8 Best Spotting Scopes In 2024

How do you measure the success (or failure) of a hunting trip?

Do you base the quality of an expedition purely on bagging and tagging a particular animal? Or maybe for you, a trip’s success is more about the memories made and the quality time spent with loved ones rather than how many targets were dropped.

No matter how you measure the success of a certain trip, I think it’s safe to say that most – if not all – hunters would agree that you have to, at the very least, spot a target to call the trip a success.

And what is the best way to spot a target animal?

In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of any hunting trip would have to be the time spent getting to know the lay of the land you intend to hunt on and the behavior of the animals you want to bag. The best way to do exactly this is by spending a few good hours ‘glassing’, and the best way to ‘glass’ is with one of the best spotting scopes you can buy.

What exactly is glassing?

Glassing is the word we use to describe the act of sitting in a vantage point and surveying the land we will hunt and the behavior of the animals in this area. The act of glassing cannot be understated, as it truly can make the difference between hitting a target or not even spotting one.

So, I decided to take an in-depth look at the best quality spotting scopes currently on the market in a number of different price brackets and find the perfect option for your glassing needs, so let’s get started with the…

8 Best Spotting Scopes in 2024

1 Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 20-60 X 85mm Spotting Scope – Best Mid Range Spotting Scope

The Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 20-60 X 85mm spotting scope is the perfect place to start. This mid-range priced spotting optic has been fully redesigned and relaunched in August 2020, with the exterior now featuring a perfectly streamlined finish and all-new helical focus wheel, which makes for fast and precise adjustments.

Out of the box, we also get protective covers for both the objective lens and the eyepiece, and a neoprene case. The Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 20-60 X 85mm spotting scope is covered by Vortex’s Unlimited Lifetime Warranty.

What else is new?

The HD, extra low dispersion (ED) lens elements include an XR full multi-coating and dielectric prism coatings, which cuts out almost all chromatic aberrations and provides amazing edge to edge clarity, color fidelity, and overall light transmission.

The outer facing edges of each lens have been covered in Vortex’s proprietary ArmorTek. This super-hard coating is not only completely scratch resistant but also repels dirt, oil, and fingerprint salt residue that can be damaging to lenses over time.

Built for the hunt…

The all-new streamlined design is made up of a rugged aluminum chassis that has been covered in full-body rubber armoring, which gives the optic a huge amount of bump resistance. The internal O-rings do a great job of sealing the unit and making it fully weatherproof and waterproof. Argon gas purging of the tube ensures superior fog proofing even in the most inclement weather conditions.

The powerful 20 to 60 times zoom eyepiece is optimal for long-range usage. This is coupled with the huge 85mm objective lens, which is able to transmit enough light that the picture remains crisp and bright even when the magnification is dialed all the way up.

2 Kowa TSN-880 Series Angled Body High Performance Spotting Scope – Best Lightweight Spotting Scope

A lot of shooters and industry experts think that one of the best spotting scopes currently available is the Kowa TSN-880 Series 88mm spotting scope. But more than that, this renowned optic is considered by many to be the absolute best of the best out there.

But why exactly?

Simple. Every component is about as high quality as they come. One look through the eyepiece of a Kowa TSN-880 series is all I needed to understand what all the fuss is about.

The 88mm pure fluorite crystal in the lens configuration of the Kowa TSN-880 Series spotting scope completely, and I mean completely, removes any and all chromatic aberrations. The result is the most precise, clear, and accurate representation possible. Kowa claims that 99% are removed, but I couldn’t spot any?

Another feature you will be hard pressed to find on any other scope is the full magnesium alloy chassis that the engineers over at Kowa have designed. This body reduces the overall weight of the unit dramatically when compared to more traditional materials while providing the full sturdiness needed for such a unit.

Fully sealed and nitrogen purged

That’s right, this unit is sealed to perfection and totally nitrogen purged for full fog proofing. The JIS/class 7 standard waterproofing makes this a totally waterproof unit capable of being fully submerged, and although there is no need to test this, I did dunk it in a water tank for ten minutes with zero problems.

There are dual focus rings for quick and fine focusing, which work really well and make focusing seem super intuitive.

Quality comes at a cost…

Overall, one of the best spotting scopes available right now, but at a high price point. It does come backed by Kowa full lifetime warranty, which covers pretty much everything that could possibly happen to any scope, so there’s not much to worry about there.

