 】The waterproof spotting scope provides exceptional performance in the most rugged conditions. the spotter scope optics are sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the spotting scope, fogproof barrel is filled with nitrogen gas to inhibit internal fogging, completely protection for all weather conditions
- ✅【Emarth VIP Customer Service】 - Emarth offers lifetime VIP customer service for our customers, you are welcome to contact us if any problem with our optics products, our special line service will work hard to put a smile back on your face
Features
- 20×60 magnification for long-range scanning
- Waterproof and fogproof design helps you against the elements, in any situation
- Lifetime warranty and lifetime money-back guarantee
We’ve got one more on the list, and like I always say, I enjoy putting something that’s super budget-friendly to balance it out.
Emarth actually exceeded my expectations with this model, and the consensus online points to the same conclusion: it’s the most bang for your buck that you’re going to find.
You get a 20×60 magnification rating that’s completely waterproof, and also fogproof.
Optics are easy to damage when moisture is involved, which is why Emarth made this as fortified as you can possibly get in this price range.
Built with what they call rubber armor, the outside is smooth to the touch (albeit it, a bit too smooth to get a good grip on), and the coated lens helps you get a crystal clear picture every single time.
I also have to mention that they offer a full lifetime warranty, but they also offer a lifetime money-back guarantee as well. If you end up choosing this one, I highly doubt you’ll want to return it at any point.
Between the comfortable eye piece and compact design, this might very well just be the last spotting scope you’ll ever need.
Spotting Scopes FAQ
WHAT IS A SPOTTING SCOPE USED FOR?
Spotting scopes can be used for bird watching or observing nature, but more commonly, they’re used for spotting prey during hunting.
That’s what I use them for. I have one for long-range, because I attach an ACOG scope for short to medium-range on my rifle. You get a bit of everything this way.
WHAT IS THE BEST MAGNIFICATION FOR A SPOTTING SCOPE?
Spot scopes need to be assigned to a function.
I’d say that if you were a bird water, you would need an entirely different scope than if you were a hunter, regardless of the fact that you’re tracking and viewing an animal either way.
Spotting scopes used for hunting should have around 4x for short-range, and 6-9x for medium to long-range.
Anything over this and you’re getting into military-grade gear, which you don’t really need for hunting.
One thing to remember is that the farther away you are from prey, the longer you have to walk to retrieve it. Find a balance between magnification and actually being closer to it.
WHAT IS BETTER: SPOTTING SCOPE OR BINOCULARS?
It depends on what you’re doing. Brush hunting for smaller animals, like pheasant and rabbit?
That’s what you need binoculars for. They’re better at shorter distances due to the variable zoom function. Best spotting scopes are designed for targets at a farther distance.
The longer away a target is, the larger a prism needs to be within a telescopic lens.
This is why binoculars are compact but often limited in range, and spotting scopes are longer/larger and can see farther away.
You have to contour the method of long-range spotting with what you’re doing.
For a test, try to track a short-range target with a spotting scope, then do the same with binoculars.
You’ll see what you feel more comfortable with.
If you have excellent eyesight and tracking skills, you might be able to get away with a spotting scope for everything that you need during hunting.
For most of us (myself included), you should own one of each.
HOW FAR CAN YOU SEE WITH THE SPOTTING SCOPE?
On average, around 1,500 feet.
Anything over that and you have to take variable wind speed and direction into account, which can get a bit messy. It’s not easy to do, outside of official military training.
You should use a spotting scope for prey that is at least 300 feet away. Anything closer and it may be difficult to pinpoint where the animal is actually standing.
Spotting Scope General Information
ADVICE ON HOW TO BUY Best Spotting Scope
Optical gear is expensive no matter what it’s designed for.
There’s precision engineering and some intense measurements that have to go into making and manufacturing optics, so you have to be prepared for the cost.
I say that you shouldn’t get more than what you need. You know your normal hunting grounds, you know how many wide open spots there are.
A long-range spotting scope is more necessary when you have wide open plains.
Animals can spot you from a mile away in those environments, but in a forested area, you have the advantage of close encounters.
Don’t get something with a 500 yard zoom if you can’t see yourself using more than 200. That’s the first thing.
Next is to focus on the lens quality and protection over everything else. Is there a scratch-proof coating? Dustproof finish? Waterproof or fogproof casing? It’s all important.
I’d take a 200 yard spotting scope with quality construction over a 500 yard spotting scope with an iffy design any day.
In this area, size matters for distance, but quality matters above all else.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A SPOTTING SCOPE
Magnification
Without proper magnification, you’re just spending hundreds of dollars on a big doorstop.
In my opinion, you should always get a best spotting scope for long-range (200+ yard) viewing.
Higher magnification means more money though, so you’ll have to weigh distance versus cost.
Adjustability
Some scopes have a movable eyepiece cup for comfort, some have a smartphone mounting kit so you can inspect information when you’re setting it up, or magnification knobs so you’re not stuck on one level.
Find one that works for you and what you need. The less adjustable it is, the less expensive it will be.
Fogproof Lens
With any optical gear, from binoculars to camera lenses, fogging is a big problem.
Moisture is the biggest aggressor that can ruin your lens, regardless of what optical gear it is. Look for IP/IPX waterproof ratings, and fogproof labeling as well.
HOW TO ALIGN A SPOTTING SCOPE WITH A RIFLE SCOPE
You’re going to use your spotting scope to help you get laser rangefinders on target, and adjust your rifle scope (as well as binoculars if you brought them), and this is how you do it.
Start with the user manual. I know, I don’t like it either, but in the case of any optical equipment, it has important information.
In there, you’ll find alignment information. If you want to align it with your rifle scope, first make sure that they’re both capable of the same thing.
Use a sighter to find 100 yards (or whatever the preset on your spotting scope is).
From there, use the tuning pegs or alignment screws on your spotting scope to pinpoint the exact same area you can see in your rifle scope.
Eyes On The Prize
You’re able to see your prey for further away, plan out your tactical approach, and cover more ground with a quality spotting scope.
All that’s left to do is grab a stand for one, set up your spot, and begin the hunt. It can take a few hours to find your prey, but I’m willing to wager that you’ll spot them faster with a spotting scope than anything else.
Spotting Scope Video
Here is a great YouTube video explaining the basics of a good spotting scope:
