Imagine this: You have a perfect vantage point. You see movement far across the valley, but your binoculars just aren’t cutting it. You need to know exactly what that shape is before you make a move. That’s where a great spotting scope becomes your best friend in the field.
Choosing the right hunting spotting scope can feel like a maze. You worry about getting the wrong magnification, poor glass quality that makes distant details blurry, or spending too much on features you don’t need. These tools are essential for scouting, confirming targets, and making ethical hunting decisions, but the technical jargon often overwhelms hunters.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the key features—like objective lens size and zoom power—in plain language. By the end of this post, you will confidently know what specifications truly matter for your next hunt, ensuring you buy a scope that delivers crisp, clear views every time.
Top Hunting Spotting Scope Recommendations
- 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
- 70mm large object lens: more powerful light gathering ability; 70mm tube allows plenty of light and decent view of the target once set; extendable sunshade built onto the main barrel to reduce glare
- Waterproof; can avoid sudden environmental changes to damage the SV28 spotting scope; the finish is made of a seamless Non-Slip material so it doesn't feel like it would slip out of your hands if wet
- Includes phone adapter and portable desktop tripod: the desktop tripod is perfect for range spotting; phone adapter makes it easier to share videos and photos
- Lightweight and portable weight: very suitable for carrying when going out for observation; can also be easily put into the car for use in family camping
- Powerful Zoom & Smooth Focus System - With variable 20x to 60x magnification and a dynamic lens focusing mechanism, it allows easy and precise zooming for detailed long-range viewing—ideal for archery, birdwatching, wildlife observation, hiking, camping, scenery viewing, and even stargazing.
- Premium Optics for Brighter, Sharper Images - An 80mm fully multi-coated green film objective lens delivers a field of view of 82.9–48ft/1000 yards. The high-quality BAK4 Porro prism enhances light transmission, resulting in brighter, clearer, and crisper visuals.
- Durable, Waterproof & Fog-Proof Construction - Nitrogen-filled and sealed for complete waterproof and fog-proof protection, the scope is built to endure tough weather conditions. Its durable rubber-armored body ensures a non-slip grip, shock resistance, and long-lasting protection. A stretchable eyepiece shield offers added lens protection.
- Smartphone Adapter for Easy Photo & Video Capture - Capture what you see through the scope using the included smartphone adapter—bringing nature closer through your screen. The adapter fits phones 2.13"–3.54" (54–90 mm) wide and up to 14mm thick.
- Complete Accessories for Stable, Convenient Use - A full-metal tabletop tripod and mount provide steady viewing from any angle. Included accessories—carrying case, shortage bag, lens and eyepiece covers, and cleaning cloth—make it easy to transport, protect, and maintain your gear.
- 【HD Magnification】Our spotting scopes has 20- 60X,and 85MM high magnification and dynamic lens focusing system, field of view is 1000M, also comes with a tripod, phone adapter, carrying bag.
- 【BAK4 Roof Prism】Our Spotting scopes for target shooting use high-quality BAK4 Paul prism optics to increase light transmission, and the lenses are multi-layer coated. This makes your field of view brighter and clearer, even at a distance, you can quickly adjust the focus, then quickly lock on to the target and zoom in.Great for target shooting, bird watching wild Animals, moon viewing, travel, hiking, camping, etc.
- 【Sturdy Tripod and Phone Holder】This soptting scopes for hunting is equipped with a solid tripod stand, which can be rotated 360 degrees for you, so that you can freely choose the scenery you want to see. Also equipped with a phone holder, the phone holder is compatible and easy to install with any type of smartphone, including but not limited to iPhone, Samsung, Google, etc.
- 【Daily Life Waterproof】Exquisite leather exterior design can resist dust and water in daily life, while providing non-slip grip, shockproof, very durable. The retractable eyepiece can be used with or without glasses; the retractable visor is built into the main barrel to reduce glare.
- 【Friendly Service】: Comes with a mobile phone adapter and tripod, carrying bag, eyepiece and lens protective cap, cleaning cloth, product instruction manual. It is very convenient for you to carry and use when going out. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
- If you don’t want to compromise performance for value, the Crossfire HD family of spotters deliver the powerful, tine-counting tool you’ve been waiting for. The Arca-Swiss compatible foot means out-of-the-box, mount-and-go convenience on most tripods.
- HD optical system is optimized with select glass elements to deliver exceptional resolution, cut chromatic aberration, and provide outstanding color fidelity, edge-to-edge sharpness, and light transmission.
- Anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces provide increased light transmission for greater clarity and low-light performance. The wide field of view is perfect for chewing up ground and assists in quicker target acquisition.
- The helical focus allows for fast and fine adjustments. Adjustable eyecups twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses. A built-in sunshade on the 65mm & 80mm models reduces glare and shields the objective lens from rain and snow.
- The shockproof, Crossfire HD has rubber armor that enhances both durability and grip for the user. Nitrogen purged, these spotters deliver waterproof and fogproof performance.
