20 Best Spotting Scope For Wildlife Viewing (2023 Updated)

The Celestron Hummingbird spotting scopes are ideally suited for travelling. The Hummingbird will easily fit in a pocket, shoulder bag or carry on luggage and is perfect for travelling birders as a more travel friendly alternative to a full size spotting scope.

The lowest magnification level can also serve as a substitute for a binocular. The waterproof and nitrogen filled construction of the Hummingbird helps to keep it protected against wet weather and humid conditions.

The durable armouring keeps the scope protected against bumps and knocks both during transport and in use. The Hummingbird is tripod / monopod / window mount adaptable providing a variety of options for viewing.

The ED lens optical system provides sharp, clear images with vivid, well managed colour. 9-27x magnification range spans binoculars and spotting scopes. Birder friendly close focus distance of 3 metres.

1. 25 inch eyepiece fitting which allows for a variety of astronomical eyepieces to be used with the scope.

Delivering optical excellence at a value is on full display with the new-for-2016 Vortex Razor HD spotting scope. A rugged, yet sleek body design encompasses the latest in high-tech optical features.

Premium, high-density lenses are carefully selected and engineered to stringent standards for brilliant views with unparalled edge-to-edge sharpness. Adding to your enjoyment, the fully multi-coated lenses deliver the maximum light level and multi-layer prism coatings complete the finishing touch to the bright, clear, true-color images.

Other customer-favorite features include a new wide-angle zoom eyepiece and a smooth, helical focus ring. You can count on the Razor HD to perform perfectly in the field and forest, on a mountain, or at the shore.

Optical Features Premium High Density (HD) Glass Enhances resolution, color, and contrast. Fully Multi-coated Lenses Increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.

Broadband lens coatings. Dielectric Prism Coatings Optimize light transmission. Construction Features Porro Prism Offer maximum image quality and durability in a traditional design. Angled Body Design Is favored by users of different heights for viewing without adjusting the tripod height as frequently.

The angled design works well when viewing at an upward angle. Rubber Armoring Provides a secure, non-slip grip. Helical Focus Allows for quick adjustments. Adjustable Eyecup Twists up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.

Sunshade Reduces glare and shields the objective lens from raindrops. Rotating Tripod Ring Allows greater flexibility when positioning the spotting scope. Design Features Waterproof Optics are sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the spotting scope.

Fogproof Barrel is filled with argon gas to inhibit internal fogging. ArmorTek Lens Coating Repels oils on outer glass surfaces.

The Viper HD 15-45×65 Angled Spotting Scope is packed with features for incredible glassing and high end optical performance. The HD optical system comprised of premium components generates vivid high-definition images.

XR anti-reflective coatings on exterior surfaces help obtain brighter views in low-light situations. The smooth helical focus helps dial in your image for ultra-sharp viewing and maintains a trim profile for ultimate packability.

A built-in sunshade pulls out to help reduce glare. A multi-position eyecup provides proper eye relief while a locking collar allows the scope to rotate into different viewing positions. O-ring sealed and argon purged, the Viper delivers waterproof and fogproof performance.

Armortek coatings protect the lenses from oil, scratches, and dirt. Rubber armor enhances both durability and grip for the user.

The incredible High Definition glass and large field of view make it the perfect lightweight high-quality spotter.

C5 Spotting Scope by Celestron. Celestron’s C5 Spotting Scope is a 5″ (127mm) aperture, 1250 mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system. Its optical excellence is the reason it was chosen by NASA for many space shuttle missions.

The C5 spotting scope is an ideal choice for the serious bird watcher, nature lover or anyone who enjoys beautiful views -either from your home or in the field. At just six pounds in weight and 11 inches in length, this spotting scope is a completely portable visual and photographic instrument that performs well in any viewing location.

Further, Celestron offers a wide variety of optional accessories to expand the capabilities of this special instrument.

