Spotting scopes are small, portable magnification devices used for hunting, target shooting, viewing wildlife, surveillance activities and just about anything more magnifying power than a pair of binoculars can provide is required. Spotting scopes are also used by wildlife photographers and others who capture digital images from long distances. Called digiscoping, a camera is attached to a spotting scope using an adaptor that converts a spotting scope to a telescopic lens. Spotting scopes range in price from less than $100 for a basic scope to several thousand dollars for a precision optical instrument.
Spotting scopes typically have between 20x and 60x magnification (although most viewing usually takes place between 30x to 40x) whereas binoculars are normally used in situations requiring less than 20x magnification. When more than 20x magnification is needed, a spotting scope’s larger apertures provide superior viewing under low light conditions. The scope’s higher magnification capability results in a clearer and more detailed image than is possible when viewing through a pair of binoculars. Some downsides of spotting scopes with more than 60x magnification include poor and unstable image quality, decreased image brightness and smaller fields of view.
What are the Differences between Telescopes and Spotting Scopes?
The primary difference between spotting scopes and telescopes is their intended applications. True telescopes are astronomical accessories used for viewing distant planets, stars and galaxies, whereas spotting scopes are designed for earthbound viewing. A spotting scope’s optics cause images that reach the viewer’s eye to be oriented in an upright position, as opposed to higher-powered astronomical telescopes that produce inverted images. An upside down image isn’t a concern when observing the sky, but is unsuitable for terrestrial viewing. Unlike high magnification telescopes, most spotting scopes have interchangeable eyepieces that are either fixed or multi-powered, which helps simplify locating and tracking rapidly moving targets or objects.
Spotting Scope Anatomy
The retail outer packaging and body of most spotting scopes are marked with three numbers. The first two numbers indicate the range of the scope’s magnifying powers. The third number refers to the diameter of the front or objective lens that gathers the ambient light. As an example, a Barska Blackhawk spotting scope labeled 20-60x 60mm has a 60mm objective lens and a range of magnifications from 20- to 60-power.
Here’s more information on a spotting scope’s parts and their functions:
- Body Types. The body of a spotting scope is typically made from lightweight aluminum or plastic, and is where the lenses, prism and refraction system are housed. The two spotting scope body types are straight body and angled body. Here’s an overview of both types:
- Straight body spotting scopes have eyepieces that are on the same horizontal plane as the body of the scope, which some shooters find easier to use for acquiring and tracking distant targets. Straight body spotting scopes are often the scope of choice for hunters and target shooters, since they’re especially convenient when shooting from blinds or tree stands. They can, however, be uncomfortable for focusing on and maintaining high-angled viewing. The Bushnell 780008 Elite is a good example of a typical straight body scope.
- Angled body spotting scope eyepieces, as the name implies, are set at an angle to the scope’s body, which is usually 45°. They’re somewhat more difficult to use than straight body scopes in most circumstances, since the user’s line of sight is at a downward angle, making it more difficult to detect a moving target. An exception is when the user is seated at a bench or lying down, in which case angled body scopes are simpler and more comfortable to use than a straight body spotting scope. An example of an angled body spotting scope is the Nikon ProStaff A.
Although most spotting scopes sold today are angled bodies, it ultimately comes down to the user’s personal preference on which one is best for their use.
- Lenses. A spotting scope’s resolution and light-gathering capabilities are directly related to the quality and size of its objective lens, which is located inside the scope’s body toward the front. Usually between 50mm and 80mm in diameter, the size of the objective lens controls the amount of ambient light around the target that reaches the viewer’s eye. The larger the objective lens, the better its light gathering properties and the brighter and sharper the image that’s seen by the user will be. Larger objective lenses usually translate to higher magnifying power, scope size and cost.
