5 Best Spotting Scopes for Astronomy (Reviews Updated 2024)

Astronomy is a fascinating hobby that lets you explore the universe from your own backyard.

Spotting scopes, typically used for bird watching and hunting, can be a great tool for stargazing thanks to their portable nature and powerful magnification.

They provide a closer view of celestial objects than binoculars but are more manageable than telescopes.

When choosing a spotting scope for astronomy, consider the objective lens diameter, magnification range, and build quality.

A larger lens will gather more light, making fainter objects visible.

Magnification is key for detailed views, but too much can reduce image clarity.

Durability and ease of use are also important, as you’ll want a scope that can withstand outdoor conditions and is simple to set up.

Finding the right spotting scope means balancing these features to suit your stargazing needs.

Let’s look at some of the best options available, considering these critical aspects.

Best Spotting Scopes for Astronomy

Here are some of the best spotting scopes for astronomy. They offer great optics and durability to enhance your stargazing experience.

Want to learn more?

Here are our astronomy spotting scope reviews.

1. Celestron 90mm Maksutov Spotting Scope

This spotting scope is an excellent choice for both nature and astronomy enthusiasts thanks to its portability and high-quality optics.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design
• Sharp and clear images
• Can be used for photography with the appropriate adapters

Cons

• Some reviewers reported difficulties with initial setup
• Limited field of view compared to larger telescopes
• The included carry bag might not be durable for long-term use

This Celestron 90mm Maksutov Spotting Scope is ideal for those who need a compact and portable solution.

Its optical design ensures clear and crisp views both for terrestrial and astronomical purposes.

The minimized size makes it easy to carry on outdoor adventures.

It also features multiple accessories including a 32mm eyepiece and an erect image diagonal, complementing its already versatile nature.

You can even attach your camera to it and capture stunning photos with the help of optional adapters.

Despite its many advantages, you might face some challenges during the initial setup.

Some users find the included carrying case not very durable, which could be a concern if you plan to use it frequently outdoors. Nonetheless, for its price and feature set, this scope offers great value.

2. Barska Benchmark Spotting Scope

This spotting scope provides clear views and sturdy design, making it a reliable choice for astronomy enthusiasts.

Pros

• Versatile magnification range from 25x to 125x
• Fully-coated optics for clear images
• Waterproof and shockproof construction

Cons

• Limited image clarity at very high magnifications
• May require a stronger tripod for stability
• Some users report chromatic aberration

The Barska Benchmark Spotting Scope offers powerful magnification, allowing you to zoom in on celestial objects with ease.

Its fully-coated optics and large objective lens ensure bright and clear views.

This scope is built to withstand tough conditions, being both waterproof and shockproof.

It includes a tabletop tripod and ACCU-Grip handle, ensuring steady views during use.

While the scope performs well, some users note reduced image clarity at the highest magnifications.

Investing in a better tripod may be necessary for stable, high-powered viewing.

The scope also shows some chromatic aberration, affecting its suitability for detailed photography.

3. Celestron Mini MAK 70mm Spotting Scope

This compact and versatile scope is a solid choice for both daytime and nighttime use.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• High magnification up to 75x
• Includes tabletop tripod with slow-motion controls

Cons

• Tripod could be sturdier
• Image gets dim at higher magnifications
• Limited accessories

The Celestron Mini MAK 70mm is known for its portability and ease of use.

Weighing just 2 pounds and measuring 11 inches in length, it’s easy to transport.

Its compact design makes it a great option for those who need a portable telescope.

The built-in zoom eyepiece allows you to achieve up to 75x magnification, which is impressive for such a small scope.

You can easily switch between different magnifications, making it versatile for different viewing needs.

The included tabletop tripod features slow motion controls, which helps in tracking objects smoothly.

Though it’s convenient, the tripod might feel a bit flimsy to some users.

The scope itself is robust, offering clear views of both terrestrial and celestial objects.

4. Gosky Spotting Scope

A practical choice for astronomy enthusiasts looking for a reliable and versatile spotting scope.

Pros

• Excellent magnification range from 20x to 60x
• High-quality optics for bright, clear images
• Sturdy design with waterproof features

Cons

• Tripod might be too small for some users
• Focus can be tricky at higher magnifications
• Slightly heavier compared to other models

The Gosky Spotting Scope offers a great range of magnification levels.

This makes it well-suited for observing stars and planets.

Its high-quality optics ensure that your views are clear and bright.

Even in low-light conditions, the images remain sharp and detailed.

While the included tripod is useful, it may not be tall enough for everyone’s needs.

You might want to consider getting a larger tripod for better stability during extended observation sessions.

5. Emarth Spotting Scope

A great choice for stargazers looking for an affordable and reliable spotting scope.

Pros

• Excellent zoom range from 20x to 60x
• Fully multi-coated lenses for clear images
• Durable and easy to handle

Cons

• Heavier than some other models
• Needs a stable tripod for best use
• Not designed for professional-grade optics

The Emarth Spotting Scope offers an impressive magnification range, making it ideal for viewing celestial objects.

Its fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright and clear images even in low light conditions.

The 45-degree angled eyepiece is perfect for comfortable long sessions.

Built to last, the Emarth scope has high-quality rubber armor for a non-slip grip.

This durability makes it suitable for rough outdoor conditions.

Additionally, the retractable sunshade helps reduce glare, especially useful during daylight hours.

Astronomy Spotting Scope Buying Guide

When looking for a spotting scope for astronomy, there are several key features to consider. Each feature affects your viewing experience and the quality of what you see.

Magnification

Spotting scopes come with different magnification levels.

Choose a scope with at least 15x to 60x magnification. Higher magnification lets you see more details, but can also make the image shakier.

Objective Lens Diameter

A larger objective lens gathers more light, crucial for night observations.

Look for lenses at least 60mm in diameter. Larger lenses provide brighter images, especially useful in low-light conditions.

Lens Coating

Lens coating improves light transmission and reduces glare.

Fully multi-coated lenses are best as they give clearer and brighter images.

Build Quality

Durability is essential.

Look for scopes made from high-quality materials that can withstand outdoor conditions. Waterproof and fog-proof features are beneficial for stability and longevity.

Eyepiece

Some scopes have fixed eyepieces, while others have interchangeable ones.

Interchangeable eyepieces offer flexibility but might require extra investment.

Weight and Portability

Consider how often you’ll be moving your scope.

Lighter scopes are easier to transport but may not be as stable. Weight affects portability, important for field use.

Tripod Compatibility

A sturdy tripod is necessary for stable viewing.

Ensure the scope is compatible with standard tripods, or consider buying a combo if available.

Field of View (FOV)

FOV determines the size of the visible area.

A wider FOV is better for spotting large objects like star clusters. Check the specifications for FOV at different magnifications.