3 Celestron – Ultima 80 – 20 to 60 x 80mm Spotting Scope – Brightest Spotting Scope

If you are hunting for a budget spotting scope that will deliver clear images and high light transmission, then you might want to take a look at the fantastic Ultima 80 – 20 to 60 x 80mm spotting scope from California-based company Celestron.

Excellent warranty…

Available in both angled (45°) or straight setup, either configuration is covered by Celestron’s generous “No-Fault” warranty coverage. This warranty ensures that as long as you are the legitimate owner of the item, it will be replaced or repaired, no questions asked. Just remember to hold onto your proof of purchase.

The bak4 prism system and 80mm objective lens are both protected by a reliable and rugged rubber sleeve that provides a surprising amount of bump and knock protection.

Hold up, what is a bak4 prism system?

Bak4, which is the shortened name for Barium Crown glass, is usually considered to be the superior material for prisms. Its properties, such as its top of the line refractive index and low critical angle, make it the best material for light transmission currently available.

In terms of technical specs, here we are looking at a magnification range of 20 to 60 x, 18mm of eye relief, a weight of 57 ounces, a field of view at 1000 yards of 105 – 53 ft, and an exit pupil diameter of 1.3 to 4 mm.

Let’s talk about EPD (exit pupil diameter) quickly…

This is calculated by dividing the magnification of the scope by the diameter of the objective lens. The larger the number, the more light transmitted, and the brighter and clearer the view. The wide range of magnification (20 to 60 x) with the 80mm objective lens makes for not only a super versatile spotting scope but also allows for a large EPD and crystal clear vision.

Overall a hard one to beat and definitely one of the best options you can buy.

4 Vanguard Endeavour 65A Spotting Scope – Best Compact Spotting Scope

The Vanguard Endeavour 65A is the little brother to the full-size Endeavor HD 82A, a great spotting scope in its own right.

The reason I have chosen to highlight the Endeavour 65A is the fact that, although it does not have the magnification range of some of the other offerings here, it’s a great, compact, mid-range spotting scope that looks good and performs even better.

Quality protection…

The solid magnesium chassis doesn’t have as much of a rubber shield as some of the competitors, but don’t let that worry you. The chassis itself provides fantastic protection from bumps and knocks, and it’s fully waterproof and nitrogen purged.

The compact size means that this is a light unit, weighing in at a measly 3.1 pounds. This is one of the reasons I really liked this scope – so easy to handle, set up, and carry on long hikes.

Seamless, precise focusing

Another feature that I value highly on the Vanguard Endeavour 65A is the focus setup. Vanguard have opted for a dual ring system, with the larger rear wheel for fast focus and a smaller fine focus set just in front for detailed focus adjustments.

The ED glass elements throughout the scope incorporate Bak4 prisms and are all fully multi-coated. They do a fine job of eliminating chromatic aberrations and produce excellent detail through most of the magnification range. There is some slight distortion above about 35 x magnification, but for the price of this scope, that’s almost to be expected.

Impressive specs…

In terms of overall specs, the Vanguard Endeavour 65A has a 65mm objective lens, is 345 x 180 mm, has 19 – 20 mm of eye relief, a magnification range of 15 – 45 x, and weighs just 49.4 oz / 1.4 kg.

If you want a compact scope that won’t cause your spouse to consider divorce when they see the docket price, the Vanguard Endeavour 65A might be the one for you!

5 Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope – Best Budget Spotting Scope

Looking for a spotting scope even cheaper than the Vanguard? One that performs well, can take a bit of punishment, and comes with a digiscope adapter?

Wait, what’s a digiscope adapter?

Simply put, it’s an attachment that lets you mount any smartphone to the eyepiece of the scope, which allows for easy viewing, viewing by multiple people at the same time, simple video recording, and even extra magnification from the phone itself! A digiscope adapter adds a bunch of versatility to any scope, and there is one in this package for no extra cost!

The Gosky 20-60 x 80 spotting scope is a fuss-free, no-frills unit that won’t break the bank but will have you spotting in no time!

Low price with great specs…

In terms of specs, this scope includes a magnification range of 20 -60 x, an 80mm objective lens, EPD (exit pupil diameter) of 3.2 – 1.10mm, a field of view of 19 – 39 m at 1000 meters, dimensions of 450 x 170 x 110mm, and a weight of 43.3 ounces or 1.2kgs.

