When you’re out in the field, whether for hunting, birdwatching, or long-range observation, your ability to truly see and analyze distant subjects is only as good as the optic you bring along. I’ve spent countless hours glassing with enough setups to know: the right spotting scope makes all the difference. Whether you’re seeking exceptional detail at extreme distances, superior light gathering for dawn and dusk, a rugged, portable unit that can withstand demanding conditions, or simply the best value for your hard-earned money, you need gear that performs at the highest level. Many outdoor enthusiasts start with binoculars, and while those are excellent for general viewing, serious observers acquire a spotting scope with much higher magnification, significantly brighter and clearer images, and improving long-range target identification. Beyond the scope itself, the right accessories are crucial for maximizing its potential. In the article below, I’ll also cover the necessary accessories for stable mounting and viewing, along with an introduction to the exciting world of digiscoping – using your spotting scope to capture stunning photos and videos with your smartphone or camera. I’ve broken down the best spotting scopes for each scenario, including top picks for the budget-conscious buyer, all based on firsthand field experience and extensive industry evaluation.
Why a Spotting Scope Actually Matters
A good spotting scope isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for anyone serious about observing distant subjects. Whether you’re counting abnormal points on a buck at a half-mile, identifying a rare bird species at dawn, or meticulously checking bullet holes on a distant target, your optic has to perform. Here’s why investing in the right spotting scope makes all the difference:
Unmatched Clarity and Detail
A high-quality spotting scope delivers unparalleled resolution and magnification, allowing you to discern fine details that would be impossible to see with binoculars alone. This is crucial for precise identification, especially when you need to distinguish subtle markings on wildlife or analyze impacts on a target with pinpoint accuracy.
Extended Observation Range
With powerful magnification typically ranging from 20x to 60x, a spotting scope dramatically extends your effective observation range. This means you can comfortably scout vast landscapes, observe skittish animals without disturbing them, or monitor activity far beyond the capabilities of handheld optics, which usually have a magnification power of 8x.
Superior Low-Light Performance
Many spotting scopes feature large objective lenses and advanced optical coatings that gather significantly more light than other optics. This translates to brighter, clearer images in challenging low-light conditions, such as dawn, dusk, or heavily overcast days, giving you more valuable observation time in the field.
Enhanced Confidence and Efficiency
Having the best spotting scope for your situation means less guesswork and more certainty. When your optic provides a crisp, detailed view and holds up to demanding conditions, you can make quicker, more informed decisions. This means you won’t waste valuable physical effort and time pursuing something that isn’t exactly what you’re seeking, whether that’s confirming a trophy animal, identifying a rare bird, or adjusting your shot based on precise target feedback. It’s one less thing to worry about when every detail counts.
Rigorous Evaluation Test
To provide you with the most accurate and practical insights into each spotting scope’s performance, we subjected all 13 models to a consistent and rigorous field test. Our evaluation focused on real-world scenarios that hunters, and long-range observers frequently encounter.
The Test Setup: Our primary test subjects were strategically placed in an open field, 600 meters (approximately 656 yards) away from the observation point. These subjects included:
- A Montana elk cow decoy, chosen for its realistic size and coloration, allowing us to assess overall clarity and detail at range.
- A European mount of a whitetail buck, specifically used to scrutinize fine antler details.
Observation Criteria:
For each spotting scope, mounted securely on a tripod, I meticulously evaluated its performance across various magnification settings and lighting conditions:
Magnification Performance:
- Lowest Magnification: Assessed the field of view and ease of target acquisition.
- Highest Magnification: Examined the clarity, resolution, and stability of the image, noting any degradation or atmospheric distortion.
- Close Focus: Determined the minimum distance at which each scope could achieve a sharp focus, found through trial and error.
Antler Detail Analysis (Whitetail Buck European Mount):
At 600 meters, we specifically looked for the ability to discern:
- G2 and G3 tine length.
- The total number of tines, including brow tines.
- The presence and characteristics of “stickers” (antler deformities).
- Any missing or broken-off brow tines.
