Are you looking for the best spotting scope under 800? If so, you have come to the right place. We have put up this under-800 spotting scope buying guide to help you find a model that works best for your needs.
Spotting scopes are one of the most versatile optics available out there. They are good for bird watching, long-range hunting, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, spotting scopes make an invaluable sighting tool for ocean viewing and astronomy where they are portable and simpler to use than telescopes.
What Makes the Best Spotting Scope under 800?
The best spotting scope under 800 is made of not one but several features that work together to create a sighting tool whose versatility is second to none. Firstly, a great spotting scope should have a broad zoom power that makes it ideal for glassing objects in different environments and across vast distances.
To make the magnification power useful at each setting, the scope should have a large objective lens. Furthermore, the spotting scope should boast a solid build quality that enhances durability as well as longevity. With quality construction also comes dependable functionality even in the most unforgiving outdoor conditions.
For use in all kinds of weather conditions, a good spotting scope should be waterproofed and dustproof. Additionally, the scope should have the internal optics fog-proofed to maintain a clear view even in cold and misty environments.
Last but not least, the best spotting scope under 800 should have eye relief that is long enough to enhance glassing comfort with or without eyeglasses.
Best Spotting Scopes under 800
Spotting scopes like any other optics come in different prices. Largely, the price is determined by the quality of construction, size, and brand. With so many models available, finding a good spotting scope for the right cost is not always easy. Some of us don’t have a giant budget to work with and are looking for models made with budget buyers in mind.
In this post, we are going to take you through the top-performing spotting scopes that are available for under $800. Without any further delays, let’s get started.
1) Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 Spotting Scope
First up, we have the Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 Spotting Scope. Carrying the highly respected Vortex name, this super lightweight spotting scope is loaded with an array of great features that make it the best spotting scope under 800.
The scope is built with a sophisticated triplet achromatic lens system that yields spectacular views across the whole field of view. In addition to that, it has XR plus fully multi-coated optics that maximize light transfer in all lighting settings to deliver images that are bright, clear, and rich in color across the whole 11-33x zoom range.
Moreover, the spotting scope is built to last. It has premium housing that is tough enough to stand up to rigorous use and rough handling. Besides, the optical tube is sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, debris, and dirt from getting inside. It is also argon purged to guarantee superior fog-proof performance.
This spotting scope also features eyecups that are adjustable for comfortable viewing or without eyeglasses.
Features
- HD lens elements
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Adjustable eyecups
- Dual focus
- Porro prism optical path
- Scratch-resistant Armortek finish
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Clear optics
Cons
- None
2) Vortex Viper HD 15-45x 65mm Spotting Scope
The Vortex Viper HD 15-45x 65mm Spotting Scope is a compact and portable spotting scope that is made for outdoor enthusiasts who are always on the go. This spotting scope is built with a broad 15-45x magnification and a close focus of 23ft that make it ideal for both long-range and close-range applications.
Optically, the spotting scope uses high-quality elements to yield stunning picture quality. It utilizes HD lens elements to ensure excellent resolution and color accuracy. It also boasts fully multi-coated lenses that limit glare and internal light loss to provide brilliantly clear and sharp image views.
The spotting scope has an angled body design that makes it ideal for group sharing and Digiscoping. Furthermore, the eyecup is adjustable to create a long eye relief that is essential for reducing glassing fatigue. Also included is a built-in sunshade for reducing glare when you are using the spotting scope in broad daylight.
Features
- Angled body design
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Adjustable eyecup
- Helical focus
- Built-in sunshade
- Waterproof and fog proof
- HD lens elements
- 15-45x magnification
Pros
- Crisp clear optics
- Great construction quality
- Easy to focus
Cons
- None
3) Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope
Celestron, a household name in the field of optics continues to make high-quality optics with excellent value and this is clear in the Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope. This cost-effective spotting scope is multifunctional and ideal for birding, long-distance viewing, casual astronomical observation, and other applications.
The spotting scope yields spectacular picture quality even in low-light settings. This is made possible by the extra-low dispersion glass that enhances resolution and XLT lens coatings that maximize light transmission through the optical path.
Moreover, this optics is made ready for use in any environment. It has a magnesium alloy body that is strong, durable, and rigid enough to take in any beating. Better yet, it is built to be weather resistant for use in all kinds of environments.
