Are you looking for a powerful spotting scope to go the distance? You have come to the right place. In our post today, we are going to take a look at the best long range spotting scopes suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Spotting scopes come with high magnification power that makes them essential tools for long range shooting applications. Whether you are looking for a game in large, open fields or punching paper in the shooting range, a spotting scope is a valuable item to have.
The high magnification power will help you find the targets with ease at any distance. It will also improve your vision in different lighting conditions and fine-tune your shooting accuracy at extended ranges.
What Makes a Great Long Range Spotting Scope?
A spotting scope for long-range shooting is slightly different from a hunting spotting scope. Unlike their hunting counterparts, long-range shooters are mostly static eliminating the need for a lightweight optic.
Quality glass is the other key attribute of a long-range spotter. The glass used on the lenses should be fully multi-coated for maximum light transmission needed for crisp images at all times. Glare-reduction and anti-reflective coating will also help in the provision of vivid images.
Going hand in hand with quality glass is a large objective lens. A larger aperture lets more light through resulting in brighter images even at the highest magnification setting. For long-distance shooting 60mm to 80mm is preferable.
Rugged construction defines a long-range spotting scope. The housing used should be tough to deliver relentless performance in the most challenging environments. Furthermore, you want to have a spotting scope that will last you many years.
Lastly, to maintain accuracy at the highest magnifications, a long-range spotting scope should have a reticle. The reticle will help you make the necessary adjustments in your rifle scope before firing to boost your chances of being spot on.
8 Best Long Range Spotting Scopes
With a wide pool of spotting scopes to choose from, selecting the best spotter for your shooting needs is easier said than done. The following spotting scopes made the cut and will enhance your long-distance shooting.
Allow us to take you through some of the best long range spotting scopes in the market. Shall we?
#1) Leupold SX-5 Santiam 27-55x80mm HD Spotting Scope
The Leupold SX-5 Santiam is a great long range spotting scope that provides vibrant and HD-quality views of targets. It is easy to use and suitable for virtually all long-range applications. In the spotting scope, high-quality glass and smooth focus marry together to create a functional solution for tactical applications.
With this spotting scope, you get to choose either an angle or straight model, based on your needs and individual preference. All models have a versatile 27-55x zoom power to help you find targets at extended ranges easily, and a large 80mm aperture that provides quality image views at every zoom setting.
Like any other Leupold optic, the SX-5 Santiam is designed and assembled in the USA. This way, you are guaranteed its longevity and durability. Furthermore, it employs Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System which helps it perform well even in challenging lighting conditions.
Furthermore, the scope is built with a Twilight Light Max HD Management System for optimal low-light performance. In terms of construction, it has waterproof and fog-proof housing for all-weather reliability. The durable housing is also wrapped with rubber armor for added protection.
The spotting scope also comes with an ultra-smooth focus that delivers ultra-sharp image views and scratch-resistant lenses to withstand rough field handling. To top it all off, it has an oversized eyepiece for comfortable glassing, with or without eyewear.
A stellar optical performance, weather-resistant construction, a smooth focusing system and crystal-clear glass are the main attributes that make Leupold SX-5 Santiam stand out as one of the best long range spotting scopes.
Features
- Built-in 1/4-20 rotatable tripod
- HD calcium fluoride lenses
- Rubber armor coating
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Twilight Light Max HD Management System
- Ultra-smooth focus
Pros
- Oversized eyepiece for comfortable glassing
- High build quality
- Stunning low-light performance
- American Quality
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Expensive
#2) Vanguard Endeavor 20-60x82mm HD 82A Spotting Scope
The Vanguard Endeavor 20-60x82mm is a feature-rich angled spotting that delivers incredible and precise views with stunning consistency. It has a vast 20-60x magnification power for intermediate and long-range observation and an angled eyepiece for comfortable glassing.
To complement the broad magnification, the scope comes with a fully multi-coated optical path that guarantees crisp clear sight pictures at every setting. It is also equipped with a massive 82mm objective lens that provides a wide field of view, and phase-corrected BAK4 prisms that produce bright and crisp images that are rich with contrast.
