Top Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting
Spotting scopes for target shooting have massively grown in popularity primarily because they give tactical shooters better visibility and clear views of their targets even at long ranges. With a spotting scope, shooters no longer have to walk to see their targets after a few shots every time. This helps you save your time and energy from trekking to and from your targets.
With the market offering quite a big selection of spotting scopes, finding a top mode for target shotting is no easy task. We have reviewed the top spotting scopes for target shooting that are designed to help revolutionize your experience in the shooting range. Let’s take a look.
Top Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting-Our Top Picks
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Celestron – Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope
The Celestron – Ultima 100 is one of the best angled spotting scopes for target shooting available on the market today. It features an extra-large 100 objective lens and a super comfortable 45-degree viewing angle.
Featuring a variable 22x to 66x magnification, this scope is ideal for shooting targets at intermediate and long ranges. It boasts fully multi-coated optics that maximize light transmission and improve color and contrast. It also comes with a large focus dial that is essential for bringing subjects into tack-sharp focus.
This spotting scope is well-crafted to offer unbeatable durability. It has a rugged rubber armored exterior which shields it against hard use in the field. It is also filled with dry nitrogen to make it fog proof and sealed to prevent entry of moisture and dust into the optics. With this weatherproof construction, you will be able to enjoy your target shooting to the fullest even in harsh weather conditions. Above all, the scope also brings to the table a T-mount adapter that you can use for Digiscoping.
Features
- Large 100mm objective lens
- 45-degree viewing angle
- Rugged armored exterior
- Waterproof and fog proof
- T-mount adapter
- Multi-coated optics
- Sharp zoom eyepiece function
- Large focus dial
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Leupold Mark 4 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope
Leupold has an outstanding reputation for quality in all the optical instruments it manufactures and this quality in maintained in the Leupold Mark 4 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope. It comes with a MIL Dot reticle which is highly accurate and easy to aim.
The scope features a tough magnesium housing to survive shock, impacts, drops and blows. In addition to being tough, the scope has scratch resistant exterior lens for added protection. It is also fully waterproof and fog resistant to offer reliable performance even in harsh weather conditions.
Leupold made this spotting scope with portability in mind. It is feather-light for easy maneuverability and has a folded light path design which offers wider magnification in a more compact design. The scope also boasts Leupold’s professional-grade optical system which offers the best-in-class glare reduction and fully multi-coated lens system that optimizes light transmission for brighter, clear and color accurate views.
Features
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Rugged magnesium housing
- Scratch resistant lens
- Folded light path design
- Leupold’s professional-grade optical system
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- 60x maximum magnification
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Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes 27-60×85- Angled
The Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope is our premium choice. This feature-rich spotting scope provides virtually everything you need for target shooting. It has an adjustable 27-60x magnification, a large 85mm objective lens and an angled eyepiece design for comfortable glassing.
It brings to the table a dielectric coated prism and high-density ED glass to enhance light transmission, reduce distortion and eliminate chromatic aberration. Additionally, all the air-to-glass surface have an anti-reflective coating to maximize image brightness and clarity even in poor light settings.
Furthermore, the spotting scope has an armored magnesium chassis that is lightweight and corrosion resistant. It is argon filled and sealed with O-rings so it is fully waterproof and fog proof. Moreover, it has a built-in retractable sunshade which reduces glare when shooting in broad daylight and Armortek coating which protects the exterior lenses from scratches and dirt.
Features
- Helical focusing collar
- Durable and lightweight magnesium body
- Waterproof and fog proof
- High-density ED glass
- Angled eyepiece design
- 27-60x zoom eyepiece
- Dielectric coated prism
- Built-in retractable sunshade
- Scratch-resistant Armortek coating
- 1/4”-20 mount
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Celestron 52268 C90 Mak Spotting Scope
Next on our list is the C90 Mak Spotting Scope from Celestron. It offers a variety of high-quality and nice features at a competitive price. It is simple to use and ideal for multiple outdoor excursions among them target shooting.
