Every shooter wishes to shoot the target like a pro for sure but it takes time and effort to get to the professional level. In fact, there are many other factors that play an important role to help you accomplish your goals as a target shooter. One of the most crucial accessories that have helped numerous shooters to acquire their target accurately is the best shooting scope for target shooting.
Here is a quick preview of our top 5:
#1. Vortex 20-60 x 85 Razor HD Spotting Scope
#2. Celestron Ultima Zoom 52250 80mm Spotting Scope
#3. Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
#4. Barska Colorado 30-90×90 Waterproof Spotter Scope and Tripod
#5. Emarth Waterproof Angled 20-60x60AE Spotting Scope with Tripod
Video Credit: Harry
The use of spotting scopes has become popular among beginner level shooters and pros as well as such spotting scopes help them acquire the target and shoot accurately without missing a single chance.
No doubt you have to choose the best and without having enough information you might be wasting your money. So here we have tried to give you a list of a top-rated spotting scope for your convenience and we’ll also be discussing some of the most important things you will need to know to compare the available options for a better outcome.
Top 5 Best Spotting Scope For Target Shooting
Buying The Best Spotting Scope For Target Shooting
Many people need one of the best value spotting scopes and they need features like clear image quality, portability, and a wider field of view as well. To help you find the best options here are a few consideration for the features you have to look for:
- Look for a quality lens as the more the diameter and the high density of the lens the better will be the image results as it will absorb more light and will be able to perform well under variable light conditions.
- Another important thing to consider is the magnification and power of the lens. You may find 20x for 100 yards, 36x for 200 yards, 60x for 300 yards or 400 yards as the best option for your use.
- Variable magnification is always a good option as you will be able to see by adjusting the magnification hence will get better image quality no matter the light conditions are variable around you.
- Check for the field of view as you can see the scopes having the FOV measured in relation to the 100-1000 yards.
- Look for lens parameter and make sure you find the features like HD or high-density lens OR ED for extra-low dispersion effect in the lens.
- Prism effect in the spotting scope also matters the most as you may find BAK 4, BAK 5, AND BK7 prisms. Make sure to go for BAK 5 or BAK 4 as they work the best.
We have carefully sorted some of the best spotting scope 2018 which will be helpful for most of the shooting conditions so you may not have to struggle with issues.
#1. Vortex 20-60 x 85 Razor HD Spotting Scope (long range up to 400 yards)
If you are looking for one of the best spotting scopes for the money you must be considering this one. Though it’s a pricey option and you may need to have a healthy budget but you would not have to regret if you spend your money on buying such a classy spotting scope.
This is a premium quality, the best long-range scope for the money that is perfect for the shooters who are looking for a long-range target. You can surely spot the target up to 400 yards which is the maximum range you will ever find in the spotting scope line.
This is an angled scope for those who need easier spotting and targeting a stationary object. The scope comes with a high-density glass that promises the lowest dispersion and excellent resolution for clearer and sharper images. The dielectric prism coat also helps in providing a sharp and accurate image by avoiding dispersion and distortion. The XR coat also assures anti-reflection anti-glare surface for brighter images with increased accuracy.
The lens comes with triplet apochromatic construction for reduced chromatic aberration and better image quality. The BAK 4 Porro prism helps in providing crystal clear images. To keep the performance at its best the hard-coated armor keeps the lens safe from scratches and dust particles. The objective lens is 85mm and offers maximum magnification range up to 20-60x and performs as one of the best long-range spotting scopes.
Pros
- Long-range spotting scope
- Crystal clear images
- Reduced dispersion, least chromatic aberration, anti-glare lens
- Angled scope for easy targeting
Cons
- Too pricey for those on a budget
#2. Celestron Ultima Zoom 52250 80mm Spotting Scope
Celestron Ultima features a range of high-tech spotting scopes that assure high-quality performance under variable conditions and may offer accurate spotting with the least efforts. This is by far declared as one of the best in the Ultima series providing crystal clear and bright images under variable light conditions as well.
The scope comes with an 80mm lens and provides and angles structure for easier targeting. The multi-coated optics offer the least glare effect and better quality images for quick and easy spot and target process.
It offers 20 to 60 x magnification and can give a clear view for up to 50 to 100 yards approximately. It also depends on the target you need to spot and target, the light conditions and the surrounding contrasting colors you have to cope with while targeting. The scope also comes with an at-mount accessory for easier mounting on DSLR cameras as well. The field of view at 1000 yards equals 105-52 depending on your targeting position and the target. The scope offers 18-15mm eye relief for better performance and is equipped with BAK 4 prism for reduced dispersion and higher quality images.
Overall the spotting scope works perfectly for birds as and can be considered as one of the best birding scopes, short-range and medium-range target for better and clearer vision.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick focus settings
- Brighter, clearer images
- Best for birds and targeting purposes
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- May does not offer clear images for long-range targets under certain conditions
#3. Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
Bushnell excels in providing a budget-friendly option for all hunters and shooters who need a spotting scope for accurate targeting and getting to the goal more accurately. This spotting scope comes with a tripod stand that is compact enough to be carried along easily to anywhere you need it. The optics are made to match the highest standards so that you can get a glare-free image at its best.
To make sure the scope will last longer no matter how you will use it, it is provided by the rubber armor construction to keep it waterproof and safe.
The scope features zoom magnification up to 60x and is complemented with the 50mm lens for crisp and bright images to help you spot the target up to 200 yards and beyond depending upon the size of the object and the light conditions.
