Alpen Vehicle Window Mount Device 703 Spotting Scope Accessories    US $19.99

Alpen Outdoor Waterproof Nylon Padded Case For Spotting Scope 830    US $39.95

Alpen Outdoor 20x50 Waterproof Mini Spotting Scope 711    US $49.95

Alpen 20x50 Waterproof Mini Spotting Scope w Tripod    US $59.99

NEW Alpen 20x50 Mini Spotting Scope w Tripod 711    US $62.62

ALPEN 711 SPOTTING SCOPE MINI 20X50    US $64.00

Alpen 20x50 Mini Spotting Scope    US $64.99

Alpen 20x50 Waterproof Mini Spotting Scope    US $66.00

ALPEN Waterproof 20x50 Spotting Scope 711 NEW    US $67.99

Alpen Spotting Scope Digital Camera Adapter    US $68.99

Alpen 20x50 Mini Spotting Scope w Tripod    US $69.99

Alpen 20x50 Waterproof Mini Spotting Scope w Table Tripod BRAND NEW    US $69.99

NEW Alpen Waterproof 20x50 Spotting Scope 711    US $79.99

Alpen Waterproof 20x50 Spotting Scope 711    US $88.00

Alpen Outdoor 18 36x60 Waterproof Spotting Scope 735    US $118.63

Alpen Outdoor 15 45x60 Waterproof Spotting Scope 725    US $121.00

Sharp and bright images are the results of Barska’s outstanding multi-coated optics. Whatever outdoor activity you’re embarking on, you’re sure to find a spotting scope that suits you among the wide array of choices from the Barska lines. Most of the Barska scopes have waterproofing and fogproofing capabilities. Not to mention the free tripod that’s offered on every Barska scope purchase. Whatever type of spotting scope you prefer: angled viewing, straight viewing or even scopes with multi position rotating eyepiece; there will surely be one that is right for you. Plus, Barska spotting scopes all are provided with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.  We are all aware that success in any viewing activity is greatly dependent on how we select the proper spotting scope. With this in mind, Barska spotting Scopes are great options. These scopes can make an expert birder out of anyone.

Barska 15 40x50 Colorado Spotting Scope BRAND NEW    US $25.09

Barska 25x30 Blueline Brass Spy Scope w Wood Case AA10200 Spotting Scopes    US $28.99

Barska Colorado 15 40x 50 Straight Spotting Scope    US $28.99

NEW Barska 15 40x50 Colorado Spotting Scope    US $35.84

If you’re interested in wildlife and nature viewing, you can experience them up close with the Leica Spotting Scopes. These high-powered scopes can place you close to the action. They are ideal for those who need long distance accuracy and mobility. Their lightweight and compact qualities greatly aid its users. The correct combination of gear and accessories will make your viewing something to behold. With Leica, you have a wide array of options to choose from.

Snug Fit Spotting Scope Skin Leica 77 mm Straight SK84    US $39.99

Snug Fit Spotting Scope Skin Leica 77 mm Angled SK85 Spotting Scope Accessories    US $39.99

Snug Fit Spotting Scope Skin Leica 62 mm Straight SK86    US $39.99

Snug Fit Spotting Scope Skin Leica 62 mm Angled SK87 Spotting Scope Accessories    US $39.99

Another company that offers spotting scope variety is NcStar.  NcStar spotting scopes line will surely suit your needs whatever activity you would want to participate in: sightseeing, nature study, surveillance or birding. Protection from wear and tear is assured with their tough construction. Not to mention their coated optics which is the reason for their crisp and brilliant images. Of course, a limited lifetime warranty is offered by the company. Reliability, convenience and superb performance for many years are what the NcStar Spotting Scopes constantly provide the customers.

