A spotting scope is a portable, powerful telescope designed to help you see objects at a distance. Spotting scopes are popular with birders, hunters, and nature enthusiasts of all kinds because they offer a bright, clear image and can be easily transported from one location to another.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the best spotting scopes for birding in 2023. We’ll go over what to look for when choosing a spotting scope, and we’ll give you our top picks for the best spotting scopes on the market.
Best Spotting Scopes For Birding 2023 Comparison Table
| Photo | Name | Check Price | Brand | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scopes | Check Price | Gosky | • Nitrogen filled • Waterproof • fog-proof • convenient to carry • Fully multi-coated • Quick Phone Holder |
 | Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope | Check Price | Gosky | • Waterproof Design • Durable • Fully multi-coated • Light weight • Variable magnification • Dynamic lens |
 | Bushnell Nitro 20-60x65 Spotting Scope | Check Price | Bushnell | • Versatile • Light weight • High quality • Fully Multi-Coated • ED Prime Objective • Waterproof |
 | Gosky EagleView Upgrade 20-60x85mm ED Spotting Scope | Check Price | Gosky | • Ultra High Definition • FULL MULIT-COATED • WATERPROOF • FOGPROOF • VARIABLE ZOOM MAGNIFICATION |
 | CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes for Hunting - | Check Price | CREATIVE XP | • NON-REFLECTIVE • DURABLE • EXTRA-LOW DISPERSION GLASS • WATERPROOF • ANTI-FOG • EASY TO USE |
 | EACONN 20-60x80 Spotting Scope | Check Price | EACONN | • Waterproof • Fog-proof • Weatherproof • Optimal Optical Performance • Full Range of Accessories |
 | Barska AD11284 Blackhawk 20-60x60 | Check Price | Barska | • Waterproof • Fog-proof • Shock-absorbing armor • Light weight • Multicoated optics |
 | BARSKA AD12162 Blackhawk 20-60x80 | Check Price | BARSKA | • Compact • Portable • Ergonomic design • Quality Optics • Deluxe Tripod • Variable zoom magnifications • Multi-coated optics • large objective lens |
 | Celestron Regal M2 65ED Spotting Scope | Check Price | Celestron | • Fully multi-coated • High quality ED glass • PERFECT VIEWING ANGLES • Ideal size • Light weight • Enhanced resolution and contrast |
 | Barska AD10350 Blackhawk 20-60x60 | Check Price | Barska | • Waterproof • Fog-proof • Shock-absorbing armor • Light weight • Multicoated optics |
1) Gosky 20-60×80 Spotting Scopes
This product has a 20x up to 60x zoom magnification, a lens dynamic focusing system, and a multi-coated film eyepiece lens which helps to acquire a brighter, clearer, and higher-contrast view. Additionally, the 80mm large objective lens, 45-degree angled eyepiece, and durable framework provide a more comfortable viewing experience while also providing adjustable viewing angles.
The Gosky 20-60×80 Spotting Scopes is also waterproof, fog proof, and has a retractable sun shade which makes it durable and able to withstand any type of weather condition.
2) Prism Spotting Scope By Gosky Porro
The Prism Spotting Scope By Gosky Porro is a great choice for birdwatching. It is fully multi-coated and has an 80mm film objective lens. The great prism inside the scope produces sharp and bright images. The variable 20x to 60x magnification, the lens dynamic focusing system, and the durable Magnalium framework make this scope a great choice for birders.
The rubber armor and the shock-absorbing rubber armor make this scope durable and easy to handle. The eyepiece shield protects your eyes from the sun. The waterproof design makes this scope ideal for use in all weather conditions. The digiscoping adapter allows you to attach your camera to the scope for taking pictures or videos of your birding adventures.
3) Bushnell Nitro 20-60×65 Spotting Scope
The Bushnell Nitro 20-60×65 Spotting Scope is a versatile top of the line hunting scope that offers a high-quality product with a waterproof design. The High Definition Optical System c coupled with ED Prime Extra-Low Dispersion glass and premium BaK-4 prisms create flawless color and ultra-crisp images with optimum light transmission.
The large 65mm objective lens allows for maximum light-gathering, while the 20-60x zoom power provides the ability to see even the smallest details. The included tripod and hard carrying case make this scope perfect for any hunter or outdoorsman.
4) Gosky EagleView Spotting Scope
The Gosky EagleView Spotting Scope is one of the best spotting scopes for birding. It has a magnification of 20x to 60x which is good for bird watching. The lenses are multi-coated and light-transmitting up to an incredible 98% per surface. The BAK4 Porro Prism and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass provide higher quality glass yielding.
The objective lens is 80mm and the eyepiece is 45-degree angled which is ergonomic in design. The scope is nitrogen filled, waterproof, fog-proof, and has a durable framework with rubber armor for shock-proof protection and non-slip grip.
5) CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes
If you’re looking for a great spotting scope for birding, then you’ll want to check out the Creative XP 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope. This scope has 60x magnification without any chromatic aberrations, making it perfect for getting up close and personal with your feathered friends.
The easy-to-use scope is also waterproof and anti-fog, so you won’t have to worry about the elements ruining your view. Plus, the O-ring sealed outer shell and non-reflective finish make this scope durable and long-lasting. And with multi-coated lenses, you’ll be able to see clearly even in low light conditions.
6) EACONN Spotting Scope
The EACONN Spotting Scope is the perfect choice for birdwatching or any other outdoor activity. It’s designed with high-quality materials and features a large objective lens, HD glass, multi-coating, and a sharp zoom system. The scope is also waterproof, fog-proof, and weatherproof, making it ideal for use in any condition. Plus, it comes with an extendable sunshade and a 2-year warranty.
The EACONN scope is the perfect choice for anyone looking for optimal optical performance and a high-contrast image. It’s also user-friendly and easy to maintain. With its durable construction and rubber armor, the scope can withstand any type of shock. And, the extendable sunshade protects your eyes from the sun’s glare.
Best Spotting scopes For Birding 2023: Buyer’s Guide
Photo Source-Amazon.com
What Are A Spotting scopes For Birding?
A spotting scope for birding is a tool that magnifies distant objects, making them appear closer. It’s like binoculars, but with a single eyepiece. You look through the eyepiece, and the image is magnified.
Spotting scopes come in all shapes and sizes, from small handheld units to large tripod-mounted models. There are many different ways to use a spotting scope for birding, but they all have one thing in common: they help you see things that are far away.
Spotting scopes are powerful tools that can help you see things that are far away. They work by magnifying the image of an object and making it appear larger. This makes it easier to see details that would otherwise be difficult to see with the naked eye.
Different Types Of Spotting Scopes For Birding
Spotting scopes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own set of features and benefits. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular types of spotting scopes to help you choose the right one for your birding needs
Porro Prism Spotting Scopes
Porro prism spotting scopes are the most popular type of scope for birding. They offer a wide field of view and good depth perception, making them ideal for tracking fast-moving birds. Porro prism scopes are also relatively lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around.
One advantage of Porro prism scopes is that they tend to be less expensive than their roof prism counterparts. However, they are not as durable and can be more difficult to align correctly.
Roof Prism Spotting Scopes
Roof prism spotting scopes are a good choice for birders who need a compact scope. They offer excellent image quality and can be easily handheld or mounted on a tripod. Roof prism scopes are also less likely to suffer from image distortion than Porro prism scopes. In addition, roof prism scopes tend to be more durable and water-resistant than Porro prism scopes.
One advantage of Porro prism scopes is that they often provide a wider field of view than roof prism scopes. This can be helpful when trying to locate fast-moving birds. Porro prism scopes are also usually less expensive than roof prism scopes.
Catadioptric Spotting Scopes
Catadioptric spotting scopes offer the best of both worlds, with a compact design and excellent image quality. They use a combination of mirrors and lenses to correct for image distortion, making them ideal for birders who want the clearest possible view. In addition, catadioptric scopes tend to be less expensive than their refractor counterparts.
One advantage of catadioptric scopes is that they use less glass than refractors, making them lighter and more portable. They are also less likely to produce chromatic aberration, which can appear as color fringing around the edges of objects.
Refractor Spotting Scopes
Refractor spotting scopes use lenses to correct for image distortion. This results in a brighter, clearer image than what you would get with a mirror-based scope. However, refractor scopes are typically larger and heavier than other types of scopes. If you’re serious about birding, a refractor scope is a good investment. But if you’re just getting started, you may want to start with a less expensive option.
One advantage of refractor scopes is that they don’t require frequent calibration as mirrors do. So if you’re using your scope in the field, you won’t have to worry about keeping it perfectly aligned.
Mirror Spotting Scopes
Mirror spotting scopes use mirrors to reflect and magnify the image. These scopes are typically lighter and more compact than refractor scopes. They were also less expensive. But because they use mirrors, they can produce a slightly lower-quality image.
One advantage of mirror spotting scopes is that the eyepiece can be placed in a variety of positions. This gives you more flexibility when using the scope.
Photo Source-Amazon.com
Considerations Before Buying A Spotting Scopes For Birding
There are a few things you should consider before purchasing your first spotting scope for birding. These include:
Budget
How much can you afford to spend on a spotting scope? There is a wide range of prices when it comes to spotting scopes, so it’s important to set a budget before beginning your search.
Optical quality
When looking for a spotting scope for birding, optical quality is one of the most important factors to consider. It’s important to find a scope that offers good resolution and image clarity, so you can see birds and other wildlife clearly.
There are a number of factors that can affect optical quality, including the type of glass used in the lenses and the coatings applied to the lenses. You’ll need to do some research to find out which optics will work best for your needs.
