Best Spotting Scope for 1000 Yards – Buyer’s Guide

Imagine if you could shoot a target that is 1000 yards away without missing.

This would make hunting game like elk super easy.

But for you to be able to achieve this, you need the right equipment.

Or basically, a tool that can help you hit a target that is a 1000 yards away with ease.

And one tool that is capable of helping you hit a target dead-on is a spotting scope. While having a good rifle also helps, it can do very little if you need to shoot at long distances.

In this guide, we have put together a list of the best spotting scopes for 1000 yards. We have written reviews about them to show you what makes them better than other spotting scopes in the market.

We have also included a buyer’s guide. The guide contains information on how to go about buying a spotting scope and what factors or features to look out for.

So we hope that you are going to enjoy what we have put together and that it will be of great help to you.

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[wpsm_highlight color=”blue”]Kowa Optimed TSN-883 20-60×88

The Kowa Optimed is at the top of our list because it has some great features that make long-distance viewing or shooting easy as pie. And it’s not just our team who are impressed with this scope. A lot of users online have praised the Kowa Optimed for its starring performance. So let’s review its features.

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• 88m Pure Fluorite Crystal Lens
• Magnesium Alloy Body
• Dual Focus Mechanism
• Angled Eyepiece
• Pin Point Control
• Kowa System Compatible

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We’ve tested 6 spotting scopes for 1000 yards and the winner is above!
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What power spotting scope for 1000 yards?

The magnification power of a scope or spotting scope determines how much larger the viewed object appears compared to the naked eye. When observing targets at a distance of 1000 yards, the power of your scope becomes even more critical.

For Rifle Scopes: In the context of shooting, the rule of thumb for choosing magnification power is about 1x magnification for every 100 yards for precision shooting.

Therefore, a scope with a minimum magnification of 10x is often recommended for a 1000-yard shot. Most skilled long-range shooters will typically use scopes with magnifications in the range of 15x to 25x for these distances. This range provides a good balance, allowing you to see your target clearly without the image becoming unstable due to hand shaking or atmospheric conditions.

For Spotting Scopes: Spotting scopes generally have higher magnification levels than rifle scopes since they’re primarily designed for observing targets rather than shooting at them. For 1000-yard viewing, a spotting scope should ideally have a magnification power of between 30x and 60x. This range offers a clear and detailed view of the target at this distance.

However, it’s crucial to remember that higher magnification often comes with challenges like image instability and reduced field of view. For this reason, it’s often beneficial to have a variable magnification scope, allowing you to adjust the power depending on the specific situation or atmospheric conditions.

In conclusion, while higher power scopes can provide more details at longer distances, they may also be harder to use effectively due to factors such as a smaller field of view and more visible effects of hand shake or wind. Therefore, it’s essential to balance power with usability when selecting your scope for 1000-yard viewing or shooting.

Observing targets at 1000 yards requires a high-quality spotting scope. The perfect spotting scope will depend on various factors, including magnification, lens quality, and objective lens size, among other features. Here are some guidelines to assist you in choosing a suitable spotting scope for 1000-yard distances

What does 1000 yards look like?

Visualizing 1000 yards can be a bit tricky because of its significant distance. Here are a few real-world comparisons to help:

• 10 Football Fields: Standard American football fields, excluding the end zones, are 100 yards long. So, imagine laying 10 football fields end-to-end, and that would give you 1000 yards.
• 5.68 Laps on a Standard Track: A standard athletic track is 400 meters (approximately 437.4 yards) in length for one complete lap. Therefore, 1000 yards would be roughly 5.68 laps around the track.
• 3/4 of a Mile: A mile is 1760 yards. Therefore, 1000 yards is just over half a mile (approximately 0.57 miles), or to be more visually descriptive, it’s a little less than three-quarters of a city block in a large city like New York.
• Approximately the Height of the Empire State Building: The Empire State Building in New York City, including its antenna, is approximately 1,454 feet tall, or about 484.63 yards. If you stacked two Empire State Buildings on top of each other, that would almost reach 1000 yards.

Visualizing a distance of 1000 yards can be challenging due to its length, but these comparisons should help provide a better sense of just how far it is. It’s important to remember that observing or shooting accurately at such distances requires proper equipment and practice.