NcStar 12x25 Monocular Telescope Spotting Scope Black N1225R    US $9.00

SMALL TRIPOD FOR CAMERA SPOTTING SCOPE NCSTAR ATS    US $7.99

NcStar 12x25 Monocular Telescope Spotting Scope Black    US $9.00

SMALL TRIPOD FOR CAMERA SPOTTING SCOPE NCSTAR ATS    US $15.32

When you hear the name Swarovski, the first thing that comes to mind is superb optics and magnification power. If you want to view specific details of distant subjects, then Swarovski is for you. Swarovski Spotting Scopes are ideal in any outdoor location: open plains, mountain tops, along coastal areas, in the fields or by the lake. These high performance scopes provide crisp images in natural colors in any lighting condition. Undoubtedly, Swarovski Spotting Scopes are amongst the cream of the crop.

SWAROVSKI OPTIK STS65 LUGGAGE STYLE CARRY CASE FOR STS65 SPOTTING SCOPE    US $.99

RIFLE SPORTING FIREARM 2008 Remington SHOOT Swarovski SPOTTING SCOPE 264 Magnum    US $8.95

Swarovski binocular FIELD OPTICS SPOTTING SCOPE EYE SHEILD    US $9.95

Snug Fit Spotting Scope Skin Swarovski 65 mm Straight SK80    US $39.99

If you’re looking for an affordable scope with a high quality to boot, then Tasco spotting scopes are for you. Developments and improvements in recent years contributed to Tasco’s growing reputation. Nowadays, Tasco scopes are often used in outdoor activities that require powerful magnifications. Even the smallest and the most cautious of subjects can be easily targeted with the help of Tasco’s variable zoom power, coated optics and durable tripod. The subjects are not even aware that they’re being observed at such long distances. There’s a great possibility that the thinking customer will choose a spotting scope from Tasco.

Tasco Spotting Scope    US $28.00

TASCO 15X 45X 50mm ZOOM SPOTTING SCOPE    US $20.00

TASCO MODEL 28TZB spotting scope w case and accessories    US $22.00

Tasco Zoom 50mm spotting scope 25 75X Telescope    US $22.95

Leupold Fog Proof Spotting Rifle Scope 1986 Magazine Print Ad    US $9.99

Leupold Spotting Scope Case    US $15.00

Leupold Scope Cover for 12x40 Spotting Scope    US $20.00

2011 LEUPOLD OPTICS GUIDE RIFLE SPOTTING RCX SCOPE    US $23.22

Burris 12 24x 50mm Compact Spotting Scope W Leupold Stand    US $54.00

Leupold Case 12 40x60 mm Spotting Scope Bag 53715 Hunting 14623 Archery    US $55.99

Leupold Spotting Scope Soft Case Fits All 12 40x60mm    US $60.58

NEW Leupold Soft Case 12 40x60 Spotting Scope DLR SALE    US $62.99

Leupold 12 40x60mm Spotting Scope Soft Case    US $65.06

Leupold Car Window Mount for all Spotting Scopes 58400    US $74.95

Leupold Wind River Sequoia Spotting Scope 15x45x60mm Leupold Wind River Sequoia    US $249.00

Leupold Mark 4 MK4 12 40x60mm Spotting Scope Case Cover New LOOK    US $79.99

Leupold Car Window Mount for Leupold Spotting Scopes 58400    US $82.99

SAVAGE PROFESSIONAL SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD FOR ZEISSNIKONLEUPOLDSWAROVSKIETC    US $89.00

LEUPOLD CASE FOR 12 40x60mm SPOTTING SCOPE BLACK BAG NW    US $89.99

Leupold Spotting Scope Window Mount 58400    US $98.00

Undeniably, one of the most sought after brands when it comes to spotting scopes and monoculars is Nikon. Almost every Nikon purchase is a good deal because most of their models come with a free authentic Nikon tripod. As I’ve mentioned earlier, spotting scopes and telescopes have the same fundamental concept but in viewing land-based subjects during daytime, a spotting scope is more ideal. And this is where Nikon’s spotting scopes and monoculars come in.  Activities such as surveillance, hunting, terrestrial viewing, birding and a lot more can be benefitted tremendously by these Nikon scopes.

