Looking for the best budget spotting scopes for target shooting? You have come to the right place. This post sheds light on the best spotting scope for target shooting that is reasonably affordable and ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
When shooting targets recreationally in your backyard or competitively in the range, you need a sighting tool to enhance your vision. This is where spotting scopes come into play.
Having a good spotting scope will broaden your vision and help you take a clean shot. It will also bring you closer to distant targets and saves you the hassle of moving back and forth to see if you hit the target.
What Makes a Great Spotting Scope for Target Shooting?
A spotting scope is an essential tool to have for target shooting and a great one is made of a number of features that work together to offer you the best performance. To begin with, a great target shooting spotting scope has a wide magnification range that helps you find targets at different distances.
Furthermore, the scope should have a solid build quality to withstand rigorous use and any abuse you subject it to. It should also have a body that is waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof for use even in harsh weather conditions.
Long eye relief is the other thing the scope should have. Often overlooked, this is an important part of every spotting scope as it determines how comfortable it will be to use. Moreover, a great spotting scope should come with fully-coated/ fully multi-coated lenses to increase light transmission in poor light settings and yield image views that are bright and clear from edge to edge.
Best Budget Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting
The following are the best budget spotting scopes for target shooting available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
1) Gosky 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is multifunctional spotting scope built for outdoor enthusiasts. It comes equipped with a multitude of great features that make it one of the best budget-spotting scopes for target shooting.
The scope features a variable 20-60x magnification power ideal for target shooting across vast ranges. The large 80mm objective lens ensures that at each zoom power, the quality of the images produced is clear. It also provides a wide field of view and high contrast that distinguishes the target from other objects.
Ease of adjustment is another thing that makes this scope stand out. Both the magnification and focus knobs are designed with the correct amount of resistance to ensure that they stay in place during use and are easy to adjust. The spotting scope also boasts an extendable sunshade that not only blocks sun glare but also protects the objective lens from rain and snow.
For use in all weather conditions, the scope is waterproofed and nitrogen filled. It also has a durable framework that is rubber armored to be shockproof and slip resistant.
Features
- Rubber armored body
- Fully multi-coated green film objective lens
- Multi-functional sunshade
- 20-60x magnification range
- Smartphone Digiscoping adapter
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Quality BaK4 prisms
Pros
- Smooth zoom and focus adjustments
- Stunning picture quality
- Easy to use
Cons
- The image clarity towards the outer edges of the image is not great
2) Emarth 20-60×60 AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope
If you are just starting a new hobby in target shooting, the Emarth 20-60×60 AE 45-Degree Angled Spotting Scope is your best option. It is not just cheap, but also very simple to use.
The spotting scope is built with a powerful 20-60x zoom lens that makes it ideal for close and long-range applications. The large 60mm objective lens yields great color and clarity even at higher magnification settings and a spacious field of view for rapid target identification. Better yet, the scope features fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission in low-light settings.
Construction-wise, the scope’s durability is unbeatable. It has a durable chassis that is rubber coated to provide a secure grip and protect the optics from elements and rough outdoor conditions. Furthermore, the optic has a waterproofed body that is also nitrogen filled to be fog proof and safe to use in any weather conditions.
Another impressive thing about the spotting scope is the angled eyepiece design that makes it ideal for viewing targets that are in an upward or lower vantage point. It is also a great sighting tool for other activities including hunting, archery, hiking, and bird watching, not just target shooting.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Built-in retractable sunshade
- Dual-focus wheel system
- High-quality rubber armored body
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Angled eyepiece
- 20-60x adjustable magnification
Pros
- Simple to use
- Lightweight
- Lots of accessories included
Cons
- None
3) Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scopes
Vortex prides itself in making plenty of high-quality products and the Diamondback Spotting Scopes are not an exception. Having this 20-60x60mm spotting scope in the shooting range will improve your performance and help you grow to become a better shooter.
It is crafted with high-quality optics that guarantee bright sight pictures through the whole magnification range. Besides, the lenses are fully multi-coated to offer excellent light transmission in low-light settings and yield clear image views.
With a weight of 33.8 ounces only, the spotting scope is fairly light and portable. In terms of construction, it has a robust chassis that is rubber armored to enhance both durability and grip during use. It is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to be usable in light showers, misty conditions, and any other environment.
The other essential features included are a powerful zoom eyepiece, twist-and-lock collar, and a focus wheel that is smooth and easy to use.
Features
- 20-60x magnification
- Angled eyepiece design
- 20 feet close focus
- Multi-layer prism coatings
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Twist and lock collar
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Ease of use
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- None
4) Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope
As one of the best budget spotting scopes for target shooting, the Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope has virtually every feature you need to enhance your accuracy in the shooting range. It is made with ease of use in mind and good optical quality to help you make the most out of your outdoor activities.
The spotting scope has an oversized 80mm objective lens that optimizes light collection in low-light settings and provides a spacious field of view. It is also built with fully multi-coated lenses and premium K9 prisms that bring stunning clarity and brightness to the objects you are viewing.
More importantly, this sighting tool boasts a lightweight composite chassis that is rigid enough to endure the rigors of everyday use. The optical tube is waterproofed to be usable in all weather conditions and filled with dry nitrogen gas to enhance thermal and humidity stability.
For added convenience, a table-top tripod is included so you don’t have to incur additional costs buying one separately. Also included is a large case that you use to carry both the scope and tripod in a single package.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Built-in extendable sunshade
- Angled eyepiece design
- 20-60x magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Premium K9 prisms with a silver coating
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Great brightness and clarity
- Versatile
Cons
- Difficult to focus at higher magnification
5) CREATIVE XP Spotting Scope
The CREATIVE XP Spotting Scope is a multifunctional sighting tool ideal for hunting, target shooting, and birding. It is designed to stand out among similarly priced scopes by providing incredible image quality even at higher zoom levels.
