Best Long-Range Spotting Scope

Best Long-Range Spotting Scope

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Spotting scopes come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Depending on your intended use, I’m guessing you’re looking for a suitable trade-off between weight, image clarity, cost, and magnification factors.

I’ve got you covered. There’s scope here for every budget and application. I’ve surveyed scopes from the best to the best value for money, heavy but super sharp scopes for use on the range, and lightweight, rugged options for backwoods hunting.

Scroll down to the buyer’s guide for an explanation of key terms.

Also Read: Best Spotting Scope Under $300

10 Best Long-Range Spotting ScopeReviews

IMAGE PRODUCT
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Tripod supplied
  • 1x High-quality optics
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  • Lightweight and built for stealth
  • Excellent image stabilization
  • Sig Sauer lifetime guarantee
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  • Lifetime warranty
  • Fat focus dial
  • Tough and waterproof
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  • Unlimited warranty
  • Includes objective lens cover, eyepiece cap, and view-through carry case
  • Triplet Apochromatic lens
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  • Dual focus mechanism for pinpoint sharpness
  • Excellent build quality and environmental proofing
  • Superb resolution and color fidelity
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  • Solid, waterproof construction
  • Lightweight and small
  • 30-year guarantee
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  • Good range of features
  • ED multi-coated glass
  • Large objective lens
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  • Cheap!
  • HD glass, (Chinese) Bak4 prism
  • Lightweight
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  • Lightweight
  • Rugged and waterproof
  • Mil-hash reticle with first focal plane focusing
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  • Bombproof construction
  • Excellent water and dirt repellant lens coatings
  • Comfort eye cup for all-day use
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1. Celestron Ultima 80 20-60x

Celestron Ultima 80 20-60x

High-end telescope manufacturer Celestron brings its expertise in optics to the consumer spotting scope market, packing an entry-level scope like the Ultima with the most crucial features. An 80mm Objective Lens (OL) means a brighter image than the smaller 50mm and 60mm OL featured on some scopes.

The scope is waterproof and features a rugged rubber exterior. The wide objective lens makes up somewhat for the relatively narrow exit pupil, and eye relief is a fairly standard 18mm. A relatively close minimum focus distance of 8m makes this a good option for mixed-range target shooting.

As well as general versatility and solid entry-level quality, this scope has some nice additional features. The peep sight is a nifty feature for quick target acquisition, saving you time panning the scope. The smooth action of the focus ring is precise. 

One gripe I have is the positioning of the tripod mount, which isn’t quite at the right balance point for optimum stability on a tripod. The supplied tripod is usable but a bit flimsy. Target shooters may prefer a tabletop tripod, and this one is full-size.

This model sits between the Ultima 60 and 85 versions and is a good, lightweight, weatherproof option. An excellent bargain that could be the only spotting scope you’ll ever need.

Pros

  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Tripod supplied
  • High-quality optics

Cons

  • Image quality deteriorates somewhat beyond 100 yards
  • Some users may prefer a tabletop tripod
  • The mounting screw is not well placed
Celestron Ultima 80 20-60x

Celestron Ultima 80 20-60x

The price of “Celestron Ultima 80 20-60x” varies, so check the latest price at

2. Sig Sauer Oscar 3 10-20X30

Sig Sauer Oscar 3 10-20X30

Many things make this scope stand out: its cool hi-tech look, rugged build, and, once you look through the lens, image stabilization (IS). It’s worth trying to see this difference when tracking a moving target hundreds of yards away.

There are some downsides, however. A relatively small objective lens and exit pupil means a dimmer sight picture in low light. That said, your eyes will adjust, and it is by no means unusable as long as there is enough light to see by. 

ED glass and Sig Sauer’s proprietary Spectracoat multi-coating make up for this somewhat, reducing color fringing and enhancing light transmission. Almost every spotting scope lists multi-coated lens elements as a feature, but coatings are far from equal. Spectracoat will give you better results than a generic lens spray in a Chinese factory.

The lack of a tripod mount will be a non-issue for most as this scope is intended for being held in your hand. A significant difference from most other spotting scopes is that the focus ring is on the front lens, not the eyepiece. Note also that you’ll need to install batteries before using the IS.

The Oscar 3 was designed for use on the move, out in the wilds, when weight matters, and you might not have a tripod. It comes in two power variants, 6-12x and 10-20x. 

