Best Spotting Scope for Backcountry Hunting
Backcountry hunting is not an easy task. It is physically intense and requires prior planning where it is important to pack all the essential items you need. A spotting scope is one of the indispensable items to pack for backcountry hunting.
Whether you are beginner or a professional hunter, a spotting scope will help spot the game from a distance and increase your odds of going back home with meat in your hand. Today, we are going to look at some of the best spotting scope for backcountry hunting available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
Best Spotting Scope for Backcountry Hunting-Our Top Picks
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Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 Spotting Scope
As one of the best optics brands across the globe, Vortex makes high-quality optical devices that are reasonably inexpensive and the Razor HD 27-60×85 Spotting is not an exception. It comes with nearly everything you need to have a successful backcountry hunting expedition.
First, it is super light and portable. It features a magnesium alloy chassis which has a rubber cover to cushion it from shock and impacts, while providing a slip resistant grip. It is also fully waterproof and fog resistant to offer reliable performance in a wide range of temperatures.
This spotting scope is made with ease of use in mind. It boasts a generous eye relief for quick target acquisition, an angled eyepiece design for comfortable viewing in any shooting position and a large viewing angle to help you locate the target with ease. The scope also has a tripod collar to rotate and position the eyepiece in the most comfortable viewing position.
When it comes to the optical features, the scope boasts high-density ED glass that improves color and resolution and XR plus fully multi-coated optics to increase light transmission and image brightness. Other impressive features included are an Armortek coating, twist-up rubber eyecup and a built-in retractable sunshade.
Features
- Lightweight and durable magnesium body
- Angled viewing
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Helical focusing collar
- 27-60x zoom eyepiece
- Rotating tripod collar
- XR Plus fully multi-coated lenses
- Armortek coating
- Twist-up rubber eyecup
- High density ED glass
- Built-in retractable sunshade
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Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide 20-60×85 Spotting Scope
This USA-made Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide is a high-performance spotting scope that excels in every hunting environment. It is simple to use and has an angled eyepiece position for comfortable glassing especially during long hunting sessions.
This spotting scope is built to stand up to the harshest conditions. It has a fairly lightweight magnesium body that is incredibly rugged to withstand anything nature throws at it. Better yet, the exterior lenses are scratch resistant to military standards for added protection. The scope is also 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof for use in all weather conditions.
Furthermore, the scope features a Twilight Max HD Light Management System which provides premium quality image views from sunrise to sunset. It also brings to the table an ultra-smooth focus which provides sharp image views and a built-in sunshade to control glare when hunting in broad daylight. The scope also features an oversized eyepiece for increase contact area and twist-up eyecup which provides ample eye relief for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Features
- Tripod ready
- Over-sized eyepiece
- Twist-up eyecups
- Integrated sunshade
- Waterproof, fog proof and guaranteed to perform for life
- Ultra-smooth focus
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Angled eyepiece design
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Nikon FILEDSCOPE 13-30X50MM ED Angled Body W/Eyepiece
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to beat the FILEDSCOPE 13-30X50MM ED from Nikon. It has a compact design which makes it ideal for multiple outdoor applications among them backcountry hunting and hunting in general.
It features a variable magnification from 13x to 30x suitable for hunting game at varying ranges. The lightweight design enhances its portability and with the angled eyepiece design, you will be able to glass comfortably in any shooting position.
This spotting scope is built with premium optics to offer unmatched optical performance. It boasts 50mm ED objective lens which reduces chromatic aberration. It also features multi-layer coated lenses which deliver outstandingly bright, sharp and true color image views.
Above all, the scope is filled with nitrogen gas to keep the lens fog free and it is fully waterproof so you can use it even when it is raining.
Features
- 55mm filter attachable to the objective
- Compact in size and ultralight
- Multi-layer lens coating
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Angled eyepiece
- ED glass
- 13-30x zoom eyepiece
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Leica APO-Televid 82
Backcountry hunting gets better when you use a quality optic like the Leica APO-Televid 82. It provides superb optical performance in a package that is ultralight and portable.
This spotting scope boasts a 45° viewing angle. This makes it ideal for group sharing. It also reduces neck strain and eye fatigue when hunting for long hours. Furthermore, it features a retractable lens hood for glare protection and a rotating tripod collar that allows you to rotate the spotting scope to the most comfortable viewing angle.
When it comes to construction, this spotting scope features a robust magnesium alloy housing which offers remarkable strength and rigidity. The exterior is covered with a non-reflective matte-black rubber armoring which cushions the optic from shock while providing a positive tactile grip. The scope is also fully waterproof and fog free to offer reliable performance in any weather condition.
Features
- Rotating tripod collar
- Retractable lens hood
- 45° viewing angle
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Non-reflective matte-black rubber armoring
- Robust magnesium alloy body
- Fluoride glass lenses
- Water and dust repellent AquaDura lens coating
- Fully multi-coated lenses
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Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm
Next on our list is the SX-5 Santiam HD spotting scope from Leupold. This scope has virtually everything you need to make your next backcountry hunting expedition a success.
It boasts Leupold’s professional-grade optical system which offers unparalleled light transmission even in critically low light settings for bright and clear sight pictures. Additionally, the scope features high-definition calcium-fluoride lenses to ensure exceptional image clarity at all magnification.
