The Best Spotting Scopes (2024) - Buying a Spotting Scope for Birdwatching & Wildlife Viewing
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1. Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scope - $100-200 jump to item
Pros: Superior optics, Long-lasting design, Budget
Cons: Slightly heavy, Expensive for beginners
Ideal For: Bird watchers, nature enthusiasts
2. HUICOCY Spotting Scope 20-60x60mm - $50-100 jump to item
Pros: Compact, Affordable
Cons: Limited zoom range
Ideal For: Casual bird watchers, Beginners
3. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes - $300-400 jump to item
Pros: High-quality optics, Versatile use
Cons: High cost, Heavy
Ideal For: Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters
4. Leica APO - Televid 82 Angled Spotting Scope - $3500-4000 jump to item
Pros: Exceptional imaging, Robust design
Cons: Very expensive, Heavy
Ideal For: Pro bird watchers, Professional photographers
5. Celestron - Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope - $200-300 jump to item
Pros: Affordable, Good performance
Cons: Lower zoom capability
Ideal For: Casual nature observers
6. Kowa TSN-553 15-45x55mm Fluorite Prominar - $1500-2000 jump to item
Pros: Superior optical performance, Portable
Cons: High cost
Ideal For: Travelers, hikers
7. Nikon Prostaff 5 20-60x82mm Spotting Scope - $500-600 jump to item
Pros: Robust design, High-quality optics
Cons: Slightly heavy, High-end cost
Ideal For: Bird watchers, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts
Need a closer look?
Birding with binoculars is surprisingly fun. Spotting scope allows for new possibilities to view remote birds. Explore your favorite items at various prices! Spotting scopes are great for viewing your favorite bird or wildlife.
With technological advancements, spotting scopes have become more compact and lightweight, making them a perfect companion for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. These devices offer high magnification power and clarity, allowing users to see even the tiniest details of their subjects.
But with so many available options, how do you choose the best spotting scope for your needs? We list the top bird-watching, nature, and outdoor equipment. If you need a quick start with basic spotting scopes, use this index:
The Importance of Spotting Scopes for Birding
Spotting scopes are instrumental for birding due to their significant magnification power, which exceeds typical binoculars. They provide detailed views of birds from long distances, allowing birdwatchers to observe minute features and behaviors without disturbing the creatures.
Spotting scopes often feature a zoom lens, enabling seamless transitions between different magnification levels to adjust the view according to the situation. Additionally, they can be mounted on a tripod for stability during extended viewing sessions, making them an indispensable tool for birding enthusiasts.
Furthermore, spotting scopes are incredibly versatile and suitable for beginner birdwatchers and experienced ornithologists. Its flexibility allows users to adapt to birdwatching scenarios, whether tracking a flying bird or observing a nesting site from afar. The high-quality optics in many spotting scopes capture vibrant, true-to-life colors, enriching the birdwatching experience.
Lastly, most spotting scopes are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. They often have waterproof and fog-proof features, ensuring that birdwatchers can pursue their passion in any weather. This robustness and resilience make spotting scopes an invaluable asset for anyone interested in birdwatching or wildlife observation.
The difference between spotting scopes and binoculars
While spotting scopes and binoculars both serve the purpose of magnifying distant objects, there are critical differences between the two that make them suitable for different applications.
Binoculars are generally lightweight, compact, and designed for handheld use, making them ideal for outdoor activities. They offer a wider field of view and are typically used for observing relatively close subjects.
On the other hand, spotting scopes possess significantly higher magnification powers and provide a much more detailed view of faraway objects, which is why they are preferred for birding.
However, their high magnification makes them more prominent and heavier, and they must be mounted on a tripod for stable viewing.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Spotting Scope
When selecting a spotting scope for birding, certain essential features should be considered to ensure optimal performance. One of the most important is the magnification power, which should provide detailed views of birds at varying distances. The quality of the optics, including the objective lens size and the type of glass used, also significantly impacts the clarity and brightness of the image.
Additionally, the scope should be robust and waterproof to withstand outdoor conditions, and its size and weight should align with your portability needs.
Lastly, the scope should have user-friendly controls for smooth operation and a tripod mount for stability during extended viewing sessions.
Magnification Power
Magnification power refers to how much larger the spotting scope can make an object appear compared to the naked eye. For birding, an area with a high magnification power is needed to observe details of distant birds.
For instance, a spotting scope with a magnification power of 60x will make a bird appear 60 times closer than it would to the naked eye. If a bird is situated 600 feet away, looking through a 60x spotting scope will make it appear as if it's just 10 feet away.
This closeness allows bird watchers to observe intricate details, such as feather patterns and colors, which would be virtually impossible with the naked eye or lower magnification.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter is crucial as it determines the amount of light that enters the scope. A larger diameter allows more light, producing brighter and clearer images, especially in low-light conditions.