- Upgraded Flagship Spotting Scope – Proven & Reliable – Featuring 25–75x magnification and an 80mm objective lens with BAK4 prism and FMC optics, this spotting scope is Gosky’s upgraded flagship model. Balanced performance makes it an ideal high-end entry choice. Since 2019, it has sold over 500,000 units worldwide, proving its reliability for birdwatching, hiking, hunting, target shooting, and wildlife viewing.
- Classic Optical System for Stunning Clarity – With a 23mm eyepiece (larger than many similar scopes) and a large 80mm objective lens, this spotter scope delivers wide field of view, bright images, and excellent color accuracy. The optimized optical design brings nature closer, allowing you to truly enjoy the fun of outdoor observation.
- Nitrogen-Filled & O-Ring Sealed – Ready for Outdoors – Designed for rugged conditions, this spotting scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to provide dependable waterproof and fogproof protection. Perfect for year-round outdoor use, whether in rainy, humid, or changing weather environments.
- Refined Details for Versatile Use – Built with a rubber-armored body that blends with the environment while offering durability and grip. A rotatable body design makes it great for birdwatching and target shooting. The retractable sunshade reduces glare under strong sunlight. The sturdy metal base with standard 1/4"-20 thread fits most universal tripods for stable viewing.
- Essential Accessories Included – Comes with a tabletop tripod, eyepiece cover, objective lens cover, accessory pouch, portable carrying case, and cleaning cloth. Everything you need to start exploring right away—whether for spotting scopes for birdwatching, hiking, hunting, target shooting, or wildlife viewing.
- 【Variable 25x to 75x Powerful Magnification】: Our spotting scopes has adjustable powerful 25-75x zoom magnification allows you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail. It’s the best choice spotting scopes for hunting, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, archery, scenery, outdoor sporting, astronomical observation etc.
- 【80mm Large Object Lens】：Fully multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens provides a field of view at 82.9-48ft/1000yards. The quality BAK4 Porro prism optics increases light transmission and makes your field of view brighter and clearer, even at a distance, you can quickly adjust the focus, then quickly lock on to the target and zoom in.
- 【Sturdy Tripod and Portable】：This spotting scope is equipped with a solid tripod stand, which can be rotated 360 degrees for you, so that you can freely choose the scenery you want to see. Very suitable for carrying when going out for observation target shooting. The spotter scope can also be easily put into the car for use in family camping.
- 【Waterproof, Fog-proof & Weatherproof Design】：Exquisite leather exterior design can resist dust and water in daily life, while providing non-slip grip, shockproof.O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust and debris from penetrating the scope for reliable performance in all environments. And the retractable visor is built into the main barrel to reduce glare.
- 【Fully Accessories & Lifetime Customer Service】：Includes phone adapter and portable desktop tripod for steady observations.The carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, cleaning cloth make you more convenient to carry and maintain.Lifetime customer service allow you to use your products with no doubts.
- Lens with 100mm aperture: this will lead to brighter and sharper images; as well as a wider field of view; a scope of this calibre will enable you to see more detail of wildlife especially in low light conditions; furthermore; an angled eyepiece is beneficial as it allows for a more comfortable viewing experience
- 25x to 75x magnification range: SV28 spotter scope equipped with the 20-100x zoom eyepiece, you'll have the power to focus on any detail; you'll be able to capture every moment with clarity and detail; perfect for target shooting; long range viewing; hunting
- Fully multi-coated; the FMC coating on the spotting scopes for bird watching can enhance light transmission; more light reaches the eyepiece; creating a brighter viewing experience
- Anti-lost eyepiece cover and high-grade lens cover: the eyepiece cover design ensures your cover securely attached to the spotting scopes for target shooting; a high-grade objective lens cap can prolong the lifespan of a spotting scopes for target shooting; and reduce the possibility that is repair; or replacement
- Twist up eyecups; the rotatable eye mask of the spotter scope offers more comfort; allowing you to tailor the fit according to your eye position; this ensures a snug; comfortable fit during extended use
- 20–60x60mm Spotting Scope – This spotting scope features a versatile 20–60x zoom and a 60mm objective lens, delivering bright and detailed images for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Comes with a retractable sunshade, phone adapter, tripod, and protective ox-horn style carrying case for added convenience.
- True IPX7 Waterproof for Any Weather – Built with advanced sealing technology, this spotting scope achieves real IPX7 waterproof protection. Rain, splashes, or wet environments won’t stop your outdoor adventures—perfect for birdwatchers, hunters, and hikers who need reliable performance in the field.
- Innovative Integrated Zoom & Focus Design – For the first time, zoom and focus controls are combined in one place. The inner ring adjusts zoom, while the outer ring handles focus. Tested for durability and clarity, this unique design makes operation faster and easier, ensuring sharp, clear images with minimal effort.
- Ultra-Lightweight & Travel-Friendly – Measuring just 11 x 5.1 x 3.1 inches and weighing only 1.48 lbs (0.67kg), at just 1.48 lbs, this spotting scope is lightweight enough for travel and long outdoor adventures. Easy to pack, carry, and set up, it’s the ideal companion for long hikes, birdwatching trips, or extended outdoor adventures.
