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10 Best Hunting Spotting Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Nikon Monarch FIELDSCOPE 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60 , Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,241
Magnification
Weight and Size

Most important from
39 reviews

Magnification
Requires a substantial tripod due to its weight and magnification capabilities.
Weight and Size
The scope's image quality is brighter and sharper compared to older models, without secondary mirror blur.

The Nikon Monarch FIELDSCOPE 82ED-A is a versatile spotting scope suitable for hunting, offering a magnification range from 20x to 60x. This allows for detailed observation at various distances. The 82mm objective lens diameter ensures bright and clear images, vital for spotting in different lighting conditions. The advanced apochromat optical system with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass minimizes color fringing, ensuring sharp and true-to-life visuals, while the field flattener lens system delivers consistent sharpness across the entire field of view.

Multilayer coating enhances natural color fidelity, making the viewing experience more realistic. The scope is designed with an angled body for comfortable long-term use and an optimized focusing system for quick adjustments, which is particularly useful in dynamic hunting scenarios. It is also waterproof and fogproof, making it reliable in various weather conditions.

However, weighing 3 pounds and having dimensions of 13.1 x 4.3 x 4.4 inches, it might be slightly cumbersome to carry during extended hunts. The included carrying case helps, but it may still be a consideration for those prioritizing lightweight gear. This spotting scope is well-suited for serious hunters who need reliable, high-performance optics, but may not be ideal for those looking for a more compact and lightweight option.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,241
Magnification
Weight and Size

Most important from
39 reviews

Magnification
Requires a substantial tripod due to its weight and magnification capabilities.
Weight and Size
The scope's image quality is brighter and sharper compared to older models, without secondary mirror blur.
#2

SWAROVSKI Modular Objective 115 mm Arca Swiss Green 48815

Rating
10.0
Objective Lens Diameter
Weight and Size

Most important from
7 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
Even in near-dark conditions, the 115mm objective draws in impressive amounts of light.
Weight and Size
While the image quality is superb, the scope's bulk and weight are notable drawbacks.

The Swarovski Modular Objective 115 mm spotting scope stands out for its exceptional design and flexibility, allowing users to change the objective lens based on their viewing needs. With SWAROVISION technology, users are provided with extreme detail recognition, which is crucial during those important moments in hunting. The fluoride-containing HD lenses help minimize color fringing and ensure maximum color fidelity, making the viewing experience clear and vibrant.

The 115 mm objective module offers one of the largest lenses available, which is highly beneficial during low-light conditions, such as dawn and dusk. The Field Flattener lenses contribute to unprecedented peripheral definition, ensuring sharp and detailed views across the entire field of view. Additionally, the scope is constructed with durable materials like aluminum and has a waterproof and fogproof design, making it suitable for various weather conditions.

However, this spotting scope is relatively heavy, weighing 4.63 pounds, which might be a drawback for those looking for a lightweight option. Also, while the modularity and high-quality optics are excellent, they come at a premium price, which might not be accessible to all hunters. In summary, this product is ideal for serious hunters who prioritize optical quality and flexibility over portability and cost.

Rating
10.0
Objective Lens Diameter
Weight and Size

Most important from
7 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
Even in near-dark conditions, the 115mm objective draws in impressive amounts of light.
Weight and Size
While the image quality is superb, the scope's bulk and weight are notable drawbacks.
#3

Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 82mm Angled Body with 20-60x Zoom, Black

Rating
9.8
Magnification
Field of View

Most important from
49 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range from 20x to 60x is easy to adjust and provides a versatile viewing experience.
Field of View
This scope offers exceptional clarity with no blue fringing and a wide field-of-view, making it great for spotting details at 100 yards and beyond.

The Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 82mm Angled Body with 20-60x Zoom is an excellent choice for hunting enthusiasts needing a reliable spotting scope. The 82mm objective lens strikes a good balance between size and brightness, allowing for clear and bright images, which is crucial when spotting game. The multicoated optics ensure high contrast and true color rendition, making it easier to identify details at a distance.