Spotting Scopes For 1000 Yards Comparison Chart

3 Best High and Spotting Scopes For 1000 Yards Reviews (as of April, 2024):

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1. Kowa Optimed TSN-883 88mm Spotting Scope For 1000 Yards Review

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• 88m Pure Fluorite Crystal Lens
• Dual Focus Mechanism
• Angled Eyepiece
• Pin Point Control

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The Kowa Optimed TSN-883 is an 88mm spotting scope designed to make your viewing experience pleasurable. The large objective lens allows you to see your view in great detail.

And because of its size, it optimizes light transmission delivering sharp and clear views from yards away.

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The Kowa TSN lens is multicoated for sharp and clear viewing at long distances.
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And it has a fast focus feature that enables you to focus on a target or object, whether it’s moving or not, quickly and easily.

And all the features are housed in a magnesium body, which covered with a polycarbonate material to give you a firm grip on the scope. And to ensure that the inner system of the scope doesn’t get damaged by water.

Main Features

• 88m Pure Fluorite Crystal Lens
• Magnesium Alloy Body
• Polycarbonate Material with a Rigid Structure
• Dual Focus Mechanism for quick and fine focus
• Angled Eyepiece
• Eyepiece Locking Mechanism
• Pin Point Control
• Kowa System Compatible
• Waterproof to JIS Class 7 Protection Standards
• Filled with Nitrogen Gas
• Adjustable Tripod Mount

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• Large lens for easy viewing
• Multicoated lens to reduce chromatic aberration and deliver sharp, bright and clear viewing in any light or weather condition
• Magnesium construction for durability
• Rubber armoring for a non-slip grip and waterproof performance
• Nitrogen purged for fog-proof performance
• Fast focusing mechanism to keep moving targets or object in your view

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• You have to buy the eyepiece because it doesn’t come with one
• It is extremely expensive

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Kowa TSN-883 and 884 series spotting scopes:

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2. Zeiss Victory Harpia 22-65×85 Spotting Scope For 1000 Yards Review

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• Extremely Broad Wide-Angle Field of View
• Large 85mm Objective Lens
• Extra-Low Dispersion Fluoride Glass
• LotuTec Hydrophobic Lens Coating
• Dual-Speed Focusing Mechanism

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Zeiss is widely known for making some of the best scopes out there. Using cutting edge technology, the Zeiss Victory Harpia 22-65×85 is designed to deliver crystal clear viewing with fast focusing abilities to keep moving images in your view at all times.

The lenses are multicoated to ensure that your visuals are not blurry or foggy even in poor light conditions. They also coated with a special coating to ensure that dust and water don’t affect them or their performance.

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The Zeiss Harpia has an 85mm objective lens that enables you to see every detail of your view. And with a focal length that reaches 486mm, you can see views clearly at long distances.
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On top of that, the Harpia has a magnesium body for strength and durability, which is sealed with a rubber covering for firm handling and waterproof performance.

Main Features

• Large 85mm Objective Lens
• Extra-Low Dispersion Fluoride Glass
• LotuTec Hydrophobic Lens Coating
• Extremely Broad Wide-Angle Field of View
• Large Focusing Collars enable precise adjustment
• Dual-Speed Focusing Mechanism
• 3x Power Zoom
• Rotating Tripod Collar & Integrated Sight on Front
• Simple Eyepiece Bayonet Mount
• Dust & Waterproof
• Standard 1/4″-20 Mount for Direct Connection
• Rubberized Armoring

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• Multicoated lens for high-contrast visuals and to remove chromatic aberration for clear long distance viewing
• Large objective lens for better and comfortable viewing
• Long lens for more detailed viewing at high magnification
• Magnesium construct with rubber armoring for durability, better handling, and improved performance
• Nitrogen purged for fog-proof performance
• Fast focusing system for easy and quick focusing
• Wide field of viewing for better viewing and to keep track of your target

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• It is quite pricey
• You need a tripod if you intend on using it for long periods

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3. NightForce TS-80 20-60×80 Spotting Scope For 1000 Yards Review

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• ED Glass, Extra-Low Dispersion Glass
• Proprietary Nightforce Coatings
• Hydrophobic Coating
• Large Focus Ring
• Locking Center Ring

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The NightForce TS-80 20-60×80 is an 80mm spotting scope with a magnification of 20x to 60x. With such a high magnification, you shouldn’t have a problem viewing objects that are a 1000 yards away, which makes this scope great for long-range shooting.