For instance, a spotting scope with a 70mm objective lens diameter will be particularly effective in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. This large diameter will allow sufficient light to enter the scope, enhancing the brightness and clarity of the image.
This can be particularly beneficial for bird watchers trying to spot and identify birds in the early morning or late evening when many species are most active. However, it's important to note that scopes with larger lens diameters may be bulkier and heavier, impacting their portability.
Lens Quality
The quality of the lens plays a pivotal role in image clarity and brightness. High-quality lenses, often made of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images.
ED glass corrects for color fringing, a common issue in lower-quality lenses where different colors appear to have separate focal points, resulting in blurry images. ED glass brings the colors to a single focal point, producing clear and true-to-life pictures.
In addition to ED glass, some spotting scopes feature multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses.
Field of View
The field of view is visible through the scope at a particular magnification. A wider area of view benefits birding, allowing the observer to track moving birds more easily.
Generally, as magnification increases, the field of view decreases. However, some spotting scopes have adjustable eyepieces that can offer a wider field of view at higher magnifications.
Waterproof and Fog Proof
Since bird watching often involves being outdoors in various weather conditions, investing in a waterproof and fog-proof spotting scope is essential. This ensures that your content can withstand rain, snow, and humidity without compromising performance.
Some scopes are nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging on the inside of the lens. Look for spotting content with an O-ring seal and nitrogen-purged construction for maximum protection against water and fog.
Durability
A spotting scope is an investment, so choosing one that will last is crucial. Look for ones made with durable materials such as high-grade aluminum or magnesium alloy, which are lightweight and robust.
Rubber armor coatings can also protect the scope from bumps and scratches, making it more resilient to outdoor use. Also, please look for spotting scopes with a warranty or guarantee to ensure long-term satisfaction.
Close Focus
Close focus refers to the minimum distance a spotting scope can focus. A lower close focus distance is advantageous for observing birds that are close by. It allows you to see fine details on birds, such as feather patterns, that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Some spotting scopes have a close focus distance as low as 10 feet, making them ideal for birding in dense foliage or wetlands where birds can be found at close range.
Image Quality
Image quality is crucial when choosing a spotting scope for bird watching. Please look for areas with high-quality lenses and coatings that provide sharp, clear images with accurate color representation.
Another consideration is the magnification power of the scope. For bird watching, a zoom range of 20-60x or 25-75x is recommended to provide a wide field of view and detailed magnification.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance at which you can hold your eye from the eyepiece and still see the entire field of view. Longer extended eye relief is essential for those who wear glasses.
Look for spotting scopes with a minimum of 14mm of eye relief to ensure comfortable viewing with glasses. Some spotting scopes have adjustable eye cups, further enhancing the viewing experience.
Waterproof and Fog Proof
Outdoor birding can involve unpredictable weather conditions, so choosing a spotting scope that is both waterproof and fog proof is essential. These features will ensure your content remains functional and clear even in wet or humid conditions.
Look for scopes with nitrogen-purged tubes, O-ring seals, and rubber armor to protect against moisture damage.
Straight vs Angled
When choosing a spotting scope for birding, one must consider whether a straight or angled design suits their needs. Both methods have unique advantages and can significantly influence the overall birding experience.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding between a straight or angled spotting scope.
Straight scopes are more comfortable to use for those who frequently observe birds in a standing position. The eyepiece is the same height as the body, reducing neck strain and making it easier to quickly switch between watching with both eyes or one eye.
Angled scopes are ideal for birders who often observe from different angles, such as when sitting on the ground or in a vehicle. The angled eyepiece allows for more flexibility and better viewing of birds at different heights.
Angled scopes also tend to have better close-focus capabilities, making them suitable for observing birds on the ground or in low branches.
An angled scope may be more comfortable for birders who wear glasses as they can adjust.
Top Spotting Scopes for Birding
1: Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scope
Overview
The Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scope is an excellent birder tool with a dynamic magnification range between 20x and 60x.
The 80mm objective lens allows for a brighter field of view and more explicit images. The scope also has a quality prism and fully multi-coated optics, ensuring superior light transmission and brightness.
Pros
Wide range of magnification for versatile viewing
Large objective lens for bright and clear images
High-quality prism and optics for enhanced light transmission
Durable and weather-resistant design for outdoor use
Cons
May be heavier compared to other models
Higher magnification might result in a narrower field of view
Ideal for
The Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scope is ideal for birdwatchers who value high magnification, clear images, and a scope that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Its higher magnification range makes it particularly suitable for observing birds at a distance. One of the best budget spotting scope.
2: HUICOCY Spotting Scope 20-60x60mm
Overview
The HUICOCY Spotting Scope 20-60x60mm is a compact and portable birding tool designed for birdwatchers on the go. Despite its compact size, it delivers a powerful magnification range of 20x to 60x and a 60mm objective lens that ensures bright and clear images.