With a magnification range from 20x to 60x, it provides the flexibility required for different viewing scenarios, whether you're scanning a wide area or focusing on a specific spot. The ergonomic and lightweight porro prism design makes it comfortable to handle and carry, even for extended periods. Weighing 4.1 pounds, it’s relatively light given its capabilities. Additionally, the internal surface texturing minimizes reflective light loss, enhancing image quality.

This spotting scope is also designed to withstand tough conditions, being both waterproof and fogproof, thanks to its nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed construction. The built-in sliding sunshade is a thoughtful feature that helps reduce glare in bright conditions and protects the lens from dust and rain. However, its size (15.5 x 4 x 3.5 inches) may be cumbersome for some users who prefer more compact equipment. Also, it might be on the pricier side, but the features justify the investment for serious hunters.

Rating
9.8
Magnification
Field of View

Most important from
49 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range from 20x to 60x is easy to adjust and provides a versatile viewing experience.
Field of View
This scope offers exceptional clarity with no blue fringing and a wide field-of-view, making it great for spotting details at 100 yards and beyond.

Buying Guide for the Best Hunting Spotting Scopes

Choosing the right hunting spotting scope can significantly enhance your outdoor experience, allowing you to observe wildlife and landscapes with clarity and precision. When selecting a spotting scope, it's essential to consider various specifications that will impact its performance and suitability for your needs. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best fit for your hunting adventures.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the scope can make distant objects appear. This is important because higher magnification allows you to see more detail. Spotting scopes typically range from 15x to 60x magnification. Lower magnification (15x-30x) is suitable for scanning large areas and general observation, while higher magnification (30x-60x) is better for detailed viewing of specific targets. Choose a magnification level based on your typical hunting environment and the distance at which you need to observe.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens, measured in millimeters. This spec is crucial because a larger diameter allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in brighter and clearer images, especially in low-light conditions. Common sizes range from 50mm to 80mm. Smaller diameters (50mm-60mm) are more compact and lightweight, ideal for portability, while larger diameters (70mm-80mm) provide better image quality but are bulkier. Consider your need for portability versus image clarity when choosing the objective lens diameter.
Field of ViewField of view indicates the width of the area visible through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 1000 yards. A wider field of view allows you to see more of the landscape, which is useful for tracking moving targets and scanning large areas. Narrower fields of view provide more detailed images of specific points. If you need to observe wide areas or track animals, opt for a scope with a wider field of view. For detailed observation of stationary targets, a narrower field of view may be sufficient.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can still see the full image. This is important for comfort, especially if you wear glasses or need to use the scope for extended periods. Longer eye relief (15mm-20mm) provides more comfort and flexibility in positioning your eye, while shorter eye relief (10mm-15mm) may require you to be closer to the eyepiece. Choose a scope with adequate eye relief to ensure comfortable viewing during your hunting trips.
Lens CoatingLens coating refers to the treatment applied to the scope's lenses to reduce glare and improve light transmission. This is important for achieving clear and bright images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Coatings can range from single-layer to multi-layer treatments. Multi-coated lenses offer better performance by reducing reflections and enhancing image quality. If you often hunt in varying light conditions, opt for a scope with high-quality lens coatings to ensure optimal visibility.
Waterproof and FogproofWaterproof and fogproof features ensure that the scope remains functional in wet and humid conditions. This is crucial for outdoor use, as it prevents moisture from entering the scope and fogging up the lenses. Look for scopes with O-ring seals and nitrogen or argon purging for reliable waterproof and fogproof performance. If you hunt in diverse weather conditions, choosing a scope with these features will ensure durability and consistent performance.
Weight and SizeWeight and size are important considerations for portability and ease of use. Lighter and more compact scopes are easier to carry and handle, making them ideal for long hunting trips and frequent movement. However, larger scopes may offer better image quality and stability. Balance your need for portability with the performance benefits of larger scopes to find the right fit for your hunting style.

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