The 45° eyepiece can be adjusted to any viewing position that is comfortable by simply loosening the center collar, and the inbuilt sunshade does a great job of reducing glare issues.

Fantastic value for money…

For internal glass, Gosky have kept costs down by option for BK-7 prism tech over Bak4. BK-7 prism is not as clear as Bak4 and can produce slightly more chromatic aberrations, but it still does a great job. The internal and external glass faces are all fully multi-coated, and the tube has been nitrogen purged to ensure fogging issues are kept to a minimum.

This is the king of budget spotting scopes, so be sure to take a good look at it before forking out the big bucks on another unit!

6 Amcrest 20-60 x 60mm Spotting Scope with Tripod and Digiscope Adapter – Best Affordable Spotting Scope Package

Ok, I know that we’ve gone over some great budget options in the last two offerings.

But there is one more super cheap option to look at!

The Amcrest 20-60 x 60mm spotting scope with tripod and digiscope adapter included has to be one of the best deals on the whole internet!

Featuring BK7 Porro Prism technology (putting this one on par, in that aspect at least, with the Gosky), a digiscope adapter, and a pretty sturdy tripod – the Amcrest 20-60 x 60mm is the absolute epitome of value for money.

Does it hold up against the other budget offerings?

For the most part, it actually does! In terms of specs, we are looking at zoom magnification of 20 to 60 x with a large 60mm objective lens, EPD (exit pupil diameter) of 3.2mm-1.1mm, a field of view of 36 – 19m at 1000 meters, close focus point of 23 feet, dimensions of 14 x 3 x 5.9 inches, and a weight of just 28 ounces.

So even though it’s not the smallest scope available right now, it is one of the lightest on the list, making it easy to add to your hiking pack. Don’t let this lightweight trick you into thinking that this is a poorly made item, though. Featuring a waterproof rating of IPX6, this aesthetically pleasing scope can handle a bunch of punishment.

The glass is all fully multi-coated and does a great job of reducing aberrations throughout the entire magnification range.

So how is it so cheap?

Look, the tripod is not the best quality, and there is a bunch more plastic incorporated into the chassis than I am used to seeing. Plus, it is designed and produced in China, which also helps to keep production costs low.

But if you are just starting out and want to get a feel for glassing, you could do a lot worse than the Amcrest 20-60 x 60mm!

7 SVBONY 20-60 x 80mm SV406P Spotting Scope – Best Spotting Scope

Back to a more mid-range offering, and what a great place to land. The SVBONY 20-60 x 80mm spotting scope has everything most spotters are looking for without costing an absolute arm and leg!

Bak-4 prism tech combined with ED (extra-low dispersion) glass makes for pure clarity and color representation throughout the magnification range. These glass pieces have, of course, been fully multi-coated and the tube has been nitrogen purged, so fogging should be no issue.

Rugged and reliable…

The SVBONY 20-60 x 80mm is IPX7 waterproof rated, ensuring moisture and dust are totally prevented from entering the tube and making for an extremely versatile scope. The custom soft case can be kept on even while operating the scope, which adds to the ruggedness of this unit.

The minimum focusing length is an impressive 18ft, and the field of view at 1000 yards is anywhere between 108 – 60 feet depending on which magnification setting you have dialed in.

Dual focus rings…

One feature missing from the budget offerings that I love to see is dual focus rings. The SVBONY 20-60 x 80mm thankfully provides, and the rings are super easy and intuitive to use.

There are a couple of reasons why this is one of the most popular spotting scopes available online right now. Firstly, the price. Secondly, the quality. There are endless reviews praising this unit for its durability and value for money. People also seem to be blown away by the absolutely great job this scope does for stargazing and astronomical photography.

So, what are you waiting for?

Check out the SVBONY 20-60 x 80mm spotting scope today to see if it is the right fit for you!

8 Celestron Regal M2 100ED Spotting Scope – Best Premium Spotting Scope

Finishing up the review, we have the awesome Celestron Regal M2 65ED spotting scope. This one has everything you could want out of a spotting scope but comes at a bit of a higher price.

Multiple layers of Celestron’s very own XLT coating on each lens, with the combination of Bak-4 prisms and ED glass, transmit max brightness and allow for contrast-rich images that are perfectly clear and have almost zero chromatic aberrations.