The scope's fully coated optics and quality BAK4 prism enhance light transmission, delivering vibrant, true-to-life colors.
Pros
Compact and portable design for easy transportation
Wide range of magnification for versatile viewing
Fully coated optics and BAK4 prism for superior light transmission and brightness
Great budget spotting scope
Objective lens ensures bright and clear images
Cons
The smaller objective lens might compromise brightness in low-light conditions
Lacks a rugged design compared to more expensive models
Ideal for
The HUICOCY Spotting Scope 20-60x60mm is perfect for birdwatchers who prefer lightweight, portable scopes without compromising magnification. It's an excellent choice for beginners due to its easy operation and affordable pricing.
3: Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes
Overview
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes are renowned for their superior optical quality and rugged design. These scopes boast an HD optical system with impressive glassing capabilities that ensure high-definition views and remarkable color fidelity.
A streamlined exterior provides a sleek, snag-free profile, while the rubber armor enhances the scope's durability and ensures a secure grip.
Pros
High-definition optical system for sharp and color-accurate views
Durable rubber armor for rugged outdoor use
Sleek design preventing snags during transportation
Cons
Higher end of the pricing spectrum
May be too heavy for some birdwatchers
Ideal for
The Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes are ideal for birdwatchers seeking high-definition viewing experiences and those frequently using their scopes in demanding outdoor conditions.
Its superior optical quality, objective lens, and durable construction justify the higher price range.
4: Leica APO - Televid 82 Angled Spotting Scope
Overview
The Leica APO-Televid 82 Angled Spotting Scope is a top-of-the-line product known for its extraordinary optical performance. This scope incorporates apochromatic lens technology and high-performance fluoride glass to deliver sharp, vivid, and richly detailed images, even in low-light conditions.
Its robust construction ensures durability, while the angled design provides comfort during prolonged use.
Pros
Superior optical performance with apochromatic lens technology
High-performance fluoride glass for sharp, vivid, and detailed views
Robust construction for long-lasting use
Angled scope design offers comfortable observation
Great budget spotting scope and entry-level scope
Cons
Quite expensive compared to other models
Not very lightweight, could be cumbersome to carry
Ideal for
The Leica APO-Televid 82-Angled Spotting Scope is perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts who prioritize optical performance and are willing to invest in high-quality equipment.
It is particularly suitable for those who often observe at low light times such as dawn or dusk.
5: Celestron - Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope
Overview
The Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope is an exceptional mid-range product that caters to bird watchers' and outdoor enthusiasts' needs. Equipped with an 80mm larger objective lens, it offers a wide field of view and bright, clear images. The angled design ensures comfortable viewing for extended periods.
Pros
An ample 80mm large objective lens offers bright images
Wide field of view for comprehensive scenery examination
Angled design enhances comfort during prolonged use
Cost-effective considering its features and performance
Cons
Less powerful compared to high-end models
The image may lose sharpness at the edge of the field of view
Ideal for
The Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and bird watchers looking for an effective balance between performance and cost. It's particularly suited for beginners who want to explore nature with a quality scope for bird watching without investing heavily in high-end equipment.
6: Kowa TSN-553 15-45x55mm Fluorite Prominar
Overview
The Kowa TSN-553 15-45x55mm Fluorite Prominar is a high-end spotting scope offering unparalleled image clarity and sharpness. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a travel-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts.
The 55mm objective lens and the 15-45x zoom feature ensure detailed and bright views, even in challenging light conditions.
Pros
Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
High-end optics provide crystal clear and sharp images
Wide zoom range for versatile use
Robust build ensures longevity
Objective lens offers detailed and bright views
Cons
On the expensive side
The compact size might not appeal to users who prefer larger models
Ideal for
The Kowa TSN-553 15-45x55mm Fluorite Prominar is perfect for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts who desire superior optical performance and portability. Its high-quality optics and compact design appeal to travelers and hikers. One of the best spotting scope available.
7: Nikon Prostaff 5 20-60x82mm Spotting Scope
Overview
The Nikon Prostaff 5 20-60x82mm Spotting Scope is a leading member of the renowned Nikon spotting scope family, offering a blend of superior imaging and durable design. One of the best spotting scope available.
The 82mm objective lens paired with a 20-60x zoom range guarantees bright and crisp views, even under unfavorable light conditions.
Pros
Robust design ensures long-lasting use
High-quality optics for clear and bright images
Broad zoom range for versatile viewing and maximum magnification
Larger objective lens size enhances low-light performance
Cons
Slightly heavier than similar models
High-end cost might not be suitable for beginners
Ideal for
The Nikon Spotting Scopes are deal for bird watchers, hunters, and nature enthusiasts who value high-quality imaging and durability.
