The Best Spotting Scope Reviews For 2024 and Buying Guide

Amazingly, the Regal M2’s objective lens has a diameter of 100 mm and thus possesses better light gathering capabilities than 65 mm or 80 mm objective lenses. To enhance brightness, all lenses on this spotting scope coated with Celestron’s proprietary XLT coating.

Regarding its performance, I found it to be a great performer, especially for long-range observations. This is because the 100ED M2 model boasts of a 22 to 67X magnification, which is ideal for intermediate to long-range scoping. To make things even better, Celestron offers this model with a 20 mm eye relief and adjustable rubber eye-cup. As per my observations, the Regal 100ED is the best spotting scope for elk hunting.

All these components housed inside a durable magnesium alloy body. For enhanced performance in low visibility, the housing filled with nitrogen. From its features, it is evident that the Regal M2 100ED is one of the best spotting scopes for hunting.

Amazingly, the Regal M2’s objective lens has a diameter of 100 mm and thus possesses better light gathering capabilities than 65 mm or 80 mm objective lenses. To enhance brightness, all lenses on this spotting scope are coated with Celestron’s proprietary XLT coating.

Bushnell opted for its proven Porro Prism design and fully multicoated optics. As such, you get stunning, clear and ultra-bright images. As one of the top rated spotting scopes for hunting, the Bushnell Trophy XLT has a rubberized armour that makes it 100% waterproof.

Accompanying each and every Bushnell Trophy sold are soft and hard side carrying cases as well as a compact tripod. When you consider all the features and accompanying accessories you are getting with this scope; its price tag is quite a bargain.

Similar to the Celestron, the Vanguard has an angled design that allows for a better upward view. Also, thanks to its 45 degree angle design you do not have to be at eye level height to comfortably view a target using the Vanguard HD 82A.

The Vanguard is compatible with almost all standard tripods thanks to its mounting plate. Measuring 6.5 cm in length and 3.8 cm in width, this plate is equipped with grooves that give it stability. The mounting plate connected to the scope’s barrel by a collar that encircles the entire barrel. The collar is easy to loosen using a small level located on the right hand. Since the collar can be loosened you can rotate the entire unit easily.

Since the Vanguard Endeavor is one of the top rated spotting scopes for hunting, it is both waterproof and fog proof. Moreover, this Vanguard scope has a built in sun shield and constructed from a lightweight Magnesium alloy.

One of the most appealing things about the Vortex Viper HD is its angular design. If you find adjusting the tripod height of your spotting scope to be annoying this design is one you will love. The angular design of this scope makes using this scope in an upward angle easy. While the Viper’s angular design makes it easy to use, its Porro prism design provides exceptional image quality. All the lenses being coated with an Amortek Lens coating to protect them from dust, water, oils etc.

Though it might not be the best spotting scope for elk hunting, the vortex viper is quite easy to use. I was pleased with its eye relief and adjustable eyecup, which twists up and down. On the other hand, its intuitive tripod mount, which is directly mounted to the barrel using a circular collar, makes the viper easy to rotate while in the field. Personally, I have never used this scope on a moving car; however, based on some of the reviews I read online, it offers exceptional stability for use on a moving car.

Weighing 53 ounces and fashioned from a lightweight magnesium alloy, the Vortex Viper HD is a an excellent spotting scope for target shooting. As a testament to its status as one of the best target spotting scopes, Vortex offers an unconditional lifetime warranty on this spotting scope.

All the lenses in this pocket-friendly spotting scope are fully multi-coated while the prisms made from high quality Bak-4 glass. Thanks to all these optical features, the Redfield provides unrivaled light transmission, image clarity, and brightness. Thus, there is no time of day you can’t use it.

The Redfield Rampage is constructed from lightweight materials; hence it weighs a meager 37 ounces. To be more specific, this Redfield model crafted from the same material used to make bulletproof glass. Thus, in addition to being lightweight, it is also durable and rugged.