Note that with IPX-4 water resistance, this scope will stand up to any weather conditions, but it is not rated for submersion in water. Also worth noting is that the dimensions and weight of the two models are different. 

The 10-20X version, for example, is 6 oz heavier than its brother. So be sure to get hands-on before buying to feel the weight and appreciate the difference in size.

Pros

  • Lightweight and built for stealth
  • Excellent image stabilization
  • Sig Sauer lifetime guarantee

Cons

  • The small objective lens and exit pupil
  • Not fully waterproof
  • It operates differently from most spotting scopes and may take some getting used to
Sig Sauer Oscar 3 10-20X30

Sig Sauer Oscar 3 10-20X30

The price of “Sig Sauer Oscar 3 10-20X30” varies, so check the latest price at

Check this article by Cameron Porter on the best 500 yards scopes.

3. Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85

Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scope 20-60x85 Angled

I’ve put two Vortex spotting scopes on the list next to each other for comparison. Both have similarities, but there are significant differences in the quality of life enhancements. 

Looking at the Viper first, it features a sizable helical focus ring, which allows you to adjust focus in tiny increments. Its lens also comes with a high-quality multi-coat and fluoride (HD) glass, reducing color and fringing almost nothing.

The 85mm objective lens brings a lot of light-gathering capability to both scopes, meaning a nice bright image even in lower light. The eye pupil is small, 3.1mm at 27x and 1.4mm at 60x, but this is a design feature of many comparable spotting scopes. FOV is pretty standard too.

The Viper is available with a straight or angled eyepiece. It’s waterproof and strongly built, with tactile rubber armoring and Armortek coatings to protect the lenses from oil, dirt, and scratches. A retractable sunshade reduces glare and flaring.

This is a decent scope in terms of features versus cost. Now let’s see how its sibling scope, the Razor, fares.

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Fat focus dial
  • Tough and waterproof

Cons

  • Some models are limited to Manfrotto tripod adapter shoe (others Arca Swiss compatible)
  • Protective caps are fiddly and easy to lose
  • Focusing difficult with neoprene case fitted

Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scope 20-60x85 Angled

Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85

The price of “Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85” varies, so check the latest price at

4. Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85

Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope 27-60x85 Angled

The Razor is 11oz lighter than the Viper, a couple of inches shorter has some clarity, resolution, and color accuracy improvements, and costs around $700 more than the Viper. The Razor also has a lower minimum focusing distance, 16′ rather than the 36′ of the Viper.

What else do you get for the price hike, though? Most notably, eye relief is from 0.67” to 0.66”, and it features a Triplet Apochromatic lens. This means you can count on highly detailed resolution and fidelity, which are also helped by XR Plus anti-reflective coatings.

The Razor is also argon-purged and o-sealed, which ensures fog- and water-proofing. Together with the Armortek coating, this adds up to an extremely durable scope.

What you have here are two excellent scopes from Vortex that should last you a lifetime and which offer fantastic performance on the range and in the wilderness. The Razor is lighter and smaller and has improved image clarity, although the Viper should be good enough for most casual hunters.

Pros

  • Unlimited warranty
  • Includes objective lens cover, ‎eyepiece cap, and view-through carry case
  • Triplet Apochromatic lens

Cons

  • The price!

Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope 27-60x85 Angled

Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85

The price of “Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85” varies, so check the latest price at

You can also check out Hunting Mark‘s Best AR 15 Scopes Under $200 article.

5. Leica APO-Televid 82

Leica 40121 APO-Televid 82 Angled Binoculars

I’ll start with the most significant advantage this scope gives you – you won’t be able to stop smiling! It’s a Leica. 

This is a remarkable piece of kit. The Leica name didn’t become legendary for no reason. The highest quality glass and coatings give you a clear and sharp picture through the 82mm objective lens. The wide-angle eyepiece is a pleasure to use, combining a situational view with a smooth zoom action and pin-sharp focusing. 

The zoom tops out at 50x. This limitation appears to be down to a decision by Leica to maintain maximum image clarity and color fidelity throughout the zoom range, and image quality inevitably takes a hit at higher magnification powers. That said, the clarity at 50x is more than adequate for long-distance use.

It’s worth noting that at the lower x25 end, in combination with the excellent eyepiece, the Leica has a wider FOV than comparable spotting scopes at x20. The image is sharp from edge to edge at all zoom levels, providing a maximized FOV right through the range.

