If you are in the market for the best spotting scope for Digiscoping, you have stumbled upon the right place. We have created this Digiscoping-ready spotting scopes guide to help you find the right tool for your Digiscoping needs.
A spotting scope is by far the most essential tool you need for Digiscoping. They have a higher magnification than monoculars and binoculars and are more compact and portable than telescopes.
Additionally, the variable magnification power in spotting scopes brings you closer to distant targets and lets you great quality photos across different distances.
What do You Need for Digiscoping?
To take photos of different objects using a spotting scope, you will need a wide range of products other than the scope.
The first thing you need is a good camera for taking pictures or recording videos. Additionally, you will need a TLS APO Apochromatic Telephoto Lens System and an adapter to connect the TLS APO to the camera. If you don’t have a camera, you can use your phone instead.
Since cameras have different formats, the TLS APO you choose will depend on the camera format. After connecting the TLS APO to the camera correctly, you should be able to take photos of the objects you are viewing through the spotting scope.
What Makes the Best Spotting Scope for Digiscoping?
There are several features that make a spotting scope great for Digiscoping. Firstly, the spotting scope should be able to produce spectacular image views across its entire zoom range. To achieve this, it has to have a large objective lens, high-quality glass, and proper lens coatings.
Furthermore, the scope needs to have rugged housing to withstand rough handling. With quality construction, the spotting scope will last long and offer you many years of use.
The other essential features that a spotting scope for Digiscoping should have include:
- A housing that is fully waterproof and fog proof
- An angled eyepiece
- A focusing mechanism that is smooth to use and quick to adjust
- Generous eye relief for comfortable glassing
7 Best Spotting Scopes for Digiscoping
The market is flooded with spotting scopes from a wide range of manufacturers but not all are Digiscoping-ready.
To help you choose right, we have done the hard work for you and put up a list of the best spotting scopes for Digiscoping available out there. Let’s take a look.
1) Gosky 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
First up, we have the Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope. This spotting scope comes with a plethora of quality features and a ton of accessories that make it the best spotting scope for Digiscoping.
Built with a variable 20-60x magnification power and a dynamic lens focusing system, the spotting scope is ideal for close to long-range observations. The wide zoom power also makes it perfect for Digiscoping when viewing wildlife, hiking, camping as well as watching both terrestrial and celestial bodies.
Optically, the spotting scope features a fully multi-coated green film objective lens which draws in more light into the optics and provides a wide field of view. The BAK4 Porro prism optics enhance the transmission of the light collected and produce bright and clear images even in low light settings.
Moreover, a smartphone Digiscoping adapter is included to enable you to take photos and record videos of what you are observing with your smartphone. When outdoors, you can also use the phone screen to bring the distant targets closer and get better and more detailed views without breaking a sweat.
Features
- A durable framework that is rubber armored
- Waterproof and fog proof
- BaK4 prisms
- Smartphone Digiscoping adapter
- Fully multi-coated objective lens
- 20-60x magnification range
- Built-in eyepiece shield
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Versatility
- Easy to use
- Stunning picture quality
- Multiuse (archery, wildlife watching, bird watching, hiking, and astronomical observation)
- Comes with a smartphone digiscoping adapter
Cons
- None
2) Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope
Zeiss is a household name in the field of optics. It continues to make high-quality and reliable optics and the Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope is not any different. Having this premium quality spotting scope for Digiscoping will make every trip you take worthwhile.
The spotting scope is made for outdoor enthusiasts who are always on the go. It has a compact and low-weight design for convenient portability. This design also makes it very easy to use even during lengthy sessions.
Built with a high-resolution lens system, the scope yields spectacular sight pictures that are brilliantly clear and rich in color. This is irrespective of the lighting or weather condition. Also included is a rapid focus system that makes the spotting scope simple and quick to focus, and a wide field of view for
For additional convenience, the spotting scope comes with a universal tripod plate designed to be compatible with a wide range of tripods. It also has a weatherproofed body for use in all kinds of weather conditions.