NIKON Lens Cleaner wet CLEANING CLOTH Binocular Rifle Spotting Scope Camera    US $9.95

Nikon Spotting Scope Adapters S Zoom SSA and S CP5000    US $9.99

NIKON Lens CLEANING PEN Binocular Spotting Rifle Scope    US $12.79

NIKON CAMO Lens CLEANING PEN Binocular Spotting Scope    US $12.95

High magnification lenses, waterproof, shockproof and fog proofing capabilities are some of the identifying features of Alpen Spotting Scopes which also include easy-to-control zoom lenses, light portable frame and straight and 45 degree eyepieces. Topnotch optics that enables them to provide excellent performance in any condition is also a standard fixture. You can avail of a free case and tripod upon every purchase of Alpen Spotting Scopes.

Alpen Vehicle Window Mount Device 703 Spotting Scope Accessories    US $19.99

Alpen Outdoor Waterproof Nylon Padded Case For Spotting Scope 830    US $39.95

Alpen Outdoor 20x50 Waterproof Mini Spotting Scope 711    US $49.95

Alpen Waterproof Nylon Padded Case for Spotting Scopes 786 788 850 and 854    US $52.95

Also offering numerous varieties of equipments for outdoor sportsmen are the BSA spotting scope lines. For certain, you’ll be able to find a BSA model that suits you whatever outdoor activity you may be involved in: hunting, target shooting or even just viewing a particular subject with more accuracy. They are practically indispensable for adventurers of any kind for they provide excellent and yet very affordable products. If you like to enjoy the action, then BSA is for you.  We hope you found these spotting scope reviews useful.

Brunton Echo 7x18 Pocket Monocular Scope Spotting Scopes    US $27.97

New Brunton C ADAPT universal camera adapter for spotting scope    US $33.99

Brunton® Zoom Vision Monocular Spotting Scope Scopes    US $37.97

BRUNTON C ADAPT UNIVERSAL CAMERA ADAPTER SPOTTING SCOPE    US $39.99

Brunton Echo 50mm Compact Spotting Scope    US $240.00

Brunton Eterna Spotting Scope 18 38x50 mm NEW in box    US $320.00

Brunton Eterna 50mm Spotting Scope    US $479.81

Brunton Eterna 9050ED Straight 18 38x50 mm Spotting Scope Waterproof Fogproof    US $490.00

Brunton Eterna 62mm Spotting Scope Waterproof Twist Up Factory New w Warranty    US $689.00

Brunton F9080EDWA SCOPE ETERNA 80MM ED SPOTTING    US $902.56

Brunton Eterna F9080edwa Spotting Scope 60x 80 Mm Waterproof Fogproof    US $913.31

Brunton F9080EDWA SCOPE ETERNA 80MM ED SPOTTING Kit    US $974.76

NEW BRUNTON F9080EDWA ETERNA SPOTTING SCOPE 60X 80 MM WATERPROOF FOGPROOF    US $1,045.26

Brunton Eterna 80mm ED Full Size Waterproof Spotting Scope w 20 60X Eyepiece    US $1,059.00

Bushnell’s aim in their spotting scope production is to give customers a clear view of faraway subjects that are situated on land. Their products have magnifications comparable to telescopes and provide more sturdiness than binoculars. Wildlife viewing, birding and land surveillance are among the activities that you’ll surely enjoy with a Bushnell spotting scope. For over half a century, sportsmen, outdoorsmen, hunters and even naturalists have chosen these spotting scopes for their dependability, toughness and topnotch optics.

