Best Spotting Scope for Long Range Shooting
Are you in the hunt for the best spotting scope for long range shooting? If yes, you have come to the right place. In this post, we are going to take you through the best spotting scopes for long range shooting that are available on the market.
Finding a target at long ranges and placing the perfect shot is fun and thrilling. However, it is not an easy task. If you are a long range shooting enthusiast, a spotting scope is one of the most valuable optics to have. Due to the vast magnification that spotting scopes have, you will be able to find the target easily and improve your shooting accuracy.
With that in mind, let us now take a look at the best spotting scopes suitable for every competitive or tactical shooter looking to take shots at extended ranges.
Best Spotting Scope for Long Range Shooting-Our Top Picks and Reviews
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Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x85mm Angled Body Sand Scope
The Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope is by far the best spotting scope for long range shooting that is available on the market today. It is built with a wide range of high-end features to help you take glassing to a higher level.
Featuring a vast 20-60x magnification, this spotting scope will help you find and evaluate targets at any distance. To complement the high zoom power, the scope employs a HD lens system that delivers edge-to-edge resolution at any magnification.
Moreover, the spotting scope is built ready for rough handling. It has an armored die-cast magnesium body that maximizes its durability. In addition, the scope comes with a built-in sun shade to reduce glare and shield the objective lens from snow and other elements. It also features dual coarse and fine focusing adjustment for easy focusing.
To top it all, this angled spotting scope is purged with nitrogen gas to ensure waterproof and fog proof performance in all weather conditions.
Features
- Angled eyepiece
- Adjustable eyecup
- Waterproof and fog proof housing
- Built-in sunshade
- Vast 20-60x magnification
- Rotating tripod mount
- Armored die-cast magnesium body
- HD lens system
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Easy to use
- Crisp clear optics
- Great low light performance
Cons
- Big budget
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Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scope 20-60×85 – Angled
When it comes to versatility and performance, it is hard to go wrong with the Vortex Optics Viper HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope. It makes an ideal companion for long range hunters, competitive shooters and tactical shooters as well.
The thing that makes this spotting scope stand out is the superb image quality. It features a large 85mm objective that optimizes performance in low light settings. It also utilizes fully multi-coated HD lenses that offer high light transmission to deliver bright, sharp and high-contrast images, even in low and challenging light conditions.
Moreover, the spotting scope is built to last. It has a lightweight yet durable magnesium alloy body that is fully wrapped in a protective rubber armor. The optical tube is then filled with argon and O-ring sealed to be waterproof, dust proof and resistant to internal fogging.
Other essential features included are an Armortek lens coating for added protection from scratches and dirt, twist up rubber eye cup and a built-in sunshade.
Features
- Rotating tripod collar
- 45-degree angled viewing
- 20-60x zoom eyepiece
- Durable magnesium body
- Waterproof and fog resistant
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Twist-up rubber eyecup
- Protective rubber armor
- Retractable sunshade
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Works well in low light setting
- Long eye relief
- Smooth to operate
- Unmatched durability
Cons
- Heavy
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Celestron Regal M2 100ED Spotting Scope
Next up is the Celestron Regal M2 100ED Spotting Scope. This angled spotting scope offers the best balance between value and performance. It is simple to use and suitable for use by all long range shooters, even beginners.
The scope is built to deliver reliable imaging performance in all lighting conditions. This is thanks to the massive 100 objective lens, premium BaK4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics. Furthermore, the spotting scope has a 22-67x eyepiece which makes it suitable for intermediate to long range glassing.
Another impressive feature about the scope is the weather sealed construction which makes it ideal for use even in unforgiving weather conditions. In terms of construction, it features a robust magnesium alloy housing that is both durable and lightweight.
The scope also brings to the table a sliding sunshade for shielding stray light and a dual-focus mechanism with coarse and fine adjustments.
Features
- Angled eyepiece
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Extra-low dispersion glass objective
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Magnesium-alloy housing
- Rotating tripod collar
- Built-in retractable sunshade
Pros
- Manageable weight
- Great scope for multiple applications
- Excellent ergonomics
- High resolving power
Cons
- The objective lens cap is not tethered
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Kowa TSN-880 Series Angled Body High Performance Spotting Scope
As one of the best spotting scopes for long range shooting, the Kowa TSN-880 provides every feature you need to take your long range shooting skills to the next big level. It is constructed with a large 88mm pure fluorite lens which yields high-end image views to provide you with the ultimate viewing experience.
This spotting scope is built ready for rugged outdoor conditions. It has a rugged magnesium alloy body that is rigid enough to withstand the harshest and unforgiving conditions. Better yet, the housing is waterproof to JIS Class 7 for added protection in the filled and nitrogen filled to keep the lens fog free when you traverse locations with different humidity and temperature gradient.
Above all, the spotting scope has dual focus mechanism for rapid and fine focus, and an angled eyepiece design to ensure snug observation and high-angle use.
Features
- Eyepiece locking mechanism
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Dual focus mechanism
- Angled eyepiece
- Large 88mm pure fluorite objective lens
- Magnesium alloy body
Pros
- Tripod mountable
- Compact size
- Outstanding image brightness
- Unrivaled durability
Cons
- Expensive
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Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope, 30-60x85mm
Zeiss makes a plethora of high-end optics that offer reliable performance in any environment and this is clear in the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope. The scope offers the benefits of an ultra-versatile zoom range for viewing objects at different ranges and a large objective to ensure that the images formed are bright and vibrant at every magnification.