Lighting Conditions:
Each scope was tested under two distinct lighting scenarios on overcast days to simulate varied field conditions:
- Dusk: Approximately one hour before sunset, to evaluate low-light gathering capabilities and image brightness.
- Midday: During peak daylight, to assess overall clarity, contrast, and color fidelity.
By adhering to this comprehensive methodology, I aimed to provide a thorough and practical assessment of each spotting scope, ensuring the recommendations are based on tangible, repeatable performance metrics. Here are the results:
Click the orange to see why it was chosen and to read more about the product, click the green to shop the lowest price found on the internet.
Best Overall – Vortex Razor HD 27-60x 85mm
Most Durable – Maven S3a 20-40x 67mm
Best Quality – Swarovski ATS-65 HD 20-60x 65mm
Best under $1000 – Leupold Pro Guide HD Gen 15-45x 65mm
Best Under $500 – Cabelas Intensity 20-60x 80mm
Best Value for your Money – Hawke Endurance ED 20-60x 68mm
Best Backpacking – Vortex Razor HD 13-39x 56mm
Best for Truck Spotting – Burris Signature HD 20-60x 85mm
Best for Western Hunting – Vortex Razor HD 22-48x 65mm
Best in Low Light – Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD Gen 2 20-60x 80mm
Best Travel Case – Riton 5 Primal ED 15-45x 60mm
Lightest 85mm – Vortex Diamond Back 20-60x 85mm
Most Compact – Hawke Nature Trek Compact 9-27x 56mm
| Brand | Model | Objective Lens Diameter (mm) | Weight (lbs) | Price (USD) | Best Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawke | Nature Trek Compact | 56 | 1.5 | $369 | Most Compact |
| Vortex | Razor HD 13-39×56 | 56 | 2.0 | $1,550 | Best Backpacking |
| Riton | 5 Primal ED | 60 | 2.4 | $1,100 | Best Travel Case |
| Vortex | Razor HD 22-48×65 | 65 | 3.3 | $1,850 | Best for Western Hunting |
| Swarovski | ATS-65 HD | 65 | 2.4 | $2,738 | Best Quality |
| Maven | S3a | 67 | 3.7 | $1,800 | Best Durability |
| Hawke | Endurance ED | 68 | 2.6 | $1,019 | Best Value |
| Leupold | Pro Guide HD Gen | 65 | 2.8 | $800 | Best Under $1000 |
| Vortex | Diamond Back | 80 | 2.6 | $600 | Lightest 80mm |
| Cabelas | Intensity | 80 | 4.2 | $400 | Best Under $500 |
| Leupold | SX-2 Alpine HD Gen 2 | 80 | 4.4 | $500 | Best in Low Light |
| Vortex | Razor HD 27-60×85 | 85 | 4.6 | $2,400 | Best Overall |
| Burris | Signature HD | 85 | 5.0 | $1,700 | Best for Truck Spotting |
Best Overall – Vortex Razor HD 27-60x 85mm
The Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 delivers top-tier optical performance at $2400. Its 85mm HD objective lens provides outstanding brightness and clarity across the full 27-60x range, backed by a flawless 5/5 sunset rating for exceptional low-light use. At 4.6 lbs, it balances stability and portability, with smooth helical focus, rotating tripod ring, integrated sunshade, and MagView compatibility. Tight neoprene covers ensure durability, though they can be tricky to fit. For hunters and long-range observers seeking world-class optics, it’s a premium investment.
Most Durable – Maven S3a 20-40x 67mm
The Maven S3A 20-40×67 is a premium, lightweight spotting scope priced at $1800. Its 67mm objective lens and 20-40x magnification emphasize clarity and stability over extreme power, with sharp, color-true images and precise helical focus. At 3.7 lbs, it’s portable yet solid, with practical features like a rotating tripod ring, integrated sunshade, and MagView compatibility. Low-light performance is adequate (3/5 rating). Protection includes attached covers, though some attachments feel less durable. Overall, it’s a high-end option for users who demand exceptional clarity and handling.
