5 Best Spotting Scope For Target Shooting Reviews - NEW Scopes Listed (Hurry Fast)

Finding the best target shooting spotting is a difficult process, which is why we’ve go you covered with the 5 best rated target shooting spotting scopes from for the money in 2023 in order for you to NOT to pick the wrong spotting scope. Not all spotting scopes are created equally. HURRY fast not always available, so get the best one while you can!

Image Product
Budget-Friendly Product Emarth 20-60x60AE Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope
  • You can clearly and consistently see bullet holes within at least 100 yards
  • The price is unbeatable
  • Lightweight; it weighs less than 6 pounds
Best For The Money Product OUR #1 cHOICE Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof
  • Great features for a relatively low price
  • Glass and coating provide excellent visuals
Product Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60 x80
  • The lens is very clear even during harsh weather
  • Lifetime warranty supported by Bushnell
  • The lens is very clear even during harsh weather
Product Swarovski Spotting Scope HD-ATS
  • Waterproof to 14 feet
  • Interchangeable eyepiece
  • The Swarovski glass is made with f glass containing fluoride
Product NightForce TS-80 20-60X HD (Angled)
  • Provides crispy clear images at very long ranges
  • Highly durable
  • Provides crispy clear images at very long ranges
Spotting Scope Buying Guide

If you are still on the fence on what your best spotting scope shall be, we got you covered there. Let’s briefly go over what are the most important things you should be looking at when browsing through the vast array of scope out there. 

As you have noticed, we made our classification based on shooting ranges. 

Up to 100 yards

If you are planning to use rifles to shoot at targets within 100 yards, you will find many budget-friendly scopes. You will be good with a scope that magnifies 15-40x and with an objective lens from 50mm up. 

When shopping for a scope that delivers pretty well within this range, consider the close or minimum focus distance. Will you ever want to spot something at, say, 20 yards, make sure this minimum focus is included in the description of the scope.

Up to 200 yards

You have to almost immediately raise your budget here since this is where the quality of the optics comes into play. Manufacturers usually take it to the limit when it comes to giving the best optic experience. This means that you will need to better your budget.

You should be fine with 60 to 80 mm objective and magnification of 15-60x. Non-expensive scopes designed for ranges of up to 200 yards will pretty much struggle between 100 and 200 yards.

Our #1 Choice
Glass Quality

We mentioned this earlier. You need to get a spotting scope that puts a special effort on optics. So what do you look for when checking out the optics? Look for the terms HD (high-density glass), ED (extra-low-dispersion glass), and APO (Anomalous Partial Dispersion.

There definitively are some other points of things you should consider when first buying a spotting scope. But then, we consider that the range point is perhaps the most important thing to consider when seeking for the quality of a spotting scope. 

5 Best Spotting Scopes For Target Shooting In 2023

Model Weight Length Warranty Eye piece system Lens coating Prism Glass Field of view Close Focus Magnnifications Our Score
Emarth 20-60x60AE Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope 3.45 lb 13.8 in Lifetime 45-degree angled Fully multi-coated BAK-4 roof 39-19m/1000m N/A 20x to 60x 4.8
Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A 4.2 lb 17.1in Premium Lifetime 45-degree angled Fully multi-coated BAK-4 110~52ft/1000 yards 19.7~21.33ft 20-60x 4.9
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60 x80 5 lb 16.5 in Lifetime 45-degree angled Fully multi-coated BAK-4 110feet @ 1000 Yard 35ft 20-60x 4.8
Swarovski Spotting Scope HD-ATS 2.8 lb 13.98 in Limited lifetime 45-degree angled Multicoated Porro N/A 16.4ft (shortest) 20-60x 4.7
NightForce TS-80 20-60X HD (Angled) 4 lb 14.4 Upon request 45-degree angled Fully Broadband Multi-coated BAK-4 104.8/20x 56.77/60x 20ft (shortest) Ultra-High 4.6

1. ALLPOWERS Solar Panel 100W 12/18V

Budget Friendly

If you are tight on a budget or if you want to get started without taking many risks, we have this budget-friendly option. After checking out several cheap spotting scopes, we found this one to be the best one. Let us spell for you why.

Quick Summary

Since you are looking for a spotting scope that gets the job done with no hassle, this rather inexpensive one will meet your demands just fine. The Emarth Angled Spotting Scope will allow you to clearly observe your target at a max distance of 100 yards.

The quality of the glass is what you pay for. As long as you do not get past 100 yards, you will be able to locate where you made that hole on the target. For a scope of that range, the power is pretty impressive. Its zoom magnification range that can be adjusted from 20x to 60x makes it pretty handy and versatile.

The field of view of this Emarth is 39-19 m/1000 m, which makes it perfect for target shooting. Fully multi-coated lens and BAK4 prisms ensure an increased light transmission that delivers crispy clear images. Images are bright, and with high contrast, even in conditions of low light.