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The lenses are multicoated to ensure the images appear bright and clear no matter the lighting condition. It uses an extra-low dispersion glass that eliminates color fringing delivering high-contrast visuals even in low light conditions.
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The body is made of magnesium for durability and covered with a special rubber for waterproof performance and better handling.

Main Features

• 80mm Objective Lens
• ED Glass, Extra-Low Dispersion Glass
• Proprietary Nightforce Coatings
• Hydrophobic Coating
• Large Focus Ring
• Locking Center Ring allows 360-degree rotation
• Internal Prism Design
• Magnesium Alloy Body

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• Quality optical system that delivers clear and bright viewing in most lighting and weather conditions
• Solid construction to ensure longevity as well as to keep the scope protected from water damage
• Large objective lens that makes viewing comfortable and delightful
• High magnification for long-distance viewing
• Affordable

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• It’s heavy
• It requires a tripod to be able to use it without straining

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3 Best Budget Spotting Scopes For 1000 Yards (as of April, 2024):

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1. Bushnell BN786081ED Legend Ultra HD 20-60×80 Review

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• Extra-Low Dispersion Glass
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• BAK4 Porro Prisms
• RainGuard HD Coating
• 2-Speed Dual Focus Controls

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The Bushnell BN786081ED Legend Ultra HD 20-60×80 is one the best spotting scopes for long-range viewing or shooting. If you want to bag an elk or turkey, this is the scope to use.

The Legend Ultra comes with varying magnifications ranging from 20x to 60x. And it has a large objective lens that is 80mm in diameter. It also sports an ED glass which is capable of producing sharp and clear images in low light conditions.

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The lenses are fully multicoated to help remove color fringing and deliver high-resolution images. By doing so, they help reduce eye fatigue.
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Additionally, the lenses are coated with RainGuard coating to protect them from water damage and to help you see images clearly whether it’s raining or snowing.

Another great feature is the eye relief. This spotting scope has an eye relief of 18mm, which is ideal for glass and lens wearers.

Main Features

• BAK4 Porro Prisms
• ED Prime Extra-Low Dispersion Glass
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• RainGuard HD Coating
• 45-Degree Angled Zoom Eyepiece
• Dual-Speed Coarse/Fine Fingertip-Focusing System
• Rubber-Armored Housing
• 100% waterproof, nitrogen-purged housing
• Rotating Tripod Collar

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• Solid construct that is waterproof and fog proof
• Generous eye relief
• ED glass to reduce color fringing and deliver high-quality viewing
• Fully multicoated lens for clearer and sharper viewing
• Great close focus distance
• RainGuard coated lenses for clear viewing in bad weather conditions
• Field of view of 110 feet at a 1000 yards
• Large objective lens for better viewing
• High magnification for long-range shooting
• Ideal for hunting game and target shooting

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• It’s big and heavy and requires a tripod
• The focus knobs are not precise

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2. Nikon 6975 Prostaff 5 20-60×82 Review

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• 82mm Objective Lens
• BAK4 Prisms
• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
• Built-In Sliding Sunshade
• Internal Surface Texturing

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The Nikon 6975 Prostaff 5 20-60×82 spotting s scope is a powerful scope that is designed for long-distance viewing. Featuring multicoated lenses that help reduce chromatic aberration, this scope provides clear, sharp, and high-contrast visuals in any lighting condition.

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The 82mm objective lens makes it easy to view objects that are moving. And with its fast focusing capability, you are able to keep track of the moving target or object.
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It also features high magnification that makes it possible to view objects that are 1000 yards away. This is great especially if you are using the scope for hunting. It also has a wide field of view, which is important particularly if you wear glasses or lenses.

The large field of view also makes it easy to keep track of your images.

The scope is waterproof. It has a rubber armoring to ensure that it stays protected from water damage. The lenses also have rubber armoring to keep them free from dust and moisture.