Best Quality Spotting Scope – Swarovski ATS-65 HD 20-60x 65mm
The Swarovski ATS-65 HD 20-60×65 sets a high bar for optical excellence at $2738. Its 65mm HD glass delivers brilliant, true-to-life images with virtually no chromatic aberration, excelling even in challenging light despite a 3/5 sunset test rating. At just 2.4 lbs, it’s lightweight and portable, with superbly smooth helical focus and an alignment aid for quick target acquisition. Features include a rotating tripod ring, integrated sunshade, MagView compatibility, and an excellent protective case. For those willing to invest, it offers world-class optics in a compact package.
Best under $1000 – Leupold Pro Guide HD Gen 15-45x 65mm
The Leupold Pro Guide HD Gen 15-45×65 offers a strong mix of performance and portability at $800. Its 65mm HD glass delivers clear, color-accurate images across the 15-45x range, with solid performance in most light (3/5 sunset rating). At 2.8 lbs, it’s lightweight, with smooth helical focus, rotating tripod ring, integrated sunshade, and MagView compatibility. Protection includes a flip-down lens cover and neoprene sleeve, though the eyepiece sunshade can be tight to adjust. Overall, it’s a dependable, mid-sized scope with rugged build quality.
Best Under $500 – Cabelas Intensity 20-60x 80mm
The Cabela’s Intensity 20-60×80 spotting scope delivers strong performance at an affordable $400 price, making it a great option for budget-conscious users. Its 80mm objective lens and 20-60x magnification provide bright, clear views across a wide range, earning a 4/5 sunset test rating for solid low-light use. The angled design adds comfort for extended glassing, while the helical focus system ensures smooth, precise adjustments. At 4.2 lbs, it remains portable for field use, with practical features like a rotating tripod ring, integrated sunshade, and attached rubber covers for added protection. A snug neoprene sleeve with strap hooks further boosts durability. Minor concerns include the long-term durability of the glass cover strings, but MagView compatibility is a welcome bonus for digiscoping. Overall, the Intensity offers impressive value, pairing capable optics with thoughtful design at a highly accessible price.
Best Value for your Money – Hawke Endurance ED 20-60x 68mm
The Hawke Endurance ED 20-60×68 balances optical quality and portability at $1019. Its 68mm ED glass lens reduces chromatic aberration for sharp, color-true images, while dual coarse/fine focus offers excellent precision. At just 2.6 lbs, it’s highly portable, with a rotating tripod ring, integrated sunshade, and MagView compatibility. Low-light performance is adequate (3/5 sunset rating), though less than larger objectives. Protection includes unattached covers and a padded body case, though the case can block access to the rotation lock. Overall, it’s a premium choice for users who value portability and fine focusing.
Best Backpacking – Vortex Razor HD 13-39x 56mm
The Vortex Razor HD 13-39×56 provides premium optics in an ultralight 2 lb package, priced at $1550. Its 56mm HD lens delivers sharp, color-rich views across a practical 13-39x range, with best performance in bright conditions (2/5 sunset rating). The angled design and stiff, ridged helical focus ring allow precise control. Protection is strong with tight neoprene covers, though they can be difficult to fit. It lacks a rotating tripod ring and MagView compatibility. Overall, it’s an outstanding choice for those prioritizing high-quality optics in an extremely portable form, especially those seeking backcountry trips into the mountain ranges for sheep.
Best Spotting Scope for Truck Spotting – Burris Signature HD 20-60x 85mm
The Burris Signature HD 20-60×85 spotting scope combines strong optical performance with a durable build at a fair $1700 price. Its 85mm objective lens delivers excellent low-light clarity, earning a 4/5 sunset test rating, and the helical focus system allows quick, precise adjustments. Smooth controls, a rotating tripod ring, integrated sunshade, and MagView compatibility add practical versatility. At 5 lbs, it offers stability but may be heavy for ultralight use. While image quality is generally excellent, sharpness softens at 60x and atmospheric distortion becomes more noticeable. Unattached rubber covers protect the optics but are easy to misplace. Overall, it’s a reliable, well-made scope with just a few minor trade-offs.