- Lens Glass. Regardless of the size of the objective lens, the quality of the glass used to make the lens, along with the way it was ground and polished, directly affected the brightness and clarity of the image seen by the viewer. Special glass, such as extra-low dispersion (ED) glass or Fluorite (which technically isn’t glass, but is a form of crystal) prevent chromatic abnormalities called color fringing from appearing around the background and edges of the viewed image. Color fringing or blurring occurs when a lens system fails to focus all color wavelengths at a single point within the body of the scope, and is increasingly noticeable at higher magnifications. Color fringing is characteristic of spotting scopes at the lower end of the price scale.
- Lens Coatings. Thin, anti-reflective coatings of magnesium fluoride on lenses can also improve the scope’s image quality and overall performance by increasing the amount of transmitted light that reaches the user’s eye. Uncoated lenses may lose as much as 5% of the light that passes through each of the scope’s lenses. This translates to as much as 35% of the light that reaches the objective lens in a seven-lens scope being lost. Multi-coated lenses, however, can reduce the light loss to less than 1% per lens, or less than 5% overall, making coatings just as important as the quality of the glass itself.
The primary types of lens coatings are fully coated, multi-coated and fully multi-coated.
- Fully coated lenses have at least a single anti-reflective coating on each of the scope’s lenses, and in the case of angled body scopes, also the prism.
- Multi-coated lenses have more than a single anti-reflective coating on one or more internal lenses.
- Fully multi-coated lenses have multiple coatings on both sides of all lenses within the body of the scope.
All higher-end spotting scopes come with fully multi-coated lenses.
- Prisms. The majority of today’s spotting scopes are refractors, which is the same design found in most better-quality binoculars and telescopes. The prism inside a spotting scope converts the image from upside down to right side up, while also centering its lateral position. The two primary types of prisms used in spotting scopes are porro prisms and roof prisms.
- Porro prisms are made from high-density Bak-4 glass, and are the most efficient and widely used prisms in spotting scope optics. They’re found in all but the least expensive scopes, which use prisms made from lower quality BK7 glass.
- Roof prisms are less efficient than porro prisms, but scopes with roof prisms have the advantage of being slender, compact and easily carried. Unlike porro prisms, however, spotting scopes with roof prisms can’t accommodate interchangeable eyepieces, camera adapters for digiscoping or similar accessories.
- Eyepieces. The second basic component of a spotting scope is the eyepiece. Spotting scope eyepieces come in both fixed and zoom versions, and are usually interchangeable. Fixed eyepieces have slightly better image definition than their adjustable counterparts, and are usually preferred when the scope is used for taking pictures at long distances. Because of their versatility, adjustable eyepieces are by far the most popular eyepiece choice. Depending upon the manufacturer and model, the magnification can be changed from 20x to 60x by simply twisting an adjustment collar or knob on the eyepiece. The Nikon Prostaff 5 20-60x is an example of a spotting scope adjustable eyepiece.
Other Considerations When Buying the Best Spotting Scope for Your Needs
Beyond scope body types, eyepieces, lenses and prisms, there are other features and accessories to consider to ensure maximum performance and satisfaction from a spotting scope:
- Field of view. The diameter of a circular area visible to the user through the eyepiece at 1,000 yards is called its field of view. Wider fields of view make it easier to track fast-moving animals, birds and other objects from long distances. A spotting scope’s field of view decreases in direct proportion to increases in the scope’s magnifying power.
- Eye relief. The maximum distance the viewer’s eye can be from the scope’s eyepiece and still take in and focus on the full field of view is referred to as its eye relief. At least 10mm of eye relief is typically needed, and 15mm will generally provide the most viewing comfort. Persons who wear glasses while using a spotting scope may require more for optimum viewing. Higher-end spotting scopes will usually provide enough eye relief to accommodate most users.
- Waterproofing. Although they’re not needed in many situations, a waterproof spotting scope is a good idea, and particularly so if the scope will frequently be used in inclement weather or damp environments. The seals in a waterproof scope will help keep dust and grime from entering the body, which should help extend the scope’s useful life. Sealed, waterproof spotting scopes like the Redfield 67600 Rampage are also nitrogen-filled, which prevents the internal lens from fogging.
