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10 Best Hunting Spotting Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Swarovski Modular Objective 115 mm Arca Swiss Green 48815

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,401
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
9.9
Chosen by1,401
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.
#2

Celestron – Regal M2 100ED Spotting Scope – ED Glass for Birding and Outdoor Activities – Phase and Dielectric Coated BaK-4 Prism – Fully Multi-Coated Optics – Dual Focus – 22-67x Zoom Eyepiece

Rating
9.8
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Eye Relief

Most important from
159 reviews

Magnification
The optics deliver exceptionally clear and sharp images, making it excellent for detailed viewing even during events like lunar eclipses.
Objective Lens Diameter
A sturdy tripod is essential due to the weight of the large objective lens, which contributes to the scope’s impressive light-gathering capability.
Eye Relief
The scope’s angled eyepiece design enhances comfort during extended use, providing a more natural viewing position compared to straight scopes.
Waterproof and Fogproof
The magnesium alloy body feels solid and durable, instilling confidence in the scope’s build quality for outdoor use.

The Celestron Regal M2 100ED is a strong choice for anyone needing a versatile spotting scope, especially for birding, hunting, or general outdoor use. Its 22-67x zoom magnification covers a wide range of viewing distances, making it flexible whether you’re spotting something close or far away. The large 100mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, which is great for clearer images in low light conditions like early morning or late evening. This scope uses high-quality Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass that reduces color distortion and ensures sharp, true-to-life images. The lenses are fully multi-coated with Celestron’s special XLT coating, boosting brightness and clarity.

A notable feature is the angled eyepiece combined with a rotating tripod mount, allowing you to find a comfortable viewing angle during long sessions. The scope is designed with a lightweight magnesium alloy body, weighing about 5 pounds, which is manageable for carrying on hikes but not the lightest option available. It also comes with useful accessories, including a padded case and adapters for attaching a camera if you want to take photos through the scope (digiscoping). The field of view at 0.9 degrees might feel a bit narrow for some users, requiring more adjustment to keep moving targets in sight.

The product is waterproof and fogproof, adding durability against environmental factors. This spotting scope balances quality optics and practical features well, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want clear, bright images and flexibility in magnification without overly complex controls.

Rating
9.8
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Eye Relief

Most important from
159 reviews

Magnification
The optics deliver exceptionally clear and sharp images, making it excellent for detailed viewing even during events like lunar eclipses.
Objective Lens Diameter
A sturdy tripod is essential due to the weight of the large objective lens, which contributes to the scope’s impressive light-gathering capability.
Eye Relief
The scope’s angled eyepiece design enhances comfort during extended use, providing a more natural viewing position compared to straight scopes.
Waterproof and Fogproof
The magnesium alloy body feels solid and durable, instilling confidence in the scope’s build quality for outdoor use.
#3

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

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Weight and Size

Most important from
42 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
9.7
Magnification
Weight and Size

Most important from
42 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.

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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