Best for Western Hunting – Vortex Razor HD 22-48x 65mm
The Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 combines premium clarity with modular design at $1850. Its 65mm HD lens and 22-48x magnification provide crisp, vibrant images with minimal chromatic aberration, supported by a solid 3/5 sunset rating. At 3.3 lbs, it’s portable yet stable, with a wide helical focus ring for smooth, precise adjustments. Features include a rotating tripod ring, integrated sunshade, MagView compatibility, and modular eyepiece compatibility with different objective sizes. Protection comes via rubber and neoprene covers. Overall, it’s a versatile, high-end scope built for serious users that’ll cover all western species ranging from antelope to Rocky Mountain big horns.
Best Spotting Scope in Low Light – Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD Gen 2 20-60x 80mm
The Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD Gen 2 20-60×80 delivers big-scope performance at a very approachable $500. Its 80mm HD glass and 20-60x zoom provide bright, crisp views, reinforced by a strong 4/5 sunset rating. At 4.4 lbs, it offers a solid balance of stability and portability. Features include smooth helical focus, rotating tripod ring, integrated sunshade, MagView compatibility, and durable protection with a flip-down lens cover and neoprene sleeve. Some users may find the sunshade eyepiece tight to adjust. For its price, it’s an excellent value in performance and durability.
Best Air Travel Case – Riton 5 Primal ED 15-45x 60mm
The Riton 5 Primal ED 15-45×60 offers a portable and well-protected optic at $1100. Its 60mm ED glass delivers clear, accurate images across the 15-45x range, with good but not standout low-light performance (3/5 rating). At just 2.4 lbs, it’s very lightweight, though its narrow focus ring limits grip. Features include a rotating tripod ring, integrated sunshade, and MagView compatibility. Protection is robust with a crushproof hard case, but its threaded metal and plastic covers are slow to remove. Some users note limited eye relief at low power. Overall, it’s a durable, travel-friendly scope with solid optics.
Lightest 85mm – Vortex Diamond Back 20-60x 85mm
The Vortex Diamondback 20-60×85 offers excellent value at $600, pairing an 85mm objective with versatile 20-60x magnification. It delivers bright, clear images with a 4/5 sunset rating, impressive for its class. At just 2.6 lbs, it’s remarkably lightweight for its size, with smooth helical focus, a rotating tripod ring, and integrated sunshade. Protection includes threaded and clip-on covers, with MagView compatibility adding versatility. Overall, it’s a strong, affordable scope for hunters seeking power and portability.
Most Compact Spotting Scope – Hawke Nature Trek Compact 9-27x 56mm
The Hawke Nature Trek Compact 9-27×56 is an ultra-portable 1.5 lb scope ideal for hikers and casual observers at just $369. Its 56mm objective and 9-27x range deliver good daytime performance but limited low-light ability (2/5 sunset rating). The angled design and helical focus provide comfort and smooth control, though it lacks a tripod ring and sunshade. Protection is handled with unattached rubber and neoprene covers. While not MagView compatible, its strength lies in extreme portability and simplicity, making it a great entry-level or secondary scope.
Essential Spotting Scope Accessories
A spotting scope is only as good as the gear around it. The right accessories don’t just protect your investment—they transform your scope into a complete, versatile system. From you’re glassing from a truck, packing deep into the backcountry, or trying to capture the perfect photo, these essentials make a big difference.
- Tripods are the most critical accessory. Look for stability first, especially at high magnifications. Carbon fiber models balance weight and portability, while aluminum offers solid value. Pair load capacity with your scope’s weight, and consider fluid heads for smooth panning.
- Window Mounts – Perfect for glassing from a vehicle. Choose one with solid construction and smooth pan/tilt adjustments for steady, comfortable viewing.
- Quick-Release Plates – Small but invaluable. A good plate lets you snap your scope on and off a tripod or window mount instantly. Look for secure locks and compatibility with your scope’s foot.
- Cleaning Kits – Crisp views demand clean glass. A brush, microfiber cloth, and lens solution are essentials—avoid anything abrasive.
- MagView Digiscoping – Turn your scope into a camera. MagView’s magnetic adapters make attaching your smartphone fast, secure, and frustration‑free. Check compatibility with your scope’s eyepiece and your phone.
