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10 bestSpotting Scopesof November 2024

112M consumers helped this year.

1

Celestron 52250 80mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope
Celestron 52250 80mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope

Celestron

9.8

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2

Vanguard Endeavor HD82A I Spotting Scope I Magnesium Alloy Body, ED Glasses, 20-60X Eyepiece Magnification, Nitrogen Filled Fogproof/Waterproof I Shoulder Strap I Carrying Case, Black
Vanguard Endeavor HD82A I Spotting Scope I Magnesium Alloy Body, ED Glasses, 20-60X Eyepiece Magnification, Nitrogen Filled Fogproof/Waterproof I Shoulder Strap I Carrying Case, Black

Vanguard

9.6

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3

Celestron LandScout 12-36X60mm Spotting Scope with Basic Smartphone Adapter
Celestron LandScout 12-36X60mm Spotting Scope with Basic Smartphone Adapter

Celestron

9.3

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4

Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope – 22 to 66x100mm Zoom Eyepiece – Multi-Coated Optics for Bird Watching, Wildlife, Scenery and Hunting – Waterproof and Fogproof – Includes Soft Carrying Case
Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope – 22 to 66x100mm Zoom Eyepiece – Multi-Coated Optics for Bird Watching, Wildlife, Scenery and Hunting – Waterproof and Fogproof – Includes Soft Carrying Case

Celestron

9.0

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5

Celestron 52238 C70 Mini Mak Spotting Scope
Celestron 52238 C70 Mini Mak Spotting Scope

Celestron

8.8

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6

SVBONY Spotting Scope Telescope 25-75x70mm Bird Scopes for Shooting Birdwatching Scope in Shooting Range Bak4 Prism with Tabletop Tripod and Phone Adapter
SVBONY Spotting Scope Telescope 25-75x70mm Bird Scopes for Shooting Birdwatching Scope in Shooting Range Bak4 Prism with Tabletop Tripod and Phone Adapter

SVBONY

8.5

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7

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope, Green, 20-60 X 65Mm
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope, Green, 20-60 X 65Mm

Bushnell

8.2

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8

CELESTRON Ultima 65-45 Degree Spotting Scope with Smartphone Adapter
CELESTRON Ultima 65-45 Degree Spotting Scope with Smartphone Adapter

Celestron

7.9

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9

Nikon PROSTAFF 5 Fieldscope 82-A
Nikon PROSTAFF 5 Fieldscope 82-A

Nikon

7.7

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10

Bushnell Sentry 18-36x50 Waterproof Spotting Scope (Black)
Bushnell Sentry 18-36x50 Waterproof Spotting Scope (Black)

Bushnell

7.4

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A Guide to Selecting the Best Spotting Scopes

Yehudah Posnick

Yehudah Posnick

How to select a spotting scope

A spotting scope is a type of a telescope. Its shorter focal length makes it ideal for terrestrial observations, as well as stargazing. If you are an astronomer, a hobbyist, or a game hunter, you know its importance all too well. They come in varying optical and design standards. Therefore, it’s absolutely imperative to know about all the specifications, to know how to select the best spotting scope for your needs within your budget. Here is a thoroughly-researched buying guide after going through thousands of spotting scope reviews on the Internet.

Important Features

What should you consider when selecting a spotting scope?

Before wading through the market for purchasing a spotting scope, consider the factors listed below:

  • Go for higher magnification: Look for one with a higher magnification power. Spotting scopes are used in applications where larger magnifications are required. The objective lens diameter is also vital. A larger objective lens diameter allows more light into the scope, thereby resulting in a brighter image.

  • Decide between straight and angled scopes: Choose a straight scope if your object doesn’t require you to adjust the height of the scope a lot. These have parallel eyepieces and are more suitable for applications where your eyes will stay level with your viewing object. On the other hand, if you need to look up and down frequently to view your object, then the angled one is best for you.

  • Opt for magnesium fluoride coating: Try to buy lenses with this coating, as it reduces the unwanted glare due to reflection. A scope with a magnesium fluoride coating on the surface of the lenses ensures greater prevention of loss of light.

  • Check for a folded light path: If you are looking for a compact spotting scope with a long focal length, this is ideal for you. This is a combination of mirrors and lenses. This setup ensures that the focal length of the scope is longer than the total scope length.

  • Check eye relief: Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the spotting scope's eyepiece. Check for the proper eye relief that suits you best, especially if you wear glasses.

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