Avid hunters are always on the lookout for the best spotting scope for hunting. Similar to telescopes, spotting scopes are mounted on a simple photography tripod and give you a keen view of the surrounding area.
The technology of spotting scopes is improving all the time, which is why it’s important to stay up-to-date with developments in the industry. In this guide, we familiarize you with the seven best spotting scopes available in 2019 and their key features.
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1. Vortex Razor HD (20-60×85)
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Equipped with premium high-density extra-low dispersion glass, the Vortex Razor HD could be considered the best spotting scope for hunting. Low dispersion means high contrast and vibrant color, clearly picking out targets hundreds of meters away. Armor Tek coating provides incredibly powerful protection for both of the exterior lenses, safeguarding against dirt, oil, and scratches.
Vortex is well-known for producing top-of-the-line optics equipment and this company has even developed their own proprietary lens coatings. Called XR anti-reflective coatings, these layers of high tech material ensure maximum light transmission. The optics are sealed with an O-ring to keep out dust and debris. The internal components have been purged with argon gas to prevent fogging.
Specifications
- Magnification: 20-60x.
- Angular field of view: 2.2-1.1 degrees.
- Eye relief: 18 mm to 20 mm.
- Length: 15.3 inches.
- Weight: 65.7 ounces.
- Lens diameter: 85 mm.
2. Bushnell Elite (20-60x)
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The Bushnell Elite is prepared for any challenge with ED Prime fluoride glass. Veteran hunters and novices alike will be pleased by the RainGuard HD waterproofing equipped on this high-tech spotting scope. The Bushnell Elite is also equipped with BaK-4 prisms for dazzling optics and is fully sealed with O-rings. Potentially the best spotting scope for hunting on this list, this scope is made in Japan and features a 45-degree eyepiece and an 80 mm lens.
Specifications
- Magnification: 20-60x.
- Lens diameter: 80 mm.
- Length: 17 inches.
- Glass: BaK-4.
- Field of view: 98-50 feet/1000 yards.
- Close focus distance: 15 feet.
3. Trijicon TSS-01 (20-60×82)
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Made in the USA, this spotting scope from Trijicon features fluoride lenses that are fully broadband and multi-coated. This provides hunters with a spectacular view from over 1,000 yards away. With over 80% light transmission, the Trijicon TSS-01 is guaranteed to provide a crystal-clear image.
This spotting scope is dry nitrogen-filled and completely waterproof. The body incorporates magnesium alloy and this scope features a highly-accurate dual focusing knob.
Specifications
- Magnification: 20-60x.
- Length: 15.13 in.
- Eye relief: 18.5 mm.
- Light transmission: 80% +.
- Field of view: 2 – 1.2 degrees.
- Lens diameter: 82 mm.
4. NightForce TS-80 (20-60×80)
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This waterproof offering from NightForce is lightweight and compact. Magnesium alloy keeps the weight at 68 ounces and the NightForce TS-80 only measures 14.4 inches in length. Featuring multi-coated fully broadband lenses, this spotting scope picks up incredibly clear images from miles away.
Extra-low dispersion glass only adds to image clarity and variable zoom ranges from 20 to 60x. Featuring 18.5mm eye relief, the NightForce TS-80 can even be used while wearing glasses. This spotting scope is 100% waterproof and is one of the top picks for the best spotting scope for hunting in 2019.
Specifications
- Magnification: 20-60x.
- Field of view: 104.8′ / 20x 56.77′ / 60x.
- Focus: 20 feet – infinity.
- Length: 14.4 inches.
- Lens diameter: 80 mm.
- Body material: magnesium alloy.
5. Athlon Cronus ED (20–60×86)
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Featuring an apochromatic lens system, the Athlon Cronus ED delivers incredible image quality and may be the best spotting scope for hunting for some hunters. The ESP dielectric coating equipped on this high-end spotting scope reflects over 99% of the light in an image to your eye.
Combined with a BaK-4 prism, the result is exceedingly clear image reproduction. Fully multi-coated lenses resist the elements while an argon-purged tube ensures total image clarity. ED glass lenses are completely waterproofed to make this scope incredibly durable.
Specifications
- Magnification: 12-36.
- Objective lens diameter: 50 mm.
- Prism glass: Bak-4.
- Field of view: 171-90 feet.
- Close focus: 26.2 feet.
- Weight: 26.5 ounces.
6. Alpen Optics Rainier ED HD (25-75×86)
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The Alpen Optics Rainier ED features UBX fully coated optics and includes a BaK-4 prism for ultimate image quality. Featuring 45-degree angle optics and 25-75x zoom, this spotting scope from Alpen produces impressive image clarity at any distance. Fully waterproofed, the Alpen Optics Rainier ED comes with a carrying bag and is compatible with tripods. The tube is dry nitrogen filled and Alpen optics offers a lifetime warranty for all of their spotting scopes.
Specifications
- Magnification: 25-75x.
- Lens diameter: 86 mm.
- Prism material: BaK-4.
- Eye relief: 18 mm.
- Close focus: 25 feet.
- Length: 18.5 inches.
7. Meopta MeoPro 80 HD (20–60×80)
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The Meopta MeoPro 80 HD features a proprietary MeoBright coating that provides 99.8% light transmission. Military grade MeoShield lens coating protects lenses from scratches and dirt. The MeoPro 80 HD is 100% waterproof with sealed O-rings.
The integrated sunshade and variable 20-60x eyepiece allow hunters to accurately pick out prey at great distances. A mixed magnesium and aluminum chassis make the MeoPro 80 HD a strong contender for the best spotting scope for hunting.
Specifications
- Magnification: 20-60x.
- Lens diameter: 80 mm.
- Close focus: 19.69 feet.
- Length: 14.33 inches.
- Eye relief: 18.5 mm.
- Weight: 67.97 ounces.
Summing Up
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There are a lot of high-quality spotting scopes to look out for in 2019. While this list covered the absolute best spotting scopes that are available, there are plenty of less expensive options on the market if you’re working with a budget.
However, if you want true crystal-clarity for picking out game in the field, then these spotting scopes are the best tools for the job. It can’t be denied that spotting scopes provide hunters with an impressive edge, and these scopes exceed expectations to help your hunting game go the extra mile.