The spotting scope is built to last. It has a rugged magnesium body that is durable and lightweight. The body has textured rubber armor that shields it from shock and impacts. It is also waterproof and nitrogen filled to keep both the internal and external lenses free of fog.
For added convenience, the scope comes with a built-in sunshade for comfortable glassing in broad daylight. It also has a dual-focus mechanism for making fine and coarse-focus adjustments. Combining stunning features at a pocket-friendly price makes the Endeavor HD 20-60x82mm Spotting Scope one of the best long range spotting scopes.
Features
- Tripod mounting foot
- Interchangeable eyepiece mount
- Angled-viewing eyepiece
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Textured rubber armor
- Built-in sunshade
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Durable magnesium body
Pros
- Exceptionally clear at close and medium range
- Excellent color and contrast
- Solid construction
- Dual focus control
Cons
- The resolution could be better
#3) Newcon Optik Spotter ED 20-60x82mm Spotting Scope
Introducing the Newcon Optik Spotter ED 20-60x82mm Spotting Scope which is a perfect spotter for using at the range when you need to hit a distant target accurately. This straight spotting scope harbors a multitude of advanced and user-friendly features that make it one of the best long range spotting scopes.
To enhance durability, the scope is built to handle extreme weather and rough handling. It has a rubber-armored body that absorbs shock and provides an enhanced grip in wet conditions. It is also nitrogen filled to keep the lenses fog free when the temperatures and humidity levels change.
Another facet that makes the spotting scope shine is the stunning optical performance. It has a large 82mm aperture that optimizes low-light performance and ED glass that improves resolution, contrast and color fidelity. Even better, the scope has fully multi-coated optics that produce edge-to-edge clarity by improving light transmission.
The spotting scope is also equipped with a 1/4”-20 tripod mount for easy mounting on a tripod and a sliding dew shield that keeps dew and moisture at bay. With exceptional durability, the spotting scope will last you a long time.
Features
- 20-60x zoom eyepiece
- Straight viewing
- BaK-4 Porro prisms
- Sliding dew shield
- Built-in 1/4”-20 tripod mount
- Lightweight polycarbonate chassis
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Robust and reliable construction
- Comes with a tripod
- Crisp clear optics
- Has a reticle
- Great value for money
- Tough build for a solid performance
Cons
- Doesn’t have an angled eyepiece
#4) Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 30-60x Spotting Scope
When it comes to versatility, the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 30-60x spotting scope is hard to beat. It is designed to provide a comfortable viewing experience when you are hunting, shooting, or observing wildlife from a distance.
The powerful 30-60x zoom will bring the distant target closer and with the large objective lens, you are guaranteed bright and vibrant image views, even in low-light settings.
Besides, the spotting scope is equipped with a LotuTec hydrophobic exterior lens coating that provides a clean field of view by shedding dirt, fingerprint stains and moisture on the lens.
Regarding construction, this spotting scope has a compact housing that is made from durable magnesium alloy. It is light enough to be easy to carry around but rigid as well to weather rough handling that comes with outdoor use.
The spotting scope is built to be operable in any weather condition. The housing is nitrogen field and O-ring sealed to provide a lifetime of waterproof and fog proof performance. It also has an extendable sunshade that keeps the rain, snow and dust off the objective for added protection.
Above all, it has a removable eyepiece for compatibility with other eyepieces and a large collar that is simple to manipulate, even when you are wearing gloves. The spotter remains truthful across all the magnification powers and is surely one of the best long range spotting scopes.
Features
- Rotating tripod collar
- Large textured focusing collar
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Compact roof prism design
- 45-degrees angled viewing
- LotuTec multi-coated optics
- Durable magnesium body
Pros
- Lightweight and compact in size
- Solid construction
- Stunning light-gathering ability
- Clarity at all magnification levels
Cons
- High cost
- Slightly heavier
#5) Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 Spotting Scope
As one of the best long range spotting scopes, the Razor HD 27-60×85 is one of the finest spotting scopes engineered with everything you require to observe targets with great clarity at any distance.