- Outdoor-Ready – Designed for the outdoors, this spotter scope includes a non-slip textured base, retractable sunshade, and starter-level accessories. Whether for wildlife viewing, hiking, or hunting, you can enjoy a great experience right away. Note：If your usage scenario requires more advanced accessories, you can purchase them separately.
Choosing Your Perfect Hunting Spotting Scope: A Buyer’s Guide
A spotting scope is a powerful tool for hunters. It helps you see faraway game clearly. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs. Good spotting scopes make hunting safer and more successful.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important parts:
- Magnification: This tells you how much closer the scope makes things look. Look for scopes with variable zoom, like 15-45x or 20-60x. Higher numbers mean more zoom, but sometimes less clear pictures.
- Objective Lens Diameter: This is the front lens size, measured in millimeters (mm). Bigger lenses gather more light. Aim for 60mm or 80mm lenses for better viewing in low light, like dawn or dusk.
- Field of View (FOV): This is the width of the area you see through the scope at a certain distance. A wider FOV helps you find moving animals faster.
- Eye Relief: This is the distance your eye can be from the eyepiece and still see the full picture. Longer eye relief (15mm or more) is better if you wear eyeglasses.
- Waterproofing and Fog-proofing: Hunting often means rain or moisture. Make sure the scope is sealed (O-ring sealed) and nitrogen or argon purged to stop internal fogging.
Important Materials and Construction
The materials used affect how long your scope lasts and how well it works.
Lens Glass Quality
High-quality glass makes a huge difference. Look for scopes using ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass. This special glass reduces color fringing, making images sharper and colors truer. Cheaper scopes use standard glass, which can look fuzzy around the edges.
Body Construction
Most good scopes use a tough outer shell. Magnesium alloy or strong aluminum is often used. These materials keep the scope light enough to carry but strong enough to handle bumps in the field. Rubber armor protects the scope from shocks and provides a better grip.
Factors Affecting Quality
Several factors boost or hurt the scope’s performance. Good coatings on the lenses improve light transmission. Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) lenses let the most light through to your eye. This is very important for seeing details in shadows.
Poor quality comes from cheap plastic parts or thin lens coatings. If a scope feels too light or the zoom ring sticks, the internal mechanics might not last long. A heavy, solid build usually means better internal alignment, which keeps the image steady and clear.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the scope guides your choice.
Tripod Use
A spotting scope is almost useless without a sturdy tripod. Always check if the scope comes with a mount adapter. Since scopes are heavy, a **fluid-head tripod** helps you track moving animals smoothly.
Hunting Scenarios
- Long-Range Western Hunting: You need high magnification (25-60x) and excellent light gathering (80mm objective) to glass huge distances for sheep or elk. Weight is a concern, but clarity is king.
- Deer Hunting in Woods: You might prefer a smaller, lighter scope (60mm lens) that is quicker to set up and move. Lower magnification (15-45x) is often enough.
Comfort matters during long glassing sessions. Check the eyepiece angle. An **angled eyepiece** is usually more comfortable for viewing targets high on a ridge. A straight-through eyepiece works better for quick setup on flat ground.
Hunting Spotting Scope FAQs
Q: What magnification do I really need for hunting?
A: Most hunters find 15-45x or 20-60x provides the best balance between power and a usable field of view. You need enough power to confirm an animal’s species and size.
Q: Is a bigger objective lens always better?
A: Not always. An 80mm lens gathers much more light than a 60mm lens, which is great for low light. However, 80mm scopes are heavier and bulkier to carry all day.
Q: What does “eye relief” mean for me?
A: Eye relief is how far your eye must be from the eyepiece. If you wear glasses, choose a scope with long eye relief (17mm or more) so you can see the whole picture without taking your glasses off.
Q: Should I buy a scope with ED glass?
A: Yes, if your budget allows. ED glass greatly reduces false color fringes, giving you a much clearer, true-to-life image, especially when looking at dark shapes against a bright sky.
Q: How do I keep my scope clean?
A: Always use a soft lens cloth made for optics. Never wipe lenses with clothing. Store the scope in its protective case when traveling. Use the lens caps religiously.
Q: Are expensive spotting scopes worth the extra money?
A: Often, yes. The extra cost usually buys better glass (like ED elements) and superior coatings. This results in a brighter image that performs better in poor light conditions.
Q: Do I need a special tripod mount?
A: Yes. Spotting scopes are heavy. You need a strong tripod with a fluid or ball head. The scope must mount securely so wind doesn’t shake your view.
Q: What is the difference between spotting scope and binoculars?
A: Binoculars let you use both eyes, which is better for scanning large areas quickly. Spotting scopes offer much higher magnification for detailed observation of single targets far away.
Q: How important is waterproofing?
A: It is very important for hunting gear. A waterproof scope protects the internal lenses from moisture damage and prevents fogging when moving from a warm vehicle into cold air.
Q: Can I use my spotting scope for bird watching too?
A: Absolutely. The features that make a spotting scope great for hunting—high magnification and good low-light performance—also make them excellent for detailed bird observation.