Main Features

• BAK4 Prisms
• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
• 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece
• 82mm Very Large Objective Lens
• Internal Surface Texturing
• Compact, Lightweight & Smooth Ergonomic Design
• Built-In Sliding Sunshade
• Nitrogen Filled & O-ring Sealed
• Waterproof & Fogproof Protection

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• Waterproof and fog proof construction
• Rubber armoring for better handling and to protect the scope from water damage
• Generous eye relief for lens and glass wearers
• Large objective lens that makes viewing objects that are far away easy and enjoyable
• Multicoated lens to ensure that your viewing is clear and sharp no matter the weather or light conditions
• Fast focusing feature that enables you to quickly and easily focus on your target
• High magnification that enables you to bring objects that are 1000 yards away into close focus
• Ideal for hunting and birding

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• Some users have expressed their dissatisfaction with the sharpness of the images
• A bit pricey compared to other spotting scopes

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3. Celestron 52332 TrailSeeker 20-60×80 Review

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• BAK4 Prism
• Angled Viewing 45° Angle
• XLT Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• Dual Focusing
• Tripod Mount Rotates 360°

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The Celestron 52332 TrailSeeker 20-60×80 is a versatile scope that has an 80mm objective lens and multicoated lenses for sharp and clear visuals.

The size of the objective offers great viewing capabilities whereby you don’t need to strain to see your target even if it’s moving. And with the help of the dual focus knob, you can focus easily and quickly on your target as it moves.

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The TrailerSeeker is useful when the light conditions are not great. The optical system is designed to deliver clear viewing in dim conditions and in harsh weather conditions.
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The one thing that you might find challenging about this beauty is the weight and size when it comes to portability. Other than that, this spotting scope is ideal for birding, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities.

Main Features

• XLT Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• BAK4 Prism
• Angled Viewing 45° Angle
• Dual Focusing
• Tripod Mount Rotates 360°
• Sliding Sunshade & Twist-Up Eyecup
• Nitrogen-Filled Body is Water & Fogproof
• Durable Rubber-Armored Polycarbonate Housing
• Stay-On Carrying Bag with Shoulder Strap
• T-Adapter Step Ring for Mounting DSLR

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• Multicoated lens for sharp viewing
• Rubber armoring for a firm grip and to protect the scope from water damage
• Designed for fog performance
• Large objective lens that makes it easy to view moving targets or objects
• High magnification for long-distance viewing
• Affordable
• Sufficient eye relief for lens and glass wearers

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• Some users have complained that when you crank the magnification to 30x, visual brightness drops
• The eyepieces have metal caps that make it hard to use it in harsh conditions
• Some users have expressed that the eye relief is horrible

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Buyer’s Guide

A hunter capable of hitting a target that is more than 1000 yards can tell you that you need more than a good rifle. A good spotting scope is what you really need if you want to hit a target that is far away.

So it’s not about being a good shot or having a great gun, although that does help. But it’s also about using a quality scope that can help improve your accuracy.

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Any hunter or shooter will tell you that a good scope is of tremendous help particularly at long ranges. But not all spotting scopes can help you to accurately shoot a target that is 1000 yards away.
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So it’s important that you do your due diligence before buying a spotting scope.

Keeping this in mind, we have detailed some key features that you need to look at when selecting a spotting scope. This guide is merely to help you make a more informed decision.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Spotting Scope

The Optics

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The optical system of a spotting scope is the heart of the scope, without it, you don’t have a scope. It’s the one main thing that most expert hunters and shooters take into consideration when buying a scope.
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And the reason for this is that if you need to see an object that is more than 1000 yards away, you need a scope that has a superior optical system. So when choosing a spotting scope, check to see if the lenses are coated.

Coated lenses prevent glare and optimize light transmission. And as a result, the images appear clear, sharp and bright even at long ranges. So basically, this is exactly what you need for long-range shooting or long-distance viewing.

Another feature you need to look at is the material of the lens glass. Extra-low dispersion glass is one of best lens glasses as it prevents chromatic aberration and by doing so, your viewing becomes extremely clear and sharp at all ranges.

Not only that but you are also able to see images clearly even in low light conditions.

Magnification

Magnification becomes a key factor if you intend to use your spotting scope for long-range shooting or long-distance viewing. Most spotting scopes have a magnification of 30x, but there are some with a magnification of up to 60x.

