Target shooting is thrilling and rewarding only when you have the right gear with you. A quality spotting scope is one of the most important gears you should pack for target shooting.
It boosts your vision and allows you to engage your targets effectively regardless of how far they are. Besides, a spotting scope allows you to check your shot placement without having to cease fire or leave the bench.
The market is flooded with spotting scopes which makes choosing the best spotting scope for target shooting taxing. Today’s post helps make the search for a quality spotting scope less tedious by highlighting a top brass of the best spotting scopes for target shooting. Read on and find an optic that fits your criteria.
What makes a Great Spotting Scope for Target Shooting?
A great spotting scope for target shooting must have variable optical power for shooting at varying distances. It should have a wide and clear field of view of easy target spotting and quality optics that provide bright and vivid images even in low-light conditions. Also, the scope should have a weatherproof construction and be well-constructed to handle anything that comes their way.
8 Best Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting
If you are on the hunt for the best spotting scope for target shooting, you have come to the right place. We have a picklist of some of the quality products available on the market today. These spotting scopes will help make your target shooting expedition worthwhile and more competitive. With that in mind, let’s get started.
1) Celestron- Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope
Celestron is a big name in the field of optics. It makes high-quality optical equipment and the Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope is no different. A combination of great features at an unbeatable price makes Celestron-Ultima 80 one of the best spotting scopes for target shooting.
It has a variable and versatile 20-60x magnification and a large 80mm objective lens. From target shooting, hunting, tactical observation to wildlife glassing, this all-around spotting scope will get the job done right.
The scope features a 45-degree viewing angle which is perfect for long-range viewing. Every lens surface is fully multi-coated to increase the light transmission needed for bright, clear and color-accurate images. It’s lightweight for easy carrying to and from the range and comes with a soft carrying case for convenient transportation.
With this spotting scope, you get a large focus dial that you should use to bring your subject into sharp focus. More importantly, it boasts a long eye relief for better and more comfortable viewing and a fold-down rubber eyecup which makes it eyeglass-friendly.
In addition to everything else, this product is fully waterproof and fog-free so you can use it in the most demanding weather conditions.
Features
- 45° viewing angle
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 18mm eye relief
- Fold-down eyecup
- Lightweight design
- Sharp zoom eyepiece function
- Multi-coated optics
- Integrated T-adapter for Digiscoping
- Eyepiece lens cap
- Manual focus
2) Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope
Vortex is a name synonymous with excellent quality in the world of optics. The Diamondback HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope is a mid-priced spotter that works well for all tactical shooting applications.
It offers great long-range performance and maintains clear views even at the highest magnification power. The main facet that makes Diamondback HD one of the best spotting scopes for target shooting is the outstanding low-light performance.
This spotting scope has a built-in helical focus wheel for quick and fine adjustments and an adjustable eyecup that provide comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
The integrated sunshade protects your eyes from harmful sun rays and shields the objective lens from snow and rain. Even better, the scope has multiple anti-reflective lens coatings for bright and clear image production.
Weighing about 49.8 ounces, this product is fairly light and easy to carry from place to place. It’s crafted from high-quality aluminum and has rubber armor that shields it from shock and impacts.
The scope is also sealed with O-rings to prevent water damage and argon purged to provide total fog-proof performance. Overall, this is an excellent-quality spotting scope that outdoes some of its costlier rivals.
Features
- Armortek lens coating
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Rubber armor
- Built-in sunshade
- Durable aluminum construction
- Adjustable eyecup
- HD optical system
- Tripod adaptable
- A built-in helical focus wheel
- 45-degree viewing angle
3) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60×65 Porro Prism Spotting Scopes
If you are looking for extra power for extra long-range shooting, the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60×65 spotting is your best option. It has a maximum magnification of up to 60x and offers full-size brightness and clarity in any lighting condition.
The scope is well-constructed to go virtually anywhere. It has rubber-armored housing that absorbs shock and impact and also gives you a secure, non-slip grip. This model is also 100% waterproof and fogproof so you can use it in any weather condition.
Another impressive thing about the scope is the outstanding optical performance. It boasts multi-coated optics which provide increased light transmission for bright and clear visuals even in low-light conditions. To top it all, the scope comes with a compact tripod mount for long-range viewing.
Features
- Porro prism design
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Weatherproof construction
- Zoom magnification up to 60x
- Durable rubber armor
- Compact soft-side case included
- Compact and portable
- 18mm eye relief
- 65mm objective lens
4) Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Gosky Updated 20-60×80 spotting scope is your best option if you have a tight budget. It’s reasonably affordable and comes with virtually every feature that you need to get the most out of a tactical shooting expedition. It’s lightweight, portable, and very simple to use.