Well, that’s not all. The scope has a dual-focus mechanism that is very easy to use, even for beginners. It also comes with a T-adapter for Digiscoping and an option where one can either use it with the 20-60x zoom eyepiece included or with any 1.25” astronomical eyepiece.
Features
- XLT lens coatings
- Dual-speed focus dials
- ED glass objective lens
- T-adapter for Digiscoping
- Magnesium alloy body
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Multifunctional
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- Not clear at long ranges
4) Pentax PF-80ED-A Spotting Scope
The Pentax PF-80ED-A is the best spotting scope under 800 for hunting. It comes with every feature a hunter needs to make their next hunting more competitive and rewarding.
Built with extra-low dispersion glass, the spotting scope provides a sharp, vivid images view without any chromatic aberrations. Further, it features a large 80mm objective to maximize the amount of light collected into the optics and enhance the optical performance when hunting in low-light settings.
Another highlight of this optic is solid construction. It is built tough with a lightweight magnesium-alloy body that is rugged and sturdy enough to withstand shock and protect the internal parts from damage. Better yet, the scope is built to be usable in all kinds of weather conditions.
Last but not least, this spotting scope brings to the table a built-in lens hood to limit glare and protect the objective lens surface from scratches.
Features
- Magnesium alloy body
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- 80mm objective lens
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Built-in lens hood
Pros
- Versatile
- Excellent build quality
- Lightweight design
- Outstanding low-light performance
Cons
- Loose rear lens cover
5) Leupold Golden Ring 15-30x50mm Compact Spotting Scope
Leupold prides itself in manufacturing rugged and top-quality optics and the Golden Ring 15-30x50mm Compact Spotting Scope is not built any different. It boasts a ton of other quality features packed in a light and compact body for portability and convenience.
This spotting scope is made to be nearly indestructible. It has a carbon fiber construction that is incredibly tough to weather whatever punishment you subject it to. Additionally, the optic is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to ensure unimpeded field use in any environment and coated with shock-absorbing rubber armor for added protection.
To enhance light transmission, this optic has fully multi-coated lenses that also cut glare and light reflection. This yields bright and crisp clear-sight pictures that are rich in color. The scope is also built with a long eye relief to enhance ease of use even with eyeglasses and a matte finish that is scratch-proof and non-reflective.
Features
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- 15-30x magnification power
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Carbon fiber construction
- Straight eyepiece design
- Rubber armored body
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Long eye relief
- Good glass clarity
Cons
- No ED glass
6) SightMark Latitude 20-60×80 XD Spotting Scope
The SightMark Latitude 20-60×80 XD is the best spotting scope under 800 for tactical shooting. It comes with a wide range of features that tactical shooters need to fine-tune their skills and make the most of their expeditions. This included a reticle that is positioned on the first focal plane and a broad 20-60x magnification power for use even at extended ranges.
The selling point of this spotting scope is the optical finesse. It has a large 80mm objective lens that draws in more light to ensure that the images generated at each zoom setting are bright and vivid. Furthermore, the scope utilizes fully multi-coated ED glass that yields spectacular picture quality in all lighting conditions.
Complementing the superb optical performance is a housing that is built tough to last long. For added protection, the entire body is wrapped with rugged rubber armor that absorbs shock and impact. The spotting scope is also IP67 waterproofed to be operable even in the less than ideal weather conditions.
Features
- First focal plane mil-radian reticle
- Folded light path
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Dielectric mirror coatings
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- IP67 water resistance level
Pros
- Clear glass
- Fast and smooth focus
- Easy-to-use reticle
- Rugged and reliable construction
Cons
- Heavy (67.7 oz)
7) Sightron SIIBL Series 20-60X85 HD Spotting Scope
Next up we have the Sightron SIIBL Series 20-60X85 HD Spotting Scope. Getting this high quality spotting scope as your glassing tool will help you dominate any terrain and ensure that you get the most out of your outdoor adventure activity.
The spotting scope features a variable zoom range that spans from 20x to 60x for use across different ranges. To complement the broad magnification is a large 85mm aperture that yields stunning image quality even at the highest zoom setting. Moreover, the scope has extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated glass to cut on chromatic aberration and provide bright and crisp image views.