The Leupold SX-5 Santiam Spotting Scope delivers bright, high-resolution images across a wide field of view, so you can locate and analyze trophies at extended ranges. The Twilight Max HD Light Management System maximizes light transmission by eliminating glare-producing stray light, to produce premium high-definition, edge-to-edge clarity; and extends glassing time at dawn and dusk by up to 30 minutes.

DiamondCoat 2 on exterior glass surfaces provides abrasion resistance, while enhancing both clarity and contrast. Guard-Ion coating sheds rain, and is easily cleaned without leaving smudges. An over-size eyepiece eliminates eye strain, enabling you to stay sharp until last light.

A responsive, helical-style focus dial provides quick, precision focusing, as well as keeps the scopes profile trim for enhanced packability. A rotating tripod adapter allows mounting the scope at multiple angles to accommodate different viewing preferences.

The 1/4-20 tripod mount is compatible with most field tripods, heads, and quick-release plates. An integrated, retractable lens shade reduces glare in bright sunlight and helps protect objective lens from rain, snow, or dust.

The Leupold SX-5 Santiam Spotting Scope is nitrogen sealed for waterproof and fogproof integrity under all conditions. Includes a stay-on, view-through soft carrying case. Type: Spotting Scopes.

Take your spotting vision at the shooting range or in the field to the next level with the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotting Scope. This hunting spotter scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to give results on images that have great contrast, sharpness, and color definition.

The K9 glass prisms provide an image that is bright by reflecting great amounts of light to your eyes. Combined with the multi-coated layering, you’ll have a better light transmission that will help bring optimum brightness.

Take this Talos scope out to observe the surrounding nature in any condition. The fog-proof construction will keep your images crisp and clean through it all. Whether you’re birdwatching or stargazing, set up the included tripod for steady viewing.

The rotating ring will ensure you have the most comfortable and easy-going angle while out enjoying the views. For precision viewing and high-quality images, you won’t find a better spotting scope than the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotting Scope.

The Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope combines Bushnell’s advanced high-definition optical system with premium glass for the ultimate in brightness, clarity, and edge-to-edge detail. It features a large 65mm objective lens that provides excellent light transmission, plus its adjustable 20-60x magnification allows you to easily zoom in on your target whether you’re at the range or in the the stand.

Includes built-in sun-shade, objective cover, and carrying case. HDOS (high definition optical system) with high-quality glass and BAK-4 prisms Fully multi-coated lenses deliver ultra-crisp images 100% waterproof and fogproof Porro prism design Twist-up eyecups Built-in sunshade and objective cover Includes waterproof hard case and soft-sided case Order today!.

Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 AngledSpotting ScopeThe triplet apochromatic optics deliver high-definition views across the entire field of view_no color fringing, degradation or dilution of color fidelity at longer viewing distances – HD Glass – Argon Gas.

Magnification11-33x. Objective Lens Diameter50 mm. Linear Field of View191-96 ft1000 yds. Angular Field of View3. 6-1. 8 degrees. Close Focus6. 6 feet. Eye Relief16-19 mm. Exit Pupil4. 6-1. 5 mm. Length10.

3 inches. Weight25. 0 oz.

It features a 50 mm objective lens, a smooth focusing knob and 15-40x magnification, so you can easily locate distant objects, then zoom in on them. Rubber armor provides strength and durability.

Designed and engineered to observe the natural world without causing a disruption or disturbing wildlife, the ZEISS Conquest Gavia 85 30-60×85 Spotting Scope offers the benefits of a powerful zoom to bring distant subjects in close plus a large objective to keep images bright and vibrant, even in low light.

Its magnification and objectives are complemented by the use of ZEISS’ iconic T anti-reflection multi-coatings and LotuTec hydrophobic exterior lens coatings. For comfortable viewing in all positions, the eyepiece is set at a 45° angle to the optical tube and the tripod collar can be rotated for precise eyepiece placement whether standing, sitting, or lying prone.

Built for the road less traveled, the compact housing is made of a lightweight but durable magnesium alloy to help reduce weight without sacrificing strength. A large focus collar is easy to manipulate, even with gloves on, as is the smaller zoom wheel on the eyepiece.