- Protective Cases – Your scope is an investment—protect it. Padded, weather‑resistant soft cases work well for field use, while hard, crushproof cases shine for travel. Stay‑on cases let you glass without ever exposing your scope.
MagView S1 Spotting Scope Adapter
The MagView S1 has become the go‑to digiscoping solution for many hunters thanks to its magnetic design and universal phone compatibility. The ability to take clear photo of your scouting for sharing brings immense joy to many outdoorsmen.
Pros: works with nearly any smartphone, lightning‑fast magnetic attachment, doubles as an eyepiece cover, compact and durable, stable connection, and intuitive use with the MagView app.
Cons: adhesive plate interferes with wireless charging (unless upgraded), slight learning curve with phone alignment, replaces your eyepiece cover, and sits at a premium price.
Recommendation: If you use your scope to capture content, this adapter is hard to beat. It makes smartphone digiscoping simple, fast, and reliable—well worth it for serious users.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Your Spotting Scope
Navigating the world of spotting scopes can be daunting, but understanding the key specifications and features will help you narrow down the best option for your specific needs and budget.
Variable Magnification Range
Most spotting scopes offer a variable magnification range, typically expressed as something like “20-60x.” This means you can zoom from 20 times magnification to 60 times magnification.
- Lower Magnification (e.g., 20x-30x): Ideal for initial scanning and locating subjects, offering a wider field of view.
- Higher Magnification (e.g., 40x-60x and beyond): Crucial for detailed observation, identifying subtle features, or seeing impacts at extreme distances. Be aware that higher magnifications can amplify atmospheric distortion (mirage) and require a very stable tripod.
Objective Lens Diameter
Measured in millimeters (mm), this is the size of the large front lens of the spotting scope (e.g., 65mm, 80mm). A larger objective lens gathers more light, resulting in a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions, and generally allows for higher useful magnification. However, larger objective lenses also mean a heavier and bulkier scope. Consider your portability needs when choosing.
Glass Quality (ED/HD/Fluorite)
The quality of the glass used in the lenses significantly impacts image clarity, color fidelity, and contrast.
- Standard Glass: Good for casual observation, but may show some chromatic aberration (color fringing, often seen as a purple or green halo around bright objects).
- ED (Extra-low Dispersion) / HD (High Definition) Glass: These terms indicate the use of specialized glass elements that significantly reduce chromatic aberration, leading to sharper images with truer colors and better contrast. This is a significant upgrade for serious observers.
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings are microscopic layers applied to glass surfaces to reduce light reflection and increase light transmission. This results in brighter images and better contrast.
- Coated (C): At least one lens surface is coated.
- Fully Coated (FC): All air-to-glass surfaces are coated.
- Multi-Coated (MC): Multiple layers of coatings are applied to at least one lens surface.
- Fully Multi-Coated (FMC): Multiple layers of coatings are applied to all air-to-glass surfaces. This is generally the gold standard, offering maximum light transmission and image brightness. Some brands also use proprietary coatings for enhanced color, contrast, or durability.
Exit Pupil
The exit pupil is the diameter of the beam of light that exits the eyepiece and enters your eye. It’s calculated by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification (e.g., an 80mm scope at 20x magnification has a 4mm exit pupil). A larger exit pupil (around 4-5mm) is generally better for low-light conditions, as it provides a brighter image that matches the dilated pupil of your eye. For bright daylight, a smaller exit pupil is sufficient.
Angled vs. Straight
This refers to the design of the eyepiece relative to the scope body.
- Angled Spotting Scopes: The eyepiece is angled, typically at 45 degrees.
- Pros: More comfortable for extended viewing, especially when looking upwards or sharing the scope among people of different heights (you can set the tripod lower). Exceptional when used with spotting scopes that rotate for viewing from a truck seat with a window mount.
- Cons: Can be slightly harder to quickly acquire a target, as your line of sight isn’t direct.
- Straight Spotting Scopes: The eyepiece is in line with the scope body.
- Pros: Easier and faster for target acquisition, more intuitive for beginners, and potentially better for viewing from a car window mount.
- Cons: Requires a taller tripod for comfortable standing viewing, which can be less stable and heavier. Can lead to more neck strain when viewing elevated subjects.