Another nifty feature is the 12 ft minimum focus distance, closer than any other scope here with a comparable zoom range. Full waterproofing makes the Televid 82 usable in all conditions, rated for water submersion up to almost 16 ft. This Leica is one tough scope, with a magnesium body encased in rubber armoring. 

The major downside for many users, however, is the weight. At 71 oz, this scope is only practical when mounted on a tripod or other support. It is not one for being handheld. It is, however, perfectly balanced for tripod use, with the mounting point precisely placed to eliminate any wobbles or tilt.

Pros

  • Dual focus mechanism for pinpoint sharpness
  • Excellent build quality and environmental proofing
  • Superb resolution and color fidelity

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Zoom tops out at 50x
  • It’s quite heavy!

Leica 40121 APO-Televid 82 Angled Binoculars

Leica APO-Televid 82

The price of “Leica APO-Televid 82” varies, so check the latest price at

6. Minox MD 50 W

The Minox is a cheaper alternative to the Bushnell Legend reviewed below. Cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean poorer quality, though. Some trade-offs between the two models might make the Minox a better option for some.

On the negative side, the Minox has a more limited magnification range (16-30x to The Legend’s 15-45x), a smaller 50mm objective lens, and lacks ED glass.

On the positive side, the Minox is smaller and lighter, coming in at almost half the weight of the Legend and over two inches shorter. It also has a closer minimum focusing distance, ten feet, compared to 35.

Although manufactured in China rather than Germany, this is a quality scope backed by Minox’s 30-year guarantee. It feels good and solid in hand without being too weighty. This scope is a great budget option for use in the field or checking hits on the range, although clarity is not the best above 500 yards.

Pros

  • Solid, waterproof construction
  • Lightweight and small
  • 30-year guarantee

Cons

  • The focus and power ring are a bit stiff
  • No ED/HD glass (poorer light transmission)
  • Not as rugged as comparable scopes

Minox MD 50 W

The price of “Minox MD 50 W” varies, so check the latest price at

7. Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A

Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Angled Spotting Scope with 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece and Stay-On Case

Vanguard has managed to stuff a lot of top-shelf features into this scope. Its stand-out feature is the extensive field of view this scope offers, 52 ft at 1,000 yards, which is a notch above many competitors.

Although made in China, Vanguard owns the factory, so there are no generic parts here. Everything is made for branded gear. In usage terms, the 82mm objective lens coupled with multi-coated ED glass lets in a lot of light, so this is a viable option for use around dawn and sunset.

Although not quite refined, the Endeavor shares a dual focus feature with the far more expensive Leica. This great feature allows you to shift focus from near to far, then correct for sharpness by feeling with the finer focusing knob without taking your eye away from the eyepiece.

A rubberized, waterproof magnesium body makes this ideal for all weather conditions. It’s not the lightest scope here, but it’s not the heaviest. 

Pros

  • Good range of features
  • ED multi-coated glass
  • Large objective lens

Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • Fine focusing can be tricky at longer distances
  • The supplied case may not fit well

Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Angled Spotting Scope with 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece and Stay-On Case

Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A

The price of “Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A” varies, so check the latest price at

8. Suncore HD Zoom Spotting Scope – Standard 15-45×60

Suncore HD Zoom Spotting Scope - Standard 15-45x60 Waterproof Fully Multi Coated Optical Lens Perfect for Target Shooting Hunting Stargazing Bird Watching Wildlife Scenery (Straight)

This scope is a super-budget option at less than $50, but it isn’t all that bad. It is undoubtedly usable, featuring a Bak4 prism and multicoating, with a 60mm HD glass and decent eye relief.

The multicoating and glass are unlikely to be of the best quality, and the prism may be glued rather than firmly fixed. But you won’t be throwing your $50 away if you opt for this cheap but functional scope.

You’ll find it’s ok for use in light rain, but avoid too much exposure to water as this scope is water resistant rather than waterproof. Significant temperature changes may lead to internal fogging.

You’ll find some color fringing at higher magnification, but the sharpness and color accuracy aren’t too shabby for the price. You can do most of what you can with any other scope here with this cheaper alternative if you don’t mind some fuzziness, color fringing, and a less hard-wearing build.