This scope is built to be virtually indestructible. Its body is crafted from high strength aluminum and shrouded in an easy-to-grip rubber armor coating which cushions it from shock and impacts. The exterior lenses are treated with a DiamondCoat 2, an ion-assist lens coating which optimizes light transmission which providing a high level of abrasion resistance. Besides, this product is 100% waterproof and fog proof for use in any weather condition.
To top it all, the spotting scope has a built-in 1/4-20 rotatable tripod adapter port for easy mounting to a tripod.
Features
- Robust aluminum housing
- Rugged rubber armor
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Built-in 1/4-20 rotatable tripod adapter
- DiamondCoat 2, an ion-assist lens coating
- High definition calcium fluoride lenses
- Angled eyepiece design
- Versatile 27-55 magnification range
- Fully multi-coated lens system
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Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x85mm Angled Body Sand Scope (300102)
If you are looking to take your backcountry hunting skills to a higher level, this Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope suits you. It features a broad magnification from 20x to 60x to help you find animals with ease even at extreme long ranges.
The scope brings to the table and angled eyepiece design and an adjustable eyecup to accommodate all users even those with eye glasses. It also features a built-in sunshade to protect the objective lens and reduce glare, and a rotating tripod mount that makes it easy for you to glass comfortable in any hunting position.
Furthermore, this spotting scope features premium HD glass for high resolution and maximum light transmission in all lighting conditions. The result is edge-to-edge resolution at every magnification setting and bright image views from sunrise to sunset. Above all, the scope has a rugged and durable magnesium body which is fully waterproof and fog proof.
Features
- Lightweight design
- Coarse and fine focusing adjustment
- Built-in sunshade
- Angled eyepiece
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Adjustable eyecup
- Rugged rubber armor
- Durable magnesium body
- Rotating tripod mount
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Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes 20-60×85 – Angled
Another best spotting scope for backcountry hunting on our list is the Viper HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope. This scope offers the perfect combination of quality, performance and value.
Featuring a variable and broad 20x to 60x magnification, the scope is ideal for long range backcountry hunting. It offers high-quality sight pictures at every zoom range to increase your odds of accurate shot placement. It also provides exceptional optical performance even in low or challenging light conditions like dawn or dust.
To complement the superb optical performance are high-quality construction details which protect the scope for years. This scope is built from a tough magnesium alloy which optimizes durability while remaining lightweight. Furthermore, it is wrapped in a rubber armor which cushions it from rough handling while providing a non-slip grip. It is also sealed with O-rings and filled with argon to be waterproof and fog free.
Features
- Retractable sunshade
- Protective rubber armoring
- Lightweight and durable magnesium alloy chassis
- Waterproof and fog resistant
- Broad 20x to 60x magnification range
- Rotating tripod collar
- Twist-up rubber eyecup
- Slip resistant focusing collar
- Long eye relief
- 45-degree viewing angle
- Armortek exterior lens coating
- Fully multi-coated optics
See Also
- Best Lightweight Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Best Spotting Scopes for the Price
- Best Spotting Scopes with Reticles
Best Spotting Scope for Backcountry Hunting Buyer’s Guide
Here are some of the factors you should consider when choosing the best spotting scope for backcountry hunting.
Magnification
When choosing a magnification for backcountry hunting, there is no one size fits all. The magnification that works for your neighbor might not work for you as well. There, it is important that you pick a spotting scope magnification that aligns with your individual needs. A tip is to get a scope with a minimum magnification of 30x.
Weight
A lightweight spotting scope is a must have for backcountry hunting. You will be packing other gear for your trip and the last thing you would want is a bulky scope that weighs you down. With a light spotting scope, you will carry it with ease as you maneuver the fields looking for game. Lightweight scopes are also easier to use handheld.
Durability
A spotting scope for backcountry hunting must be durable and tough enough to stand mishandling and anything nature throws at it. Try to look for a model that is crafted from high grade materials like aluminum or magnesium alloy. Such spotting scopes are not only durable, but also lightweight. To add on that, ensure that you get a spotting scope that is 100% waterproof, shockproof and fog free.
Objective Lens
Spotting scopes have different objective lens sizes. When it comes to backcountry hunting, it is best to get a scope that has a large objective lens. It will optimize light collecting in low light settings for bright image production. A large objective lens will also provide the much-needed wide viewing angle for quick and simple target identification.
Eye Relief
If you are new in the optics world, eye relief is the distance from your eye to the scope’s lens. A tip is to get a model that offers ample eye relief. This way, you will be able to view the targets comfortably with or without eyeglasses.
Best Spotting Scope for Backcountry Hunting FAQs
- Do I need a spotting scope for backcountry hunting?
Yes. The high magnification that spotting scopes provide will help you track distant game with ease. A spotting scope will also help you cover the long ranges where binoculars and rifle scopes can reach and increase your odds of taking an accurate and ethical shot.
- Which is better, angled or straight spotting scope?
It depends. If you are mainly after quick target acquisition, you should get a straight spotting scope. On the other hand, it is best to get an angled spotting scope if you going to be glassing game at varying terrain, both uphill and downhill. An angled spotting scope is also easier to use at any shooting position.
- What size spotting scope do I need for hunting?
For backcountry hunting, look for a scope that offers a magnification from 15x to 60x. The scope should also have a large objective lens of at least 45mm to complement the high magnification range.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have found the information in this post enlightening. All the scopes listed above provide the essential features a hunter needs for backcountry hunting. Know what you need in a spotting scope, then focus on finding a model that suits both your needs and hunting style.