Features
- High-resolution lens system
- 30-60x zoom eyepiece
- Roof prism optical path
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Rapid focus system
- Angled design
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Tripod ready
- Solid construction
- Superb light gathering and image quality
Cons
- Quite pricey
3) Emarth 20-60x60AE Spotting Scope
The Emarth 20-60x60AE Spotting is the best spotting scope for Digiscoping for beginners. It is cheap, simple to use, and comes with virtually every accessory you need for Digiscoping.
It is built with a powerful 20-60x zoom lens for close and long-range viewing. The oversized 60mm objective lens complements the vast zoom range by yielding great color and clarity at every zoom setting.
It also provides a wide field of view which is important for rapid target finding. The scope also boasts lenses that are fully multi-coated to increase light transmission and yield bright image views, even in poor lighting environments.
Another highlight of this spotting scope is durability. It has a sturdy framework coated with a rubber coating. This maximizes its durability by protecting the optics in rough outdoor conditions. Furthermore, the optic has a waterproof body that is nitrogen filled to prevent clouding of the lens due to temperature and humidity changes.
What’s more, is that the scope has an angled eyepiece that makes it ideal for Digiscoping as well as viewing targets in an upward or lower vantage point. It is also a great tool for a ton of activities including hunting, archery, hiking, and bird watching not just Digiscoping.
Features
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Angled eyepiece
- Built-in retractable sunshade
- Fully multi-coated lens
- High-quality rubber armored body
- Dual-focus wheel system
- 20-60x adjustable magnification
Pros
- Simple to use
- Lightweight and durable
- Many accessories included
Cons
- The phone holder included is slightly hard to use
4) CREATIVE XP Spotting Scope
The CREATIVE XP Spotting Scope is another quality yet low-cost spotting scope ideal for Digiscoping. It comes with a tripod and phone adapter so you can get in the field and use it for Digiscoping immediately. These accessories included also means that you don’t have to incur another cost of buying them separately.
This spotting scope is built for use in any environment. It has a waterproof O-ring sealed outer shell that keeps the optics free of dust, debris, and moisture.
Furthermore, it is filled with an inert gas to be fog proof and keep the lenses clear in cold environments. It also features a durable construction to endure rough handling.
When it comes to the optical features, the scope utilizes extra-low dispersion glass that provides stunning resolution and picture quality through the whole 20-60x zoom range.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to prevent internal reflections and generate bright image views in all lighting conditions. In addition to light transmission, the coatings also shield the optics from scratches.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Durable and shockproof
- Two fine focus knobs
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Non-reflective finish
- 20-60x magnification
Pros
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Easy on the wallet
- Easy to zoom in and focus
- Great clarity
Cons
- None
5) Amcrest Spotting Scope
Next up we have Amcrest Spotting Scope, a glassing tool that is built with versatility in mind. The scope is simple to use and ideal for Digiscoping when you are hunting, watching birds, star gazing, or viewing wildlife.
Built with an adjustable 20-60x magnification power and a 60mm objective lens, the scope will help you cover more ground with ease and ensure that you get the best views of your targets.
It is also equipped with a high-quality lens system that includes fully multi-coated optics and BK7 Porro prism optical path that works in tandem to yield bright and clear images rich in color accuracy and detail.
Furthermore, the scope has an IPX6 weatherproof housing to provide durable external protection. It also comes with a built-in retractable sun shade that blocks glare when you are using the spotting scope in direct sunlight and shields the objective lens from rain, snow, and other elements.
Other essential accessories included are a metal tripod stand with adjustable feet and a universal smartphone adapter that works with virtually all smartphones.
Features
- Angled eyepiece design
- IPX6 weatherproof housing
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Built-in retractable sunshade
- Premium BK7 prisms
- 20-60x magnification
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy to set and use
- Inexpensive
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- None
6) Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scope
If you want to take your Digiscoping a notch higher, the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scope is your ideal option. It is made with HD-quality optics that deliver better resolution than most cameras and minute chromatic aberration in all lighting conditions.
