Are you looking for a spotting scope for target shooting 300 yards? You have come to the right place. This post sheds light on spotting scopes that are ideal for shooting targets as far as 300 yards away.
Target shooting is an outdoor sporting event enjoyed by many. By target shooting, one is able to develop their skills and be better at this sport. Target shooting also offers numerous health benefits as it keeps you active, relieves stress, and builds self-discipline.
To have more fun at the shooting range, you need quality spotting to complement your firearm. A spotting scope will broaden your vision in all lighting and weather conditions and increase your odds of hitting the targets accurately. It will also enhance the views of the small targets at longer distances.
What Makes a Good Spotting Scope for Target Shooting
Spotting scopes are popular and high-powered optics ideal for a ton of outdoor applications including target shooting. A good spotting scope for target shooting is built with high-quality glass elements that yield clear sight pictures in the shooting range.
Moreover, the spotting scope should have solid lens coatings to complement the glass elements by enhancing light transmission. Other than that, the scope should have a smooth focusing system that brings the target into sharp focus quickly.
Another feature that makes a good spotting scope for target shooting 300 yards is a broad zoom power. Zoom power brings the distant targets closer and magnifies the smaller targets for positive identifications.
Last but not least, a good spotting scope for target shooting should have a body that is crafted from high quality materials and weatherproofed to be usable in all sorts of weather conditions.
Best Spotting Scope for Target Shooting 300 Yards
With so many spotting scopes available out there, finding the right model for target shooting 300 yards can be overwhelming. If you are having a difficult time finding the ideal scope for your needs, listed below are the best-rated models you can choose from. Let’s have a look.
Best Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting 300 Yards
1) Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 Spotting Scope
Specifications
- Eye Relief: 16 – 19 mm
- Exit Pupil: 1.5 – 4.6 mm
- Close Focus: 6.6 ft
- Length: 11 in
- Weight: 25 oz
- Field of View, Linear: 96 – 191 ft at 1000 yds
First up we have the Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 Spotting Scope. This spotting scope is packed with a ton of high-quality features that make it the best spotting scope for target shooting 300 yards.
Built with HD lens elements, the spotting scope yields high-quality image views that are rich in resolution and color accuracy. Additionally, it has a 50mm objective lens to draw in more light and XR fully multi-coated lenses to ensure effective light transmission.
With a weight of 25oz only, the spotting scope is fairly lightweight and portable. When it comes to construction, Vortex made the spotting scope with high-quality aluminum alloy to guarantee durability. The optical tube is also waterproofed and fog-proofed for all-weather reliability.
For added protection, the scope features scratchproof Armortek coating on the exterior side of the lenses. It also comes with an adjustable eyecup that makes it eyeglass-friendly and a dual focus mechanism for quick smooth focusing.
Features
- HD lens elements
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Adjustable eyecup
- Dual focus
- XR plus fully multi-coated lenses
- 11-33x magnification power
- Scratchproof Armortek lens coating
Pros
- Wield field of view
- Solid construction
- Versatile
- Lightweight and portable design
Cons
- Less comfortable eyecups
2) Burris Spotter Signature 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scope
Specifications
- Length: 15.3 in
- Weight: 67.2 oz
- Close Focus: 16.4 ft
- Eye Relief: 20 – 18 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 117 – 60 ft at 1000 yds
- Twilight Factor: 71.4
If you are looking for a high-end spotting scope to take your target shooting to a higher level, look no further than the Burris Spotter signature 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scope. This spotting scope has a 20-60x magnification range and an oversized 85mm objective lens that makes the magnification power usable even at the highest power.
Complementing the broad and variable optical power is a die-cast magnesium body that is rubber armored for greater protection from elements and rough handling. Additionally, the spotting scope comes with a built-in sunshade to reduce glare during use and also protect the objective lens from rain and snow.
Furthermore, the scope is built with an angled eyepiece and has an adjustable eyecup to accommodate eyeglass wearers. Other than that, it comes with coarse and fine focusing adjustments to ensure sharp focusing of the targets.
