Are you on the hunt for the best spotting scope under $1000? If yes, you have stumbled upon the right post. This is your ultimate guide to the best spotting scopes available under $1000.
Spotting scopes provide remarkable clarity and great views of different targets in different environments. They are more powerful than binoculars and more versatile than rifle scopes. So, if you enjoy spending quality time outdoors hunting, bird watching, or watching wildlife, a spotting scope is a key addition to your optics gear.
What Makes a Great Spotting Scope under $1000
Premium quality spotting scopes often have higher price tags and when looking for one you might wonder what attributes to look for. Firstly, a great spotting scope under $1000 needs to have a powerful magnification power that is also broad so you are able to use it in different ranges.
Furthermore, the spotting scope should have a premium optical system that ensures excellent light transmission and cuts glare and chromatic aberrations. To achieve this, the spotting scope needs to have high-quality glass and good lens coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Spotting scopes are designed for outdoor use. This calls for a spotting scope that is built and ready for any environment. The housing should be tough to weather whatever punishment you subject it to. Additionally, the optical tube should be sealed and filled with an inert gas to be fully waterproof and fog proof.
Another facet that defines a great spotting scope under $1000 is long eye relief. The longer the eye relief the scope has, the more comfortable it will be to use.
Best Spotting Scope under $1000
With so many spotting scopes available on the market, we have created a list of the top-performing models under $1000 to help make your selection process simpler. Let’s take a look.
1) Vortex Viper 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scope
The Vortex Viper 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scope is arguably the best spotting scope under $1000 available out there. Getting this optic will revolutionize how you hunt, shoot, or watch birds.
The scope is built with a powerful 20-60x zoom eyepiece that brings the distant targets closer. The 85mm objective lens maximizes light collecting and generates crisp and high-quality image views even at the highest magnification power.
Furthermore, the spotting scope comes with an ultra-smooth, fluid and sleek helical-style focus dial for tack-sharp viewing. The sunshade built-in eyepiece blocks stray light, while the tripod mounting collar included, gives you the flexibility to rotate the scope into different angles.
Durability is another feature that makes the scope stand out. It has a robust chassis design that is rubber armored to maximize both durability and grip. For added protection, the spotting scope has an Armortek coating that makes the lenses scratchproof. It is also waterproof and fog proof.
Features
- Porro Prism system
- XR anti-reflective lens coatings
- Sleek helical-style focus dial
- Twist-Up Eyecups
- 20-60x magnification
- Eye Relief: 19.6 – 17.8 mm
- Built-in sunshade
- HD optical system
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Armortek lens coatings
Pros
- Clear and sharp images
- Outstanding durability
- Easy to zoom and use
- Versatility
- Adjustable Eyecups
- XR Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Dielectric Coating
- Built-in Sunshade
Cons
- None
2) Hawke Sport Optics Endurance ED 25-75x85mm Spotting Scope
For long-range observations, you need a powerful and high-quality optic like the Hawke Sports Optics Endurance ED 25-75x85mm Spotting Scope. It is good for a wide range of outdoor activities including hunting, target shooting, and bird watching.
The spotting scope has an angle eyepiece design that enhances its versatility. It is made with ED glass to reduce chromatic aberration and enhance resolution. It also boasts fully multi-coated lenses that allow high levels of light transmission and a BAK4 prism optical path that maximizes the brightness, clarity, and quality of the images.
Furthermore, the scope has dual fine and coarse focus adjustment. It also features a twist-up eyecup that enhances glassing comfort, and a retractable sunshade to block excessive sunlight.
Above all, this spotting scope is waterproofed for use in all weather conditions and nitrogen purged to keep the lenses free of fog.