The variable 20-60x magnification brings the distant targets close and makes it easy for you to shoot accurately. The scope also boasts fully multi-coated optics which facilitate excellent light transmission to make your views brighter and clearer. It also provides a wide and clear field of view for simple target spotting.
The scope is built to last long. It has a sturdy and durable framework to stand up to anything thrown at it. The rubber armor shields it from weather elements, shock, impacts, and more, while the waterproof and fogproof construction ensures that the scope withstands bad weather conditions. Also, the scope comes with an eyepiece shield for protecting the eyepiece.
Features
- Smartphone Digiscoping adapter
- Quality BaK4 Porro prism
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Durable and sturdy framework
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Large field of view
- Lightweight and portable
- Angled eyepiece
- Tabletop full metal tripod and tripod mount
- Eyepiece shield
5) Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 Spotting Scope
Here is another Vortex spotting scope that offers excellent performance and great versatility. The Razor HD 27-60×85 Spotting Scope offers numerous high-end features to make your target shooting a success.
First, it boasts high 27-60x magnification suitable for extreme long-range shooting. The anti-reflective lens coatings maximize light transmission for bright and clear images even at 60x magnification.
Even better, it has an apochromatic lens that eliminates chromatic aberrations and high-density glass that provides clearer images than standard glass. Like any other Vortex optic, this razor HD scope is purged with argon to prevent internal lens fogging and is fully waterproof for all-weather reliability.
It’s crafted from high-quality materials to provide great durability and comes with a retractable sunshade that minimizes glare when shooting under direct sunlight.
Features
- Twist-up eyecup
- Coarse and fine focus dial
- Angled-viewing design
- Retractable sunshade
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Large 85mm objective lens
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- Apochromatic lens and high-density glass
6) Leupold 20-60×80 Mark 4 Tactical Waterproof Spotting Scope
The Leupold 20-60×80 Mark 4 Tactical spotting scope provides great versatility and durability. It’s ruggedly built for the toughest environments and is suitable for multiple shooting activities among them tactical shooting. It provides a wide 20-60x magnification and a wide field of view so you can track your subjects with ease.
The scope features indexed matched lenses and a light-absorbing interior that eliminates glare and promotes bright and clear views. The folded light path makes the scope compact for easy portability.
Besides that, this optic is lightweight for easy handling in the field and boasts a long eye relief that reduces eye strain which causes eye fatigue during long glassing sessions.
The sturdy aluminum housing is covered by a rubber armor coating which provides a secure, non-slip grasp in both dry and wet conditions. Besides, the scope is waterproof, dustproof and fogproof so you can use it in wet and rainy weather conditions. Lastly, it’s compatible with a wide range of tripods.
Features
- Folded light path
- Tripod and digital camera compatible
- Variable magnification
- Fold-down rubber eyecups
- Waterproof and fogproof
- BaK4 prisms
- Smooth focusing
- Xtended Twilight Lens System
- 5 in eye relief
- Straight viewing angle
- 80mm objective lens
7) Vanguard Endeavor HD 82 A Spotting Scope
Next on our list is the Vanguard Endeavor HD 82 A Spotting Scope. This is an angled-viewing spotting scope that is well-made to provide excellent optical performance at a price that’s easy on the wallet.
The 20-60x adjustable magnification works well for intermediate and long-range shooting, while the large 82 objective lens provides a wide field of view which is essential for smooth target identification. Furthermore, this product has fully multi-coated optics which maximize light transmission in low-light settings to give you brighter and more vivid images.
The scope brings to the table a magnesium housing that enhances durability without adding unnecessary weight. The body is rubber armored for added durability and is fully waterproof and fogproof as well.
The built-in sunshield minimizes glare so you can shoot comfortably under direct sunlight and with the long eye relief, you are assured of comfortable viewing all through. To top that all, the scope comes with a standard 1/4”-20 socket for easy mounting on a tripod.
Features
- Built-in sun shield
- Dual-focus control knobs
- Durable magnesium housing
- Nitrogen-filled and waterproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Angled eyepiece design
- 20-60x magnification
- Tripod mounting shoe
- Rubber armored body
8) Sightmark Latitude 20-60×80 XD Spotting Scope
Tactical shooting gets better with the Sightmark Latitude 20-60×80 XD Spotting Scope. This scope comes with a first focal plane mil-radian reticle to help aim and shoot accurately. It’s simple to use and a perfect option for beginners.
The spotting scope comes with a 20-60x magnification suitable for shooting targets at varying ranges. The fully multi-coated ED glass provides bright and high-quality images in any lighting conditions and the aluminum prims coating provides a wide field of view and better depth as well.