Weight
The weight of your spotting scope (and accompanying tripod) is a critical factor, especially if you plan to carry it long distances in the field. Lighter scopes are more portable but may compromise on objective lens size or construction materials. Consider your typical use case: backcountry hunting and birding demand lighter setups, while range use allows for heavier, more robust options.
Durability and Weatherproofing
Spotting scopes are often used in challenging environments, so robust construction and weatherproofing are paramount.
- Waterproof: The scope is sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture from entering.
- Fogproof: The scope is purged with an inert gas (like nitrogen or argon) to prevent internal fogging due to temperature changes.
- Armored Body: A rubberized or armored coating provides shock absorption and a secure grip, protecting the scope from minor bumps and scratches.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance from the eyepiece to your eye where you can see the full field of view. It’s especially important for eyeglass wearers. Look for a scope with at least 15mm of eye relief to ensure comfortable viewing without removing your glasses. Longer eye relief is generally more comfortable for everyone.
Field of View (FOV)
FOV refers to the width of the area you can see through the scope at a given distance (typically measured in feet at 1,000 yards or in degrees).
- Wider FOV: Easier to locate subjects and track moving targets. Often found at lower magnifications.
- Narrower FOV: Provides a more magnified, detailed view but makes it harder to scan or find subjects. Inherent at higher magnifications.
Close Focus Distance
This is the minimum distance at which the spotting scope can achieve a sharp focus. While spotting scopes are primarily for distant objects, a good close focus distance can be useful for observing nearby subjects like insects or flowers.
Focus Mechanism
Spotting scopes use various focusing systems:
- Single Knob: A single, large knob for all focusing. Can be precise but slower to go from near to far.
- Dual Focus Knobs: Often a large knob for coarse adjustments and a smaller, finer knob for precise focusing. This offers excellent control.
- Helical Focus: A ring on the barrel of the scope that rotates to adjust focus. Can be very fast but may take some getting used to.
Rotating Tripod Ring
A rotating tripod ring (or collar) allows you to rotate the body of the spotting scope while it’s mounted on a tripod, without adjusting the tripod head itself. This is incredibly useful for angled scopes, allowing you to position the eyepiece for comfortable viewing from various angles (e.g., when viewing uphill or from a prone position). Look for scopes that have preset stops (vertical, 45 degree tilt, 90 degree tilt, etc.)
Sun Shade
Many spotting scopes feature an extendable sun shade, or dew shield, on the objective lens. This serves several purposes:
- Reduces Glare: Prevents stray light from entering the lens, improving contrast and reducing internal reflections.
- Protects from Rain/Dew: Helps keep rain, snow, or condensation off the objective lens.
- Minor Physical Protection: Offers a small buffer against bumps or scratches to the front element.
Digiscoping Compatible
Digiscoping is the art of attaching a digital camera (often a smartphone) to your spotting scope to capture photos and videos through the eyepiece. Many scopes are designed with digiscoping in mind, and specific adapters like those from MagView offer quick, secure, and convenient ways to connect your phone for high-quality imaging. Compatibility with such systems is a huge plus for those who want to document their observations.
Protective Covers and Body Cases/Sleeves
Protecting your investment is crucial. Most quality spotting scopes come with objective lens and eyepiece covers. Many also include soft cases or “stay-on” cases/sleeves that allow you to use the scope while it’s protected from the elements and minor impacts. These accessories extend the life of your scope and maintain its optical performance.
Brand Reputation
When investing in a spotting scope, the brand matters. Reputable brands like Swarovski, Vortex, Leupold, Hawke, Burris, and Maven have a long history of producing high-quality optics, often backed by excellent warranties and customer service. While they may come with a higher price tag, the optical performance, durability, and peace of mind often justify the investment.
Budget
Finally, your budget will play a significant role in your decision. Spotting scopes range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. While higher prices often correlate with superior optical performance, durability, and features, there are excellent value options available at every price point. Define your needs and how much you’re willing to spend, and then look for the best combination of features and quality within that range. Remember, sometimes spending a little more upfront for a quality optic can save you money and frustration in the long run.
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