Bushnell Optics Hunting Scopes Pistol Spotting Varmint Target 1963 advertisement    US $9.98

Spotting Scope Stand Small Compact Fully Adjustable Bushnell Made    US $9.99

Bushnell Sentry Spotting Scope 18 – 36 X 50    US $10.57

Bushnell Imageview 15 45 x 50mm Spotting Scope W VGA Camera 787348    US $15.57

Celestron offers a wide variety of spotting scope models to customers of any kind. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a small and easy to use scope or a powerful zoom model, you’ll sure to find a Celestron that fits you. These scopes perform magnificently when tested for viewing heavenly bodies and land-based subjects. Even critics and customer reviews echo this statement. The company further improved and developed their existing designs in their quest for excellence. Outdoor activities such as birding, photography, astronomy, sightseeing, hunting and nature study are benefitted well by any Celestron spotting scope, whether the classical or wide view model. Customers will surely be astonished by the captivating performance and outstanding images that Celestron provides. These scopes are perfect for viewing any astronomical and land-based subject.

Celestron Case for Small Spotting Scope Tripod NEW    US $4.99

CELESTRON SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD    US $74.99

CELESTRON SPOTTING SCOPE    US $9.99

Celestron C5 Telescope C90 Spotting Scope 1980 print Ad    US $10.00

Hopefully you found these spotting scope reviews helpful!

33 100X100 Spotting Scope Astronomy Security Zoom Large Spy SWAT Tactical Force    US $274.65

Zeiss 30x60 B Spotting Scope Monocular Great for Hunting Astronomy RARE QUALITY    US $949.99

Celestron C5 127mm Astronomy Spotting Scope CELE084 Spotter Angled    US $1,185.02

Usually, spotting scopes measures around 300-400mm in length and 60-80mm in diameter. A larger lens provides an outstanding image while a smaller lens gives portability and convenience. The magnification of the eyepieces ranges from 25x-35x. The more expensive the scope, the more powerful it is.

Astronomy spotting scopes with variable zoom lenses are also available. You should be informed however that an ultra high magnification has its downside (lower quality field view, lower brightness, and lower sharpness). The quality of the image decreases in higher magnification because of the reduced light collection and shortened field of vision. To have the sharpest image, a scope with the lowest magnification is needed. These scopes are versatile; they are even compatible and can function with a telescope’s eyepiece.

If you enjoy stargazing or watching nearby heavenly bodies, then read as many spotting scope reviews as you can.  Although the more powerful telescopes are more ideal for viewing distant planets or heavenly bodies, the spotting scope can spot planets too, given the right conditions. I employ the 80/20 rule in choosing between a spotting scope and a conventional telescope. This means that if you‘re interested in viewing terrestrial objects 80% of the time and in 20% of the time you like watching stars, then astronomy spotting scopes are more suited for you. But if you’re more interested in deep astronomy and in need of a more technologically advanced instrument, then a conventional telescope is right for you. As always, your purchase choice depends primarily on your needs.

Refractor spotting scopes have basically dual body designs: straight and angled.  A lot of people prefer the straight design wherein the eyepieces are aligned to each other. The eyepiece in an angled scope however is placed 45 degrees or 90 degrees from the barrel. A straight design is more convenient to use. To follow birds, it can even be positioned on a car’s glass window. In an elevated position, it’s also a lot easier to use. But some people might prefer the angled design especially the tall ones. The choice is really dependent on how will the customer use the scope.

NcSTAR 20x50 Straight Spotting Scope Green Lens Green Black w Tripod NG2050G    US $22.00

OP TECH SPOTTING SCOPE REGULAR STRAIGHT NEOPREME PROTECTIVE COVER POUCH OP TECH    US $23.95

NcSTAR 15 40x50 Straight Spotting Scope Green Lens Green Black w Tripod    US $24.00

Barska Colorado 15 40x 50 Straight Spotting Scope    US $28.99

Tasco Straight Hunting Spotting Scope 15x 45x50    US $35.00

In using a straight scope, the subject is aligned with your eyes whereas in an angled design, this is not the case. You can look, from its side, etc. You can also do bird watching at different levels and angles using an angled scope. In straight scopes, the lens needs adjustments to suit the height.