With an angled viewing, a 27-60x zoom eyepiece and a large 85mm objective lens, the scope is easy to use and suitable for viewing subjects at any distance and lighting condition. The optical performance of this spotting scope is second to none.
In addition to having an oversized objective lens, it boasts specialized lens coatings that provide clear and bright image views at every magnification and lighting condition. It also possesses high-density, extra-low dispersion glass that produces bright, clear and high-contrast sight pictures with accurate color rendition.
Like any other Vortex optic, this Razor HD spotting scope is operable in any weather condition. It has a durable and lightweight magnesium chassis that is O-ring sealed and argon-filled making it fully waterproof, fog proof and dustproof. The chassis is also rubber-armored for added protection from elements, bumps and impacts.
Furthermore, the scope has a wide adjustment collar for fast, yet fine focusing and a retractable sunshade for glare protection. It is also equipped with a 1/4″-20 tripod mount for easy mounting on the tripod.
Features
- Traditional Porro prism optical path
- XR Plus fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof, dustproof and fogproof
- High-density, ED glass
- Helical focusing collar
- Durable magnesium chassis
- Armortek lens coatings
- Angled viewing
- Rotating tripod collar
Pros
- Great visibility in all lighting conditions
- Smooth helical focus
- Crisp clear optics
- The angled design is very stable
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive for budget buyers
#6) Kowa 88mm Prominar Spotting Scope
Never underestimate the power of a quality spotter. It makes a difference in the field and like other spotters, the Kowa 88mm Prominar spotting scope redefines clarity by offering unparalleled resolution and contrast.
This is an angled spotting scope that redefines the standards of brightness, color accuracy, and sharpness. The optical prowess makes it one of the best long range spotting scopes. Expect high-quality performance from the Kowa 88mm Prominar spotter.
The spotting scope uses pure fluorite crystal glass that minimizes chromatic aberration greatly. This guarantees optimum efficiency in light gathering so the images generated are clear and sharp in any lighting condition. Furthermore, the scope has multi-coated prisms that maximize image brightness and crispness from dawn to dusk.
When it comes to construction, the Kowa 88mm Prominar is made of a magnesium alloy that guarantees longevity and durability. It is also built with a sliding rubber armored sunshade that shields the objective lens from rain, snow and stray light.
More importantly, the scope is built to be operable in all weather conditions. It has a JIS protection class 7 that gives it extreme water and fog-proof performance. It is also built with a dual-speed fine and coarse focusing system for quick focusing.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Angled viewing
- Fluorite crystal glass
- Magnesium alloy construction
- Dual-speed fine and coarse focusing system
- Rotating tripod collar
- Quick aiming sightline for swift object locating
- Sliding rubber armored sunshade
Pros
- Stunning edge-to-edge clarity
- Easily adapted to SLR cameras, shoot cameras and digital point
- Extremely bright optics
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Heavy on the pocket
#7) Celestron TrailSeeker 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope
Celestron is a world leader in optics equipment. It is known for its quality and cost-effective optics and the TrailSeeker 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope is not any different. It is one of the best long range spotting scopes for beginners and budget buyers.
Featuring a versatile 20-60x zoom eyepiece, the scope is suitable for intermediate and long-range observations. The 45° angled viewing provides a comfortable glassing experience and with the over-sized 80mm objective lens, the spotting scope provides stunning image quality even at the highest zoom power.
The scope is built for adverse field and weather conditions. It has a nitrogen-filled body that keeps the lenses free of fog, even when you take them to areas with a large temperature gradient. It is also equipped with rugged rubber-armored polycarbonate housing that is rigid enough to withstand whatever you throw at it.
For comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses, the spotting scope comes with a twist-up eyecup. It also brings to the table a tripod mount that rotates all around for positional flexibility and a sliding sunshade to keep the glare, moisture, dust and snow off the objective lens.