Size and weight
Another important consideration is the size and weight of the spotting scope. If you plan on hiking or backpacking with your scope, you’ll want something that’s lightweight and easy to carry.
On the other hand, if you’re mostly using your scope from a stationary position, weight may not be as big of a concern. However, you’ll still want to consider the size of the scope, as a larger scope can be more difficult to transport and set up.
Features
When choosing a spotting scope for birding, you’ll also want to consider the features offered. Some features to look for include:
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- BaK-4 prisms
- Rubber armor
- Waterproof and fog-proof construction
- Adjustable eyecups
These are just a few of the features that can be found on spotting scopes. You’ll need to decide which features are most important to you and look for a scope that offers them.
Portability
Another thing to consider is portability. If you plan on hiking or birding in remote areas, you’ll want a scope that’s easy to transport. This means looking for a lightweight and compact scope. However, if you’re mostly using your scope from a stationary position, portability may not be as big of a concern.
Benefits Of Using A Spotting Scopes For Birding
There are many benefits of using a spotting scope for birding. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that you can get a much closer look at the birds you are trying to identify. This is especially helpful if you are trying to spot rare or elusive birds. Even if the bird is far away, you can use the zoom feature on your scope to get a closer look.
Another great benefit of using a spotting scope for birding is that you can use it to scan a larger area for birds. This is especially helpful if you are looking for a specific type of bird in a large area such as a park or nature reserve. By using your scope, you can quickly scan the area for the bird you are looking for without having to walk around a large area.
Spotting scopes also give you the ability to take photos or videos of the birds you are observing. This can be a great way to document your sightings and share them with other birders. Many spotting scopes come with adapters that allow you to attach a camera to the scope. This can give you some great close-up photos or videos of the birds you are watching.
Finally, using a spotting scope can simply make birding more enjoyable. It can be very relaxing to sit in one spot and watch the birds come and go. Plus, it can be a great way to bond with nature and enjoy the beauty of the birds around you.
How To Prolong The Life Of A Spotting Scopes For Birding?
If you’re an avid birder, you know that having a good spotting scope is essential for getting a good look at birds. But what many people don’t realize is that there are some simple things you can do to prolong the life of your spotting scope. By taking just a few minutes to care for your scope, you can keep it in good condition for years to come.
One of the best things you can do for your spotting scope is to keep it clean. Dust and dirt can build up on the lenses, causing them to become less effective over time. When you’re not using your scope, make sure to keep it covered so that dust doesn’t have a chance to settle on the lenses. If you do get dust or dirt on the lenses, you can use a soft cloth to gently wipe it away.
It’s also important to keep your spotting scope dry. Moisture can damage the lens and other parts of the scope, so it’s best to avoid using it in humid conditions if possible. If you do need to use your scope in a humid environment, make sure to dry it off as soon as possible afterward.
Finally, if you’re not using your spotting scope for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to store it in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures can damage the lens and other parts of the scope, so it’s best to avoid storing it in a hot attic or garage.
By following these simple tips, you can help extend the life of your spotting scope and keep it in good condition for years to come.
Additional Tips When Using A Spotting Scopes For Birding
- Use a tripod – A tripod is an important tool when using a spotting scope as it provides stability and prevents shaking. This is especially important when birding as you will need to be able to zoom in and out quickly and smoothly without disturbing the bird’s natural habitat.
- Invest in a good quality lens – A good quality lens is essential for getting the most out of your spotting scope. It is worth investing in a good-quality lens that will allow you to zoom in and out smoothly and provide crisp images.
- Use a filter – A filter can be very helpful when birding as it can help to reduce glare and improve contrast. This is particularly important when birding in low-light conditions.
- Be patient – Birding can be a very rewarding experience but it is important to be patient. Sometimes the best views are those that are not rushed and you may need to wait for a while before the bird comes into view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth It To Buy A Spotting Scopes For Birding?
Yes, a spotting scope is worth the investment if you’re serious about birding. Not only will it help you see birds more clearly, but you’ll be able to track their movements and get a better look at their plumage and behavior.
Who Uses Spotting Scopes For Birding?
Spotting scopes are a type of telescope that is commonly used by birders, hunters, and wildlife enthusiasts to get a closer look at their target. These devices typically have a much higher magnification than binoculars, making them ideal for long-distance viewing.
Final Thoughts
Spotting scopes are an important tool for any birder. With the right scope, you’ll be able to get a better look at birds in their natural habitat and get a better idea of their behavior. But with so many different models on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one for your needs.
With a little research, though, you should be able to find the perfect scope for your birding needs. Keep in mind the factors we discussed in this article, and you’ll be sure to find a great scope that will help you enjoy your time spent outdoors.
Hi, I’m Jon Johnson and I’m the founder of Scopespage.com – your one-stop blog for all things optics! Here you’ll find everything from reviews on binoculars and microscopes to articles about astronomy, photography, and more! I’m passionate about helping people explore the world through optics, so join me as I share my knowledge and experience with you!