- Exit Pupil. The bright circle seen when a spotting scope is held up to the light is called the exit pupil. Larger exit pupils result in the shooter seeing brighter images. Image brightness and magnification levels are directly linked mathematically; the size of the exit pupil is the diameter of the scope’s objective lens expressed in millimeters divided by the magnification power of the eyepiece. The higher the scope’s magnification, the smaller the exit pupil and the dimmer the image that’s seen by the viewer.
- Tripods. High magnification spotting scopes are susceptible to even slight vibrations or movement, and require tripods to both stabilize the image the user sees, as well as to support the weight of the scope. Tripods for spotting scopes are usually purchased separately as an accessory, although some scopes such as Tasco’s Spotting Scope Package come with a tripod and carrying case. Virtually all spotting scopes include a built-in ¼” 20 thread adapter that will allow the scope to be quickly and easily mounted on a camera tripod.
- Laser Rangefinder. After an object or target is located through a spotting scope, many hunters use a laser range finder to establish the distance, which allows them to then adjust the turrets on their rifle’s telescopic sight accordingly before taking the shot. The Bushnell Scout DX1000 is an example of a battery-powered laser rangefinder.
- Focusing Methods. The three primary methods of focusing a spotting scope are helical focusing, knob focusing and rack & pinion focusing.
- Helical focusing, which is the most common spotting scope focusing mechanism, has a band or collar around the scope barrel or eyepiece that’s rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise to quickly adjust the focus from close in to infinity. A helical focusing mechanism, however, can become stiff and somewhat cumbersome to operate in cold weather.
- Knob focusing scopes have a small knob toward the rear of the scope’s body that’s turned to adjust the focus. Knob focusers can require five or more turns to go from focusing on something nearby to clearly seeing an object in the distance, which makes them far more accurate but slower than helical focus adjusters. They’re typically used for long-range photography, where a sharp focus is more important than speed or ease of adjustment.
- Rack & pinion focusers are fast, easy to use and precise. They’re preferred for celestial viewing, but are somewhat fragile, and have a tendency to be weak and subject to failure when used in the field.
Buying the Best Spotting Scopes from Hinterland Outfitters
Hinterland Outfitters carries a full selection of quality spotting scopes from numerous name-brand manufacturers, including the following:
Bushnell Elite 20-60x80mm. This straight-bodied scope with its 20x to 60x magnification range has an 80mm extra low dispersion (ED) glass lens that delivers outstanding brightness, clarity and unparalleled viewing detail. The Elite’s high refractive index BaK-4 prisms and fully coated lenses provide true color images. Bushnell’s exclusive RainGuard coating keeps lenses from fogging over, and its waterproof construction makes it an ideal scope for hunting or spotting even under the most adverse weather conditions. With a 98/32 foot field of view at 1,000 yards, the Bushnell Elite 20-60x80mm is a favorite among long range hunters, surveillers and target shooters.
Swarovski Optik SDS 80. The Swarovski SDS 80 is a high definition spotting scope with a magnification range of 20x to 60x. Its outstanding optics are housed in a lightweight, weather-resistant angled body that’s less than 14” long and weighs just over 40 ounces. Its 80mm objective lens delivers crystal clear images, edge-to-edge sharpness and true color fidelity. The SDS 80’s wide exit pupil allows for brighter images even under low light conditions, and helps ensure comfortable viewing for hours on end in the field, from a stand or at the range.
Nightforce TS-82 Xtreme. This 20-70x angle body scope is guaranteed to exceed the image quality, resolution, brilliance and color fidelity of even the most well-known and highly respected European spotting scopes. This rugged and waterproof scope is available in both straight and angled bodies, and its quick release bayonet mount makes changing eyepieces and accessories simple. There’s an optional 30-60x eyepiece available, and when an iPhone 4 or 5 is attached, the TS-82 can be used as a camera that captures remarkably high-resolution images at long distances. Its 82mm objective lens produces clear, high contrast, edge-to-edge distortion free images, even in low light. For all around performance and durability, there’s no better spotting scope available than Nightforce’s TS-82 Xtreme.