Included in the package are a standard tripod and a soft storage case. While it does come with a tripod, this Redfield model is also compatible with most standard tripods.

As an angled eye-piece, this Celestron model is versatile and easy to use. The focus knob turns smoothly and the eye relief is not too bad either. The extra low dispersion glass used to make the 80 mm objective lens reduces light distortions and improves image clarity and brightness. As a bonus, Celestrons coats the lens and optics of this scope with a proprietary XLT coating for improved performance. The prisms are made from high-quality Bak-4 glass and the optics are all fully multi-coated.

When you purchase the Celestron 52312 spotting scope you get a stay-on case and an objective lens cap. Also included in the package is an eyepiece cover, a lens cloth and a T adapter ring.

The Celestron weighs a meager 3.5 pounds thanks to its lightweight magnesium alloy construction. The scope comes with a stay-on case that protects it’s from knocks and falls. Thus, in terms of durability, the Celestron is fairly durable and is unlikely to get damaged by falls and knocks.

The prisms on this spotting scope are fashioned from a high-quality Bak-7 glass while all the optics are fully coated for improved light transmission. If you wear glasses, you will be pleased with the adjustable eye cup of the BARSKA Colorado

Unlike other inexpensive spotting scopes for birding, the BARSKA Colorado comes with a tripod included in the package. Given the scope’s price tag, you might be forgiven for thinking that the tripod is not well-made. However contrary to this, the tripod is well-made and sturdy and it can be adjusted to accommodate different viewing positions.

I have always been a fan of angled eyepieces. Thus, one of the main reasons why this is one of my best spotting scopes for birding is its 45 degrees angled eyepiece. The smooth focus and zoom knobs add to this Celestron’s ease of use. And although the multi-coated optics are not fully coated, they do provide a decent image quality at low visibility.

At the bottom of the Celestron 5225, you will find a tripod socket that is compatible with most standard tripods. Also, this scope can be connected to a camera using the DSLR adapter, which comes separately.

I had no problems using this scope in the great outdoors, thanks to its rugged and sturdy rubberized armor. The soft carrying case is not that bad, considering this scope’s price tag.

Though I am not an avid user of Alpen scopes, I was impressed by this scope’s performance. Equipped with high-quality Bak-4 prisms and fully multicoated optics, this scope is one of the best spotting scopes birding.

As you have probably already guessed I love angular designed spotting scopes. Hence, the angular design is one of the things that attracted me to this scope.

Sealed optics and a rubber construction mean that this Alpen scope is waterproof and fog proof and can thus withstand the vulgarities of weather. A nylon carrying case included for helping you transport your instrument from one place to another.

In regards to performance, I must admit, I found it extremely easy to use, especially since I could operate it with one hand. Though its field of view is not the best, this Carl Zeiss compact model boasts of multi-coated optics that deliver bright and clear images.

Weighing a meager 42 ounces, the Optical Dialyt weighs less than most of its competitors. Also, it is easy to carry either in your pocket or backpack. In addition to being lightweight, this scope comes with a lifetime transferable warranty.

The best compact spotting scopes need to be as durable as they are compact. In this regard, the Optical Dialyt has a tough rubberized armor that protects it from harsh weather conditions.

Unlike the Optical Dialyt, the Diamondback features a Porro prism design. The prisms are multi-coated for optimal brightness, and color accuracy. The lenses, on the other hand, have XR coatings that improve light transmission and brightness.

Thanks to its lightweight and compact design, this spotting scope is easy to use. Moreover, I found that it has a good eye relief and can accommodate glass wearers.

The entire unit covered with a rubberized armor that makes it 100% water proof and fog proof. Also, all lenses have an Amorttek coating that protects them from oils, scratches and dirt.

