Spotting scopes are essential tools for anyone serious about target shooting. They provide a clear, magnified view of your target, allowing you to make precise adjustments to your aim.
Unlike binoculars or rifle scopes, spotting scopes offer higher magnification, making them ideal for long-distance observation.
When choosing a spotting scope, consider factors like magnification, lens quality, and durability.
Larger objective lenses gather more light, providing a clearer image, especially in low-light conditions.
Additionally, scopes built with high-quality materials and coatings resist water, dust, and glare, ensuring optimal performance in various environments.
You must also think about ease of use and portability.
A durable yet lightweight scope with a smooth focusing mechanism can make a significant difference.
Considering these aspects will help you find the best spotting scope for your target shooting needs.
Best Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting
Below is our full list of the best spotting scopes for target shooting. You’ll find reliable options suited for precision and clear viewing.
| Best Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1. Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope | 99% |
| 2. Gosky Newest 20-60X80 HD Dual Focusing Spotting Scope | 96% |
| 3. BARSKA Colorado Spotting Scope | 92% |
| 4. Gosky Spotting Scope | 89% |
| 5. Nexiview 25-75x80 Spotting Scope | 85% |
Want to learn more?
Here are our spotting scope for target shooting reviews.
1. Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
This spotting scope is ideal for those looking for a durable and reliable tool for target shooting in various conditions.
Pros
- Durable waterproof and fogproof construction
- Comes with multiple accessories, including a hard case and tripod
- Clear and bright images even at high magnification
Cons
- Can be bulky for some users
- Higher price point compared to other models
- Black spots sometimes present in lenses
The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope provides great clarity and brightness with its multi-coated optics.
Designed to withstand harsh conditions, this scope is waterproof and fogproof, ensuring consistent performance.
Its sturdy rubber-armored body both absorbs shocks and lasts long, making it a dependable companion for any outing.
The included accessories like the tripod and hard case add significant value.
Despite its many strong points, its weight can be a drawback for some users.
Additionally, while it comes at a higher price, it offers a robust build and excellent optical quality.
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2. Gosky Newest 20-60X80 HD Dual Focusing Spotting Scope
This spotting scope is a great choice for clear optics and flexibility in target shooting.
Pros
- Smooth and accurate dual-speed focusing
- High magnification with clear optics
- Durable and weatherproof design
Cons
- Tripod might feel small and less stable
- Phone adapter could be better
- Heavier than some alternatives
The Gosky Newest 20-60X80 HD Spotting Scope stands out with its dual-speed focusing wheels, allowing for precise adjustments.
You can achieve clear and accurate viewing with minimal effort.
The large 80mm objective lens and high-density BaK-4 prisms enhance light transmission.
You get bright, clear images even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for early morning or evening shoots.
The eyepiece is angled at 45 degrees for comfort during extended observations.
Additionally, the scope is built to withstand various weather conditions.
It’s nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, which makes it resistant to moisture and dust.
The rubber armor provides a non-slip grip and added protection from shocks.
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3. BARSKA Colorado Spotting Scope
This product is great for beginners looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope with decent performance.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Good image clarity within 150 yards
- Includes a convenient mini tripod
Cons
- Loses clarity beyond 150 yards
- Tripod may feel unstable
- Limited to medium-range spotting
A standout feature of the BARSKA Colorado Spotting Scope is its portability.
Weighing just 14.1 ounces, you can carry it with ease during your target shooting sessions.
Its compact size makes it a good choice for those always on the go.
The scope provides clear images up to 150 yards thanks to its multicoated glass and BK-7 Porro prism.
Beyond this distance, clarity diminishes, but it remains useful for intermediate ranges.
Included in the package is a mini tripod, which is handy but might feel unstable in windy conditions.
Despite this, its shock-absorbing rubber armor ensures durability during outdoor use.
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4. Gosky Spotting Scope
A versatile and durable option for target shooting enthusiasts who need clear and bright images.
Pros
- Variable magnification for easy zooming
- Waterproof and fog-proof design
- Includes smartphone adapter and tripod
Cons
- Heavier than some competitor models
- Smaller tripod may not be ideal for all situations
- Limited effectiveness at very long distances
You will appreciate the Gosky Spotting Scope for its dynamic lens focusing system and 20x to 60x magnification.
This makes targeting easier, allowing for clear images even from a distance.
The waterproof and fog-proof design provides durability, making it reliable in different weather conditions.
Additionally, the included smartphone adapter lets you take photos and videos of your targets.
However, the scope’s weight might be a bit more than some other models, which may affect portability for some users.
The small tripod may not provide enough stability for certain uses, and the scope may struggle with very long-range targets.
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5. Nexiview 25-75×80 Spotting Scope
This spotting scope is designed to offer high magnification and clear image quality, making it ideal for target shooting.
Pros
- High magnification (25-75x) offers detailed views
- Large 80mm objective lens for better light capture
- BAK4 prism for bright, high-contrast images
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors
- Price may be high for beginners
- Phone adapter can be tricky to align
The Nexiview spotting scope offers a powerful 25-75x zoom magnification, which means you can focus on distant targets and capture fine details.
Its large 80mm objective lens helps to let in more light, resulting in a clearer and wider field of view. If you are a target shooter, this can greatly improve your ability to see your mark.
BAK4 prisms ensure you get clear and bright images with high contrast, even at the edges. This feature makes it stand out compared to other prisms like BK7.
With an included upgraded tripod and phone adapter, recording your observations becomes easy and convenient.
The scope is somewhat heavyweight, which could be an issue if you prefer lighter gear.
Additionally, the price might be on the higher side if you are just starting out.
Aligning the phone adapter may take some practice, but once you get it right, it’s a handy addition for capturing and sharing your views.
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Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting Buying Guide
Magnification: Look for scopes with magnification between 20x and 60x. This range is ideal for clear views of targets at various distances.
Objective Lens: A larger objective lens, like 60mm to 80mm, gathers more light. This helps you see better in low-light situations.
Lens Coating: Choose scopes with fully multi-coated lenses. This improves clarity and reduces glare, making targets easier to see.
Eye Relief: Find a scope with eye relief of at least 15mm. This is important for comfort, especially if you wear glasses.
Field of View: A wider field of view allows you to see more area around your target. Look for specs that state the field of view in feet at 1000 yards.
Waterproof and Fogproof: Ensure the scope is both waterproof and fogproof. This guarantees durability in different weather conditions.
Weight and Portability: Consider the weight if you plan to carry it around. Lightweight scopes are easier to handle and transport.
Tripod Compatibility: Check if the scope comes with or fits on a tripod. Stability is key for clear and steady viewing.
Focus Mechanism: Decide between dual focus (fine and coarse adjustments) and single focus. Dual focus offers more precision.
Price: Think about your budget and compare features at different price points. Balance cost with quality for the best buy.