Features
- Length: 17.1 in
Weight: 26.4 oz - Fully multi-coated prisms
- Dual focus knob
- Eye Relief: 0.8 in
- 5m close focus
- 3x ratio eyepieces
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- BAK4 prism
- Angled eyepiece design
Pros
- Broad magnification
- Nitrogen-purged
- Waterproof and Fog proof
- Lightweight
- Fully Multi-Coated optics
- ED Glass
- Great image quality
- Excellent fit and finish
- Fast, accurate focusing
- 3x ratio eyepieces with twist-up eyecups and retractable sunshades
Cons
- None
3) Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 Spotting Scope
The Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 is the best spotting scope under $1000 for hunting. It has a super lightweight design and compact form that makes it easy to carry and simple to use.
This spotting scope is built to be durable and reliable. It has a sturdy construction to withstand everyday use and rough handling. For all-weather reliability, it is sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture and debris from getting inside. It is also purged with argon gas to guarantee superior fog proof and waterproof performance.
Optically, the scope has a triplet apochromatic lens system that delivers high-definition image views across the whole field of view. It also boasts HD lens elements and XR fully multi-coated lenses that work in tandem to yield spectacular views of the targets in any lighting condition.
Features
- Adjustable eyecup
- Dual focus mechanism
- 6.6 ft close focus
- 16 – 19 mm Eye relief
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Straight body design
- Porro prism optical path
- XR plus fully multi-coated lenses
- HD lens elements
- Armortek coating
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Clear optics
- XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated optics
- Easy to use
- Dual Focus
Cons
- None
4) Nikon Fieldscope 13-30x50mm ED Spotting Scope
Nikon continues to manufacture high-quality optics with excellent value and the Fieldscope 13-30x50mm ED Spotting Scope is not left behind. This spotting scope has a compact, travel-friendly design and is Digiscoping-compatible to meet all your field-scoping needs.
With a mere weight of 19.6oz, the spotting scope is super light and ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who are always on the go. The light design and the straight eyepiece body type make it very comfortable to use like binoculars with or without a tripod.
The picture quality the scope delivers is stunning. This is thanks to the ED glass that produce outstanding image quality even at the highest zoom settings.
Besides, the scopeis O-ring sealed and purged with dry nitrogen gas for all-weather use and maximum visibility. It also comes with a built-in sunshade to block stray light when you are glassing in direct sunlight.
Features
- Straight eyepiece design
- Premium ED glass
- Built-in sunshade
- 13-30x zoom eyepiece lens
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- 8ft close focus
Pros
- Compact size
- Lightweight and travel friendly
- Quality glass
- Solid construction
Cons
- Not for long-range use
5) Kowa Spotting Scope
Next up, we have the Kowa Spotting Scope. This is another great spotting scope whose versatility is hard to beat. It is good for hunting and target shooting in different ranges and lighting conditions.
The thing that makes the scope stand out among the rest is the picture quality it yields. Made with pure fluorite glass, it offers unmatched resolution at every zoom level. Even better, it has a multi-coated lens system that eliminates all chromatic aberrations to enhance image brightness and clarity.
Furthermore, this optic is designed for a lifetime of hard use. It has a waterproof and nitrogen-filled body to enhance thermal stability and prevent the lens from clouding. It also boasts a robust polycarbonate housing to weather rough use and a twist-up eyecup for comfortable use with or without eyewear.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Fluorite crystal glass
- Polycarbonate housing
- Dual focus system
Pros
- Crisp clear optics
- Lightweight design
- Durable and reliable construction
Cons
- None
6) Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide 20-60×85 Spotting Scope
The Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide 20-60×85 is the best spotting scope under $1000 for hunting. Getting this high-quality sighting tool will maximize your efficiency in the hunting fields and take your hunting skills to the next big level.
It is built with a Twilight Max HD Light Management System, a system that ensures the brightest views even in low light settings. The large 85mm objective lens complements the light system by drawing in more light and providing a wide field of view. The scope is also built with Guard-Ion rain-shedding coating that provides a clean field of view.
To eliminate fatigue and eye strain during use, the spotting scope has a generous eye box. Furthermore, the eyecup is adjustable to add on comfort and the focus system is very smooth to operate for added convenience.
The spotting scope features an integrated sunshade to reduce glare and rugged housing to maximize durability and longevity. It also boasts a weatherproofed body that is guaranteed to perform for life.