A 45-degree angle allows for a more comfortable viewing and its dual focus wheel system enables you to easily adjust the focus of your images. The technology on this scope also allows you to lock onto your target and zoom it, which is an important feature for an effective target shooting.

The armor of this Emarth is made of rubber and is non-slip and shock-proof. This provides that extra safety that you need when handling it at the target range. Even in rugged conditions of tough terrain and rain, this spotting scope is capable to deliver efficiently, given you the best image from at least 100 yards. 

The O-rings in the lenses prevent any water from coming inside the scopes, giving you the guarantee that they will always be on their optimal performance. 

So, you get on your hands a reliable piece of powerful optics, equipped with a zoom knob to easily zoom in on the target. The different types of magnification allow you to make adjustments and to have better control.

2. Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A

Best For The Money

Hands down, if you can buy this one and you intend to go within a range of 100-200 yards, then this is the only spotting scope you will ever need. For the price, it has so many features you will find hard to believe.

Quick Summary

Since you are looking for a spotting scope that gets the job done with no hassle, this rather inexpensive one will meet your demands just fine. The Emarth Angled Spotting Scope will allow you to clearly observe your target at a max distance of 100 yards.

The quality of the glass is what you pay for. As long as you do not get past 100 yards, you will be able to locate where you made that hole on the target. For a scope of that range, the power is pretty impressive. Its zoom magnification range that can be adjusted from 20x to 60x makes it pretty handy and versatile.

The field of view of this Emarth is 39-19 m/1000 m, which makes it perfect for target shooting. Fully multi-coated lens and BAK4 prisms ensure an increased light transmission that delivers crispy clear images. Images are bright, and with high contrast, even in conditions of low light.

A 45-degree angle allows for a more comfortable viewing and its dual focus wheel system enables you to easily adjust the focus of your images. The technology on this scope also allows you to lock onto your target and zoom it, which is an important feature for an effective target shooting.

The armor of this Emarth is made of rubber and is non-slip and shock-proof. This provides that extra safety that you need when handling it at the target range. Even in rugged conditions of tough terrain and rain, this spotting scope is capable to deliver efficiently, given you the best image from at least 100 yards. 

The O-rings in the lenses prevent any water from coming inside the scopes, giving you the guarantee that they will always be on their optimal performance. 

So, you get on your hands a reliable piece of powerful optics, equipped with a zoom knob to easily zoom in on the target. The different types of magnification allow you to make adjustments and to have better control.

3. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60 x80

We tried to match a good price with a large shooting range of 300 yards. Although the work was daunting, we finally managed to find our best spotting scope at a very low cost and very good quality.

We can’t help but note again that this spotting scope is sturdy and comes at a great price. It is packed with awesome features that make it one of your best investments. The optical clarity on the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD is required from a spotting scope that will help you make the leap from 200 to 300 yards.

Quick Summary

This scope has all the basics you would expect on a higher-end scope. Multicoated lenses with BAK4 prism glass are built into this spotting scope. These characteristics only make it ideal for a more distant target. 

The end prime low dispersion glass feature prevents most of the chromatic aberration and you get less fuzziness on your marks from a distance. The magnification can be modified from 20 to 60x and with an 80-millimiter objective lens.

A 2-speed dual focus control allows you to better control clarity and focus. This is a breeze to do. It is great to know that this scope has your back even in low-light conditions and still delivers. You will find that it has a rather small size, but the weight has been increased in order to compensate .

Bushnell has created an ultra-effective rain Guard HD coat which makes the image being photographed even clearer in wet weather. This Guard HD feature reduces big drops of water into nearly microscopic specks, giving you the best view during harsh weather (sleet, snow, condensation).

The field of view is 110 ft at 1000 yards at the 20x magnification which works pretty well for a 300-yard range. Now, you should note that at this range distance, the optics will begin to suffer, especially if you have it in maximum magnification.     

4. Swarovski Spotting Scope HD-ATS

If you want to clearly watch if you hit the target from 500 yards, you need a clear, high definition high-end spotting scope. The Swarovski Spotting Scope HD-ATS is an aluminum scope with an 80mm objective lens diameter. Important note, the eyepiece is not included when you purchase. 

Quick Summary

We are now grazing higher-end spotting scopes. This is one that will let you see very clear images at great ranges. If this is where you usually work with (up to 500 yards), you will be making an important investment. It is all worth it if you are serious about range shooting.

Swarovski manufactures one of the highest-quality glasses and their products are respected and priced highly. The glass provides excellent light transmission, allowing you to get very clear images, even at the greatest magnifications. 

It is important to beware of the fact that this scope can be sold as an “only body”, meaning that you either get the ATS angled version or the STS straight version and then purchase the eyepiece separately. This can be a 20-60x or a 20-50x.

The HD glass inside this scope contains fluoride, which provides the clearest image even at the highest magnifications and in conditions of low light. This comes in pretty handy if the range shooting session is close to hitting dusk. 

If you are looking for the highest quality in glasses and build, this is the one you are looking for. With the Swarovski Spotting Scope HD-ATS, you will still be getting clear images even if you magnify 60x. You can still get clear images at the maximum focus and be able to check out targets located at 500 yards.

