A good quality spotting scope is a valuable addition to every hunter’s hunting kit. Spotting scopes provide higher magnification power and larger objective lens than binoculars and riflescopes.
This makes them ideal for long-range hunting where these other optics can’t reach. They also provide superior low-light performance so you can get an accurate shot regardless of lighting condition.
What is the Ideal Magnification for a Hunting Spotting Scope?
When getting a hunting spotting scope magnification and objective lens are inseparable. To see the farthest distance possible with utmost clarity, you need a powerful spotting scope with a larger objective lens.
A large objective lens enhances light transmission delivering crisp images when focusing on distant targets. Moreover, enhanced light transmission is useful when glassing in low-light conditions.
However, larger objective lenses have a downside, they add weight to the optic. The ideal magnification that offers a perfect balance between weight and image clarity is 20-60x.
Which is Better Angled or Straight Spotting Scope?
The choice between angled or straight spotting scope is a personal preference. An angled spotting scope is the ideal choice when glassing for longer periods. Angled spotting scopes have a rotatable eyepiece giving hunters multiple viewing options.
Besides, it also comes in handy when glassing uphill angles. The other benefit of using an angled spotter is the ease of sharing. When a spotter is angled it lets people of different heights view the same object without making any changes to the spotting scope or the tripod.
When should you use a straight spotter? It’s perfect when observing targets downhill or when seated in a truck. The other benefit of a straight spotting scope is the ease of packaging in your pack. Tracking and acquiring targets is seamless when using this spotter because it aligns with the line of sight.
8 Best Spotting Scopes for Hunting
If you’ll be hunting big game in wide-open fields, a spotting scope is the best tool to have. But with so many spotting scopes available on the market, finding the best model for hunting can be difficult. In this buying guide, we have a detailed review of the best spotting scopes for hunting. Let’s take a look.
#1) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm Spotting Scope
Whether you are spending your first day on the hunting field or you are a seasoned hunter looking to take your hunting skills to the next big level, the Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm will help you have a successful hunting trip. It offers excellent features at a reasonably affordable cost.
Like any other Leupold optic, the SX-2 Alpine HD has the legendary Leupold ruggedness. It’s fully waterproof and fog-resistant for use in all weather conditions and has durable rubber-armored housing for great strength and durability. Its rugged design makes it one of the best spotting scopes for hunting.
Featuring an advanced optical system, this scope offers HD optical performance that most hunters require. Thanks to the angled eyepiece design, you can easily adjust it to different viewing angles that are more comfortable for you.
The long eye relief makes it suitable for eyeglass wearers and you can mount it on a tripod to ensure stable image views at high magnification settings.
Features
- Angled viewing angles
- Twist-up eyecups
- Durable housing and non-slip rubber armor
- Scratch and smudge-resistant lens coating
- HD, calcium fluoride lenses
- Tripod ready
- Over-sized eyepieces
- Waterproof and fogproof
#2) Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope
The SX-4 Pro Guide HD spotting scope offers excellent low-light performance that most hunters find handy. Featuring a large 85mm objective lens, this spotting scope gathers optimum light for bright and clear views.
It also boasts a Twilight Light Max HD Management System that gives you extra 30 minutes of glassing light at low light conditions. The spotting scope is built to provide rugged reliability and unbeatable durability making it one of the best spotting scopes for hunting. It provides excellent clarity at any magnification setting for accurate shot placement.
The waterproof and fogproof construction make it ideal for use in all weather conditions. Better yet, it has a durable yet lightweight aluminum and polycarbonate housing which ensures that you get many years out of it.
This spotting scope also brings to the table scratch-proof lenses and a rubber armor coating that make it ready for every hunting. Overall, it’s an excellent spotting scope for hunting and other outdoor applications as well.
Features
- High-definition calcium fluoride lenses
- Built-in 1/4-20 rotatable tripod adapter
- Lightweight aluminum and polycarbonate housing
- Durable rubber armor
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Scratch-proof lenses
- Twilight Light Max HD Management System
- Angled eyepiece
#3) Celestron 52332 TrailSeeker 80–45 Degree Spotting Scope
Celestron has a longstanding reputation for making high-quality optics and the TrailSeeker 20-60x80mm angled spotting scope is no different. It offers an array of high-quality features to make your hunting expedition better and more fun. Versatility makes Celestron TrailSeeker one of the best spotting scopes for hunting.