Features
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Built-in sunshade
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof
- HD glass
- Guard-Ion rain-shedding coating
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Bright and clear optics
- Rugged and reliable construction
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a case
7) Newxon Optik Spotter ED 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope
The Newxon Optik ED 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope is great for both hunting and target shooting. When you need to place a shot at an extended distance, the scope will enhance your views and increase your odds of making a clear shot.
It has fully multi-coated lenses that offer excellent light transmission and cut glare. This gives you sharp and highly contrasted image views even in low-light settings. The scope also comes with a Mil-Line reticle that gives you a clear point of aim.
When it comes to construction, the spotting scope has a lightweight and shock-resistant body to offer exceptional durability. Furthermore, it comes with a sliding dew shield to reduce glare and maximize your glassing comfort. The body of this scope is also waterproof and fog proofed to give you reliable performance in any weather condition.
Features
- Mil-Line reticle
- BAK4 prism
- Multi-coated optics
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Sliding dew shield
- Straight eyepiece design
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Bright and clear optics
- Durable and reliable
Cons
- None
8) Kowa TSN-660 Series Prominar XD Spotting Scope
Lastly, we have the Kowa TSN-660 Series Prominar XD Spotting Scope. This optic is a great investment for every outdoor enthusiast looking to have better views of targets in all fields.
Built with versatility in mind, this high-quality spotting scope is ideal for bird watchers, hunters, and shooters, in addition to scientists and professional researchers. It has a powerful zoom power and a large 66mm objective lens that generates quality image views even at the highest level of magnification.
With a weight of only 1kg and a body length of about 30cm, the spotting scope is lightweight, portable, and travel-friendly. It is fully waterproof for use in all weather conditions and purged with nitrogen gas to prevent the lenses from fogging.
Moreover, the objective lens of the spotting scope is made with ED glass to provide higher optical performance. This and the fully multi-coated optics guarantee clear, bright, and sharp viewing from dawn to dusk.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- High-end ED objective lens
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 66mm aperture
- 6m minimum focus distance
Pros
- Clear view
- Lightweight and compact
- Versatile
- Solid construction
- Easy to focus
Cons
- None
Related
- 6 Best Spotting Scopes under $250
- 8 Best Spotting Scopes Under 800
- 7 Best Spotting Scopes Under 2000
Criteria for Choosing a Spotting Scope under $1000
Magnification Power
The magnification power in spotting scopes varies from one product to another. The type of activity you will be using the scope for will play a big part in determining the right magnification power. A tip is to get a spotting scope with a zoom power between 15x and 60x.
Glass Quality
The best spotting scope under $1000 offers stunning picture quality in all lighting conditions. To achieve this, the scope has to have high glass quality. With such a budget, go for a spotting scope that is made with fluoride-coated, HD, or ED glass. Such a scope will not just give stunning picture quality, but also let you observe targets at longer distances with great clarity and brightness.
Objective Lens
Like binoculars and rifle scopes, the objective lens in the spotting scope is responsible for collecting light inside the optics. Larger objective lenses provide bright images than their smaller counterparts. But they are heavier and less portable. To have a balance between performance and portability, get a spotting scope with an objective lens between 50mm and 80mm.
Eye Piece Placement
The next thing to consider is the eyepiece placement. Some scopes have a straight eyepiece design that makes is simple to locate targets quickly and follow them as they move. While straight spotting scopes are simple to use, they are less versatile.
Other spotting scopes come with an angled eyepiece placement that makes viewing objects above the horizon simpler. Such scope work well with shorter tripods and are more versatile.
Eye Relief
For a spotting scope to be comfortable to use, it must have a long eye relief. This is the furthest distance your eye has to be from the scope’s eyepiece during use. It is measured in millimeters and a model with at least 15mm eye relief is adequate for most users, with or without eyeglasses.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best spotting scope under $1000 needs not to be a complicated task. When you have the right information, you will be able to find a good scope for your budget. Hopefully, this post has given you the insight you need to find a spotting scope that caters to all your needs.