Spotting scopes are a device used to magnify things that are far away. They are used in many different fields but are most commonly used for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and astronomy. This article will focus on spotting scopes for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. We will discuss what you should be looking for in a spotting scope and make recommendations for products to look at.
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How to choose a spotting scope for wildlife observation: summary recommendations
When choosing a spotting scope, there are some important things to take into consideration: magnification, the focal length and the objective lens. Also, you will want to decide what you will be using the scope for.
The magnification is what you will be using the most when viewing objects up close. The focal length refers to the distance from the lens to the object being viewed, and the objective lens is the size of the lens. The focal length and objective lens will be what determines the viewing distance and should be taken into account in your choice.
If you will be using the scope primarily for wildlife viewing, you should make sure that the scope has at least a 50mm objective lens, between 10-30x magnification and a tripod.
Best Spotting Scope Available
The ROXANT Blackbird Spotting Scope is a top-of-the-line spotting scope. It provides the user with excellent optical performance and a long eye relief, making it one of the best spotting scopes available.
- ROXANT Blackbird Spotting Scope – Top Pick
- Landove 20-60X80 Spotting Scope BAK4 Prism – Rated 4.6 out of 5
- Gosky 20-60x60 HD Spotting Scope with Tripod
- SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scopes with Tripod
- Barska 30-90x90 Waterproof Colorado Spotter Scope
1. ROXANT Blackbird Spotting Scope
- The Roxant spotting scope comes outfitted with high definition and military grade features. Optical glass with a BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated all-glass lens allows for sophisticated light transmission and brightness for crystal clear viewing
The Roxant Blackbird Spotting Scope is a durable and lightweight spotting scope that can be used for spotting targets up to 200 yards away. It is a military-grade spotting scope and is made of optical glass with a BAK4 prism and a fully multi-coated, all-glass lens for sophisticated light transmission and brightness.
The handcrafted Blackbird has a non-slip, armored construction and a smooth-glide, textured focus ring on the main barrel. The scope is also lightweight and can magnify up to 12x and 36x without losing definition and clarity.
The scope comes with a spotting scope tripod and handle that folds up neatly and packs away discreetly. This scope is also characterized by a 45 degree angled eyepiece that makes viewing more comfortable for those who wear eyeglasses.
- The scope can magnify up to 12x and 36x without losing definition and clarity;
- The scope comes with a spotting scope tripod and handle that folds up neatly and packs away discreetly;
- The scope has a 45 degree angled eyepiece that makes viewing more comfortable for those who wear eyeglasses.
- The scope is heavy and bulky;
- The scope is expensive.
Specifications
- Brand: Roxant
- Magnification: 12X-36X
- Field of View: 170-85 feet/1093 yards
- Objective lens: 50 mm
2. Landove 20-60X80 Spotting Scope BAK4 Prism
- FULLY MULTI-COATED GREEN LENS - High definition 85mm fully multi-coated green film objective lens with superior BAK4 prism which reduces stray light from entering the lens and allows light transmission and brightness for more clear and brighter viewing, gets crisp images.
The Landove Spotting Scopes is a scope for targeting, bird watching, hunting, and more. The scope has a fully multi-coated green lens and high variable magnification. The Landove also has a durable construction from high quality material, a non-slip grip, shock-proof grip, and fog-proof. The scope is also very compact so you can carry it with you anywhere. Landove has included a digiscoping cell phone adapter which allows you to take videos and images of nature from afar.
- Good for targeting, bird watching, hunting, and more;
- The scope has a fully multi-coated green lens;
- Durable construction;
- Non-slip grip, shock-proof grip, and fog-proof.
- Lens is hard to clean.
Specifications
- Brand: Landove
- Magnification: 20X-60X
- Field of View: 82.9-48ft/1000yards
- Objective lens: 80 mm
3. Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope with Tripod
- 【POWERFUL MAGNIFICATION】: Adjustable powerful 20-60x zoom magnification allows you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail. Perfect for bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, astronomical observation etc
The Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope with Tripod is a must-have for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts. The powerful magnification and fully multi-coated lens provide you with bright and clear images. The durable construction and waterproof design can withstand the toughest weather conditions. With accessories like the smartphone digiscoping adapter and tripod, you can explore the distant nature more easily.
- Bright and clear images;
- Durable construction;
- Weatherproof;
- Affordable.
- No carrying bag;
- Cannot be used with most smartphones;
- Heavy.