Featuring the Maksutov- Cassegrain optical design, the scope prides itself in having a portable design that enhances its ease of use and portability. It comes with an erect finder scope to help you locate your targets easily and it accepts multiple 1.25” eyepieces to provide more magnification.
Furthermore, the spotting scope features multi-coated optics which optimize light transmission when shooting in subpar lighting environments. This gives you bright and crisp image views for accurate target acquisition. The scope also features a 45-degree viewing angle and a built-in T-adapter threading for mounting SLR cameras.
Features
- Multi-coated optics
- Lightweight and portable design
- Maksutov- Cassegrain optical design
- Accepts multiple 1.25” eyepieces
- 45-degree viewing angle
- Built-in T-mount threads
- Erect image finder scope
- Excellent high-power optics
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Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
Another top spotting scope for target shooting on our list is the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope. It boasts a maximum magnification of 60x which gives you extra range. It is simple to use and remarkably affordable.
This spotting scope has a durable chassis and a rubber armor that shields it from impacts and falls. It is IPX waterproof for all-weather reliability and nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging. This combination of waterproof and fog proof construction makes the scope ideal for target shooting in any condition.
Furthermore, the scope features fully multi-coated optics which offers the best-in-class image bright ness even in poor light settings. It also comes with a built-in sunshade that reduces glare during the day, an angled viewing design and a twist-up eyecup which makes it eye-glass friendly.
Features
- Compact and lightweight design
- Rugged rubber armor
- Fully multi-coated optics
- IPX7 waterproof construction
- Shockproof and fog proof
- Rugged ergonomic design
- Built-in sunshade
- Twist-up eyecup
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Nikon Prostaff 5 Spotting 60-A With Zoom
As one of the top spotting scopes for target shooting, Nikon Prostaff 5 Spotting 60-A offers superb viewing in all conditions. It features a variable 16-48x zoom eyepiece with a large ocular which provides a wide field of view for easy subject acquisition.
Made with a 60mm objective lens, this spotting scope offers the perfect balance of size and brightness. It also features multi-coated optics that maximize light transmission to provide bright and crisp views in all light settings. Furthermore, the scope has a lightweight design for easy portability and a turn-and-slide eyecup which offers enhanced eye relief.
To top it all, it is waterproof and fog free for all-weather performance and it comes in both straight and angled versions for customized viewing.
Features
- Multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Built-in sliding sunshade
- T-and-slide eyecup
- 16-48x zoom eyepiece
- Ergonomic, lightweight Porro prism design
- Super-fast bayonet eyepieces
- Large focus knob
- Tactile rubber armor
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Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scopes 20-60×82
Target shooting gets better when you use a quality spotting scope such as Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A. This spotting scope delivers bright, crisp clear and high-contrast images throughout the 20-60x zoom range even in low light settings.
It features a durable yet lightweight magnesium housing which endures anything you throw at it. It is nitrogen filled to provide reliable performance in all weather conditions. Furthermore, it comes with a built-in sunshield and a textured rubber armor that absorbs shock and shields the optics from dust, dirt and weather elements.
Another strength about this spotting scope is the ease of use and handling. It offers a long eye relief for comfortable glassing during lengthy target shooting sessions. It has an interchangeable eyepiece mount for greater versatility and a tripod mounting foot with a standard 1/4″-20 socket. Overall, this is a full-featured spotting scope ideal for multiple outdoor applications not just target shooting.
Features
- Tripod mounting shoe
- Built-in sunshade
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Magnesium housing
- Rubber-armored body
- Dual focusing system
- Premium ED glass elements
- 20-60x eyepiece magnification
- Long eye relief
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Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope
The Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope has an angled viewing design and an ED objective lens which provides crisp image views at every magnification setting. It also comes with a dual focusing system that is essential for bringing distant targets into sharp focus.
