Finding the best spotting scope for your outdoor adventure activities doesn’t have to cost a fortune, we have put up this guide on the best spotting scope under $250 to help you choose the best sighting tool if you are on a budget.
Spotting scopes have come from far to become a necessity for hunters, birders, and outdoor enthusiasts. The broad magnification power makes them the ideal tool for long-range observation where rifle scopes, binoculars, and monoculars are impractical to use. They are also lightweight and more portable than telescopes and good for viewing terrestrial objects.
What Makes a Great Spotting Scope under $250
A great spotting scope under $250 is one that comes with every feature you need from it. It needs to have a broad magnification range that covers different ranges and makes the scope ideal for use in different environments.
Secondly, the scope should have a large objective lens to optimize low-light performance and all its air-to-glass surfaces should be multi-coated to ensure effective light transmission.
A great spotting scope also features a rugged body structure that is rubber armored to be anti-slip and to protect the optics from elements. Additionally, the scope has to be fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog-proof for all-weather protection.
Whether you put on eyeglasses or not, you will need a spotting scope whose eye relief is long to ensure comfort and ease of use. The optic also needs to have a focusing system that is smooth and straightforward to use.
Best Spotting Scopes under $250
With a sea of products available on the market, it becomes a daunting task to find the right scope for your needs and budget. If your budget is about $250, here are the best picks for you.
1) Gosky 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
The Gosky Updated 20-60×80 is by far the best spotting scope under $250 that is available out there. The spotting scope is built with a multitude of great features that make it ideal for a wide range of applications including bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Built with a vast 20-60x magnification power, the scope is ideal for glassing objects across multiple ranges. Even at the highest zoom powers, the scope yields good-quality images rich in clarity. This is thanks to the large 80mm objective lens that maximizes light collection and also provides a wide field of view.
Another outstanding thing about the spotting scope is the ease of adjustment. The magnification and focus knobs are both designed with the right amount of resistance to ensure that they are easy to adjust even when you are wearing gloves.
Furthermore, the spotting scope comes with an extendable sunshade to block glare from the sun and guard the objective lens in rainy conditions.
For all-weather reliability, it is waterproofed and nitrogen filled to prevent fog buildup on the lens. The scope also boasts a durable framework that is rubber armored to be shockproof and slip resistant.
Features
- 20-60x magnification range
- Quality BaK4 prisms
- Angled body design
- Rubber armored body
- Smartphone Digiscoping adapter
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated green film objective lens
- Multi-functional sunshade
- See targets over 200 yards
Pros
- Smooth zoom and focus adjustments
- Incredible picture quality
- Simple to operate
- Compact and lightweight
- Multi-function Sunshade
- Comes with a tripod
Cons
- Manual Focus Only
2) Celestron -Ultima Angled Spotting Scopes
Celestron, a household name in the industry of optics makes premium quality and cost-effective optics and the Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope is not built any different. Getting this all-around spotting scope will make your outdoor escapades more fun and memorable.
It is built with an angled eyepiece design so it is ideal for glassing objects at an uphill or downhill angle. The broad 20-60x magnification contributes to its versatility while the massive 80mm aperture complements the zoom power by yielding great image views at each zoom power.
Furthermore, the scope has a rugged armored exterior that provides added protection against hard use while in the field. With the waterproof design, you can venture into any weather condition with confidence. Besides, the scope’s optical tube is filled with dry nitrogen gas to keep the lenses fog free.
Optically, the spotting scope has fully multi-coated lenses that provide high levels of light transmission. As a result, you get to enjoy brighter image views even in low-light conditions.
The other essential features included are a large focus dial that is fast and easy to use and a T-mount adapter for Digiscoping.
Features
- 20-60x magnification
- T-mount adapter for Digiscoping
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Angled eyepiece design
- Rubber armored body
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Large focus dial
Pros
- Bright and clear optics
- Fairly lightweight and portable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Good for close and medium range only
3) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
Bushnell continues to build quality optics with excellent value and this is clear in the Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope. It is built tough to go virtually anywhere you want and gives you the best of the outdoor views.
