In this post, we comprehensively cover the best spotting scope for long-range shooting recommendations.
Look at their features, pros, cons, and specifications.
Let’s go,
| 1) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60×65 Spotting Scope
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| 2) Nikon Prostaff 5 20-60x82mm Zoom Spotting Scope
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| 3) Vortex Viper HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope
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| 4) Swarovski ATS-80 25-50x80mm HD Spotting Scope
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| 5) Leupold 12-40x60mm HD Golden Ring Spotting Scope
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| 6) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope
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When it comes to long-range shooting, a spotting scope is a handy item to have. They offer higher magnification than binoculars or rifle scopes. Additionally, you can mount a spotting scope on a tripod and get clear and stable views of your targets at extremely long distances.
Whether you are a long-range precision shooter or hunter or you are into target shooting and you are looking for the best spotting scope for long-range shooting, you have come to the right place.
We have rounded up a number of the best spotting scopes suitable for long-range shooting. Let’s dive right in.
Best Spotting Scope for Long Range Shooting-Our Top Picks
1) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
This Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope from Bushnell is one of the best spotting scopes for long-range shooting out there. It is made with high-quality glass which provides extra image clarity that you need to hit your target accurately at long ranges. It also has premium fully multi-coated optics which provide bright and sharp image views even in poor lighting conditions.
This spotting scope provides a variable magnification from 20x up to 60x. This wide magnification makes it ideal for glassing targets at varying ranges. It also has a wide 65mm objective lens for optimum light gathering.
Furthermore, the spotting scope is compact. lightweight and well-built. It is housed in a rugged, shock-absorbing rubber armor that cushions it from impacts and falls. Additionally, the scope has a waterproof and fog-proof construction for use in any weather condition. This spotting scope also comes with a compact tripod for comfortable long-range viewing making it the best spotting scope for long-range shooting by Bushnell.
Features
- Sturdy, shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Porro prism design
- BAK4 Prism Material
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- 1/4 inch -20 Compact tripod with window mount
- 20-60x adjustable magnification
- Close Focus: 30 ft
- Exit Pupil: 3.1 – 1 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 105 – 60 ft at 1000 yds, 35 – 17 m at 1000 m
- Compact and lightweight
- Eye Relief: 18 mm
- Large 65mm objective lens
- Premium fully multi-coated optics
2) Nikon Prostaff 5 20-60x82mm Zoom Spotting Scope
Nikon makes premium-quality optical devices and this quality is also maintained in the Prostaff 5 20-60x84mm Zoom Spotting Scope. It features an adjustable magnification of 20x to 60 and a large 82mm objective lens which provides clear views at every magnification setting.
This spotting scope is well-built to offer unbeatable durability. It is built with high-quality materials to stand rough handling and give you many years of use.
It is also sealed with O-rings to prevent the entry of moisture and nitrogen filled so it is fog-free. Even better, the spotting scope has a water-resistant eyepiece lens for added waterproofness.
Another good thing about the scope is that it is compact in size and lightweight for convenient portability. Furthermore, it has fully multi-coated optics that optimize light transmission for bright and crisp image views.
Other noteworthy features found in the scope include a built-in type slide hood, lead-and-arsenic-free Eco glass, and Digiscoping mount to help you record your shooting trip.
Features
- Fully waterproof and fog-free
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Large 82mm objective lens
- Tripod compatible
- Eye Relief: 16.9 mm
- Stylish and rugged design
- Built-in type slide hood
- Digiscoping mount
- Ergonomic Porro Prism Design
- Field of View, Linear: 109 ft at 1000 yds
- Stay-on case included
- Magnification: 20 – 60 x
- Lead-and-arsenic-free eco glass
3) Vortex Viper HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope
Long-range shooting requires a high-quality spotting scope like the Viper HD. This spotting scope is packed with an array of high-end features for exceptional glassing and high-end optical performance.
The spotting scope is designed to provide reliable performance all-year-round. It is sealed with strong O-rings and argon purged to deliver a lifetime of waterproof and fog-proof performance. Furthermore, it features a rugged rubber armor that enhances durability and an Armortek coating that protects the external lenses from scratches, dirt, and oil.
