Spotting scopes are useful tools for bird watchers, hunters, and nature enthusiasts. They help you see distant objects clearly without needing a heavy or expensive piece of equipment.
Finding a good spotting scope under $100 can be a challenge, but it’s possible to get reliable performance without breaking the bank.
When shopping for a budget spotting scope, consider factors like magnification power, lens quality, and build durability.
Pay attention to the scope’s weight and size, especially if you plan on carrying it for long periods. Waterproof and fog-proof features are also beneficial for outdoor use.
Balancing affordability with quality is key. Here are some of the best spotting scopes under $100 to help you make a smart choice.
Best Spotting Scopes Under $100
Here is a comprehensive list of the best spotting scopes you can buy for under $100. These models offer good optics at an affordable price point.
| Best Spotting Scopes Under $100 | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1. Celestron – Mini MAK 70mm Angled Spotting Scope | 99% |
| 2. Celestron LandScout Spotting Scope | 96% |
| 3. Barska Benchmark Spotting Scope | 92% |
| 4. BARSKA Colorado Spotting Scope | 89% |
| 5. Vortex Optics Car Window Mount | 85% |
Want to learn more?
Here are our spotting scope under $100 reviews.
1. Celestron – Mini MAK 70mm Angled Spotting Scope
This is a compact and versatile spotting scope suitable for land and stargazing within an affordable price range.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Versatile for daytime and nighttime use
- Includes tripod and carrying case
Cons
- Tripod stability could be better
- Image clarity diminishes at high magnification
- Limited focus range
The Celestron Mini MAK 70mm offers great portability, making it easy to carry anywhere. You can use it for various activities like bird watching and nature observation.
Its versatility extends to stargazing, capable of viewing celestial bodies.
This scope comes with a built-in zoom eyepiece, giving you up to 75x magnification. The compact design doesn’t compromise on power, allowing you to spot distant targets.
Its soft carrying case adds convenience for transport.
A tabletop tripod is included for easy setup, although it may not be the most stable option.
Overall, it’s a practical and budget-friendly choice for beginners who want to explore both terrestrial and astronomical viewing.
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2. Celestron LandScout Spotting Scope
A great option for beginners looking for a compact and budget-friendly scope with a smartphone adapter for capturing images.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Smartphone adapter included
- Good optical quality for the price
Cons
- Some large phone cases don’t fit the adapter
- Focus can be a bit tricky
- Limited zoom range
This spotting scope is a solid choice for those new to birdwatching or hiking.
Its compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for carrying on long trips.
The 12-36x zoom eyepiece gives you a decent range for both wide views and close-up details.
Using the included smartphone adapter, you can easily capture photos and videos through the scope.
This feature adds a fun, multimedia aspect to your outdoor adventures. Just be aware, you might need to remove bulky phone cases to fit your phone in the adapter.
The LandScout’s fully coated optics offer bright and sharp images.
It’s also water-resistant, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
The rugged build ensures it can handle minor bumps during your trips, giving you reliable performance for a budget-friendly price.
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3. Barska Benchmark Spotting Scope
A solid choice for those seeking a versatile, budget-friendly spotting scope with high magnification.
Pros
- Wide 18-90x magnification range
- Includes both hard and soft carrying cases
- Waterproof and fogproof build
Cons
- Some chromatic aberration at high magnification
- Not suitable for photography
- Requires a sturdy tripod for stable viewing
This Barska Benchmark Spotting Scope is versatile, offering powerful magnification from 18x to 90x.
It’s well-suited for different activities like birdwatching and target shooting.
With fully-coated optics, you’ll get clear and bright images.
The scope’s durable rubber armor makes it dependable in tough weather.
It stands out for providing both a hard and soft carrying case, adding extra convenience.
On the downside, you might notice some chromatic aberration at higher magnifications.
It’s also not the best choice for photography. To get the best results, you’ll need a sturdy tripod for stable viewing.
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4. BARSKA Colorado Spotting Scope
This scope is a solid choice for anyone needing a budget-friendly spotting tool.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Decent zoom range
- Comes with a tripod and carrying case
Cons
- Image quality decreases past 150 yards
- Small size may not suit everyone
- Mid to high zoom can blur images
This scope offers a 15-40x magnification and boasts multi-coated optics. The 50mm objective lens ensures good brightness and clarity at short to medium distances.
Included is a mini tripod that is handy for quick setups in varied terrains.
Its rubber armor provides added durability and shock absorption, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
While the image begins to blur past 150 yards, it remains a decent low-cost scope for general observation. This is an excellent option for beginners or those on a tight budget.
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5. Vortex Optics Car Window Mount
Great for anyone who wants an easy-to-use, reliable support system for their spotting scopes and binoculars without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Quick and easy to attach
- Solid and sturdy support
- Smooth pan and tilt action
Cons
- Can feel a bit heavy
- Paint inside the pivot may need sanding
- Lock mechanism could be better
Ready to use in just seconds, the Vortex Optics Car Window Mount helps you set up in any vehicle quickly.
It attaches and detaches easily, making it convenient for spontaneous bird watching or scouting.
This mount is designed to be compact and provides solid support for your spotting scopes or binoculars.
The smooth pan head mechanism allows you to adjust it effortlessly with just one hand.
Some users have mentioned it can be a bit heavy, and the locking mechanism might not be perfect. However, its overall durability and ease of use make it a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable mounting option.
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Spotting Scope Under $100 Buying Guide
When shopping for a spotting scope under $100, look for clarity and magnification.
Good optics will let you see details clearly. Check for lenses that work well in low light.
Pay attention to durability. A scope should handle tough conditions.
Look for materials like rubber armor.
Portability matters too. Choose a compact and lightweight scope if you plan to carry it a lot.
Think about eye relief if you wear glasses.
You need at least 14mm of eye relief for comfort.
Focus mechanism is important. A smooth and quick focus will help you lock onto targets faster.
Lastly, consider a tripod. Some scopes come with one, but you might need to buy separately for stability.