If you love to spend your free time outdoors and you are looking for an inexpensive spotting scope, you have come to the right place. We have created this article to help you find the best spotting scope under 100 for your outdoor pursuits.
Many people think that they have to pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars to get a good quality spotting scope. This is not always the case. Today, the advancements in optics technology have brought us quality scopes for less. It is now much simpler to find a quality spotting scope that is under 100 dollars.
At such a price point, you are going to find plenty of cheap scopes mixed with quality gems. This makes it a daunting task to know which model to choose especially if you are buying one for the first time. But we are here to help.
We have done our homework and created a list of the best spotting scopes under $100 that are available on the market today. Also, we have attached a buyer’s guide that shows you what to look for when making your selection. But prior to taking a look at each scope in detail, let’s start by looking at the attributes that make a spotting scope under $100 great.
Attributes of a Great Spotting Scope
A great spotting scope is made of several things and the first one is quality construction. A spotting scope that is well-made using quality materials like aluminum or magnesium alloy protects the optics from damage and withstands rigorous use to give you innumerable years of use.
Furthermore, the scope has to be built for use in all weather conditions. It should have its optical tubes sealed and filled with argon or nitrogen gas to be fully waterproof and fog proof. Additionally, a good scope will have good glass and layers of anti-reflective coatings to maximize light transmission.
A great spotting scope should also be made with ease of use in mind. It should have a smooth and easy focusing mechanism and a lightweight design for convenient carrying in the field.
Last but not least, the scope should come with an adjustable eyecup and a long eye relief to enhance glassing comfort with or without eyewear.
Best Spotting Scopes under 100
With all that said, let us now take a look at the best spotting scopes under $100 suitable for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
1) Emarth 20-60x60AE Angled Spotting Scope
Emarth 20-60x60AE Angled Spotting Scope is the spotting scope under 100. This spotting scope comes with numerous accessories included and a plethora of good features that make it the best budget spotting.
It boasts a powerful 20-60x zoom lens that is adjustable for close and long-range viewing. The large 60mm objective lens brings great color and clarity at every zoom setting and provides a wide field of view for quick target identification. Besides, the lenses are fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission and make the magnification useful in every setting.
The build quality of this spotting scope is outstanding. It has a rubber-coated surface to ensure a secure grip and reliable protection in rough outdoor conditions. On top of that, it has a waterproof construction which is also nitrogen filled to provide reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Another highlight of the spotting scope is the angled eyepiece that not only maximized glassing comfort but also makes it ideal for viewing targets from an upward or lower vantage point.
With all these features, the Emarth 20-60x60AE Angled Spotting Scope makes a perfect tool for several activities including hunting, archery, hiking, bird watching, and more.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lens
- High-quality rubber armored body
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Angled eyepiece
- Built-in retractable sunshade
- Dual-focus wheel system
- 20-60x adjustable magnification
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and durable
- Lots of accessories included
Cons
- The phone holder included is hard to use
2) SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope
The SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope is a great spotting scope for target shooting, wildlife viewing, and birding. It is simple to use for all users and comes with an angled body design that improves comfort and allows better viewing of targets that are in an uphill or downhill position.
Built with a broad 25-75x magnification power, the scope will meet your observation needs across different ranges and help you see the details of the targets in great richness. The zoom power is useful at all levels and the scope mounts easily on a wide range of tripods to ensure steady viewing even at the highest magnification.
The optical performance of this spotting scope is admirable. It employs FMC BaK4 prisms that allow more light to get in the objective lens and produce clear and bright image views even in poorly lit environments. It also comes with a retractable sunshade that blocks strong light when you are using the scope in broad daylight. The sunshade also shields the lens from rain and snow.
In addition to everything else, this lightweight spotting scope has a non-slip finish and an IP65 waterproof rating that makes it operable in light showers and cold misty conditions.
Features
- 25-75x magnification power
- IP65 waterproof
- Fold-down eyecup
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Extendable sunshade
- Smooth focus wheel
Pros
- Versatility
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Good clarity even at longer distances
Cons
- Plastic construction
3) CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes for Hunting
The CREATIVE XP 20-60×80 is the best spotting scope under 100 for hunting. It is designed with a broad 20-60x magnification range for use at various ranges and an oversized 80mm aperture that makes the broad zoom range functional. It is simple to use and a great choice for beginners.