There are actually three models available in the range, with a 65mm and 80mm version available. But here I am looking firmly at the largest of the three, the awe-inspiring 100mm objective lens option.

Why did I choose to focus on this one?

Simply because it is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best of the three – and possibly the best spotting scope available on the market right now!

With a magnification range of 22 – 67 x, EPD of 1.5 mm – 4.5 mm, 47 to 100 feet field of view at 1000 yards, and a close focus range of 26.2 feet, the Celestron Regal M2 100ED blows most of the competition out of the water.

What are the downsides?

Well, it’s not the cheapest. But with this price tag comes quality. Quality design, construction, and components.

It’s also not the smallest or lightest. Tipping the scales at 74.1 ounces and measuring 19.3 inches, the Celestron Regal M2 100ED is a bit of a beast. I wouldn’t necessarily choose this scope for days-long expeditions, but if you’re looking for a spotting scope that can handle any light conditions and will last a lifetime, then take a good look at this one!

Best Spotting Scopes Buyers Guide

There are a few key elements to making a quality spotting scope, so let’s have a quick look through the most important ones…

Size and Weight

On any expedition, whether it be a hunting trip or just a hike, one of the most important things to factor in is the size and weight of your pack. A hunt is rarely an easy undertaking, so I am always looking for ways to make life more comfortable.

High-powered sighting scopes can be hefty and bulky, so it is all about finding the right balance between great optical performance and overall weight.

Magnification

Understanding the numbers presented (e.g., 15-45×65) is important for finding the best spotting scope for your hunts. Let’s break it down.

For a scope offering 15-45×65, you get a zoom magnification of 15 times to 45 times, and an objective lens that is 65 mm in diameter.

The larger the objective lens, the more light can be transmitted down the tube. This results in not only a brighter picture but also a picture that is clearer and more concise. In general, I recommend buying the spotting scope with the largest objective lens that your budget allows for.

However, the downside of a larger lens or magnification range is that they will be heavier and usually more expensive.

Glass and Coating Types

While magnification ranges matter, they don’t mean much if your scope uses low-quality glass.

There is a Lot of Info Available Out There On Glass and Coating Types

This can make choosing the best spotting scope a little confusing, but as a general rule of thumb, I always suggest choosing a product that uses high density (HD), extra-low dispersion (ED) glass that has full multi-coating.

This combination will ensure the best light transmission possible with accurate color rendition and edge-to-edge clarity. This combo will also help eliminate any glare issues to help with eye fatigue.

Angled or Straight

This is where personal preference comes into play. For the most part, straight spotting scopes are easier to use and allow the user to identify targets quickly with much simpler adjustments.

Angled scopes do have their own set of upsides, though. They are more comfortable to use for prone or seated positions and can be more effective than straight scopes when trying to spot targets that are located above the glassing position. Angled sighting scopes are also easier to share among users who are of different heights.

Durability and Weatherproofing

I cannot understate the importance of picking a highly durable and waterproof spotting scope. You are likely to encounter a huge range of weather conditions – from bluebird, sun-filled days to harsh, gloomy, and possibly even snowy, miserable states – so you want the best spotting scope that can easily handle anything thrown its way.

Dust proofing is also absolutely critical, but this should not be a problem if you pick a spotting scope that is fully water and fog proof and has a decent amount of “armoring” inbuilt into its exterior.

Another thing to consider is the warranty options. Most spotting scopes these days have a decent warranty to back them up, but it’s always good to read the fine print and to keep a digital copy of your proof of purchase in case something happens to your spotting scope.

So, What is The Very Best of The Best Spotting Scopes?

So we’ve come to the pointy end of the list, the part where I have to lay out my final verdict. And to be totally honest with you, it’s a tricky one. The range of features, accessories, and the huge differences in price make choosing an outright winner difficult.

But, if I had to buy just one from this list and money was no issue, it would have to be the…

Kowa TSN-880 Series Angled Body High Performance Spotting Scope

This is simply better than any other spotting scope I have ever reviewed. But it does come with a super hefty price tag. Therefore, I suggest you do spend some time considering the cheaper options before purchasing. There is something for everyone on this list, and the budget offerings do a great job, just not as well as the Kowa.

So no matter which one you decide on, I hope you have a great time with it! Happy and safe shooting!