Thanks to the fully multi-coated optics, this spotting scope provides increased light transmission from dawn to dusk. The coatings also limit glare and internal light loss to retain the brightness and details of your targets even at the highest magnification level or in dim lighting conditions.
The scope is compact but powerful. It provides an adjustable magnification from 20x up to 60x to help you observe different targets in close to long ranges. Furthermore, it is housed in sturdy shock-absorbing rubber armor that gives you a sure grip in all conditions. It is also waterproof and fog proof to be used in virtually any weather condition.
The scope also comes with a compact tripod, a car window mount, and a soft carrying case.
Features
- Porro prism design
- Straight eyepiece design
- Fully waterproof and fog-proof construction
- 20 – 60 x magnification power
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Rubber armored body
- Compact tripod and car window mount included
- 30 ft close focus
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Sturdy design
- Good value for money
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Adjustable sun shade with built-in objective cover
- Comes with a compact tripod for long-range viewing
Cons
- None
4) Hawke Sports Optics Nature 24-72x70mm Spotting Scope
The Hawke Nature 24-72x70mm Spotting Scope is the best spotting under $250 for beginners. It is not just easy on the wallet, but also very simple to use.
The Nature family of spotting scopes are designed to deliver years of functional use and this model is not any different. It is built with high-quality materials to guarantee many years of use. Besides, it has an anodized finish that makes it scratch-proof and resistant to rust and corrosion.
With a weight of 36.9oz, the spotting scope is fairly light and portable. It is supplied with an adjustable mini tripod that you can use to take the weight off your hands and stabilize the views in all zoom settings.
Furthermore. The scope features fully multi-coated optics that enhance the transmission of light to produce crisp images. For intense color and contrast, it has premium BK-7 Porro prisms. Other than that, the scope is nitrogen purged to provide a lifetime of waterproof and fog proof performance.
Features
- Digi-scope compatible for use with cameras
- 13 – 18 mm Eye relief
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- BK-7 Porro prisms
- Weighs 36.9 oz
- Anodized finish
- Angled eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Clear optics
- Easy to use
- 23ft/7m close focus
- Comes with an adjustable mini tripod
- Fully Multi-Coated optical coating
- Rugged and reliable construction
- Nitrogen-purged water and fog proof
Cons
- No ED Glass
5) Celestron – MAK 90mm Angled Spotting Scope
The Celestron MAK 90mm Angled Spotting Scope is the best spotting scope under $250 for astronomical use. It is more portable than most telescopes and much simple to use even for those new to this hobby.
This spotting scope has a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design that is known for its portability and use in a variety of applications. It comes with an erect image finder scope to help you locate your subjects quickly. It also accepts a ton of 1.25” mount eyepieces to give you more magnification.
Furthermore, the spotting scope has fully multi-coated lenses that offer excellent light transmission. It is also designed with both a dovetail rail and a 1/4-20 threaded mounting port that mounts easily on a wide range of astronomical and camera tripods.
Features
- Folding eye cup
- 39 x Magnification
- 20 mm eye relief
- 8x21mm erect image finder scope
- Multi-coated lenses
- Built-in T-mount adapter threads
- Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design
Pros
- Versatile
- Long eye relief
- Erect Image System for Terrestrial and Astronomical Use
- Multi-Coated Optical coating
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Compact and Portable Design
- Built-in T-Adapter threads for Ease of Adapting SLR Cameras
Cons
- No ED Glass
6) SVBONY SV46 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
When it comes to value, performance, and versatility, the SVBONY SV46 Spotting Scope is hard to beat. The scope shows you clear and bright image views of targets in different environments and is a great sighting tool for hunting, archery, target shooting, and bird watching.