This spotting scope is built and ready for any environment. It has a waterproof O-ring-sealed outer shell that prevents water, dust, and debris from entering the optics. Furthermore, it is fog proof to prevent the lenses from clouding in cold environments. It also boasts a durable make to withstand rough handling.
Optically, the scope has extra-low dispersion glass that yields stunning resolution and picture quality even at the highest zoom level. The lenses are fully multi-coated to prevent reflections and generate bright image views in all lighting conditions. These coatings are also scratch resistant to add protection in the field.
Features
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Non-reflective finish
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Durable and shockproof
- Two fine focus knobs
- 20-60x magnification
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Large field of view
- Easy to zoom in and focus
- Great clarity
Cons
- Fragile
4) Celestron – LandScout 60mm Angled Spotting Scope
Celestron continues to build quality products with excellent value and the LandScout 60mm Angled Spotting Scope is not an exception. This is a compact, light, and easy-to-use spotting scope ideal for virtually all outdoor activities.
The quality of images this spotting scope yields is outstanding. This is thanks to the 60mm objective lens that draws in more light into the optics and the fully coated lenses that offer improved clarity and sharpness.
Furthermore, the spotting scope is made with user convenience in mind. It has an extra-large focus dial that is centrally placed to help you reach precision focus quickly and easily. Additionally, it has a soft padded eyecup that makes it comfortable to use for long sessions and is adjustable to accommodate users with eyeglasses.
For all-weather reliability, the scope has a water-resistant housing that is fog resistant too. It also comes with multiple accessories including a metal table-top tripod and a soft case so you don’t end up incurring an extra cost buying them separately.
Features
- Large focus dial
- Fully coated optics
- Rotating tripod mount
- Water resistant
- 45-degree viewing angle
- 12-36x zoom eyepiece
Pros
- Ease of use
- Lightweight design and compact form
- Multiple accessories included
- Durable
Cons
- Image quality degrades at higher powers
5) HUICOCY Spotting Scopes
Next up we have the HUICOCY Spotting Scope. This HD 20-60x60mm spotting scope brings you closer to the distant world and is suitable for multiple applications including hunting, birding, astronomy, and target shooting.
The scope provides exceptional performance in any lighting or weather condition. The wide zoom range brings ease to your favorite outdoor expeditions while the 45-degree angled eyepiece adds the luxury of comfort to your experience.
This guarantees quality image views at every zoom setting, the scope features a multi-coated 60mm green film objective lens that offers high levels of light transmission. It also provides a wide field of view of 131-66ft/1000 yards to ensure quick target finding.
To complement the optical features is a high-quality structure that shields the optics from damage. The body is covered with rubber armor that provides an effective anti-slip grip even in wet environments. Also included is a retractable eyepiece that makes the scope ideal for use with or without eyeglasses, and a sun visor built into the main lens barrel to block glare.
Features
- BaK4 prisms
- Anti-skid rubber armored body
- Angled eyepiece design
- Adjustable eyecup
- Multi-coated objective lens
- Retractable sun visor
- 20-60x zoom eyepiece
Pros
- Bright and clear optics
- Lightweight and durable
- Simple to setup and use
Cons
- Loose protective caps
6) Amcrest Spotting Scope for Target Shooting
Next on our list of the best spotting scope under 100 is the Amcrest Spotting Scope. Optimized for target shooting, the scope comes with everything you require to be more competitive in the shooting range.
This angled spotting scope is outfitted with a 60mm objective lens to help you cover more ground together with the adjustable 20-60x magnification. It also features a fully multi-coated lens system that enhances light transmission to yield bright and clear image views. Better yet, the spotting scope has a BK7 Porro Prism optical path that guarantees a rich depth of field and enhanced quality.
When it comes to construction, the scope has high-quality housing that is IPX6 weatherproofed for use in all kinds of environments. It also comes with a built-in sunshade that reduces glare and makes the scope comfortable to use in direct sunlight.