It is particularly suited for individuals who frequently undertake outdoor expeditions and need a reliable spotting scope to enhance their experiences.
How to Use a Spotting Scope
To use a spotting scope effectively, you can start by securely setting up your tripod and attaching it to it.
Next, you can adjust the eyepiece to your comfort level and align the scope toward the area you're interested in. For precision, please start with the lowest magnification level and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired clarity.
You can always focus the scope with a slow, subtle hand movement to avoid blurring the image.
Lastly, if your spotting scope has an angled eyepiece, you can use it to your advantage for comfortable viewing, especially for bird watching or watching wildlife at different heights.
Tips on Using Spotting Scopes for Birding
Mastering spotting scopes for birding can significantly enhance your experience. It's essential to understand your equipment's specifications, learn how to focus swiftly on birds and get familiar with adjusting magnification levels to get the most out of your birdwatching session.
Maintaining Your Spotting Scope
The longevity and performance of your spotting scope greatly rely on how well you maintain it. Regular cleaning is paramount, but it should be done carefully to avoid damaging sensitive optical components. Use a lens brush or air blower to remove dust or debris from the lens surface gently.
For smudges, use a particular lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to gently clean the lens, ensuring you don't scratch or damage it. I would also like to point out that you must always store your spotting scope in a dry, dust-free environment to avoid potential damage.
Best microfiber cloths for cleaning
Spotting Scope Accessories
To further enhance your birding experience, several spotting scope accessories can be of substantial help. One essential accessory is a tripod, which provides a stable platform for your scope, ensuring clear, shake-free views.
Depending on your activities, you may choose between a full-size tripod for static birdwatching or a compact one for hiking and traveling.
Lens caps protect your scope's optical surfaces from dust, rain, and potential scratches. On the other hand, a spotting scope case provides overall protection and easy transportation, keeping your scope secure and clean during outdoor adventures.
For those seeking to capture the beauty of nature, digiscoping adapters are available that can connect your camera or smartphone to your spotting scope, transforming it into a super telephoto lens.
Lastly, consider a neck strap or harness for carrying your scope, especially if you'll be birdwatching for extended periods, as it helps distribute the weight evenly and reduces strain.
Using a Monopod or Tripod
The stability of your spotting scopes for birding can make or break your adventure. Monopods and tripods are excellent tools to minimize shaking and maintain a steady view. They allow for a more comfortable birding session and ensure the clarity of the images you observe and capture.
When choosing between a monopod or tripod, consider the weight and portability of each. Monopods are lighter and easier to carry but offer less stability than tripods. Tripods are bulkier but provide more stability for high-magnification viewing.
It's also essential to test different heights and angles when setting up your monopod or tripod. Finding the correct position will make your viewing experience more comfortable and help reduce fatigue or strain on your arms and hands.
Using a Digiscoping Adapter
A digiscoping adapter is invaluable for birders who want to capture images of the birds they see. This device lets you attach your phone or camera to your spotting scope and take photos or videos of the birds you observe.
Before purchasing a digiscoping adapter, please ensure it matches your spotting scope model. Some adapters are universal, while others are specifically designed for specific scopes.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality spotting scope is a game-changer for any birdwatching enthusiast.
Learning to use your equipment effectively, with patience and practice, will enhance your viewing experience and deepen your appreciation for nature's feathered wonders.
So pack your binoculars, spotting scope, and digiscoping adapter for your next birding adventure, and get ready to witness the beauty of birds in all their glory.
Happy birding!
Frequently Asked Questions
1: What are some notable brands for spotting scopes?
Some popular brands producing high-quality spotting scopes include Vortex, Celestron, and Nikon.
2: Is a spotting scope necessary for birdwatching?
Although not necessary, a spotting scope can significantly enhance your birdwatching experience by providing detailed, up-close views of birds from a distance.
3: What's the advantage of having a tripod or monopod for my spotting scope?
Tripods and monopods stabilize your spotting scope, reducing shaking and allowing for more comfortable and precise viewing experiences.
4: Can I use any digiscoping adapter with my spotting scope?
Not necessarily. While some digiscoping adapters are universal, others are designed specifically for specific scope models. It's essential to check compatibility before you purchase.
5: How can I improve my birdwatching skills?
Improving birdwatching skills involves learning more about bird species, understanding their behaviors, and practicing your observation skills. Using a spotting scope effectively and patiently can significantly enhance your birdwatching skills.
6: Can I use a spotting scope if I wear eyeglasses?
Yes, you certainly can. Many spotting scopes come with adjustable eyecups twisted up or down to accommodate glasses wearers.
However, it's important to note that the eye relief distance (the distance between your eye and the eyepiece where you can still see the whole field of view) can be a critical factor for those who wear glasses.
If you wear eyeglasses, you should look for a scope with a more extended eye relief.