A magnification of 30x is sufficient to see every detail of your view or target at 1000 yards. As long as the lenses are coated, you shouldn’t have a problem seeing clearly objects that are far away.

So magnification alone is not enough to deliver high-quality visuals but it is a key aspect if you are taking into account range.

Field of View(FOV)

Since you are considering buying a spotting scope for 1000 yards, you need to consider the field of view. A scope with a wide field of view is better than one with a small field of view.

A small FOV makes it difficult to keep a target that is far away in your view. And even worse if it’s moving. A target that is in motion is hard to track if you are using a spotting scope that has a small field of view.

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Another equally important why you need to consider the field of view is if you are a glass or lens wearer. People with poor eyesight need a scope with a wide field of view for comfortable viewing.
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Body Quality

A quality spotting scope for 1000 yards should be made of durable materials like magnesium or aluminum which are lightweight. As it is, scopes with very large objective lenses tend to be heavy and big in size.

Using materials that are not lightweight to construct the body can make the scope almost impossible to use.

Also, check on the outer covering of scope. Most standard spotting scopes have rubber armoring to ensure that the scope stays protected from water damage and to give you a better grip.

Angled or Straight

Most spotting scopes are angled and straight. But there are some that have only one of these configurations. The only reason why you would consider whether to buy a scope that has an angled or straight viewing is if you are a serious bird watcher.

A scope with an angled viewing is best if you are bird watching alone. A straight view is ideal if you are birding with other people. You can share the scope and adjust it to a person’s height for easy viewing.

Also, scopes with angled viewing are easier to use than those with straight viewing. But you can get one that has both for more flexibility.

Lens Caps

Lens caps are not necessarily of great importance when choosing a spotting scope, but they are handy at keeping your lenses free from dust and dirt. Most scopes come with rubber lens caps and they are better than metal caps.

However, make sure that the caps fit well. Loose caps can easily fall off and you may end up losing them.

Budget

Not everyone can afford expensive high-end spotting scopes. So if you intend on spending less than a 1000 bucks on a spotting scope, you’ll find some great options out there.

But if money is not a problem and you are willing to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a spotting scope, by all means, knock yourself out.

Tips for Choosing a Spotting Scope

If you have never bought a spotting scope before, it can be a bit of a challenge finding the right spotting scope for 1000 yards. So here are a few tips that you may find useful when buying a spotting scope.

Price is not everything – just because a scope costs a couple of thousand dollars, it doesn’t mean that it’s better in performance than one that costs less. You can get some quality spotting scopes that are inexpensive.

The size of the objective lens makes a difference – a large objective lens captures more light than a small one. And when a lens allows more light through the scope, the images appear clearer, sharper, and brighter.

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So if you intend on using a spotting scope for birding, go with one that has a large objective lens.
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However, keep in mind that the larger the objective lens, the heavier the scope. So you may need to buy a tripod if the scope doesn’t come with one.

Don’t ignore the eyepiece – it shouldn’t come as a surprise to know that not everyone checks to see the type of eyepiece that’s on a spotting scope. Some scopes have adjustable eyepieces, while others have fixed eyepieces.

The adjustable ones called zoom eyepieces are the most popular because they offer flexibility.

The purpose of the spotting scope – Some spotting scopes are designed for short-distance viewing and others for all ranges. And this makes all the difference when it comes to certain outdoor activities.

For instance, outdoor activities such as birding or stargazing require a scope that has the capability to see objects that are far away.

So when you are choosing a spotting scope, consider what you want to use it for. Or you may end up with a scope that is not designed for what you intend to use it for.

There you have it. We hope that these tips are going to help you make a sound decision when purchasing a spotting scope.

Final Verdict

Spotting scopes are great when you need to hit a target or view something that is yards away. But not all spotting scopes are designed for long ranges, so do some research first before buying a spotting scope.

And when you decide to buy one, take into consideration factors such as field of view, optical system, magnification, and body quality. These factors are important as they determine the performance of the scope.

And you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a scope. The Bushnell Legend Ultra has great features and it does not cost a bomb.

But if you don’t mind spending a good chunk of your money on a good spotting scope, then we recommend the Zeiss Victory Harpia.