To top it all off, this spotting scope has HD lens elements that yield spectacular image views of the targets in all weather and lighting conditions.
Features
- Coarse and fine-focusing knobs
- Adjustable eyecup
- Rugged rubber armoring
- HD glass elements
- Angled eyepiece
- Rotating tripod mount
- Die-cast magnesium body
- Built-in sunshade
- 20-60x magnification power
Pros
- Crystal clear under all conditions
- Great light-gathering capacity
- Solid construction
- Easy to use
Cons
- No ED Glass
3) Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope
Specifications
- Length: 15.6 in
- Weight: 60 oz
- Close Focus: 10.8 ft
- Magnification: 30 – 60 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 85 mm
- Exit Pupil: 1.4 – 2.8 mm
Zeiss is a household name in the field of optics. It is known to make a wide range of premium quality optics and the Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope is not any different. It is a high-quality all-around optic that makes a handy companion for target shooting.
The spotting scope has a compact and lightweight design for easy carrying from one location to the other. And though compact, it is tough as a nail to handle whatever rough handling you subject it to. It has a magnesium housing which provides maximum ruggedness with minimal weight.
Another impressive feature of the Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope is its optical performance. Zeiss built the scope with a premium HD lens system to give class-leading brightness and resolution.
Moreover, this optic features an advanced 30-60x wide-angle zoom eyepiece that gives users plenty of freedom to view targets across different ranges. The scope also brings to the table a wide 60 MOA windage and adjustment range, and a smooth body focus wheel for precision focusing.
Features
- Premium HD lens system
- Full size 85mm objective lens
- 30-60x wide-angle zoom eyepiece
- Smooth body focus wheel
- Rugged magnesium housing
- Angled eyepiece design
- 60 MOA windage and adjustment range
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Crisp clear optics
- Versatile
Cons
- Expensive
4) Vanguard Endeavor 20-60x82mm HD 82A Spotting Scope
Specifications
- Close Focus: 19.7 ft
- Length: 380 mm
- Weight: 63.8 oz
- Magnification: 20 – 60 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 82 mm
- Eye Relief: 20 mm, 19 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 17.4 – 36.7 m at 1000 m
Built with a 20-60x magnification power and 82mm objective lens, the Vanguard Endeavor 82A is the best spotting scope for target shooting 300 yards for budget-conscious buyers. It is reasonably affordable and built well to last long.
The spotting scope features a magnesium housing that is more rugged than it’s aluminum counterparts yet lightweight. The body tube is nitrogen filled to be fog resistant. It is also waterproofed to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the optics.
In addition to having a weather-sealed construction, the spotting scope has a fully multi-coated optical path to ensure that images generated at each zoom setting are bright and clear. It also boasts phase-corrected BaK4 prisms to maximize light transmission and produce color-rich images.
To add on the scope’s functionality is a dual focus mechanism that allows for fine and coarse focusing. The tripod also has a built-in sunshade to limit glare and protect the objective lens from scratches, rain, and snow.
Features
- Rugged magnesium housing
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 20-60x zoom eyepiece
- Nitrogen-filled and weather-sealed body
- Built-in sunshade
- Stacked dual-focus mechanism
- Angled eyepiece
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Tripod ready
- Clear from edge to edge
- Well built to last long
Cons
- Blurred images at high magnification levels
5) Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide 20-60×85 Spotting Scope
Specifications
- Close Focus: 22 ft
- Length: 17.7 in
- Weight: 78.2 oz
- Magnification: 20 – 60 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 85 mm
- Eye Relief:19”-16.6”
To better your target shooting skills, you need a quality optic like the Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide 20-60×85 Spotting Scope. This spotting scope is built to drastically improve the shooting performance in the range and maximize your precision.
Leupold made this spotting scope to last for ages. It is ruggedly built and tested for extreme outdoor environments. Furthermore, the exterior surface and lenses are scratch resistant to stand up to the roughest conditions.
Optically, the spotting scope boasts a Twilight Max HD Light Management System which eliminates 90% more glare-producing stray light. It also adds up to 30 extra minutes of shooting light to enhance image brightness and clarity.