To help defend against the elements, the housing is nitrogen filled for fog-proof performance, especially when moving between extreme temperature changes, and O-rings seal the optical system, making it waterproof against up to 400mbar of pressure.

A universal tripod mount has 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 sockets to allow its use on most photo, video, and field tripods.

The Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide 15-45×65 HD Straight Spotting Scope optics employ the Leupold Twilight Max HD Light Management System for extended low-light viewing and improved contrast. External lenses are coated with hydrophobic and scratch-resistant coatings.

The SX-4 scopes are made to survive extreme conditions. Their magnesium frames are rubber armored, O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for complete water- and fogproofing.

The Kowa TSN-82SV 82mm/3. 22″ Angled Spotting Scope is the modern iteration of Kowa’s TSN-821M scope, which endured for well over a decade as their premium design. The 82SV’s a great choice if you want the very best in optics from a respected Japanese company without forking over an arm and a leg to get it.

The TSN-82SV was created using advanced optical technology and the best of materials known. Its 82mm objective lens gathers gobs of light, ensuring a bright field of view in nearly any practical nature viewing.

It makes for a great casual-use astronomical scope. The 82SV is offered exclusively as an angled viewing design. While it isn’t a matter entirely settled until you experience the differences for yourself, it is nearly a universal belief that the angled scopes offer a more comfortable time of longer glassing and are unequivocally easier to share amongst a group of observers.

You can also get away with a shorter tripod using the angled scope, perhaps shaving precious ounces off your pack weight. Angled scopes do require a bit more experience at locating the subject; if you’re tall and equipped with a tall tripod and primarily viewing alone, a straight viewing scope is often preferred.

Celestron’s LandScout spotting scope is a customer favorite, known for its versatility and ease of use. For the first time, this beloved spotting scope is now available in a bundle with the Celestron Smartphone Adapter and a tabletop tripod-the perfect beginner’s Digi scoping kit.

This bundle is compact and lightweight, ideal for carrying along on a backpacking trip, a casual hike, or a birding expedition. You’ll be able to quickly set up this spotting scope and attach the smartphone adapter to capture stunning images and video of your subject.

Share your greatest discoveries with friends and family by pairing the LandScout spotting scope with the included smartphone adapter. This accessory connects any smartphone to the LandScout eyepiece (or any other eyepiece with an outside diameter of 45 mm or smaller, such as a binocular or telescope eyepiece).

The eyepiece’s magnification bumps up the image scale, so you can capture stunning images of wildlife, distant objects, and even the Moon at night. This light, rigid smartphone adapter installs in-seconds by clamping over the top of the eyepiece.

Tightening knobs securely lock your phone in place. Note that some large and/or excessively bulky phone cases (including folio style cases) may need to be removed for the phone to fit in the adapter.

Take glassing to a higher level with Burris’ Signature HD Spotting Scope. With a 20-60x magnification range, you can save time and boot leather by finding and evaluating trophy animals from a mountain away.

The HD lenses and apochromatic lens system give you the advantage in the field by eliminating color fringing and delivering edge-to-edge resolution at any magnification. Two integrated mounts will accept a FastFire red dot sight for fast, easy, aiming and target acquisition (FastFire sold separately).

Built-in sun shade reduces glare and protects the objective lens from rain and snow Both coarse and fine focusing adjustment are possible with the forward mounted focus knob Eyecup can be adjusted to accommodate eyeglasses Lightweight, durable design with a die-cast magnesium body that is armored for greater protection in the field Angled eyepiece and rotating tripod mount makes it easy to use whether you’re standing or proneEYEPIECESAn optional fixed power 30x eyepiece provides even more range, detail and a wide field-of-view.

Available with your reticle choice of a SCR Mil and SCR MOA.

The 45° angled-viewing TrailSeeker 100 22-67×100 Spotting Scope by Celestron features a versatile 22-67x zoom eyepiece to provide views from generous vistas at the lower power to tight, detailed images at the higher end.