Leupold SX-2 Kenai. This is a 25 to 60-power magnification spotting scope with an 80mm objective lens and fully-coated, high definition optics for detailed viewing even under low light conditions. The SX-2 Kenai has a 17.4mm to 17.9mm eye relief, which makes it easy to use while wearing eyeglasses. It provides a 94-foot field of view at 1,000 feet at 25x, will maintain a 52-foot FOV at 60x magnification and can focus as close as 11.8 feet. The Leupold SX-2 has a 14” waterproof, angled body, weighs just under 4 pounds and comes with a lens cover, straps and a carrying case.
Vortex Razor HD 27. The Razor HD 27 is a high-end 27-60x angle bodied scope with an 85mm objective lens, and is considered by many to be one of the finest spotting scopes available. Its optics are made from hand selected premium glass precision ground to Vortex’s high standards, which results in exceptionally clear, razor-sharp, distortion-free images and true color fidelity. It has a linear field of view (FOV) of 117-68 feet at 1,000 yards, and can focus as close as 16.4 feet. The scope’s lenses are fully multi-coated with Vortex’s exclusive XR anti-reflective coatings for maximum light transmission and optimal viewing under even low light conditions. Measuring 15.5 inches in length and weighing just over 4 pounds, the Razor HD 27 is a truly portable scope.
Leupold SX-1 Ventana 2. This is an excellent, competitively priced, variable powered 20-60x spotting scope with an 80mm objective lens. Weighing just over 3 pounds, Leupold’s straight-bodied SX-1 Ventana 2 features fully multi-coated lenses for sharp, crystal clear images, even when used under low light conditions. Being durable, waterproof and nitrogen filled to prevent fogging, it’s a great scope for field use under weather conditions ranging from bright and sunny to rainy or snowy. Its 26.4-24mm eye relief and adjustable eyecup combine to make it an excellent choice for folks who wear eyeglasses. The SX-1 Ventana 2 comes with an adjustable tripod, hard and soft carrying case, carrying straps and lens covers.
Nikon Monarch 82ED-S. Featuring Nikon’s exclusive ED glass, proprietary lenses and coated Porro prisms, the Monarch 82-ED-S provides clear, edge-to-edge high resolution images with true color fidelity across its wide 1,000 yard, 111-foot field of view. Constructed from a durable aluminum alloy, the straight body, waterproof scope features 20-60x variable magnification, an 80mm objective lens and an impressive 16.1mm eye relief measurement. Its Type 1 locking bayonet mount makes attaching or detaching an eyepiece quick and simple. The Monarch 82ED-S is slightly more than a foot long, weighs 58.2 ounces and can be focused as close as 16.4 feet.
Burris Signature HD. The angle body Signature HD has a 20-60x variable magnification range and an 85mm HD objective lens. Its apochromatic lenses eliminate color fringing and ensure clear, edge-to-edge image resolution at any of its magnification settings. The built-in sunshade serves to both reduce glare and protect the objective lens against the elements. The rotating tripod and angled eyepiece make the Signature HD easy to use from both standing and prone positions, and its eyecup can be adjusted to accommodate eyeglass wearers. Burris’ Signature HD comes with lens covers, neoprene carrying case, neoprene cover to protect it against adverse weather and accidental dings. Options include Burris’ FastFire red dot sight for quick target acquisition and a fixed-power 30x eyepiece, both of which are sold separately.
We’re here to help. After checking out our extensive inventory of spotting scopes and accessories online, feel free to contact us by telephone at 877-446-8370 or email us at info@blog.hinterlandoutfitters.com. Our experienced and knowledgeable team members will be pleased to answer any questions you may have and provide any additional information you need to decide the best spotting scope to fit your needs.