For starters, this spotting scope features a premium lens with XLT multi-coatings that provide maximum light transmission in low light conditions. The variable 20-60x magnification brings distant targets closer and the 80mm objective lens provides a wide field of view for hassle-free game identification.
With the 45-degree viewing angle, you are assured of comfortable viewing during extended hunting sessions. You can also rotate it in different angles for a comfortable viewing experience.
In terms of construction, this spotting scope has a robust, fully armored body which guarantees you that they last from one hunting season to the other. Lastly, this product is fully waterproof, fog-proof and fairly light for easy portability.
Features
- XLT fully multi-coated lenses
- Variable 20-60x zoom
- Rotating tripod mount
- Interchangeable eyepiece
- Dual focus mechanism
- 80mm objective lens
- The robust, fully armored body
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Lightweight design
#4) HEALSUN 20-60×60 Spotting Scope
The HEALSUN 20-60×60 Spotting Scope has a 45-degree viewing angle and a versatile 20-60x zoom range suitable for hunting games at any distance. It’s designed to help bring distant targets closer and display their views on your phone screen.
This spotting scope is made with hunters in mind. It has a large 60mm objective that gathers optimum light and provides a wide viewing angle which is important for quick target identification. Additionally, it has a BaK-4 prism and FMC lens coatings for bright, clear and color-accurate image views.
When it comes to construction, this spotter scope is built to handle anything that comes its way. It has high-quality rubber armor that shields it from different elements and provides a non-slip grip for comfortable handling.
It’s fully waterproof for use in any weather season and comes with a built-in retractable sunshade that minimizes glare. Above all, you can mount it on any tripod and get stable observation even at the highest magnification setting.
Features
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 45-degree viewing angle
- Variable 20-60x zoom range
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Dual focus wheel for fast and fine focus adjustment
- BAK4 roof prism
- Waterproof construction
- Smartphone adapter
#5) Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes
The Viper HD 15-45×65 spotting scope is a high-end spotter available at a price that’s easy on the wallet. It’s packed with incredible features and amazing optical performance too. It’s fairly light and a favorite amongst hunters who hike for miles in search of game.
This spotting scope is built ready for every hunt. It has a durable shock-absorbing rubber armor that enhances durability and gives you a comfortable and secure grip even when it’s raining. It’s also sealed with O-rings and argon purged to provide reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
The HD optical system provides clear high-definition images in any lighting condition. The XR antireflective coatings enhance light transmission to give you the brightest and clearest views even in dismal conditions. This spotting scope also brings to the table multi-position eyecups, a built-in sunshade and a smooth helical focus.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Multi-position eyecups
- XR anti-reflective coatings
- Variable 15-45x magnification
- Built-in sunshade
- Protective Armortek lens coating
- Flexible viewing angle
- Smooth and sleek helical-style focus
#6) Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
If you are looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope for hunting, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60×80 Spotting Scope suits you. It boasts an array of high-end features at a price that most hunters can afford. Also, it’s easy to use and ideal for both beginners and professionals.
Featuring a 20-60x magnification, this spotting scope is ideal for hunting at any distance. The 80mm objective lens gives you a wide field of view, while the fully multi-coated optics facilitate ample light transmission for bright, clear and sharp images. This spotter scope also boasts premium BaK-4 prisms and ED prime glass for high-quality views.
This spotting scope is designed to provide the best performance regardless of the weather condition. First, it’s fully waterproof and fog proof so you can use it in any weather conditions. Additionally, it boasts RainGuard HD water-repellent coatings that provide clear views in any weather.
Features
- ED prime low dispersion glass
- 20-60x magnification
- 45-degree angled zoom eyepiece
- Dual-focus controls
- Fully multi-coated optics
- RainGuard HD water-repellent coatings
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- BaK-4 prisms
#7) Nikon Monarch FIELDSCOPE 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60
The Monarch FIELDSCOPE 82ED-A provides a crystal-clear field of view and superb optical performance. It utilizes a Field Flattener lens system that provides consistent image sharpness and excellent clarity across the whole field of view. It also provides a sufficiently generous eye relief for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Weighing just 4.8 ounces, this scope is incredibly light and great for hunting. It features a 20-60x magnification suitable for extreme long-range hunting and ED glass that provides clear images at any magnification setting.