Pros

  • Cheap!
  • HD glass, (Chinese) Bak4 prism
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not fully waterproof
  • Color fringing at higher magnifications
  • Resolution and acuity lower than more expensive scopes

Suncore HD Zoom Spotting Scope - Standard 15-45x60 Waterproof Fully Multi Coated Optical Lens Perfect for Target Shooting Hunting Stargazing Bird Watching Wildlife Scenery (Straight)

Suncore HD Zoom Spotting Scope – Standard 15-45×60

The price of “Suncore HD Zoom Spotting Scope – Standard 15-45×60” varies, so check the latest price at

9. Bushnell Legend T-Series 15-45x60mm

Bushnell 781545ED Legend T-Series Flp Spotting Scope with Mil-Hash Reticle, 15-45 x 60mm, Tan

Although it looks a little unusual compared to other scopes, the Bushnell Legend is about cramming maximum functionality into a small body. The top and side mounted Picatinny rails and tripod mounting screw gives you plenty of options for fixing red dot sights, a camera, and anything you like to the scope, plus easy mounting on a weapon.

The viewing lens looks a lot like a multifunction stalk in a modern car, with the zoom ring, power index, main focus ring, diopter ring, and twist-up eyecup stacked together. As you might imagine, these can be a little fiddly.

A first focal plane setup (most spotting scopes use a second focal plane) works well with the etched mil-hash reticle, which helps call corrections on the range.

ED glass, Bushnell’s proprietary multi-coating and water-repellent coatings make for a clear image in all weather conditions and low light. This scope is a little heavier than the Minox and Sig Sauer reviewed above, but if you don’t mind the extra few ounces, image sharpness is superior in the medium range. 

The T-Series is a helpful range scope, the reticle making calling corrections easy. However, this excels for medium to long-range spotting in the wilds. It’s rugged, versatile, and works well in different light conditions. Light and small enough to fit in a pack and built with functionality in mind.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Rugged and waterproof
  • Mil-hash reticle with first focal plane focusing

Cons

  • The image loses sharpness at longer ranges
  • Fiddly stacked adjustment rings
  • Minor but noticeable edge distortion

Bushnell 781545ED Legend T-Series Flp Spotting Scope with Mil-Hash Reticle, 15-45 x 60mm, Tan

Bushnell Legend T-Series 15-45x60mm

The price of “Bushnell Legend T-Series 15-45x60mm” varies, so check the latest price at

10. Leupold SX2 Alpine HD spotting scope

Leupold SX2 Alpine HD spotting scope

Legendary made in the USA Leupold quality, in a scope made for the harshest conditions, at a price that won’t break the bank.

The Alpine HD comes in 60mm and 80mm objective lens versions. Besides the superior light gathering capability of the 80mm, the two units are the same. The 80mm version pushes the cost up by around $100.

This scope is an excellent choice for longer hunting trips in changeable weather. The waterproofing and fog proofing will stand up to anything rain clouds and sharp temperature changes can throw at it. A built-in sunshade and Leupold’s anti-glare coatings make it more than usable in various lighting conditions.

A neat feature that makes the eyepiece easier to use when you’re cold and wet makes it more difficult to capture video or stills using a phone or camera. The eyepiece has an outsized rim for comfort and easy operation with cold fingers, but this creates some additional distance between the lens of your phone or camera and the eyepiece lens.

While ground and coated to high standards, the glass in this lens is not of the same quality as more expensive scopes. You will notice some color fringing and loss of clarity at higher magnifications. The 80mm offers a trade-off between a better, brighter image and additional bulk and weight.

Overall, if you want to take a full-sized scope with you into the backwoods that will stand up to anything nature throws at it, and you don’t mind the extra weight and bulk, the Leupold SX is a great option.

Pros

  • Bombproof construction
  • Excellent water and dirt repellant lens coatings
  • Comfort eye cup for all-day use

Cons

  • Quite heavy and bulky
  • Non-fluoride glass
  • Awkward for digiscoping
Leupold SX2 Alpine HD spotting scope

Leupold SX2 Alpine HD spotting scope

The price of “Leupold SX2 Alpine HD spotting scope” varies, so check the latest price at

Buying Guide

Scopes can be used for various activities in a wide range of conditions. So, to help you pick the best one for your needs, here are a few key factors to keep in mind.