The TrailSeeker spotting scope is also designed to use standard 1.25” astronomical eyepieces that you can use together with the included zoom eyepiece to achieve high magnification and a wider field of view.
Features
- Sliding sunshade
- XLT fully multi-coated optics
- Nitrogen filled body
- 360° rotating tripod mount
- 45° angled viewing
- Dual fine and coarse focus controls
- Accepts standard 1.25” astronomical eyepieces
Pros
- Versatility
- Inexpensive
- Smooth magnification
Cons
- The image quality degrades with an increase in magnification
#8) Burris Spotter Signature 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scope
Our last spotting scope recommendation for long range is the Burris Spotter Signature 20-60x85mm. This is an HD spotting scope that is easy to use and suitable for a wide range of outdoor applications.
The scope has a 45° angled viewing that reduces eye strain and fatigue during long glassing sessions. At low magnification power, it has a comfortable exit pupil and a large field of view for effortless target finding. You can also ramp up the magnification to 60x when you want to resolve minute details of the target at extended distances.
Like any other scope mentioned above, the Signature is built to offer unbeatable durability. It has an impact-resistant magnesium chassis wrapped with textured rubber armor. The optical tube is O-ring sealed to lock dirt and moisture out, and the argon field is resistant to internal fogging.
Other noteworthy features included are a retractable sunshade and two mounting points for optional accessories, in addition to a rotating tripod collar and twist-up rubber eyecup. You’re your glassing experience a notch higher with this excellent spotter.
Features
- Textured magnification collar
- 45° angled viewing
- Twist-up rubber eyecup
- Index-matched multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Rotating tripod collar
- Fine and coarse dual focus
- High-density low-dispersion glass
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Well-made to last long
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Expensive for the budget buyer
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Choosing the Best Long Range Spotting Scopes
With a wide pool of spotting scopes, picking a long range spotter can be a tedious process. The following considerations will help distinguish a long range spotting scope from the rest.
Lens Quality
The most essential feature that a long range spotting scope should have is quality lenses and solid lens coatings.
Look for a spotting scope that uses fluoride, extra-low dispersion, or high-definition glass. It will offer stunning resolution and color accuracy across the whole light spectrum.
The best long range spotting scopes should also have multi-coated optics to allow for minimal glare, higher definition and better optical performance in low-light settings.
Magnification
The higher the magnification the scope has, the further the distance it will be able to cover. For long-range applications, the standard magnification is 20-60x. However, you can go higher than that especially if you plan to use the scope for extreme-long range applications.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for 308
Durability
The best long range spotting scopes aren’t cheap. Therefore, you will want to invest your hard-earned money in a quality product that will offer consistent reliability and many years of use.
Go for a product that has a solid construction. Look at the quality of construction and type of materials use. Also, ensure that you get a waterproof scope and fog proof for use in all weather conditions, and shock resistant to stand up to bumps and drops.
Weight
The weight of spotting scopes varies from one model to the other. When making your selection, consider what you plan to use the scope for and choose accordingly.
For hunting, birding, and wildlife viewing, you will need a spotting scope that is light and portable. However, you don’t have to worry much about the weight if you will be using the scope for shooting from a stationary point.
Read: Best Scopes for Scar 17
Best Long Range Spotting Scopes FAQs
Q: What Size Spotting Scope Do I Need for 1000 Yards?
The standard spotting scope magnification size for 1000 yards is 20-60x. With this vast magnification range, you are guaranteed high-quality views of the target at intermediate and long distances.
Q: Are Spotting Scopes Worth It?
Absolutely. A spotting scope is a valuable optic suitable for virtually all outdoor expeditions. With the broad magnification they provide, spotting scopes will help you spot targets at extended ranges with ease and make your expedition more fun and rewarding.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post has given you all the information you need about the best long-range spotting scopes. Being activity specific and knowing the features you need most will help you make the right selection.
When making your selection, take a keen look at the features that make a spotting scope a good purchase and choose one that blends perfectly with your needs. We hope our guide was insightful and you are better placed to make an informed buy.