The 100mm objective lens possesses light-gathering capability superior to that of scopes with smaller lenses, which makes for a bright image and enhances the scope’s capabilities in low-light conditions.

Proprietary anti-reflection XLT fully multi-coated optics allow for efficient light transmission through the optical path for crisp, high-contrast views. The angled eyepiece permits comfortable glassing whether standing, sitting or lying flat on the ground.

Dual focus offers precise image control by allowing a preliminary coarse focus, which you can then refine using the fine-focus control for a tack-sharp view. You can rotate the scope a full 360° for easy viewing through the eyepiece from any position.

The TrailSeeker 100 has a nitrogen-filled waterproof housing that won’t fog up in humid conditions and features a sliding sunshade to keep glare or raindrops off the objective lens. To facilitate digiscoping, a T-adapter is included so you can mount a T-ring compatible with your DSLR to the eyepiece.

For adverse weather conditions, a stay-on carrying case is included that can be left on the scope during use—zippers fore and aft open for the objective lens and the eyepiece. The TrailSeeker is designed to use standard 1.

25″ astronomical eyepieces, so in addition to the included zoom eyepiece, you can use other eyepieces on your spotting scope to achieve higher magnifications, wider fields of view, etc. A tripod balance plate is also included.

The incredible Ultra-High Definition glass and large field of view make it the perfect lightweight high-quality spotter.

The Regal M2 spotting scope series is the next generation of our top-performing Regal F-ED spotting scopes. Day or night, the Regal M2 is optimized to provide the sharpest images available. You’ll love them for bird watching, nature observing, long distance viewing and casual astronomical observing.

These top-of-the-line spotting scopes provide all the advanced features usually found on more expensive scopes, including Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass. The series boasts a magnesium alloy body, decreasing the overall weight of the spotting scopes by more than 14% when compared to the previous model.

The Regal M2 scopes also include an upgraded dual focus mechanism, allowing you to bring your subject into focus two times faster. Regal M2 is fully waterproof and nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging.

It’s available in a green color and comes with a carrying case so you can bring it with you anywhere. If you’re interested in photographing your discoveries, Regal is the perfect choice. Attach your camera to the Regal using a T-Ring and the included T-Adapter to produce stunning images! The Regal M2 spotter is a great companion for any outdoor enthusiast.

Simmons ProSport 20-60 x 60mm Waterproof/Fogproof Spotting Scope with Tripod – 712060 Simmons ProSport 20-60 x 60mm Waterproof/Fogproof Spotting Scope w/ Tripod is ideal for use in the field, at the shooting range or for bird watching.

It provides excellent targeting results with brilliant light transmission and sharp optical performance. It’s also water and fog proof and features durable rubber armor housing for grip and protection.

The scope comes with a tripod and carrying case to get you started immediately. Premium Optics The Simmons 20-60×60 Spotting Scope features fully coated, high-quality optical glass that provides bright and sharp images with maximum detail.

It has BK7 prisms to enable brilliant light transmission, plus a wide range of magnifications and configurations. Durable Construction This is a waterproof, nitrogen purged and fully fogproof product.

It’s equipped with rubber armor coating to improve the grip and protection of the scope. Included Accessories The Simmons 20-60×60 Spotting Scope comes with a tripod and a soft case for easy carrying and protection.

The TSN-883 scope is the angled configuration version of Kowa’s finest 88-mm objective lens spotting scopes. Made with Kowa’s signature Prominar XD low-dispersion fluorite glass, the TSN-883 has unsurpassed light throughput and incredibly bright images.

Despite the huge 88-mm objective lens of dense high quality optical glass, the magnesium frame gives the TSN-883 scope body a weight of under 54 ounces, and it is a very compact 13. 5 inches long. TSN-883 scopes feature a dual focus knob system for easy, precise focusing and a locking eyepiece mount for greater security.

Kowa TSN-883 scope bodies are completely waterproof and nitrogen-purged to be internally fog-proof. TSN-883 scopes are made with Kowa’s environmentally-friendly Eco-Glass.