The armoring feels sturdy and you can tell the minute it comes out of the box that this is a scope that will stay with you for many years. The armoring, made of rubber protects against noise and shock and can be submerged down to 14 feet.

5. NightForce TS-80 20-60X HD (Angled)

Finding a spotting scope that can clearly let you watch a spot on a target at 500+ yards is pretty tricky. Experts recommend that to have a reliable vision at even 1000 yards, you might want to consider scope alternatives, such as a camera to get reliable images.

Quick Summary

NightForce TS-80 delivers clear images at longer ranges thanks to its extra low-dispersion glass and some other interesting features that make this one a great choice for targets located beyond 500 yards. 

This spotting scope, besides having the ED glass and a roof prism design, also has hydrophobic coatings which get rid of water and even smudges or fingerprints. This guarantees that you see everything with the same clarity even if rain is pouring.

It comes with fully multi-coated lenses and you can adapt a digiscope, which is great considering the shooting range. Thanks to its O-rings it is waterproof and fog proof. It is built with aluminum and coated with shock-absorbing rubber.

The fact that it is angled makes it rather comfortable to carry and use. With a weight of only 4.25 pounds, this is going to become your great companion not only for shooting targets but for other activities that require a crispy clear image at very long ranges.

The NightForce TS-80 is a relatively new product and still has some road to travel. But if you let the features speak for themselves, you will find great value in this product. You will then realize that it is offered at a highly competitive price.

Its eyepiece has a magnification of 20-60x and an objective diameter of 80 mm. The field of view is at 104.8-56.77 feet/1000 yards which allows you to clearly see objects at a large range. Given the magnification this scope allows and the lens diameter, you might want to use a sturdy tripod to get a constant image at such a high magnification.

Buyers Guide continued

Up to 300 yards

This where you have to start to consider a higher magnification and a much better optical quality. So, you see, it is no longer about magnification alone.  The best scopes that will get you to 300 yards have 20-60x magnification and an 80 mm objective lens. 

But that is not all there is to it. You have to start looking at some lens capabilities. These features you should look for include HD, extra-low-dispersion, fluoride, or any other higher grade of glass.

These type of glasses, unlike standard glasses, will help you have a clear image at a range of up to 300 yards (and more). Keep in mind that if you are target shooting, you need clarity on small dots at a medium range. 

Up to 500 yards

Looking to see clearly at a distance of 500 yards? It is possible but this is where the budget just goes skyrocketing through the clouds. But the investment is well worth it. 

Budget scopes will not give you a clear image because they cannot afford the quality of the optics required for that. A solution for that, if you cannot invest in a better spotting scope, is to use splatter or destructible targets.

Up to 500 + yards

When we start approaching ranges beyond 500 yards we have to consider atmospheric conditions within that range, among other things. These include dust, wind, heat, chromatic aberration, and other factors. 

We strongly suggest you get yourself a high-quality spotting scope and if you really want to check on every detail on your target, consider a very good camera. 

Conclusion

Getting a new spotting scope can become a rather daunting job. Using our guide, determine what it is that you need the most.  We have made a sensitive selection of what we believe are the best in their type.

We find that probably the first thing that many look into is budget and it makes sense. But remember that, as it is with other quality products, if you want an “upgrade” on any of these spotters, you do have to stretch the budget a little more. We suggest a good price range would be a spotting scope under 500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best spotting scope for the money?

Hands down is the Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A. It’s intended to go within a range of 100-200 yards, then this is the only spotting scope you will ever need. For the price, it has so many features you will find hard to believe. Click here to see it.

What is a good spotting scope for 1000 yards?

Finding a scope that will get you a clear target at 1000 yards is tricky. we would recommend a camera instead, or a scope that can have a digiscope adapted to it. This is why we went with the NightForce TS-80 20-60X HD (Angled). Click here to see it.

What scope do I need for 300 yards?

The best scopes that will get you to 300 yards have 20-60x magnification and am 80 mm objective lens, so we recommend the Bushnell Legend Ultra. Click here to see it. 

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Image Product
Budget-Friendly Product Emarth 20-60x60AE Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope
  • You can clearly and consistently see bullet holes within at least 100 yards
  • The price is unbeatable
  • Lightweight; it weighs less than 6 pounds
Best For The Money Product OUR #1 cHOICE Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof
  • Great features for a relatively low price
  • Glass and coating provide excellent visuals
Product Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60 x80
  • The lens is very clear even during harsh weather
  • Lifetime warranty supported by Bushnell
  • The lens is very clear even during harsh weather
Product Swarovski Spotting Scope HD-ATS
  • Waterproof to 14 feet
  • Interchangeable eyepiece
  • The Swarovski glass is made with f glass containing fluoride
Product NightForce TS-80 20-60X HD (Angled)
  • Provides crispy clear images at very long ranges
  • Highly durable
  • Provides crispy clear images at very long ranges

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