Can you imagine viewing the world through a window? It’s nearly impossible to see the world without your glasses, but this is how the world looks through a spotting scope. A camera is like your glasses for the world and the spotting scope is like your window. Of course, the spotting scope will help you see the world in a much clearer way.
There are many different types of scopes and each is designed for a different purpose. Some are designed for hunting, some for photographing and some for watching the stars. The choice is almost too difficult to make. But you can make it easier. Today we are going to help you choose the best spotting scope for you.
You are going to learn all you need to know about spotting scopes, including the terminology, spotting scopes for photographers and digiscoping. You will also learn how to connect a camera to a spotting scope and how to connect a smartphone to a spotting scope. We’ll even teach you how to attach a camera to your scope. So prepare to have your mind blown by all the information we’re going to share with you. Let’s get started!
Contents
What is Digiscoping?
Have you ever heard of digiscoping? If you’re a bird watcher, you’re probably familiar with it. Digiscoping is the method of taking pictures through your spotting scope. It is often used by bird watchers and photographers in order to capture photographs of birds. This is a convenient method of photography because you don’t have to carry around a camera and a spotting scope. Instead, you can simply attach the camera to your scope.
What to Look for in a Spotting Scope
There are many types of scopes depending on the characteristics, dimensions, scope. If you want to be able to see in the best possible way, you need to choose the scope that will best suit your needs.
Magnification Range
The most powerful spotting scope is the one with the highest magnification. It is also the most expensive scope. However, if you are a bird watcher, you want to be able to see the birds in the best possible way. This means that you need the most powerful scope that you can afford.
Close Focus Distance
The close focus distance is the distance that you can be from your subject and still have it in focus. This is an important aspect of your scope because it will determine how far you have to be from an animal to be able to see it clearly. It is also important because it can help you determine how far you have to be from your subject in order to get the best picture.
Lens Size
The lens size is important because it will help you determine how far away you will be able to see your subject. A large lens will help you see far away, while a small lens will help you see things that are up close.
Eyepiece
The eyepiece is important because it will determine the ease of use of your scope. Some are straight, while others are angled. The straight eyepieces allow you to use your scope without having to move your head. However, the angled eyepieces give you a wider field of view.
Straight or Angled?
It is important to consider whether or not you want to be able to look through your scope without having to move your head. If you want to be able to look through your scope and keep your head still, you will have to choose a straight eyepiece. On the other hand, if you want a wider field of view, you will have to choose an angled eyepiece.
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Spotting Scope
Now that you know what to look for in a spotting scope, it is time to consider the other factors that will make a scope the best for you.
Does Your Scope Come With the Best in Glass?
The best in glass refers to the lenses that are included in your scope. The best lenses will be the ones that allow you to see in the clearest way possible. If you are looking for the best lenses, you will have to choose a tripod spotting scope.
Do You Want to Zoom with Your View?
A zoom lens will allow you to view your subject up close and far away. If you want to be able to view your subject up close, you will have to choose a fixed-lens scope. If you want to be able to zoom in and out, you will have to choose a scope with a zoom lens.
Is the Eyepiece Included?
The eyepiece is the lens where you will look through the scope. It will be different from your camera lens or your smartphone lens. It is important that you choose a scope that comes with an eyepiece included. Otherwise, you will have to spend money on it separately.
Best Spotting Scope for Photographers: Birds, Stargazers
I realize that not everyone is looking for the same thing in a spotting scope. Some people want to be able to view birds while others want to be able to view stars. The best scope for viewing birds will be different from the best scope for viewing stars. Here are some things that you should consider when choosing the best spotting scope for you.
- Landove 20-60X80 Spotting Scope BAK4 Prism – Top Pick
- SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope Review
- Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope
- Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope
- Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scope
1. Landove 20-60X80 Spotting Scope BAK4 Prism
Landove 20 60X80 Spotting Scope BAK4 Prism is an excellent tool for target shooting, archery, hunting, bird watching, wildlife watching, and more. This scope comes with a digiscoping cell phone adapter, which enables you to take videos and images in the distant world. The phone adapter fits most of smart phones with or without cases on the market.
When you are out in the field, you will appreciate the high quality materials and excellent construction. This scope is durable and equipped with a non-slip grip, shock-proof grip, nitrogen-filled waterproof, fog-proof, built-in retractable sunshade, and eyepiece shield. Landove 20-60X80 Spotting Scope BAK4 Prism is a high quality and reliable spotting scope.
Key characteristics
- Brand: Landove
- Objective Lens Diameter: 80 mm
- Magnification: 20X-60X
- Waterproof: yes
- Field of View: 82.9-48ft/1000yards
- Weight: 4.51 pounds
- Allows for videography;
- Excellent construction;
- High quality materials;
- Durable.
- Only for smartphones;
- Does not come with a camera.
Who Makes Landove Spotting Scopes?
The Landove spyglass is a product from the Chinese manufacturer Gosky. Their model 20 60×80 with 80x magnification and 80mm lens is one of the most popular available on Amazon.
2. SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope Review
Key characteristics
- Brand: SVBONY
- Objective Lens Diameter: 70 mm
- Magnification: 25-75x
- Waterproof: waterproof and fogproof
- Field of View: 64-43 ft/1000yds
The SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope is a spotting scope that has a 25-75x zoom. It is easy to focus and change the magnification. The SV28 spotting scope is perfect for beginner to novice bird watchers. This scope is IP65 waterproof, making it able to avoid sudden environmental changes damaging it. The SV28 spotting scope is lightweight and portable, with a weight that is very suitable for carrying when going out for observation and can be easily put in the car for use in family camping.
- Portable;
- Suitable for bird watching;
- Lightweight.
- Limited zoom;
- Can’t be used for other things.
3. Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope
Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope is an outdoor enthusiast’s choice for a great all-around spotting scope. This scope is perfect for observing nature and long-distance viewing and includes essentials for better viewing. The lens is multi-coated and offers a 45 degree viewing angle. The zoom eyepiece is adjustable and has a T-adapter for digiscoping.
- Lens is multi-coated;
- 45 degree viewing angle;
- T-adapter for digiscoping.
- Heavy;
- Price.
Specifications
- Brand: Celestron
- Objective Lens Diameter: 100 mm
- Magnification: 22-66x
- Waterproof: waterproof and fogproof
- Field of View (feet @ 1000yds): 94-52
4. Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope
The Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope is a high-quality spotting scope with a powerful zoom magnification range that is water, fog, and shock-proof. The scope is equipped with a BAK4 roof prism and a dual-focus wheel system to provide clear, high-contrast images. The scope is designed with a 45-degree angled eyepiece to allow more comfortable viewing. The scope is equipped with a retractable sunshade, a durable construction, and is lightweight and easy to carry.
- Powerful zoom magnification range;
- Clear, high-contrast images;
- 45-degree angled eyepiece;
- Durable.
- None.
Specifications
- Brand: Emarth
- Objective Lens Diameter: 60 mm
- Magnification: 20-60x
- Waterproof: waterproof and fogproof
- Field of View (feet @ 1000m): 39-19m/1000m
5. Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
The Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is a powerful scope designed for spotting wildlife and scenery. This scope features a 20-60x magnification, 80mm objective lens, and BAK4 Porro prism optics. The scope also has a fully multi-coated lens, is nitrogen filled and waterproof, and includes a smartphone digiscoping adapter. The scope is also compact and easy to carry or store with its included carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, and cleaning cloth. The Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is a great scope for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Powerful magnification;
- Lift the eyepiece and lens cover to protect the lens;
- Compact and easy to carry;
- Compatible with smartphones.
- Expensive.
Specifications
- Brand: Gosky
- Objective Lens Diameter: 80 mm
- Magnification: 20-60x
- Waterproof: waterproof and fogproof
- Field of View (feet @ 1000yards): 82.9-48ft/1000yards
6. Swarovski Optik HD-ATS-80 HD Spotting Scope
Swarovski Optik’s HD-ATS-80 HD Spotting Scopes are considered the best in the world, and come at a hefty price. They’re made with a high-definition aluminum body that is lighter and thinner than most other scopes, and has an impressive light transmission.
It’s fitted with fluorite-containing HD lenses that minimize color fringing and produce high-contrast images. For a more comfortable viewing experience, it comes with a 20-60x eyepiece with individual twist-in eyecups. There is also a one-year warranty and lifetime warranty for the lens.
- High-quality body that is thinner and lighter than most;
- Made with a high-definition aluminum body;
- Fluorite containing HD lenses;
- Comes with a 20-60x eyepiece with individual twist-in eyecups.
- Expensive.
Specifications
- Brand: Swarovski
- Objective Lens Diameter: 80 mm
- Magnification: 20-60x
- Waterproof: waterproof and fogproof
- Field of View (feet @ 1000yards): 108 to 60 feet at 1000 yards
Features comparison table to choose a spotting scope for digiscoping
[table id=17 /]What to Look for in Spotting Scopes (Terminology)
Spotting scope accessories
When you purchase a spotting scope, you may not be thinking about accessories. However, it is important that you consider the accessories that you will need for your scope.
Image Stabilizer
An image stabilizer can help you take better images. It will help to prevent blurry images, even when you are taking a picture through your scope. This is the most important accessory that you can have for your scope. If you want to take better pictures, you will need to invest in this accessory.
Tripod
A tripod can help you to take better pictures. It will keep your scope steady, which can help you to take a better picture. If you want to take pictures that are better than the average scope picture, you will need to purchase a tripod for your scope.
How to Choose the Best Spotting Scope? FAQs
Now that you know what to look for, it is time to answer the FAQs:
Is an angled or a straight spotting scope better?
An angled spotting scope will give you a wider field of view. However, a straight spotting scope will allow you to keep your head still, which can make it easier to use. You can choose one, but it is important that you know that it will not be the same as the other.
What is spotting scope eye relief?
Eye relief refers to the distance that you can be from the eyepiece and still be able to see. The higher the eye relief, the farther you can be from the eyepiece and still see your subject.
How far can you see with a 20-60×60 spotting scope?
A 20-60×60 spotting scope will allow you to see up to 1000 yards away. This is a powerful scope, so you will be able to see far away.
Conclusion
These are the scopes that we consider the best options for digiscoping. The first place is held by Landove 20 60X80 Spotting Scope BAK4 Prism. Spotting Scopes can have very different characteristics and features, so it is important to pick them according to your own needs and preferences.
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