Spotting Scopes

When it comes to stargazing, birdwatching, tracking wildlife, or practicing your marksmanship, a spotting scope is an invaluable piece of equipment. From your backyard to the Smokies, these handy optical accessories bring the image right up close and personal.

Spotting Scopes for Outdoor Sports and Activities

Offering impressive clarity in low light, high-definition distance viewing, and the ability to attach to other gear, modern spotting scopes go above and beyond the capabilities of binoculars.

When shopping for a scope, there are a few key features and configurations to keep in mind. Pay attention to features like eyepiece style, viewing angle, objective diameter, and zoom range to find a scope that dovetails with your sporting or adventuring needs.

Eyepiece Style

While many scopes come with a built-in eyepiece, some models work with external eyepieces for greater flexibility. Universal eyepieces are interchangeable among several scope brands, but some brands offer proprietary eyepiece styles.

If you already own an eyepiece, make sure it’s compatible with the scope you’d like to buy.

Special Features to Consider

Outdoor sports subject you to changing environmental conditions like rain, fog, snow, dust, and wind. Consider investing in a water-resistant or waterproof spotting scope to ensure your gear lasts longer and performs as expected in any weather situation.

Angled, Straight, or Variable Viewing

Angled eyepieces on scopes offer welcome neck relief during prolonged use. When you’re spotting from a prone position or upward toward higher ground, angled viewing is much more comfortable.

Straight scopes are quicker to set up, easier to pack, and simpler to use from inside a vehicle or small wildlife hide. And if you want the best of both worlds, consider a variable-angle scope.

Objective Diameter

A scope’s objective diameter refers to the size of the front lens element. Larger lenses allow more light through so you can see better at dawn or dusk. Common objective diameters range from under 50mm to over 100mm. Larger lenses take up more space in your gear bag, but the added visibility is often worth it.

Zoom Power

Most spotting scopes feature variable zoom power for viewing objects at a range of distances. For ultra-long distance spotting, look for a scope with 65x, 75x, or 90x capabilities.

Top Brands for Spotting Scopes

With high-quality lens coatings, precision glass elements, weather-sealed cases, and handy features like glowing reticles, consider buying from top brands like Celestron, Barska, Swarovski Optik, and Kowa. These and other trusted names in the industry provide equipment that will exceed your expectations on any outdoor excursion.