One of the Optical Razor’s features that justify its price tag is its high-quality optics. All the optics are fully coated with premium Vortex proprietary coatings. Similarly to the optics, all glasses are coated with anti-reflective coatings. The Porro prism delivers exceptional image quality and high light transmission

Do not be fooled by its hefty price tag, the Vortex Optics Razor is quite an easy instrument to use. In terms of weight, this scope is quite compact as it weighs 7.2 pounds.

The first thing you notice about the Vortex is its appealing angular design. However, while its good looks earn it a spot on the list of the best value spotting scopes, is its rugged construction that makes it a sure winner. When you buy this scope do not expect to buy a new scope anytime soon.

When it comes to performance, the Celestron 52304 is right up there with the best. As such, the 52304’s objective lens is made from the same high-quality ED glass found on all its M2 siblings. Fully multi-coated optics and lenses provide minimal light distortion, image clarity, and accuracy at long distances.

The least costly variant of the Regal M2 65ED offers a magnification of 16X to 48X. This magnification combined with the scope’s 65 mm objective lens provides a great field of view and consistent image quality.

As a mid-level spotting scope, the construction of this scope is top notch. Similar to all other M2 models, the Regal M2 65ED is constructed from a magnesium alloy. Therefore, this scope is both lightweight and rugged. In fact, Celestron claims that it weighs 14% lighter than most of its siblings.

Of the many spotting scopes, I have used none can match the Diascope’s performance. Carl Zeiss went all out when designing and crafting this optical masterpiece. As such, expect razor sharp images, exceptional brightness, and consistency in performance.

Carl Zeiss used an innovative and high-quality glass in the making of the Diascope’s 85 mm objective lens. To ensure that the scope is able to pinpoint the finest of details, all lenses are coated with a revolutionary coating known as the Lutotech coating.

One of the scope’s thrilling features is its eyepiece. The latter can easily be removed by the turn of a button. However, accidental release of the eyepiece is not possible. The housing is made from lightweight materials and encased within a rubberized armor for optimal protection.

One of the first things I realized about this scope is that it is quite heavy. Hence it is not ideal for on-the-go hunters. Nonetheless, it does score high points in other areas, for example in performance. Speaking of performance, the focus and zoom wheels turn effortlessly while the porro design prisms are crafted from high-grade Bak-4 glass. Sadly, the optics on this scope are not fully coated. However, they do have sufficient coating to deliver enhanced brightness and image clarity.

As I have already stated, the Konus 7122 might be one of the best spotting scopes on a budget, but it is not the lightest. It weighs 5.3 pounds and measures 18.8 inches in length. Thus to use this scope you will most likely require a stable tripod. Fortunately, its tripod plate is compatible with most standard tripods. Furthermore, it comes with its own tripod.

The reason why this scope is bulky is that it is made from pure metal. And since metal rusts when exposed to humid weather, its metallic housing is wrapped in a rubber armour. Thus, similar to all other scopes on this list, the Konus is waterproof and fog proof.

The zoom eyepiece that is responsible for the scope’s zoom can be turned using a zoom wheel, which turns smoothly. I have used this scope in low visibility conditions several times and it has never disappointed me. The optics are multi-coated for a bright and clear target viewing experience.

Apart from having an easy to turn zoom wheel, the 52250 also has a decent eye relief and can accommodate both glass wearers and non-glass wearing users. For close focus, this scope can focus on things as close as 26.2 feet.

With a DSLR camera adapter and a tripod socket, the Celestron 52250 is compatible with DSLR cameras and most standard tripods. As for its construction, this model is covered with a rubber material that protects it from falls and knocks as well as from harsh weather.

Although it has a sophisticated design, it is pretty easy to use. The zoom wheel is conveniently located on the eyepiece. And both it and the focus wheel are easy to turn but have enough resistance to prevent accidental turns.

As with most standard scopes, the Firefield is fitted with Porro prisms made using superior Bak-4 glass. To enhance their performance all optics and lenses are fully multi-coated.

To give you a non-slip grip, the Firefield spotting scope has a rubber armor covering its body. Apart from improving grip, this rubber armor protects the scope from weather extremities.