Specifications
- Brand: Gosky
- Magnification: 20X-60X
- Field of View: 50-110ft/1000 yards
- Objective lens: 60 mm
4. SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scopes with Tripod
- 25-75x zoom;SV28 spotting scope is easy to focus and change magnification;easily set up when looking at birds and scenery;A great spotting scope for beginner to novice
This spotting scope is perfect for any beginner or novice. The SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scopes with Tripod is both lightweight and portable so that it can be easily carried anywhere you go. The tripod is perfect for those who are looking for a range spotting. The phone adapter makes it easier to share videos and photos. The SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scopes with Tripod is also IP65 waterproof, so it can be used in any environment.
- Lightweight and portable;
- Waterproof;
- Phone adapter;
- Tripod.
- Not good for professionals.
Specifications
- Brand: SVBONY
- Magnification: 25X-74X
- Field of View: 64-43 ft/1000 yds
- Objective lens: 70 mm
5. Barska 30-90×90 Waterproof Colorado Spotter Scope
- Field of View (ft at 1000yds/m at 1000m):78/26-40.2/13
The Barska 30-90×90 Waterproof Colorado Spotter Scope is a long-distance spotting scope with a built-in angled eye piece system and 2 way fluid head with quick release platform, extendable legs and rubber feet. This spotting scope is perfect for bird watchers and hunters looking to observe their target from a distance. The Barska 30-90×90 Waterproof Colorado Spotter Scope is also very affordable, as it is nearly half the price of other spotting scopes of the same caliber.
- Affordable;
- Good for long distance viewing;
- Built-in angled eye piece system;
- 2 way fluid head with quick release platform.
- Not great for close range viewing;
- Not very high-quality.
Specifications
- Brand: BARSKA
- Magnification: 30X-90X
- Field of View: 78/26-40.2/13(ft at 1000yds/m at 1000m)
- Objective lens: 90 mm
6. MaxUSee High Definition 20-60×60 Zoom Spotting Scope
- Zoom Magnification 20X-60X - Powerful zoom magnification runs from 20x to 60x allows you to lock onto the target and zoom in for more details. 45 Degree angled eyepiece offers comfortable viewing. Wide Field of View brings nature closer to you.
MaxUSee High Definition 20-60×60 Zoom Spotting Scope is a spotting scope that allows for a high-definition, detailed image of the target. With a wide field of view of 45 degrees and a magnification of 20-60x, it is able to work well in low-light conditions. With a durable frame and lens and lightweight scope, it can withstand tough weather conditions. The tripod and carrying bag make it easy to travel with.
- Views high-definition images;
- High magnification;
- Wide field of view;
- Durable frame and lens.
- Only works well in low-light conditions;
- Higher price point.
Specifications
- Brand: MaxUSee
- Magnification: 20X-60X
- Field of View: 63-126ft/1000 yard
- Objective lens: 60 mm
7. Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope
- ULTIMA ANGLED ZOOM SPOTTING SCOPE: This versatile all-around spotting scope with a 100mm objective lens, 22-66x zoom, and a 45° viewing angle is the ideal choice for any outdoor enthusiast. It's perfect for observing nature and long-distance viewing.
The Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope is a high definition 20-60×60 zoom spotting scope, which is very lightweight and sturdy and an outdoor enthusiast’s choice. It has a 100mm objective lens and a 45° viewing angle, and is perfect for observing nature and long-distance viewing. It includes an extended tripod mounting plate, zoom eyepiece with integrated T-adapter for Digiscoping, carrying case, eyepiece lens cap, eyepiece port cover, eyepiece pouch, lens cloth, and instruction manual.
The Multi-coated optics of Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope is coated by anti-reflective coatings, which improves color and contrast, while maximizing brightness. This provides the viewer with a brighter and sharper image, even when ambient lighting conditions are dim. The sharp zoom eyepiece function of Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope lets the viewer to bring their subject into razor-sharp focus before it moves away.
The included zoom eyepiece helps the viewer to zero in for detailed views of distant subjects in seconds. The Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope is backed by a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
- Lightweight and sturdy;
- High definition;
- Anti-reflective coatings;
- Sharp zoom eyepiece.
- Limited zoom;
- Needs a tripod.