Featuring a magnesium alloy chassis, the spotting scope is strong and durable, yet lightweight. It features proprietary XLT lens coatings which increase light transmission for brighter images through the optical path. Furthermore, the scope has a standard 1.25” eyepiece mount which works with a wide range of 1.25” astronomical eyepieces.
This model is built ready for rugged outdoor use. It has a weather resistant body so you can use it even in extreme weather conditions. To top it all, it comes with a rotating tripod mount that allows you to position to the most comfortable viewing angle and a T-mount adapter for mounting your DSLR camera for Digiscoping.
Features
- XLT lens coatings
- Quality ED objective lens
- Waterproof and fog proof
- T-mount adapter for Digiscoping
- Magnesium alloy chassis
- Dual speed focus dials
- Standard 1.25: eyepiece mount
- 20-60x magnification
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Leupold SX-5 Santiam 27-55x80mm HD Spotting Scope
Last but not least we have the Leupold SX-5 Santiam 27-55x80mm HD Spotting Scope. This spotting scope is designed to offer the highest level of performance even in the toughest conditions.
Built around the Twilight Max HD Light Management System, the scope will help you see your targets more clearly even in poor light settings. It also features an ultra-smooth focus which delivers incredibly sharp images and an oversized eyepiece that eliminated eyestrain during lengthy shooting sessions.
Another good thing about the scope is the durable housing. It has a solid body that is wrapped with a non-slip rubber armor coating which shields it from shock and impacts. It also features scratch resistant lenses for added protection and a weatherproof construction for use in both good and bad seasons.
Features
- Built-in 1/4-20 rotatable tripod adapter port
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Non-slip rubber armor coating
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Ultra-smooth focus
- Oversized eyepiece
- High-definition calcium-fluoride lenses
- Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optics System
- Scratch resistant lenses
See Also
- Best Spotting Scopes with Reticles
- Best Spotting Scopes for 500 Yards
- Best Budget Spotting Scope For Birding
- Best Spotting Scopes for the Price
Top Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting Buyer’s Guide
Let us now look at some of the important factors you should consider when shopping for a spotting scope for target shooting.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the maximum distance between the lens of the spotting scope to your eye. Generally, the longer the eye relief, the better especially if you wear eyeglasses. Look for a spotting scope that offers an eye relief that is long enough to allow comfortable glassing.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is responsible for allowing light to get into the spotting scope. It is also responsible for the field of view. The bigger the objective lens, the more light the scope will collect and the larger the field of view you will have. A tip is to get a spotting scope with at least 60mm objective lens.
Magnification
Another important factor you should consider is magnification. Spotting scopes often have higher magnification which makes them ideal for ultra-long-range viewing. For target shooting, try to find a variable power spotting scope with a wide magnification setting so you will be able to use it for broad applications.
Weatherproof
Even though you will be using the spotting scope for target shooting, you never know what type of weather conditions you will encounter in the shooting range. Therefore, it is important to get a spotting scope that is waterproof and fog proof.
Lens Quality
A spotting scope that has high-quality glass and proper lens coatings will provide bright and high-quality target pictures which is what you need to shoot it accurately. Lenses that are fully-coated or multi-coated also reduce glare so you will be able to read the information on your scope with ease.
FAQs On The Top Spotting Scopes For Target Shooting
- What is a good spotting scope for shooting?
A good spotting scope for shooting is one that meets you individual shooting needs and shooting style. A good scope offers a decent magnification that brings distant targets closer. It is also well-crafted with high-quality materials for the ultimate durability.
- What is the range of a spotting scope?
The effective shooting range of a spotting scope depends on the model that you are using. Spotting scopes with a low magnification have a smaller range while the high-powered models can help you locate a target that is 1000 yards away.
Conclusion
A spotting scope is a fundamental optical instrument which gives clear and magnified images of targets at long ranges. Knowing what you need in a spotting scope for target shooting should help make your purchasing process less daunting. All the spotting scopes listed above have impressive magnification and quality features best for both informal target practice and formal target shooting.