This long-range spotting scope is built and ready for any environment. It has a waterproof O-ring sealed outer shell that keeps the optics free of moisture and dust along with protecting the internal lenses from fog. Even better, it is made with high-quality materials that enhance its durability.
Optically, the scope has a large 80mm objective lens that makes it ideal for use even in low-light settings. The lenses are fully multi-coated to prevent internal light reflection and provide clear image views every time. The coatings are also scratch resistant to offer additional protection.
Features
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Two fine focus knobs
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 20-60x magnification power
- Angled eyepiece
Pros
- American Quality
- Simple to use
- Crisp clear optics
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Stiff controls for magnification
6) BARSKA 15-40×50 Colorado Spotting Scope
Next on our list of the best budget spotting scopes for target shooting is the BARSKA 15-40×50 Colorado Spotting Scope. This is a compact and lightweight spotting scope that features a variable 15-40x magnification power for use at close to long ranges.
The picture quality the scope yields is incredible. This is made possible by the large 50mm objective lens and the BK-7 Porro prism that transmit bright and contrast-rich images through the whole zoom range. Besides, the scope has fully-coated optics to enhance detail and make it usable in low-light settings.
To enhance its functionality, the spotting scope has a focusing system that delivers precise adjustments while maintaining a visual on the target object. A tabletop tripod is also included to ensure that you get steady views of targets in any situation and at each zoom setting.
Features
- Fully coated optics
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- 15-40x magnification power
- BK-7 Porro prism
- Straight body design
- Tabletop tripod included
Pros
- Compact, lightweight, and portable design
- Easy to use
- Solid construction
Cons
- Not good in low light settings and long distance
7) TASCO 20-60x60mm Spotting Scope
Last but not least we have the TASCO Spotting Scope. This long-range spotting scope is ideal for all tactical shooters, beginners, professionals, and anyone in between.
It is built with a powerful zoom power ranging from 20x to 60x for use at varying ranges. Furthermore, it has a large 60mm aperture that complements the wide zoom range by delivering a decent field of view and high-quality sight pictures at each zoom level.
To ensure that you capture the finest details of your targets, the spotting scope comes with an easy grip focus control that is easily accessible. With a weight of 29.5 ounces, the scope is light and portable. It also features a robust chassis with an aggressive elegant rubber armor that gives you a slip-resistant grip and protects the optics from elements.
Furthermore, the spotting scope features a waterproof construction for use in all weather conditions. It also boasts high-quality glass and fully coated optics that limit glare and ensure effective transmission.
Features
- Fully coated optics
- Roof prism optical path
- Individual focus type
- Water-resistant
- Rubber armored body
- Versatile 20-60x zoom range
Pros
- Rugged and durable
- Lightweight construction
- Incredible picture quality
Cons
- Not for long-range applications
What Magnification Do I Need?
The magnification power that you need will largely depend on the distance you will shoot at and your individual needs. Here are some common target shooting ranges and the ideal zoom power for each range.
100-200 Yards
For this range, a spotting scope with a moderate magnification power up to 45x will suffice. Anything higher might end up being an overkill. Besides, the higher the magnification power is, the more you will have to pay for the spotting scope. A 50mm objective lens will also be adequate for this range.
300-500 yards
As the range increase, the more magnification you will need to bring the distant target closer. For such a range, a scope with 20-60x magnification power will be enough. The scope also needs to have a large objective lens of about 60mm to ensure that the images generated are of great clarity.
500 yards and Above
For this range, 20-60x magnification will still be enough. But for the extreme long-range targets, you might want to get a higher zoom power than this. You will also need a large objective diameter of at least 80mm.
Read Also
- 6 Best Spotting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
- 5 Best Scopes for Muzzleloader
- 7 Best Vortex Angled Spotting Scopes for Hunting Deer, Elk
How to Choose a Spotting Scope for Target Shooting
Eye Piece Design
For target shooting, you can either use a straight or angled spotting scope. If you are using a tripod, an angled eyepiece is the best. On the other hand, a straight spotting scope is your best option if you want to use it like a rifle scope.
Field of View
For target shooting, you don’t have to worry so much about the field of view a spotting scope offers. In fact, spotting scopes with a smaller field of view makes target shooting simpler in most cases. A product that offers a field of view of 40-120 feet at 1,000 yards will be ideal for both short and long-range shooting.
Glass Quality
To place a clean shot, you need to have a clear view of the targets you are shooting. The best budget spotting scopes for target shooting are made with extra-low dispersion glass that yields stunning picture quality by maximizing contrast and resolution. Also, look for a scope that has its lenses fully multi-coated. Lens coatings increase light transmission and eliminate glare to yield vibrant image views.
Eye Relief
Whether you are a competitive or recreational target shooter, you need a scope that offers long eye relief. The longer the eye relief is, the greater the glassing comfort. Go for a model that has an eye relief of 15mm if you don’t wear glasses and longer than 18mm if you wear eyeglasses.
Durability
Target shooting is a sporting activity that in most cases happens outdoors. It is therefore important to get a scope that is built to withstand whatever punishment you will be subjecting it to. The best budget spotting scopes for target shooting are also built to be waterproof and fog proof to provide additional protection from weather elements that are disastrous if they get inside the optics.
Conclusion
Choosing a good spotting scope for target shooting is a stepping stone to fine-tuning your skills and becoming a better shooter. All the spotting scopes we have listed above contain the basic features a target shooter will need to be more competitive in the shooting range. Look at the highlights that make each scope a good purchase and then pick the model that is best for your target shooting needs.