The performance of this inexpensive instrument is astonishing. The multi-coated optics combines with the large objective lens to deliver sharp and crisp images. The fun does not end there, though, as the Blackhawk has an ergonomic design, making it easy to use in the field. The eyepiece is easy to zoom in and out.

Yes, for less than $100 you get a high quality hard aluminum case to go with your Barska Blackhawk. As if that is not enticing enough, Barska throws in a sturdy tripod on which you can mount your Blackhawk.

The entire unit is covered in a rubber exterior. This rubber cover protects the inner components from damage and water intrusion. Thus, the scope is waterproof.

One of the things that attracted me to this scope is its 45 degrees angled eyepiece that makes it easy to use on short tripods. Equipped with a focus knob and zoom knob, the Tasco has an impressive range. I have used it to spot targets as far as 400 yards away. All images appear bright and clear thanks to the multi-coated optics and large objective lens.

Ordinarily, you do not expect to get many accessories with a spotting scope under $ 200. This is why I was impressed with the tripod and aluminum carrying case that comes with the scope. Also included in the package is a fabric case.

Mounting this scope onto a tripod is done using a tripod mount that is compatible with most standard tripods. In foggy weather, you get clear images courtesy of the nitrogen filled barrel of the scope. The exterior of the scope is water proof thanks to its rubberized armour.

Although it is a compact scope that weighs 2.9 pounds, the 80S1 offers outstanding performance. At the core of its performance are the XR coated optics and anti-reflective coated lenses that increase light transmission.

The Porro Prism design offers excellent image quality while the adjustable eye cup makes it comfortable to use. The prisms are also coated and thus guarantee clear and bright images.

The barrel of the Diamondback Scope is filled with nitrogen to prevent it from becoming foggy. The lenses are coated with an ArmorTek coating that protects them from all kinds of dirt and oils. To protect it from the harshness of weather, the Optics DBK is wrapped in a rubber armor.

The angled design adds to its appeal while its detachable eyepiece makes it easier to use. Vanguard opted for a high-quality Bak-4 glass in the construction of the HD 65A’s Porro prism and a dual focus wheel. Using this spotting scope was a breeze and it could focus on far away targets without losing stability.

The optics are all fully multi-coated and so are the lenses. In addition to coating, Vanguard also equips this scope with a sun shield that eliminates glare.

As for its construction, the Endeavor HD 65 A is covered by a waterproof rubber material and is thus almost impervious to damage even in the harshest of conditions. For added protection, you also get a cloth cover that stays on when in use.

The performance of this scope is guaranteed by its fully multi-coated optics and adjustable eye cup. While the coated optics delivers high-quality images the adjustable eyecup makes it easy to use. In order to prevent any dirt or dust from entering the interior of the barrel, Vortex designed this scope with O-ring seals.

An eyepiece cup is fitted to the eyepiece to protect it from external contaminants. The same protection is afforded to the objective lens, which has a lens cover. For carrying your scope, you are bequeathed with a custom fitted case.

This green colored spotting scope is crafted from high quality materials and is covered by a tough rubber exterior. In case of anything, you can always take advantage of vortex’s unconditional lifetime warranty.

I am always impressed by how clear the Vortex Razor HD is, I guess it’s why it’s called Razor HD. The objective lens is made from high-grade ED glass and all the lenses are AmorTek coated. And so are the prisms, but with a different kind of coating. Conveniently located near the eyepiece, the Zoom wheel turns smoothly.

Everything about this spotting scope exudes high-quality construction and craftsmanship, from the angular design to the standard tripod mount. And although it is quite bulky, the Razor HD scope has well-protected optics and can be mounted on most tripods.

It would have been an insult for Vortex to use low-quality materials in the construction of this scope, right? Well, Vortex uses only high-quality materials and wraps it with a hard rubber armor. In terms of weight, the entire unit weighs 4.1 pounds.