Spotting scopes are quite niche optics. That’s why it’s essential to equip yourself with a well-rounded understanding that will lead you to a choice you won’t second-guess after a few benchrest shooting sessions or hunting trips. We’ve asked our friends at this renowned outdoor sports store to share the top spotting scopes for various applications, complete with detailed explanations of why each scope made the cut. This information will provide a solid foundation for your journey to select the ideal scope for your needs. So, let’s get started!
Nightforce TS-82 – Best Target Shooting Spotting Scope
Why this Nightforce spotting scope stands out as a long-range target spotter:
- High-than-average magnification range – 20-70x (compared to more common 20-60x)
- Large objective lens – 82mm for clear, detailed views in low light
- Fine focus adjustment for precision
- Durable and sturdy build – magnesium alloy body and full rubber armoring
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Eye relief sufficient for wearing glasses – 18mm
- Angled and straight design variations
- Easy tripod mounting with a ring allowing full 360-degree rotation
Trade-offs:
- Somewhat heavy and bulky – 63 ounces
The TS-82 by Nightforce Optics is a powerful and flexible spotter. It can zoom from 20x to an impressive 70x, making it great for glassing far-off targets. Its big 82mm lens gathers a lot of light, which is especially useful during low-light times like dawn or dusk. The lenses are made from APO fluorite glass and have special coatings to increase contrast and reduce color distortion, providing excellent image quality even at maximum zoom. The 18mm eye relief is comfortable enough for glasses wearers.
You can get the Nightforce TS-82 in straight or angled models. The straight scope is good for looking out from high places, while the angled one has a rotatable eyepiece that’s handy for different positions, like looking uphill or prone. Despite some people thinking that angled eyepieces are less clear, this Nightforce scope proves them wrong, offering sharp images without noticeable differences. The scope’s mount allows it to rotate 360 degrees, with stops every 45 degrees, making it easy to change the viewing angle.
Nightforce CFS – Best Tactical Spotting Scope with Reticle
Why this Nightforce spotting scope stands out as a tactical spotter:
- High durability, waterproofing, and shock resistance
- Magnification range of 6x to 36x
- Integrated reticle for range estimations
- MIL and MOA reticle versions available
- Good field of view
- Lightweight (33.7 oz) and compact for easy transport
- Highly configurable
Trade-offs:
- Limited to 100-200 yards
- Reduced light-gathering capability due to smaller objective lens diameter
The Nightforce CFS 6-36x50mm F1 is designed for practical field use, offering balanced ergonomics, configurability, and high-quality optics. The spotter offers a 6-36x magnification range, suitable for wide-area spotting and distant target identification.
User controls are centrally located near the tripod attachment point to minimize vibration and movement during use, and a 120-degree rapid focus ring ensures precise target focus. Despite its robust features, the Nightforce CFS is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry.
The spotter features a first focal plane reticle with three options – Tremor4, Mil-XTs, and MOA-XTs. Also, it’s adaptable for use with clip-on night vision or thermals via the Spotting Scope Rail Accessory Platform. Furthermore, the spotter can be configured with a spotting scope accessory cage if you want to attach more equipment. This makes the Nightforce CFS a versatile tool for any shooting scenario.
Vortex Razor HD – Best Hunting Spotting Scope
Why this Vortex spotting scope stands out as a hunting spotter:
- Magnification range of 22-48x
- Good field of view for spotting game
- Durable and waterproof
- Fog-proof for early morning hunts
- Lightweight and portable – 56.8
- Quick focus capability, dual focus knob system
- Close focus – 26.2 feet
Trade-offs
- Has cheaper alternatives
- Eye relief of 16.7-17mm
The Vortex hunting spotter, offered in both angled and straight designs, is a standout in the 65mm category due to its lightweight build and superior optical capability. With a magnification range of 22x to 48x and an objective lens diameter of 65mm, all packaged into a mere 56.8 ounces, this Vortex spotter delivers exceptional performance. The minimum 22x zoom might seem excessive compared to the more common 15x, so if you’re seeking a more typical magnification range, the Vortex 13-39x56mm is a worthy consideration.
The Vortex spotter features an APO system with index-matched lenses for color correction across the entire visual spectrum. The lenses are protected by ArmorTek, an ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating that guards against scratches, oil, and dirt. Additionally, it includes a built-in sunshade, XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated for maximum light transmission, HD Lens Elements for high-definition images, and Plasma Tech for unparalleled coating durability and performance.
Nikon Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A – Best Birding & Wildlife Spotting Scope
Why this Nikon spotting scope stands out as a wildlife spotter:
- High magnification (20x to 60x) and large objective lens (82mm) for detailed views
- Wide field of view
- Fast and sharp focus for fine details
- Lightweight and portable – 57.8 oz
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Angled
Trade-offs:
- Eye relief could be longer
The Monarch ED spotter delivers superb image quality, with natural colors, high contrast, and sharpness that holds up extremely well even at 60x magnification. Regarding the correction of axial aberrations, this sample surpasses many others in the market, matching the performance of Kowa and Swarovski spotters.
The focus and magnification controls are very responsive and silky-smooth. The quick-focus feature is particularly handy for birdwatchers who often need to swiftly adjust from observing a nearby to a far-off bird. Overall, this Nikon spotting scope is a remarkable find considering its price range and outperforms many other medium-priced scopes as well as some of the more expensive ones.
Celestron Regal M2 100ED – Best Spotting Scope for Terrestrial Viewing and Astrophotography
Why this Celestron spotting scope stands out as a terrestrial/astronomy spotter:
- High magnification – 22-67x
- Large objective lens diameter for maximum light gathering – 100mm
- Fine focus adjustment for clear celestial observation
- Durable construction
- Easy mounting to a tripod
- Portable design for outdoor observations
Trade-offs:
- Not suitable for serious astrophotography
The Celestron Regal M2 100ED is the best spotting scope for terrestrial viewing and beginner astrophotography. Unlike a telescope, this spotting scope is more versatile and portable, making it easier to use because you can carry it around. Plus, this one from Celestron is built to be rugged and durable.
This scope features a 22-67x adjustable zoom eyepiece, which gives you a broad field of view for general viewing, but also the ability to zoom in for detailed, up-close observations when needed. The ED objective lens minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring accurate color reproduction, increased resolution, and enhanced contrast. Complementing this is the proprietary fully multi-coated optics for maximized light transmission.
The Regal M2 100ED also boasts a quick dual-focus feature. The course focus allows for rough adjustments, while the fine focus lets you make detailed adjustments.