If you wear eyeglasses, you will find the spotting scope very comfortable to use. It has a twist-up/down eyecup that you can use to tailor the eye relief and ensure proper adjustment. The scope also features a waterproof and fog-proof construction to resist elements and ensure that you triumph in any weather condition.
Features
- 20-60x magnification
- Twist up/down eyecup
- Pull out sunshade
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 24ft close focus
- Extra-low dispersion glass
Pros
- Quality construction
- Bright and clear optics
- Multipurpose
- Ease of use
- Good eye relief
Cons
- Heavy (66 oz)
8) Kowa 82mm Spotting Scope
Lastly, we have the Kowa 82mm Spotting Scope. This compact spotting scope is your ideal option if you are looking for a spotter that is not just portable, but also simple to use.
Built with an oversized 82 mm objective lens, the scope offers outstanding light-gathering power as well as a bright field of view even in low-lighting environments. This masterpiece also brings to the table fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission to offer clear and sharp image views.
When it comes to construction, the scope has robust housing that yields unmatched durability. The ultra-light yet durable body is sealed against moisture and dust, and filled with dry nitrogen gas to keep both the interior and external lenses fog resistant. Other than that, the spotting scope is built with an angled eyepiece design to be Digiscoping ready and to ensure comfortable glassing during prolonged viewing sessions.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Dustproof glass
- Angled eyepiece
- Wide Porro prism design
- Carbon fiber rubber-armored construction
Pros
- Large field of view
- Good resolution
- Bright and clear optics
- Ease of use
Cons
- Clarity declines at the top end of the magnification range
Read Also
- 7 Best Spotting Scopes under $1500
- 6 Best Spotting Scopes Under 500
- 7 Best Vortex Angled Spotting Scopes for Hunting Deer, Elk
How to Choose a Spotting Scope under 800
When looking for the best spotting scope under 800, explained below are the key factors you should take into account before you settle on any specific product.
Build Quality
The first thing to consider is the spotting scope’s build quality. The type of materials used to make the scope plays a big role of determining how durable and reliable it will be. Irrespective of the kind of application you will be using the spotting scope for, go for a model that has a chassis made from aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, or magnesium alloy. Such scopes are durable and lightweight.
Objective Lens
In spotting scopes, the size of the objective lens varies from one product to the other. The bigger the lens is, the more light the scope draws inside the optics. This results in a generation of bright and clear image views, even in poorly lit environments.
However, oversized lenses make the scope cumbersome to carry around because of the added weight. For optimal brightness and clarity without the bulk, get a spotting scope with a lens diameter that ranges between 50-80mm.
Usage
While most spotting scopes are multi-functional, there are those that are built with particular applications in mind. Such scopes are the best in terms of performance and functionality. When you are more specific about the activity you plan to use the spotting scope for, you will find your selection process less taxing.
Eye Relief
Another important factor to consider is eye relief. This is the distance between the eyepiece of the spotting scope and where your eye rests. It is important as it determines the overall glassing comfort during use. The best spotting scope under 800 will feature a long eye relief and twist up eye cup that lets you tailor the eye relief based on your needs.
Weatherproof Construction
Look for a spotting scope that is built to be usable in all weather conditions. With such a scope, you won’t be worrying about the optics getting damaged when you use the scope in adverse weather conditions. In optics, weatherproof construction also goes a long way to enhance the durability of the product, and spotting scopes are not any different.
FAQs
- Which is better angled or straight spotting scope?
It depends on a couple of factors such as your preference and the type of activity you will use the spotting scope for. Straight spotting scopes are best for hunting and for beginners, as they are simple to use. Angled spotting scopes on the other hand are more versatile, comfortable to use for lengthy sessions, and great for group sharing.
- What do the numbers in a spotting scope represent?
Magnification power and the diameter of the objective lens respectively. So, in an 11-33x50mm spotting scope, for example, 11-33x is the variable magnification power and 50mm is the diameter of the objective lens.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a spotting scope for your outdoor pursuits doesn’t have to be a complex, time-consuming, and unpleasant task. Consider the kind of activity you will be using the scope for, then use the information in this guide to find the right unit for your needs. Irrespective of the spotting scope that you end up getting, it is our hope that this post has steered you in the right direction.