This spotting scope is built and ready for use in any environment. It has a high-quality waterproof rating that makes it safe to use in harsh environments such as relative humidity and cold. It also features a dark green look that is not just stylish, but also suited for camouflage.
Another feature that makes the spotting scope shine is the optical design. Both the eyepiece and the objective lens adopt a premium BaK4 prism to enhance resolution and color accuracy. The scope also features fully multi-coated optics that ensure high-quality image views at each magnification level by enhancing light transmission.
Moreover, the scope comes with a sunshade to block stray light and shield the objective lens from rain and snow. Above all, it comes with a dual focus mechanism that is more detailed to effectively shorten the focus time and help with fast image capture.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- HD dual focus
- IPX7 waterproof with anti-fog technology
- 20-60x zoom eyepiece
- High-quality optical design
- Angled eyepiece
- Twist-up eyecup
Pros
- Versatile
- Comes with a retractable 3-section large tripod
- Simple to set up and use
- Great viewing at a distance
- Works great in all conditions
- Large field of view of 105ft – 51ft/1000yds
Cons
- None
Read Also
- 7 Best Spotting Scope Tripods for Birding
- 8 Best Spotting Scopes Under 800
- 7 Best Spotting Scopes Under 2000
- 6 Best Spotting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
- 7 Best Vortex Angled Spotting Scopes for Hunting Deer, Elk
- 6 Best Spotting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
How to Choose a Spotting Scope under $250
Whether you are looking to buy your first spotting scope or you are in the hunt for a newer model, below are the key things to consider when shopping for the best spotting scope under $250
Eyepiece Design
There are two types of spotting scopes, angled and straight. A straight spotting scope has the eyepiece in line with the objective lens, while the angled spotting scope has the eyepiece angled usually at 45 degrees with the objective lens.
Straight spotting scopes are best for hunting or any other application where the targets you are viewing are at the same level as you. On the other hand, angled spotting scopes are more versatile and the best for viewing subjects that are either on an elevated or downhill position.
Durability
Next consider the build quality of the spotting scope, A product that is made with premium quality materials will last long and give you many years of functional use compared to a cheaply made product. For optimal durability, also look for a unit that comes with rugged rubber armor.
Lens Coatings
Coatings on the lenses are very important in all optics including spotting scopes. Good coatings ensure the effective transfer of light and limit both internal light reflection and glare.
The best spotting scope under $250 features fully multi-coated or full-coated lenses. Such coatings maximize light transmission in low-light settings and give you bright and crisp image views.
Weatherproof Construction
Spotting scopes are optics that are made for outdoor use. Irrespective of the activity you will be using the scope for, ensure that it is built for use in all kinds of weather conditions. The device should be sealed to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the optics. It should also be filled with nitrogen or argon gas for thermal stability.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the other thing to consider. Often overlooked, eye relief is an important feature of every spotting scope. It determines if the optic will be comfortable to use or not. The best spotting scopes have a long eye relief of 18mm and above to be snug to use with or without eyeglasses.
Best Spotting Scope under $250 FAQs
What is a good size spotting scope?
It largely depends on your needs and the kind of activity you will use the scope for. On average, a spotting scope with 20-60x magnification power and an objective lens of at least 60mm provide great performance in different conditions. It is also ideal for a wide range of applications.
Are spotting scopes worth it?
Absolutely. Spotting scopes are an essential sighting tool for a wide range of applications including hunting, birding, astronomy and wildlife viewing among others. A quality model with get you the best views even at extended ranges and make your adventure activities more memorable.
Can I use a spotting scope for hunting?
Yes, spotting scopes are commonly used by hunters for spotting and observing game from a distance. They allow you to assess the details of potential targets and make more informed decisions. Look for spotting scopes with appropriate magnification levels and durable construction suitable for hunting environments.
Final Thoughts
We do hope that you have found this post on the best spotting scope under $250 to be helpful. Keep in mind that the activity you will use the spotting scope for play a big role in determining the model that you get. Factor that and your individual preference then pick a product that is best for your needs.