Specifications
- Brand: Celestron
- Magnification: 22X-66X
- Field of View: 94-52/1000 yard
- Objective lens: 100 mm
8. Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope
- ✅【High Magnification】This spotting scope features a powerful zoom magnification range that adjustable 20x to 60x magnification,45 degree angled eyepiece ergonomic design allows more comfortable viewing. Field-of-view is 39-19m/1000m, brings nature closer to you than ever. Perfect for target shooting, hunting, bird watching wildlife, spotting moon, traveling, hiking, camping, archery, astronomy etc
Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope is a spotting scope with a powerful magnification range that ranges from 20x to 60x magnification. The fully multi-coated lens allows for bright, clear, high contrast images that can be seen even in low-light conditions. The spotting scope provides exceptional performance in the most rugged conditions. The spotting scope is water and fog proof. This scope is a great scope for any outdoor activity.
- The fully multi-coated lens provides bright, clear and high contrast images;
- The spotting scope we be able to be used in low-light conditions;
- The spotting scope is water and fog proof;
- The magnification range is powerful.
- The magnification range is not extended;
- The magnification power may not be enough for some people.
Specifications
- Brand: Emarth
- Magnification: 20X-60X
- Field of View: 39-19m/1000m
- Objective lens: 60 mm
9. Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
- Variable 20x to 60x magnification and dynamic lens focusing system - makes it easy to zoom in. Perfect for archery, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, astronomical observation etc.
Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is a spotting scope with a powerful magnification. This spotting scope is ideal for archers, bird watchers, and wildlife watching. It is fully multi-coated and therefore delivers a brighter, clearer, and crisper image than other spotting scopes. The Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is waterproof and fog-proof and can withstand the tough environments.
It has a durable framework and rubber armor that ensures a non-slip grip, shock-proof grip, and durable external protection. The eyepiece shield can be stretched out to protect the eyepiece and a smartphone digiscoping adapter is also included to make taking photos and videos easy. It also comes with a tripod that is full metal.
- Quality optics;
- Fully multi-coated;
- Waterproof and fog-proof;
- Durable.
- Price.
Specifications
- Brand: Gosky
- Magnification: 20X-60X
- Field of View: 82.9-48ft/1000yards
- Objective lens: 80 mm
How to select a spotting scope for birdwatching
When selecting a birdwatching spotting scope, it is important to take a number of things into consideration. Firstly, you will want to make sure that the scope has a large objective lens – the higher the number, the clearer the lens will be. Secondly, the magnification should be between 10x and 60x, with more magnification being better. Finally, you will want a scope that has a high resolution.
How much zoom should birding spotting scopes have?
The zoom on a birding spotting scope should be between 20x and 60x, but more magnification is always better. The more magnification, the closer you will be able to get to the bird or other object being viewed.
How large an objective lens should birding spotting scopes have?
For a good birding scope, you will want a scope with at least a 50mm objective lens. The higher the number, the more light that the scope will transmit to the viewer, and the better the image will be.
How to use a spotting scope
When you are using a spotting scope, it is important to make sure that the tripod is set up correctly. First, line up the scope so that it is pointed in the correct direction. Next, make sure that the zoom is set to the appropriate level – usually around 20-60x depending on the scope. Finally, adjust the focus so that the image is clear.
Adjusting the zoom on a spotting scope
To adjust the zoom on a spotting scope, first make sure the scope is in the desired position. Then, you will want to find the magnification ring and turn it to the appropriate number.
Adjusting the focus on a spotting scope
To adjust the focus on a spotting scope, make sure the scope is in the desired position, then turn the focus ring to the appropriate number.
FAQ
Straight vs angled scope?
There are two types of spotting scopes – straight and angled. A straight scope will have a straight eyepiece, while an angled scope will have an eyepiece that points upwards. An angled scope is best for birding, while a straight scope is best for wildlife viewing.
What do the spotting scope numbers mean?
The numbers on a spotting scope refer to the magnification, the focal length and the objective lens. The magnification is what you will be using the most when viewing objects up close. The focal length refers to the distance from the lens to the object being viewed, and the objective lens is the size of the lens.
What are you going to view?
If you are going to be viewing all-around wildlife, a scope with 10-30x magnification is best. If you will be viewing mostly birds, you will want a scope with at least 20x magnification. If you will be viewing primarily astronomy, you will want a scope with a focal length between 18-30mm and an objective lens between 50-90mm. If you will be viewing primarily photography, you will want a scope with a focal length between 18-30mm and an objective lens between 50-90mm.
Conclusion
Spotting scopes are an ideal tool for viewing wildlife. The optical quality of a good quality spotting scope will provide a much clearer image which will enable you to get a better look at the wildlife. A good spotting scope will be able to give you a much larger field of view which is ideal for watching birds and other wildlife. You will also be able to see more of the animals as they are active. You will be able to identify birds and other wildlife with much greater accuracy.
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