Optics for hunting require specific features and optic build, which is why just any scope may not cut it if you’re looking for the best. In addition, hunting scopes come in different shapes, sizes, and models, carrying various features.
Some are best suited to watching the sky or bird watching, among others. At the same time, some scopes make great hunting spotting scopes.
Great hunting scopes usually have impressive night vision since most hunting activities happen in low-light conditions.
You’ll also find that most of the hunting scopes are light and easily packable since hunting may require moving for long in the field stalking targets. Combining some of these hunting features makes a scope a great hunting buy.
If you’re looking to buy one of the best hunting spotting scopes available, a collection containing 5 of the best will prove valuable. This piece not only describes the best hunting spotting scopes but also answers questions buyers may have.
Celestron Regal M2 80ED 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Our Top Recommendation for Spotting Scopes For Hunting!
Many spotting scopes are great at hunting, but few can boast of the overall package of Celestron regal M2 20-60×80 spotting scope.
Table of Contents
Best Spotting Scopes For Hunting
Here are the scopes that make our list of top spotting scopes for hunting. They have been carefully tested and vetted through reviews from verified buyers and found to stand above most other scopes for hunting activities.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Celestron Regal M2 80ED 20-60×80 Spotting Scope | • QUALITY ED OBJECTIVE LENS • XLT LENS COATINGS • PERFECT VIEWING ANGLES | View Price | |
Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope | • DUAL SPEED FOCUS SYSTEM • INCLUDES ESSENTIALS FOR BETTER VIEWING • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT | View Price | |
Celestron Ultima 20-60×80 Spotting Scope | • ULTIMA ANGLED SPOTTING SCOPE • INCLUDES ESSENTIALS FOR BETTER VIEWING • SHARP ZOOM EYEPIECE FUNCTION | View Price | |
Emarth 20-60x60AE Spotting Scope | • FULLY MULTI-COATED LENS • WATERPROOF FOGPROOF • HIGH MAGNIFICATION | View Price | |
Creative XP 20-60×60 Spotting Scope | • HIGH-DEFINITION GLASS • EASY TO USE • NON-REFLECTIVE & DURABLE | View Price |
1. Celestron Regal M2 80ED 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
This Celestron regal M2 spotting scope is top of our list with a variable magnification range from 20-60x, helping you enlarge your targets by 20 times to 60times. In addition, the objective lens of this spotting scope sits at 80mm wide so light can enter the tube.
The scope features an angled view, which is more comfortable than a straight view. The glass here is an extra-low dispersion glass that prevents light loss through reflection from the lens surface. The optics are fully multi-coated with XLT anti-reflective layers. The quality bak-4 prism glass ensures quality images when you look through the lens. Eye relief is excellent at 20mm, while the field of view at 1000 yards is 110-52 ft.
The tube is filled with nitrogen and properly sealed, so it is fog proof and waterproof. In addition, the body is durable due to the magnesium alloy material the manufacturers used. It weighs 56.7 ounces and is 16.6 inches long.
The scope comes with a T-mount adapter so you can attach your smartphone or camera for digiscoping, an objective cover, an eyepiece cover, and a cleaning manual. There’s also a padded transparent case, among other accessories.
Pros & Cons of Celestron Regal M2 80ED 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Pros
- Magnification of 20-60x
- Objective lens diameter of 80mm
- Great eye relief
- Bak-4 prism
- ED glass
- Durable magnesium alloy body
- Good optic quality
Cons
- It does not come with a tripod stand
- Lacks warranty
Also Read: Best Gosky Spotting Scope to Buy
2. Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope
Here is an angled eyepiece from Gosky optics with a similar magnification range as the first spotting scope. The 80mm objective lens size ensures images at high power levels see enough light to make crisp pictures. The power is from 20-60x and gives the hunter so many possibilities.
The Gosky scope is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, with a retractable sunshade protecting the lens. The body is made from a magnalium material and covered with extra rubber armor ensuring durability at all times. The scope is 17.7 inches long and weighs 43.4 ounces.
The scope is affordable despite its numerous features. It sports a decent eye relief at 17-13.5 mm and exit pupil at 4-1.33mm.
The optics are fully multi-coated with a Bak-4 prism glass and a single knob system. It comes with a Digi scoping adapter for recording and a tripod stand.
Pros & Cons Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope
Pros
- Magnification of 20-60x
- Objective lens size of 80mm
- Digiscoping available
- Magnalium body with extra rubber amour
- Affordable
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Compact
Cons
- Limited field of view
- Poor image quality at higher magnification
3. Celestron Ultima 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Celestron Ultima is an affordable hunting scope with 20-60x magnification and an accompanying 80mm objective lens size. You can see a long range with this scope and get bright images from the light coming into the tube.