Pros
- Bright and clear images
- Durable and waterproof
- Offers easy to focus and adjustability
Cons
- It can take up only 48x magnification accurately so it may not be more appealing for those who need more.
#4. Barska Colorado 30-90×90 Waterproof Spotter Scope and Tripod
Barska Colorado features straight scope designed with the best structural and design features to enhance its functions. The scope comes with a 30-90x lens power for sharper, clearer, and a brighter image for better spotting the target. The 90 mm lens assure you will get the bright and clear image as per your needs with the least aberration or dispersion effect. The optics are fully coated for flawless results. The scope comes with Porro-prism design for the deeper and wider image without distortion.
The watertight housing of the scope keeps the scope safe from the water damage. The shade on the front reduces the glare effect for clearer and easy vision. It also comes with a tripod as an accessory for easier use. The scope is also backed by a limited lifetime warranty for the customer who needs reliable performance. It can surely help you a scope and target up to 400 yards.
Pros
- The high-quality lens of 90mm
- 30-90 lens power
- Sunshade for the lens
- Comes with an adjustable tripod and bag
Cons
- Heavier than average due to the massive lens
#5. Emarth Waterproof Angled 20-60x60AE Spotting Scope with Tripod (budget-friendly)
This is the best budget spotting scope from Emarth that offers easier location and helps in convenient targeting using bright and clear images through it. The 45-degree bent eyepiece assures you don’t have to lower your head a lot to see the target. In addition to that, it is perfect for long-range and short-range targets so that you can cope with any range of targets you want. The 20-60x zoom lens help in adapting to the target location easily.
The full filed observation through the scope ensures that you will be able to see no matter if you are wearing your glasses as well.
The exterior of the scope is protected by rubber coat for keeping it safe from water and the inner is filled with nitrogen to avoid fogging effects. The focusing mechanism is supported by a dual focus knob that assures easier focus and fine results.
The 60mm lens assures more light absorption and gives clear and bright images from a far-off distance as well. It comes with a BAK4 prism that reduces the chances of chromatic aberration and dispersion for sharper image quality. The field of view is around 39-19m at 1000m.
Pros
- Waterproof, fog proof
- Comes with a carry bag
- Lifetime warranty and money-back guarantee
- Also includes a tripod
- Crystal clear image
- Perfect for camping, hiking, shooting, and targeting
- Support spotting up to 100 yards or more under certain light conditions
- a best cheap spotting scope
Cons
- Not good for long-range spotting
FAQ’s
Q: Why should I buy a spotting scope?
A: If you like nature watching in wide areas or love observing things from a far distance, a spotting scope will come in handy for you. It can be used effectively to observe birds and slowly moving objects like cormorants, gulls, geese, as well as floating ducks. For target shooting the spotting scope is the best gadgets to have with you.
Q: What are the features I need to consider in a spotting scope?
A: One of the main features you need to look for is its strength of light gathering. This can be seen in its lens diameter. Higher lens diameter of 80mm above will allow you to use the spotting scope in different lighting conditions. The anti-glare view and the mounting capability, as well as adjustment options, assure better and easier usage.
Q: What factors can affect the efficiency of a spotting scope?
A: Apart from the quality of the glass (whether HD or ED), other factors can influence the full functionality of a spotting scope. Natural occurrences like haze, humidity, dust, heat mirage, and air turbulence are major culprits.
Q: How do I interpret the numbers on the scope?
A: There are basically two kinds of numbers on the scope usually written like this: “50 x 64” or “25 x 40”. The second figure represents the diameter of the lens, while the first figure shows the magnification. With magnification, you can observe distant objects very closely.
Q: What is the meaning of ED and HD used often when describing spotting scopes?
A: ED refers to spotting scopes made with extra-low-dispersion glass while HD is used to explain high definition glass. Most premium quality spotting scopes have a combination of these two features (HD/ED) to improve viewing quality.
Q: What is the benefit of having a zoom spotting scope?
A: With a zoom spotting scope, you can view both long-distance objects very closely. You can use the higher magnification feature to observe the object closely or use low magnification to observe it more easily.
Q: What is the most ideal magnification for a spotting scope?
A: Generally, zoom magnification is within the range of 15 and 60x. On the other hand, most fixed magnifications for spotting scopes are within 30X magnification.
Q: What type of accessories should I buy for my spotting scope?
A: A tripod is a very good accessory you can get for the spotting scope. It will help you balance the scope to help you easily move it in any direction.
Q: Can a binocular do the function of a spotting scope?
A: Not really. The two have different intended uses. With a binocular, you can easily scan the sky and pick objects you want to watch. To bring the object close to your view, a spotting scope will be needed. So, they both have their different benefits.
Q: What cost is okay for a quality spotting scope?
A: Just like every other thing, the high-end models are usually more expensive than the lower quality ones. But this is not the case in all situations. You can get a good spotting scope within the price range of $200 and $800.
Concluding our discussion about some of the best spotting scope for target shooting products, we can surely deduce that for better results you have to look for convenient usage, easier focus setting, and long-range scoping capability so that you may not miss out the target. For the beginners’ 100 yard range also work well. Look for the least chromatic aberration, lower glare, and waterproofing features as well so that you can use the spotting scope easily in a worry-free manner. Hopefully, you will find some of the best options here in the above list to get yours without any hesitation.
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