There are situations where you have to kneel down with a straight scope. This won’t be necessary in an angled scope because you just have to turn your head a little. For a better and stable view, an angled design can have a lower mount. It’s also possible to mount them in a lightweight tripod. But in straight scopes, the mounting should be done at eye level. These scopes are ideal for birding from cars because they can be conveniently placed on a car’s window. The angled scopes are more versatile that’s why some people choose to use them. But personally, I recommend a scope that is light and easy to handle so you won’t have a hard time carrying it around.

OP TECH SPOTTING SCOPE ANGLED NEOPREME PROTECTIVE COVER POUCH OP TECH    US $23.95

Snug Fit Spotting Scope Skin Leica 77 mm Angled SK85 Spotting Scope Accessories    US $39.99

Snug Fit Spotting Scope Skin Leica 62 mm Angled SK87 Spotting Scope Accessories    US $39.99

Yukon Optics 12 36x50 Firefall Spotting Scopes w Angled Eyepiece Kit YK11015K    US $57.95

Vortex Razor HD Black Fitted Spotting Scope Case Angled    US $59.99

As always, you should weigh all your options first before buying.  Read the different spotting scope reviews and be sure you’ll get the most value for your money. Swarovski spotting scopes and Zeiss spotting scopes are the best but if you can’t afford them, settle for Nikon scopes or Pentax scopes instead. Think of your purchase as an investment. As I’ve stated before, accessories and added equipments abound, consider your needs first before acquiring any. A tripod is a vital accessory because it provides more stability and sturdiness. Be sure to spare some money to buy a good quality tripod.

On the other hand, an astronomical spotting scope’s focusing mechanism is located outside the scope’s body. Unlike most birding spotting scopes, they do not use prisms. This is because the resolution and brightness are compromised when light passes through the prisms. In order to achieve better image quality, prisms are replaced by a 90-degree diagonal mirror. The picture will appear right side up but reversed left to right because the eyepiece is looking down into the scope with a 90-degree angle. Just remember that astronomical telescopes are susceptible to harsh elements that’s why extra care is needed.

Qualities of a Good Birding Scope

Optimum Optical Performance

Who wouldn’t like clear, high-contrast images with vivid colors?  Durable construction is preferred by birders, and you can read all about different spotting scope reviews to get more details. The optics should also be sealed in tight so that dust and other harmful elements won’t be able to penetrate. It’s also best that they’re nitrogen filled so fogging up won’t occur.

Window spotting scope mount camera hunting birding    US $19.99

Birding Opera Glasses Spectator 8X30 Binoculars Telescope Hunting Spotting Scope    US $36.99

OpSwiss 7 x 40 Spotting Scope Hunting Birding NEW    US $68.95

Convenience is another essential factor to consider. A birding scope should be easy to carry. It must also be capable of being mounted on a car window and focusing must be hassle-free. User friendly lens caps and slide-out sunshades that are built in are also great help.

Lastly, to help you locate a bird quickly, you will need the proper aiming device. It is advisable to educate oneself with different terms when assessing scopes.

Optical Resolution Tests

Zooms tend to be in demand with birders. That’s why we try to test scopes with zoom eyepieces when given enough time. We examined the smaller scopes at 20x and 40x while the large scopes at 20x, 40x and 60x. It was too bad a fixed eyepiece was not available. That’s why the result of the test included a failing mark.

The criteria were based on the optical quality of the zoom eyepiece and the scope. Still, it would’ve been better if it had fixed eyepieces. We tested only one sample of each scope. It might have been different had we tested more samples.

The scopes were placed under same lighting conditions and within the similar range.  We use a resolution chart with gradually smaller line groups. A score of 20 was appointed to the smallest group. The next larger group was 19, then 18 and soon. There was not much difference with the scores regarding the resolution but it’s still apparent.

Birders use spotting scopes at 20x most of the time and it was imminent that at this range most of the tests don’t vary much. The scopes we tested has impressed us a great deal. Some qualities of the scope such as the focusing method, weight and size might overshadow the optical quality.