The spotting scope is made with user comfort in mind. It has a helical focus wheel that delivers fast dialing and a sleek form factor for easy packing during travel. The eyecups are adjustable to provide comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses and alleviate eye strain when you are glassing for long. It also comes with a built-in sunshade that reduces glare and protects the objective lens from snow and raindrops.
Moreover, the spotting scope is tripod mountable so you can use it on either a tripod or a car window. It is designed to accept 1/4-20 threads for use on alternative-style tripod heads.
When it comes to construction, the scope is well-crafted with high-quality materials that optimize durability. It is also O-ring sealed and argon purged to deliver a lifetime of waterproof and fog proof performance.
Features
- HD optical system
- Adjustable eyecups
- Built-in retractable sunshade
- Waterproof and O-ring sealed
- Armortek coatings
- Angled eyepiece
- Built-in helical focus
Pros
- Streamlined exterior
- Ease of use
- Great value for money
- Durable and reliable construction
Cons
- Not clear and high magnification
7) SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope
Lastly on our list of the best spotting scope for Digiscoping is the SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope. The scope has an angled body design for easy mounting of your Digiscoping accessories. The design also enhances comfort during use and makes glassing targets at uphill and downhill positions easy.
Featuring a broad 25-75x magnification power, the spotting scope will meet your observation needs across different ranges and give you views of targets in great richness. Besides, it mounts on a wide range of tripods to ensure steady viewing even at the highest magnification power.
The optical performance of the spotting scope is outstanding. It has FMC BaK4 prisms that provide clear and bright image views even in poorly lit environments. It also comes with a retractable sunshade that blocks stray light for added eye comfort during use.
To top it all off, this lightweight spotting scope has a non-slip finish and an IP65 waterproof rating that makes it safe to use in light showers or in cold misty conditions.
Features
- Fold-down eyecup
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Extendable sunshade
- Smooth focus wheel
- 25-75x magnification power
- IP65 waterproof
Pros
- Versatility
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Admirable clarity even at longer distances
Cons
- Plastic construction
Read Also
- 6 Best Spotting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
- 7 Best Vortex Angled Spotting Scopes for Hunting Deer,Elk
How to Choose the Best Spotting Scope for Digiscoping
Magnification Range
The first thing to consider is the magnification range. The broader the magnification a scope has the better. It will let you cover different distances with ease and make the scope more versatile. Any spotting scope that is capable of magnifying targets from 15x to 60x will be sufficient for Digiscoping.
Close Focus Distance
To get the perfect shot of the objects you are taking pictures of, you will need a Digiscoping equipment that works at both close and long ranges. A scope with a close focus distance of not more than 20 feet is the best for Digiscoping. It will help you take pictures of birds, insects and other small-sized animals up close without spooking them.
Lens size
The next thing to consider is the size of the objective lens. For Digiscoping, you need a spotting scope with an objective lens that is larger than 50mm. The larger the lens is, the more light it draws in for bright and clear image production. A large lens also provides a much larger field of view for quick target finding.
Eyepiece
Spotting scopes have two eyepiece designs; angled and straight. A straight spotting scope has its eyepiece in line with the lens. On the other hand, an angled spotting scope has the eyepiece at an angle usually 45 degrees with the lens. The best spotting scopes for Digiscoping are those that have an angled eyepiece design.
Durability
Durability is another important feature to consider. The more durable a spotting scope is, the better its performance will be even in the roughest outdoor conditions. Look for a product that has a sturdy framework and whose body is rubber armored for added protection. The best spotting scope for Digiscoping should also be waterproof and fog proof to ensure unimpeded use in any environment.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best spotting scope for Digiscoping doesn’t have to be a taxing, unpleasant task. When you are well informed, you will have an easy time finding the right tool for your needs. All the scopes we have mentioned above offer all the basic features a photographer will need for Digiscoping. Irrespective of the product that you end up getting, we hope that this post has been enlightening and helpful.