The optical performance of this spotting scope is admirable. In addition to having a large 85mm objective lens that optimizes light collection, it has fully multi-coated HD lenses that enhance image brightness and contrast. It also comes with LotuTec coatings that repels dirt and moisture.
Furthermore, the eyepiece in this spotting scope is set at 45 degrees to ensure comfortable viewing in any position. Construction-wise, it has lightweight but durable magnesium alloy body that is fully waterproof and fog proof for use in any weather condition. It also comes with an extendable sunshade that prevents glare and protects the objective from sun, rain and snow.
Features
- Durable magnesium alloy housing
- 45-degree angled eyepiece
- Built-in extendable sunshade
- Rotating tripod collar
- 85mm objective lens
- Waterproof and fog proof
- LotuTec lens coating
- Fully multi-coated high-density lens system
- Large textured focusing collar
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Smooth focusing
- Excellent resolution
- Outstanding image views in any situation
Cons
- Heavy on the pocket
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Leupold Mark 4 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope
Last but not least, we have the Leupold Mark 4 20-60x80mm spotting scope. This spotting scope provides exceptional image brightness and clarity which is vital for positive target identification.
Leupold built this spotting scope ready for rough handling. It is built with high-quality materials to survive shock, accidental fall, impacts and anything nature throws at it. In addition to the tough construction, the scope is 100% waterproof, fog proof and dust proof to be operable even in harsh weather conditions.
Furthermore, the scope is designed to perform under any lighting condition. It has a Twilight Max Light Management System, a system that adds up to 20 minutes of additional glassing ling is dawn and dusk.
For added convenience, the spotting scope has a folded light path design that offers higher magnification in a more compact size. It also features a lightweight but tough as nail magnesium housing that optimizes long-term durability.
Best of all, the scope comes with a MIL Dot reticle which makes it perfect for bench and long range shooting.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lens system
- MIL Dot reticle
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Folded light path
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Durable magnesium housing
- DiamondCoat 2 ion assist lens coating
- Scratch resistant lenses
Pros
- Compact, lightweight design
- Premium edge to edge clarity
- Excellent low light performance
- The reticle included is extremely accurate
Cons
- High cost
See Also:
Best Spotting Scopes for Long Range Shooting Buyer’s Guide
Here are the important factors you should consider when shopping for the best spotting scopes for long range shooting.
Glass Quality
A spotting scope for long range shooting should be built to offer great image clarity, no matter the situation. With clear sight pictures, you will have a higher chance of placing the shot accurately.
Go for a spotting scope that has the best glass you can afford. A model that is utilizes ED glass and high-quality lenses will offer the best optical performance compared to one with low-quality optics.
Glass Coating
Spotting scopes have different types of lens coatings. For long range shooting, you should get a model that has fully coated lenses or fully multi-coated lenses.
Lens coatings play a big role in enhancing light transmission and reducing the amount of light lost through reflection. So, the more the layers of coatings the spotting scope has, the brighter and detailed the images it will generate.
Angled Vs Straight Design
Spotting scopes are available in two different designs: straight and angled. Angled spotting scopes are the best for long range shooting. They have their eyepiece at a 45-degree angle which allows for comfortable glassing, particularly during lengthy shooting sessions. You can also rotate the eyepiece to different positions and shoot comfortably from any angle.
Field of View
Finding a spotting scope that provides a large field of view is important to ensuring that you locate your targets swiftly. However, spotting scopes tend to have a narrower field of view because of the high magnification. So, make sure that you pick a model whose field of view meets your individual needs.
Durability
Durability is an important factor that a spotting scope should possess. The best spotting scopes for long range shooting are built with high-quality materials to weather anything nature throws at them.
In addition to tough construction, ensure that you select a unit that is built to survive in any weather condition. A model that is rated to be waterproof and fog proof will offer good performance under any weather condition.
Ease of Use
Lastly, make sure that you pick a spotting scope that is built with ease of use in mind. First, the spotting scope should have an ergonomic focus knob for smooth focusing. It should also be lightweight for easy carrying to and from the shooting range and have a long eye relief to ensure comfortable glassing, with or without eyewear.
Some models also bring to the table a retractable sunshade to minimize glare.
Best Spotting Scopes for Long Range Shooting FAQs
- How far can you see with a spotting scope?
This will depend on the spotting scope you are using, its optical power, the quality of optics and the environmental condition among other factors. A good-quality spotting scope with 20-60x optical power will provide clear views at about 600 yards in ideal conditions.
- What size spotting scope do I need for long range shooting?
This will depend on your individual preference as well as how far you will be shooting. For long-range shooting out to 500 yards, a premium-grade scope with about 36x maximum magnification will suffice. However, you will need more magnification for shooting at extreme long ranges.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the features that you need in a spotting scope for long range shooting will help make your selection process fast and simple. All the spotting scopes listed above offer the important facets needed for long range shooting in any environment.
Consider your individual shooting habits and needs, then use this guide to find the best spotting scope that will revolutionize how you shoot at long ranges.