The scope features a manual focusing system, multi-coated lenses, and a reflex finderscope. The field of view at 1000 yards is 105-53 fit, while the eye relief is decent at 18mm.
It uses a Bak-4 prism glass, and the close focusing distance of the scope is 26.2 ft. There is a large focus dial helping you quickly capture your target.
The scope weighs 57 ounces. The case is padded to ensure it is protected in the case as you move it around. It is appropriately sealed to prevent fog and water from entering the tube. It has a two-year warranty with unlimited technical support.
Pros & Cons Celestron Ultima 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Pros
- Magnification of 20-60x
- Objective lens size of 80mm
- Good eye relief at 18mm
- Quality bak-4 prism
- Padded case for extra protection
Con
- Chromatic aberration at the higher magnification
Read More About: Best Athlon Spotting Scope
4. Emarth 20-60x60AE Spotting Scope
Another hunting scope to make our list is this scope by Emarth with 20-60 magnification like the others but this time carrying a smaller objective lens of only 60 mm.
The smaller objective lens means the other optical features will need more to produce clear images, especially at higher power levels. The ocular diameter in this spotting scope is 23 mm, so you can enjoy a more comfortable viewing.
It sports a good eye relief of 19.5-18 mm, allowing even glass wearers to use the scope without issues. This upgraded model features the quality bak-4 prism glass with all the lenses fully multi-coated. In addition, it uses the manual focusing system to adjust the vision so it can pick out targets.
This Emarth scope is both fog-proof and waterproof, so that you can use it in wet conditions without damage. It is digiscope enabled with a camera adapter attached to it. However, the scope is far from compact, weighing 81.6 ounces and stretching 16.9 inches long.
Pros & Cons Emarth 20-60x60AE Spotting Scope
Pros
- Magnification of 20-60x
- Objective lens size of 60mm
- Good eye relief of 19.5-18 mm
- Bak-4 prism glass
- Digiscope enabled with camera adapter
- Large ocular diameter for comfortable viewing
- Affordable
Cons
- Lack of dual focus knob causing focusing issues
- Heavy
5. Creative XP 20-60×60 Spotting Scope
Creative XP may still be a new optic brand, but it has established itself as a reputable US-based optics company. Its spotting scope with a magnification of 20-60x makes our list. This scope features an objective lens with a diameter measuring 60 mm.
It has a dual knob exemplary focus system that allows you to capture a clear target. Its large exit pupil of 4-1.3 mm and extended field of view at 114-60 ft at 1000 yards means you can see a wide area around your target. The glass is a high-definition/extra-low dispersion glass, and all the lenses are fully multi-coated. The Bak-4 prism here helps to see your marks clearly with the range of the scope.
The scope is nitrogen purged and made to be shockproof and waterproof. Aside from hunting, this scope can handle other activities like stargazing and birdwatching, among other things. However, its body is rubber, meaning it is not the strongest and may break from heavy falls.
Pros & cons of Creative XP 20-60×60 Spotting Scope
Pros
- Magnification of 20-60x
- Objective lens diameter of 60 mm
- Extremely affordable scope
- Lightweight
- Long field of view
- Good optics
Con
- Not durable with rubber material
Also Read: Best Celestron Spotting Scope
Hunting Spotting Scopes Buyer’s Guide
You’ll need a guide to navigate the hundreds of hunting spotting scopes. Here is a buyer’s guide for hunting spotting scopes:
Durability
Spotting scopes usually has the durability to protect them and ensure extended usage. However, you want more than the basic durability features for your hunting scope. Consider scopes with quality materials, extra lens protection like covers, and more.
Magnification
Even though most scopes claim to reach unbelievably high power ranges, not many can back up this claim in the field as they go dark. Therefore, ensure the scope you’re buying has other features that show it can utilize its highest magnification power.
Weight
Most times, the features, material, and objective lens determine the scope’s weight. Some scopes have special features reducing their weight while others are just plain heavy. Check the scope’s weight to see if it’ll be ideal for you.
Glass Quality
The quality of the glass and its features will typically increase the scope’s price. However, depending on the need for precision and the light present, you may need scopes with high-end glass like ED, and HD glasses backed up by quality bak-4 prisms.
FAQ’s
Here are some questions we’ve noticed keep coming up during conversations about hunting spotting scopes with their answers:
The choice depends on which features are most important to the user. For example, users that require quick target acquisition will find straight eyepieces more useful. While users looking for versatility and ease of use will enjoy angled eyepieces.
The best magnification range for hunting scope is usually 20-60x as it covers the majority of shooting distances typical hunters use.
Summary
Hunting spotting scopes have specialized features that enable hunting activities. If you want to buy a hunting scope, you’ll do well following the buying guide here and learning the tips for choosing the proper scope.