5 Best Budget Spotting Scopes (Reviews Updated 2024)

A spotting scope is a must-have for bird watchers, hunters, and amateur astronomers. Unlike binoculars, spotting scopes provide higher magnification, allowing you to see distant objects in more detail. They are often used for activities where portability and quick setup are important.

Choosing the right spotting scope means considering several key factors. Magnification and lens quality are crucial for clear images. Durability and weight are also important, especially if you’ll be carrying it on long hikes. Some models prioritize waterproofing and fog proofing for use in various weather conditions.

We looked at many spotting scopes to help you find the best budget option that balances quality and affordability.

Best Budget Spotting Scope

We have compiled a list of the best budget spotting scopes. These options provide excellent performance while being friendly on the wallet.

Want to learn more?

Here are our budget spotting scope reviews.

1. Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope provides reliable performance and durability for a budget price.

Pros

• Clear image quality with multi-coated optics
• Solid build with waterproof and fogproof design
• Comes with comprehensive accessories including cases and tripod

Cons

• Heavier than other compact spotting scopes
• Fixed magnification range may limit use
• Some internal lens issues reported

The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope serves well in various weather conditions. Its multi-coated optics deliver clear, bright images, making it ideal for bird watching or target shooting. The scope’s sturdy rubber armor protects it from shocks and bumps, ensuring durability.

We found the included tripod and window mount quite useful. The hard and soft cases offered excellent protection during transport. For those keen on convenience and versatility, this package covers all essentials.

Despite a few drawbacks, such as weight and limited magnification, this scope is a solid choice for budget-conscious users. For reliable performance, the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme is a worthwhile investment.

2. Celestron Ultima 80 Spotting Scope

If you’re in the market for a versatile and budget-friendly spotting scope, the Celestron Ultima 80 is a strong contender.

Pros

• Excellent image clarity
• Durable waterproof design
• Easy zoom functionality

Cons

• Slightly bulky
• Needs a tripod for best results
• Eyepiece can be challenging to adjust

This spotting scope delivers clear and bright views, making it perfect for nature watching and long-distance viewing. The multi-coated optics significantly improve the color and contrast of the images, ensuring you get the best possible picture.

We appreciate the waterproof and fogproof design, which means it performs well even in harsh weather conditions. This makes it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures.

The zoom eyepiece allows for fast and easy adjustments, which is great for capturing detailed views. However, its bulkiness means it’s best used with a sturdy tripod for extended use. Despite a few minor setbacks, the Celestron Ultima 80 offers excellent value for money.

3. Celestron Land Scout Spotting Scope

This scope offers excellent value for beginners with its ease of use and versatile bundle.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Excellent optical quality for the price
• Comes with a smartphone adapter

Cons

• Some large phone cases might not fit
• Needs a better tripod for stability
• Not ideal for viewing stars

The Celestron Land Scout Spotting Scope is incredibly easy to carry around. Its compact size fits neatly in a backpack, making it perfect for hiking trips.

By pairing it with the smartphone adapter, we can effortlessly capture stunning images and videos. The magnification options allow us to switch between wide landscape views and detailed close-ups quickly.

The build quality feels durable, and the rubber grips make adjusting the zoom and focus simple. Though we found that some phone cases had to be removed to fit the adapter, it’s a small trade-off for the convenience provided. The optics are impressive, delivering bright and sharp images consistently.

4. Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope

We highly recommend this spotting scope for its exceptional clarity and versatility.

Pros

• Dual-speed focus for quick and precise adjustments
• Large 80mm objective lens for brighter images
• Includes smartphone adapter for easy digiscoping

Cons

• Heavy and bulky compared to other models
• Focusing wheels may feel stiff initially
• The price may be higher than basic models

The Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope amazed us with its optical clarity and light transmission. The large 80mm objective lens ensures we see detailed and bright images, even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the dual-speed focusing system allows for quick target acquisition and fine adjustments.

Its waterproof and fog-proof design means we can take it into tough environments. The rubber armor provides a secure, shockproof grip. This makes it perfect for various outdoor activities, including bird watching, hunting, and stargazing.

We found the included smartphone adapter incredibly useful for capturing photos and videos of our observations. It’s a fantastic feature for those who enjoy sharing their experiences or documenting their sightings.

Overall, this scope offers great performance and value for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality spotting scope. The added accessories make it easy to carry and maintain, enhancing our outdoor adventures.

5. Gosky Updated Spotting Scope

This is a great budget-friendly spotting scope that balances affordability with solid performance.

Pros

• Affordable price with high-quality optics
• Versatile magnification for different uses
• Includes useful accessories like a phone adapter and tripod

Cons

• Tripod is small and not very stable
• Heavier than some other budget options
• Focus can be challenging at higher magnifications

We were impressed with the image clarity offered by the Gosky Updated Spotting Scope. The fully multi-coated 80mm lens provides bright, clear views, making it a strong choice for birdwatching or wildlife observation. The BAK4 Porro prism optics greatly enhance the light transmission, offering crisp and vibrant images.

The spotting scope’s magnification ranges from 20x to 60x, which allows us to zoom in on distant objects with ease. The focusing system is intuitive and lets us quickly adjust our view, which is especially crucial when observing moving targets. The waterproof and fog-proof design ensures durability, making it suitable for various outdoor adventures.

One handy feature is the included smartphone digiscoping adapter. This allows us to capture stunning photos and videos directly through the scope. The addition of a carrying case, protective covers, and a cleaning cloth simplifies maintenance and transport, making this scope both practical and user-friendly.

Budget Spotting Scope Buying Guide

Here’s everything you need to know about buying a budget spotting scope.

Magnification and Objective Lens Size

Look for a spotting scope with a magnification range between 20x to 60x. Higher magnification allows us to see more detail. The objective lens size, typically between 60mm and 80mm, affects light gathering. Larger lenses provide a brighter and clearer image.

Build Quality

A durable build is crucial for outdoor use. Choose scopes with waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof features. This ensures they hold up in various weather conditions and accidental drops.

Eye Relief

Eye relief refers to the distance from the eyepiece where the entire field of view is visible. It’s important for comfortable use, especially for those wearing glasses. We should look for eye relief of at least 15mm.

Weight and Portability

Consider the weight and size for ease of carrying. Compact and lightweight scopes are easier to transport. This makes them ideal for long hikes and extended use.

Field of View

A wider field of view allows us to see more area without moving the scope. This is handy for tracking moving objects and scanning large areas. Look for scopes with a field of view between 100 to 150 feet at 1,000 yards.

Tripod Compatibility

Check if the scope comes with a tripod or is compatible with standard tripods. A stable tripod prevents shaking and provides a clearer image. This is especially important at higher magnifications.

Price

Budget is always a factor. We should aim for the best balance between cost and features. High prices don’t always mean better quality, so compare specs within our budget range.