This spotting scope is made with ease of use in mind. It has an angled eyepiece design for comfortable glassing and a multi-position eyecup which provides proper eye relief for rapid target acquisition.
It also has a locking collar that you can use to rotate the scope into different viewing positions and a built-in sunshade to reduce glare when shooting under direct sunlight.
To top it all, the spotting scope boasts XR anti-reflective coatings which help provide bright image views in poor lighting conditions and an HD optical system that generates clear high-definition images.
Features
- Multi-position eyecup
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Smooth helical focus
- Magnification: 20 – 60 x
- Close Focus: 36 ft
- Porro Prism System
- Objective Lens Diameter: 85 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 101 – 50 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 1 – 1.9 degrees
- XR anti-reflective lens coatings
- Eye Relief: 19.6 – 17.8 mm
- Angled eyepiece design
- Armortek coating
- Built-in sunshade
- HD optical system
- Smooth helical focus
- Locking collar
4) Swarovski ATS-80 25-50x80mm HD Spotting Scope
Swarovski ATS-80 HD spotting scope has a wide magnification of up to 50x which makes it ideal for extreme long-range shooting. It also provides clear image views at every zoom setting thanks to the large 80mm objective lens.
This spotting scope offers tremendous optical performance. In addition to having a large objective lens, it features fluoride HD lenses that reduce color fringing to produce high-quality images that are bright, clear, and color accurate.
It also has a long eye relief for comfortable glassing and a user-friendly, ergonomic focus ring with big groves for lightning-fast precision focusing.
When it comes to construction, this optic has a rugged aluminum housing that maximizes durability while remaining lightweight. It is fully waterproof for all-weather use and filled with nitrogen to prevent internal lens fogging.
Furthermore, the scope has a protective rubber armor which enhances its durability and provides a secure, firm grip even in wet environments.
Features
- Removable sighting aid
- Lightweight design
- Rugged aluminum housing
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Fluoride HD lenses
- Protective rubber armor
- 25x to 50x variable magnification
- Generous eye relief
- User-friendly, ergonomic focus ring
5) Leupold 12-40x60mm HD Golden Ring Spotting Scope
When it comes to versatility, you can hardly go wrong with this HD Golden Ring Spotting Scope from Leupold. It makes an excellent scope for long-range competitive shooters, hunters, and guides. It also comes with a MOA reticle for easy aiming and greater accuracy.
The spotting scope is designed to stand any abuse you subject it to. It is built with premium-grade materials and has a rubber-armored housing that cushions the scope from shock and impacts.
It is also waterproof and fog-resistant for all-weather use.
Another strength of the scope is that it is supremely compact and light as a feather. This way, you will have an easy time carrying it around. It also has a long 30mm eye relief which stays constant throughout the entire zoom range.
In addition to everything else, the scope boasts high-quality optics which provide bright and vivid sight pictures even in dismal environments.
Features
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Long eye relief: 30 mm
- Compact in size and lightweight
- ED glass
- Objective Lens Diameter: 60 mm
- Exit Pupil: 1.5 – 4.8 mm
- Straight Body Type
- Close Focus: 36 ft
- Rugged rubber-armored housing
- Field of View, Linear: 52 – 168 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 1 – 3.2 degrees
- Index matched lens coating
- 12-40x adjustable magnification
- MOA reticle
- Straight eyepiece design
- DiamondCoat2 optical coating
6) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope
The Argos HD Spotting Scope is a high-quality spotting scope available at a remarkably affordable cost. It is made with ease of use in mind which makes it an ideal choice for all users regardless of their skills or experience.
This spotting scope offers excellent optical performance. It boasts fully multi-coated lenses and phase-coated Porro prisms which work together to offer exceptional image brightness and razor-sharp clarity even in low-light settings.
The scope also has a built-in extendable sunshade which reduces flare and reflection to provide better image clarity.
