How to Choose the Perfect Spotting Scope - A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a nature enthusiast, hunter, birdwatcher, or target shooter, a spotting scope can elevate your outdoor experience. Unlike binoculars, spotting scopes offer higher magnification and are designed to give you a closer view of distant objects. But choosing the right scope can be a challenge with so many options available. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about spotting scopes to help you make an informed decision.

1. What is a Spotting Scope?

A spotting scope is a high-powered optical device designed for long-distance viewing. It’s usually mounted on a tripod and offers more magnification than binoculars. Spotting scopes are popular for birdwatching, hunting, wildlife observation, target shooting, and even some stargazing.

2. Key Specifications to Consider

Spotting scopes are described by two main specifications: magnification range and objective lens diameter.

• Magnification Range (e.g., 20-60x): The first number is the lowest magnification, and the second is the highest. A 20-60x scope means you can zoom from 20x up to 60x. Lower magnifications (20-30x) are great for a brighter, wider field of view, while higher magnifications (up to 60x or more) offer detailed, close-up views.

• Objective Lens Diameter (e.g., 80mm): The size of the objective (front) lens in millimeters determines how much light the scope can gather. A larger lens, 80mm-100mm, is ideal for low-light conditions and provides a brighter image, but it also makes the scope bulkier and heavier.  While a smaller lens (50mm-80mm) will be easier to carry around and travel with, but may not be as bright

3. Choosing the Right Magnification

While there are many variables to consider, what you are going to be watching with the scope being a big one, most scopes with a standard 20-60x magnification range will work wonderfully.  If you are looking for your subject, or if your subject is moving quickly, a lower magnification will make finding it and keeping it within your field of view a lot easier.  Where as if you are watching birds nesting on a cliff or trying to field judge a buck or bull grazing in a valley, the narrower field of view found at higher magnifications won’t be as  much of an issue.

4. Straight vs. Angled Spotting Scopes

Spotting scopes come in two main designs, each suited to different types of viewing:

• Straight Scopes: The eyepiece is in line with the barrel, making it easy to aim at distant objects. This design is ideal for hunting and target shooting, where quick target acquisition is essential.  It is also generally more comfortable to stand behind your scope for long days of sea bird watching  when you are standing straight up rather than leaning over your scope.   

• Angled Scopes: The eyepiece is at a 45-degree angle, making it more comfortable if you are often looking at elevated subjects.  It is also more convenient if you are sharing the scope with others of different heights or trying to keep your set up as low as possible.

5. Lens Coatings and Glass Quality

Lens coatings and glass types have a significant impact on image clarity and brightness:

• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: A fully multi-coated lens improves light transmission and reduces glare, giving you a brighter, crisper image. Look for scopes that are labeled “fully multi-coated” to ensure optimal performance.

• ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass: ED glass reduces chromatic aberration, enhancing color accuracy and sharpness. This is especially important at higher magnifications, where image distortion can become more noticeable.

6. Size, Weight, and Portability

Spotting scopes range in size, with objective lenses from 50mm to over 100mm. If glass quality is equal, larger lenses offer brighter, sharper images but make the scope heavier and less portable. Here’s a quick guide to size and weight considerations:

• Compact Scopes (50-60mm): Lightweight and easy to carry, perfect if you are covering a lot of ground, traveling regularly or are not able to carry as much weight. Your view will not be as bright as the other sizes and most users tend to invest in better glass quality to help offset that.    

• Mid-Size Scopes (65-80mm): A good balance between brightness and portability.  

• Large Scopes (80mm and above): Best for low-light situations, such as dawn or dusk, or stargazing, though they’re heavier and typically require a larger, more sturdy tripod.

7. Focus Mechanism:  

Spotting scopes generally come with one of two focusing mechanism styles: barrel focus, or a separate focus knob.  There are pros and cons to each.  A barrel focus (the focus is flush and integrated into the body of your scope) is easier to use with gloves, and is less likely to be damaged if your scope falls over.  A separate focus knob can be easier to turn and often comes as a dual rate knob, where one portion of the knob acts as a fine focus and the other portion acts as a course focus. 






8. Warranty and Customer service:  

Lets face it, a good scope is an investment and a vital tool. We should also understand that things happen.  Whether your scope gets bumped and knocked off a hawk tower, or you forget it is leaning against your tailgate and back over it, there is a chance that at some point you will have to send it in for a repair.  It also always seems to be at the best part of the year, ask your dealer what the warranty terms and average turnaround time are. 


9. Tripod Compatibility

For stable viewing, especially at high magnifications, a sturdy tripod is essential. Many spotting scopes come with a built-in mounting plate for quick attachment to a tripod. Be sure to choose a tripod with a smooth panning head for easy movement and an adjustable height that suits your needs. 


10. Setting Your Budget

Your budget will impact the quality and features of your scope:

• Entry-Level (Under $500): Suitable for beginners and casual users, but often lacks high-quality coatings and may struggle in low-light conditions.   

• Mid-Range ($500-$1200): Offers improved image clarity, durability. Great for dedicated hobbyists.

• Upper Mid-Range ($1200-$2500): A great price point for those looking for scope that won’t let them down without jumping to premium options.   

• High end or premium grade ($3000+):  This is the best of the best.  Likely more than most users need but if you have the budget and want to know that you will never have to upgrade, this is where you want to be.  




Final Thoughts


Investing in a spotting scope can open up new horizons, bringing the distant world into sharp focus. By considering your primary activities, preferred magnification, and image quality, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect scope.  The best thing that you can do is not only go to a store that will let you try, but a store that specializes in sport optics.  They will be equipped to answer any questions you might have!  To check out our selection of spotters, click here