If you wear eyeglasses, this spotting scope suits you. It has a twist-up eyecup that accommodates all users with or without eyeglasses. The straight eyepiece design allows you to comfortably spot for lengthy periods, while the long eye relief reduces eye fatigue in such times.
Above all, this product boasts a durable rubber-armored coating and it’s fully waterproof, dustproof and fogproof for confident glassing in any weather condition.
Features
- Focusable eyepiece
- Waterproof, dustproof and fogproof
- First focal plane mil-radian reticle
- Rugged rubber-armored coating
- Folded light path
- Straight eyepiece design
- Twist-up eyecup
- Distortion-free clarity
- 20-60x magnification
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Extra-low dispersion glass
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How to Choose the Best Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting
Choosing a spotting scope for target shooting may seem like an easy task but with numerous models in the market it’s is a taxing process. However, knowing the features to look for in a spotter will help make the selection process easier. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind when buying a spotting scope:
Magnification
Magnification is the main factor you should consider. The spotting scope’s overall magnification will determine how far you’ll be able to reach and how accurate you’ll be when shooting faraway targets.
If you are looking to take your shooting skills to extremely long distances, a scope with 60x magnification or more will do. However, if you are just a beginner or you are looking to shoot objects that aren’t so far away, look for a scope with moderate magnification or not more than 45x.
Objective Lens Diameter
After magnification, the other factor you should consider is the size of the objective lens. Scopes with bigger objective lenses collect gather more light than their smaller counterparts.
The result is bright, clear and sharp images even when shooting in low light situations. However, bigger isn’t always the best. Scopes with the extra-big objective lens are heavier, difficult to carry around and more expensive.
Image Quality
A spotting scope is of no importance it provides poor-quality images. Look for a model that provides virtually no distortion or color fringing. This is only achieved if the spotting scope has high-end optics and good-quality lens coatings.
As you shop around for the best spotting scope, try to look for a model that has high-density or ED glass and fully multi-coated optics as they offer high-quality images.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between your eyes and the scope’s eyepiece. The longer the eye relief the better especially for the eyeglass wearers. It’s difficult to use a scope with glasses on if it doesn’t have enough eye relief.
Some scopes allow you to adjust eyeglass-wearers. They have adjustable eyecups that provide customized eye relief for comfortable glassing with or without spectacles.
Durability
As you shop around for the best spotting scope for target shooting, you’ll want a product that’s made to last long. It’s therefore important that you look for a scope that’s well-constructed with high-quality materials.
Go for a spotting scope that’s made from aluminum, magnesium alloy, or polycarbonate. These materials offer great durability while remaining lightweight. Also, make sure that you get a scope that has a waterproof and fog-proof construction.
Field of View
Magnification and field of view are inversely proportional. The more you zoom in on a subject, the smaller your field becomes. It is listed as either ft @1000 yards or degrees @ 1000 yards.
The size of the field of view is different from one scope to the other. Some are bigger than others. When it comes to target shooting, a larger field of view will make it easier for you to see the target holes without moving the scope around.
Target Shooting Ranges and The Ideal Magnification
Up to 100 Yards
100 yards is the smallest range for target shooting. Having a clear view of target holes at this range doesn’t require high magnification. A spotting scope with 15-40x magnification will suffice. If you’ll be primarily shooting at this short range, make sure that you get a scope with the ideal close focus for viewing up close targets.
Read: Best Mountain Hunting Scopes
Up to 200 Yards
When you get to shoot targets that are 200 yards away, you’ll need a scope with higher magnification. It’s recommended that you look for any product whose magnification falls between 15x and 60x. The scope should also have good-quality optics that provide better image clarity.
Read: Best Scopes for 200 Yards
Up to 300 Yards
Moving from 200 yards to 300 yards requires a slight increase in magnification. A scope with 60x magnification will do, but you can go higher than that. Other than magnification, this range requires you to have a scope with high-quality glass preferably Edo or High-Definition glass.
Read: Best Scopes for 300 Yards
Above 500 Yards
To shoot a target that’s as far as 500 yards or more requires you to have the clearest views. To achieve this, you need to have a scope with a high magnification power and the best quality optics.
Also, you might struggle to see the target holes in this range if the weather conditions are poor. In this range, look for the highest optic quality and magnification range that you can afford.
Read: Best Scopes for 500 Yards
Conclusion
Knowing what you need from a spotting scope for target shooting should help make the right buying decision. With so many options available, you should take your time and go through the different scopes then choose a product that works best for your needs. All spotting scopes listed above are quality and versatile products suitable for tactical shooting and other applications.