Another impressive thing about the scope is that it’s built for maximum comfort. It has a long eye relief for comfortable glassing and a rotating ring that allows you to rotate the scope to the most comfortable and convenient observation angle.
It also has rubber armor that enhanced durability and makes it easy to handle securely at any given angle.
To top it all, this product has a waterproof construction that protects the optics in harsh weather conditions and it is also argon purged to provide better thermal stability and fog proof protection.
Features
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- Objective Lens Diameter: 85 mm
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Rugged rubber armor
- Exit Pupil: 4.2 – 1.42 mm
- Rotating ring
- Magnification: 20 – 60 x
- Eye Relief: 0.77 – 0.7 in
- Field of View, Linear: 48 – 102 ft at 100 yds
- Wind Band Fully Multi-Coated
- BAK4 Lens Material
- Close Focus: 39.4 ft
- Extendable sunshade
- Tripod mountable
- HD glass
- Lightweight composite chassis
- Phase-coated Porro Prism
See Also: 7 Best Vortex Angled Spotting Scopes
Choosing the Best Spotting Scope for Long Range Shooting
Magnification
The first thing you should consider is the magnification the spotting scope provides. Magnification brings the distant targets closer so you can plan on where to place the shot.
Most spotting scopes have variable magnification power which starts from 10x and can go all the way up to 80x+. That kind of game power is a game-changer when shooting long-range targets in any environment.
Objective Lens Size
After magnification, the next important thing you should consider is magnification. Generally, the bigger the objective lens the better for long-range shooting.
It will let in more light into the scope which translates to brighter and clearer sight pictures. Besides, a large objective lens provides a wider field of view which is essential for straightforward target scanning.
Image Clarity
The quality of glass that a spotting scope has played a big role in determining the quality of images produced. Having a scope that provides exceptional image clarity even at the highest magnification will help make your shooting expedition more rewarding.
Therefore, make sure that you get a scope that uses ED, HD glass, or better, and has its lenses fully coated/fully multi-coated.
Field of View
Another thing you should consider is the field of view which is the size of the landscape you view on the scope without moving it around.
When shooting long-range, it will be simpler to lose a small target if the scope has a narrow field of view.
To get the most out of your shooting trip, look for a spotting scope that offers a wide field of view even at the highest magnification setting.
Durability
The next thing you should consider is the quality of the construction of your scope. You will want to invest in a well-crafted spotting scope so you will get many years from it.
This is especially the case if you are going to use the scope in unfamiliar terrains.
Look for a model that is crafted from premium-grade materials preferably aluminum or magnesium alloy. In addition to that, make sure that the scope has rubber armor which provides extra protection by cushioning the optic from shock, accidental falls, and harsh impacts.
Environmental Protection
Environmental protection is a must-have feature for a spotting scope for long-range shooting. This is especially the case since water is the main optics enemy.
Look for a scope that is sealed with strong O-rings and filled with either argon or nitrogen. Such scopes are fully waterproof and fog-resistant so they are ideal for use in any weather condition.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the maximum distance between the spotting scope’s ocular lens and your eyes. The longer the eye relief the better. It allows you to observe your targets comfortably with or without eyeglasses. Long eye relief also aids in quick target acquisition.
Weight
Last but not least is weight. A lightweight spotting scope is easy to carry around and comfortable to hold even during long shooting sessions. If you get a scope that is bulky, make sure that you also get a tripod where you can mount it and take the weight off your hands.
Benefits of Long-Range Shooting Spotting Scopes
- Easy target identification even at extremely long distances.
- Greater shooting accuracy. With a quality spotting scope, you will be able to see the target clearly and know where you should place the shot for accurate target acquisition.
- Saves both time and ammo. For long-range target shooting, a spotting scope will help you save the amount of ammunition you use and also ensure efficient use of time.
- You can use your spotting scope for other outdoor fun activities, not just long-range shooting.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the information in this post has given you some insights into the best spotting scope for long-range shooting. Remember that a quality spotting scope will give you much better target identification and also help you scan your targets easily in any terrain. With so many options out there, focus on getting a unit that is well-built and has all the essential features that you need.