Features
- BK7 Porro Prism optical path
- IPX6 weatherproof housing
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Built-in retractable sunshade
- 20-60x magnification
Pros
- Decent quality
- Easy to use
- Sharp and clear images
Cons
- The phone mount doesn’t work with modern smartphones
7) MaxUSee High Definition 20-60×60 Zoom Spotting Scope
Lastly, we have the MaxUSee High Definition Spotting Scope. The scope has a powerful zoom magnification that is adjustable from 20x to 60x to meet your different observation needs and a smartphone adapter for Digiscoping.
Built with a 45-degree angled eyepiece, the spotting enhances observation comfort during long glassing periods and makes it ideal for group sharing. The eyepiece shield included stretches out to protect the eyepiece from elements and block sunlight in broad daylight to add on glassing comfort.
Furthermore, the scope has a fully multi-coated lens system that reduces the internal reflection of light and limits glares. This increases light transmission in low-light environments to deliver bright and clear image views. The scope also boasts a high-quality BaK4 prism to enhance image quality and color richness.
Regarding construction, the spotting scope features a durable framework that guarantees longevity. It also features a high-quality rubber armor that not only provides a non-slip grip but also shields the optic from shock and elements.
Features
- 45 degrees angled eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Durable framework
- High-quality BaK4 prism
- Built-in eyepiece shield
- Rubber armored body
- 20-60x zoom eyepiece
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable
- Several accessories included
Cons
- Sub-par glass elements
Read Also
- 6 Best Spotting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
- 4 Best Vortex Scopes for Muzzleloader
- 7 Best Scopes for 30-06 Hunting Rifle
How to Choose a Spotting Scope under 100
Choosing a spotting scope is not that easy given the plethora of products available out there. Other than the price, here are the other important factors to consider when choosing the best spotting scope under 100.
Eyepiece Design
There are two eyepiece designs for spotting scopes, straight and angled. Models with an angled eyepiece design tend to be more comfortable to use since you can position the eyepiece at different angles. They are also the best for viewing targets in an elevated or downhill position.
Straight spotting scopes on the other hand are best for viewing targets that are on the same level as you. If you are at a higher or lower level than the target, you will experience some chromatic aberrations that affect the quality of the images.
Magnification Power
Magnification power is an important part of every spotting scope. It dictates how far you will use the scope. Generally, spotting scope with a magnification power of 20x to 60x is the most popular at this price range. Such zoom power is ideal for both close and long-range observation. It also makes the scope perfect for a wide range of applications.
Durability
Even if you are on a budget, you will want to get a spotting scope that is well-made to last long. Look at the quality of materials used to make the scope and ensure that you pick a model that is made with high-quality materials. The best spotting scope under 100 also comes with non-slip rubber armor that protects the optics from elements.
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings are very important in all optics including spotting scopes. They cut glare, limit the loss of light internally, and maximize light transmission. Good lens coatings also protect the optics from scratches.
Look for a spotting scope that is made with fully multi-coated or fully-coated lenses. With such lens coatings you are guaranteed bright and clear image views even in poorly lit conditions.
Eye Relief
The next thing to consider is the amount of eye relief the spotting scope has. For you to use the scope comfortably with or without eyewear, it must have a long eye relief. Most spotting scopes come with adjustable eyecups that you use to customize the eye relief to the level that is most comfortable for your eyes.
Weatherproof
The best spotting scope under 100 is one that is built to be operable in all weather conditions. Look for a model that has its optical tubes sealed and filled with argon or dry nitrogen gas. Such a scope will be waterproof, dustproof, and safe to use even in extremely harsh weather conditions.
FAQs
- Are spotting scopes under 100 worth it?
It depends on several things including the quality of construction and the features the spotting scope has. Most of the spotting scopes under 100 from reputable brands offer great performance in the field and for some, the picture quality is just as good as that of the high-end models.
- What is a good size for a spotting scope?
The spotting scope size that is good for you largely depends on your preference and needs. Look for a zoom power of 20x to 60x if you plan to use the scope across different ranges. With the objective lens, a model with a 60mm to 80mm lens diameter is sufficient for most outdoor applications.
Conclusion
We do hope that you have found this post on the best spotting scope under 100 to be helpful. A good scope will better your views irrespective of the activity you use it for. When making your selection, be activity-specific and then look for a spotting scope that works best for that activity. Whatever your needs might be, there is a spotting scope out there for you.