The angled body design gives you comfortable observation during long glassing sessions, while the optimized focusing system helps you bring the target into sharp focus smoothly. Above all, the scope is fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof for greater strength and durability.
Features
- Angled body design
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Digiscoping available
- 82mm ED glass objective lens
- 20 to 60x magnification range
- Field Flattener lens system
- Multi-layer lens coating
- Generous 16.1mm eye relief
- Lightweight design
#8) Leupold Mark 4 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope
Here is another excellent spotting scope from Leupold. The Mark-4 Tactical spotting scope gives you excellent image brightness and clarity which is essential for accurate target acquisition. It provides superb low-light performance to keep you going even when darkness starts to fall in.
This spotting scope is built to perform for life. It has a sturdy magnesium housing that enhances durability while keeping weight at a minimum. It features rugged rubber armor that enhances durability and scratch-resistant lenses. Better yet, it provides a waterproof and fog-proof performance so you can use it even in extreme weather conditions.
Another good thing about this spotting scope is that it’s designed and assembled in the USA. Therefore, you can rest assured that it’s a quality product. It makes an excellent companion when hunting in any environment.
Features
- A fully multi-coated lens system
- Durable magnesium housing
- 100% waterproof and fogproof
- MIL Dot reticle
- 20-60x magnification
- Premium Edge to edge clarity
- Scratchproof lenses
- Folder light path design
- Twilight Max Light Management System
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Best Spotting Scopes for Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs
Choosing the Best Spotting Scopes for Hunting
Magnification
Magnification is the first thing you should look at when shopping for the best spotting scope for hunting. If you hunt long-range targets, you need a spotting scope with a high magnification power.
This way, you will be able to see faraway targets closely for accurate shot placement. In most cases, a spotting scope with 20-60x magnification is perfect for most hunters’ needs.
Straight or Angled
Choosing between an angled or straight spotting scope largely depends on your hunting habits and preference. But each model has its pros and cons.
A straight spotting scope is intuitive and easy to use when tracking mobile targets. It’s considerably easy to pack and great for hunters who trek for miles in search of targets. It’s the best spotting scope for rifle hunting.
An angled spotting scope is ideal for prolonged glassing sessions. You can easily rotate its eyepiece to the most comfortable viewing angle. It’s perfect for glassing targets at an angle.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the other important factor you should look for when shopping for the best spotting scope for hunting. This is the space between your eye and the spotting scope’s eyepiece lens.
Long eye relief is important for all users with or without eyeglasses. It saves you the hassle of having to remove your glasses whenever you want to look through the spotting scope. A model with at least 15mm eye relief is sufficient.
Weatherproof
The best spotting scope for hunting must be fully weatherproof. When you are out in the field looking for a game, the weather can change abruptly and start to pour.
If the spotting scope is fully waterproof, you won’t worry about it getting water damage. The scope should also have rubber armor that shields it from weather elements and gives you a firm grip even in the wettest conditions.
Weight
If your hunting entails moving from one point to the other in search of game, weight is an important factor to consider. You’ll want a spotting scope that’s lightweight so it will be easy to maneuver around with. However, if you plan to use the scope from a stationary point, you don’t have to worry much about the weight.
Read: Best Spotting Scope for Wildlife Viewing
Best Spotting Scopes for Hunting FAQs
Q: Which is Better, Straight or Angled Spotting Scope?
It depends. A straight spotting scope makes it easy for you to track the moving game efficiently. It’s also easy to pack and great for hunters who trek for miles in search of targets. On the other hand, an angled spotting scope is perfect for viewing targets that are either downhill or uphill.
Q: How Far Can You See with a 20-60×80 Spotting Scope?
This will depend on the weather condition as well as the quality of the spotting scope. In most cases, a good value 20-60×80 spotting scope will provide clear image views of targets that are as far as 600 yards away in favorable weather conditions.
Q: Are Spotting Scopes Goof for Hunting?
Yes. Spotting scopes are perfect for big game hunting in long distances either in the West or in wide-open fields. They have a high magnification power that helps you get up-close views of the game for accurate target acquisition.
Conclusion
Spotting scopes offer outstanding optical performance found in no other optics. A good value spotting scope will change how you hunt and make your hunting expeditions better, worthwhile and more enjoyable. All the spotting scopes listed above are high-quality products that will go a long way for you.