Sports shooting

A spotting scope might stay in your bag if you don’t shoot regularly or rarely shoot targets beyond 25m. If you’re often shooting at longer ranges, however, you can find a scope that won’t break the bank and is good enough to check your shot placement. 

Up to 25m, an 18-36 zoom/50mm objective lens is enough. For air rifle and rimfire shooting, look for a close focusing distance.

Also Read: 8 Best Rimfire Scopes Under $200

Hunting

Are you hiking out for some backwoods hunting? A lightweight, compact scope like the Bushnell Legend is easily good enough to save you time and effort getting close enough to count antlers or check if the shoot is legal.

A heavier scope with the quality optics needed for high resolution at longer distances is equally helpful for longer-range target shooting and spotting wildlife across water or land at distances up to a mile or more.

Also Read: How Many Hunters In The US In 2022?

Digiscoping

You can find adapters for most phones and cameras if you want to record video or still images through a scope. Note that some eyepieces make this trickier, e.g., the Leupold Alpine HD.

Prism type

Almost every decent quality scope you find claims to have a BaK4 prism. While that may be true, these are not all created (or manufactured) equally. Schott BaK4 prisms with a refractive index of 1.5688 are the very best. Cheaper Chinese versions are less well made and may lack the proper coatings, be undersized, or not properly housed within the scope.

BK7 prisms have a lower refractive index, but a well-made (e.g., Schott) BK7 may be better than a low-quality BaK4.

Multi-coatings/repellant coatings

Similarly, not all multi-coatings are the same. As a general rule of thumb, the named proprietary coatings applied by renowned companies in the world of optics will be more effective than generic coatings. The same applies to water, dirt, and scratch-resistant lens coatings.

Objective lens size, magnification, and Color fringing/chromatic aberration

A larger objective lens means more light enters the scope, which means a brighter image. The trade-off is increased weight and bulk.

These terms describe the fringing in magenta or other colors that you can observe in high contrast areas, e.g., around twigs and branches set against the sky, in an image. ED/HD (fluoride) glass from higher-end scope effectively eliminates fringing, but it can be an issue in cheaper scopes or at higher magnifications.

Straight or angled eyepiece? 

An angled eyepiece offers some advantages. Angled eyepieces are more comfortable to look through – you can do so without getting a crick in your neck – and can be rotated so, for example, you can point the lens at your target over a rock while you stay out of sight behind it. 

A straight eyepiece might be more helpful in viewing from a fixed position and height. Scopes with a straight eyepiece are marginally lighter.

Eye relief and exit pupil

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece lens, measured in millimeters. 15mm is the minimum to go for in a spotting scope. If you’re going to be using a scope handheld or on the move, more is better.

The exit pupil should be the same diameter as your pupil (avg 7mm when dilated). However, due to the design of spotting scopes, the exit pupil is generally smaller than this. This is fine in bright sunlight when your pupil is constricted but can lead to a dimmer image in lower light.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions/answers related to scopes.

How far can the best spotting scope see?

With a higher magnification spotting scope, you can get a good look at the moon, so pretty far. For a close-up view, good enough to pick out fine details, 1,000-1,500 yards isn’t unrealistic with a 60x magnification coupled with high-end optics.

How much magnification would I need for 1,000 yards?

The minimum you want for close-up images at 1,000 yards is 30x. With exceptionally clear glass optics, you can get a detailed picture with a lower magnification, but to get in close, you’ll want something that runs to at least 30x and ideally above. A 20-60X spotting scope is ideal. 

What rifle scope do Navy Seals use?

Serving Navy Seals use a range of red dot sights, including Aimpoint, ACOG, EOTech, and Colt sights.

All US special forces units use the M49 Spotting scope made by Seiler Manufacturing, as is the Leupold Mark 4 Tactical Spotting Scope. 

Rifle scopes used by Navy Seal snipers include the Nightforce ATACR rifle scope with a Horus Tremor3 reticle. 10x Leupold and Sig Sauer scopes, like the Sig Sauer Tango6T, are also used.

Conclusion

I hope this review has given you plenty of options to consider. The scope you want depends significantly on your intended use. Tripod-mounted for use at the range, the Celestron Ultima 80 20-60x is an excellent scope for checking targets. It won’t let you down, no matter what nature throws at you.  This scope is a worthwhile investment. If you but it, it’ll save you time and shoe leather on the range or in the backwoods.co

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