Another feature that makes the SX-4 Pro Guide the best spotting scope for target shooting 300 yards is the ultra-smooth focus wheel that provides incredibly sharp images. The scope also features an angled eyepiece design and a body that is fully waterproof and fog proof.
Features
- 20-60x zoom eyepiece
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Angled eyepiece
- Hydrophobic Guard-Ion lens coating
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Ultra-smooth focus wheel
- Built-in sunshade
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Clear and bright images
- Rugged construction
- Easy to use
Cons
- Heavy
6) Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 Spotting Scope
Specifications
- Weight: 65.6 oz
- Magnification: 27 – 60 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 85 mm
- Eye Relief: 16.7 – 17 mm
- Twilight Factor: 47.9 – 71.4
Next up we have the Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 Spotting Scope. This spotting scope offers the best balance between value and performance. It employs high-end features in a compact size that is perfect for target shooting and other outdoor activities.
The quality of pictures the spotting scope yields is second to none. It uses premium HD glass lenses to maximize resolution and color accuracy. In addition to that, the scope has a big 85mm objective lens and fully multi-coated lenses to ensure high levels of light transmission.
To complement the stunning optical performance is a built-in sunshade that eliminates glare when you are shooting targets in broad sunlight. Other than that, the spotting scope has an angled design that alleviates fatigue during long target shooting sessions. It is also fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog-resistant for all-weather performance.
The other essential features the spotting scope brings to the table include an adjustable eyecup, Armortek lens coating and a rotating tripod ring.
Features
- 27-60x zoom eyepiece
- Angled body design
- Adjustable eyecup
- Built-in sunshade
- Helical focus
- Rotating tripod ring
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- XR plus fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Rugged and durable construction
- Incredible image quality even at the highest zoom
- Quality glass
- Good eye relief
Cons
- Big budget
7) Hawke Sport Optics Nature 24-72x70mm Spotting Scope
Specifications
- Length: 15 in
- Weight: 36.9 oz
- Close Focus: 11.5 ft
- Magnification: 24 – 72 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 70 mm
- Eye Relief: 13 – 18 mm
- Exit Pupil: 0.04 – 0.11 in
Our last spotting scope for target shooting 300 yards recommendation is the Hawke Sport Optics Nature 24-72x70mm Spotting Scope. If you are a beginner at target shooting, this optic suits you. It is simple to use and comparatively affordable.
This spotting scope provides great image detail across the whole 24-72x magnification power. This is made possible by the 70mm objective lens that draws in more light into the optics and the fully multi-coated lenses that cut on glare and enhance light transmission.
Furthermore, the Nature family of spotting scopes is designed to deliver years of functional use and this model is not built any differently. It has a rugged body that is nitrogen purged to keep the lenses fog-free, and waterproofed to be operable in light rains and misty environments. It also comes with stay-on soft covers that protect the objective lens from scratches, rain, snow, and other elements.
Features
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- BK-7 Porro prisms
- Angled body design
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fold down eyecup
- Anodized finish
- Adjustable mini tripod included
Pros
- Easy to use
- Crisp clear optics
- Relatively lightweight design
- Decent price
Cons
- The tripod included could be larger
Related
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- 6 Best Spotting Scopes for Ocean Viewing
- 7 Best Budget Tripods for Spotting Scopes
Angled Spotting Scope Vs Straight Spotting Scope
Spotting scopes have two eyepiece designs, angled or straight. A straight spotting scope has the eyepiece in line with the objective lens while an angled eyepiece has the eyepiece at an angle usually 45° with the eyepiece.
Both straight and angled spotting scopes are ideal for target shooting. However, it is best to get a spotting scope with an angled eyepiece. Such eyepieces are comfortable to use for long target shooting sessions as they alleviate the strain on both the eyes and the neck. Additionally, they are great for group sharing and taking shots of targets at an elevated angle.
Criteria for Choosing a Spotting Scope for Target Shooting
The market of spotting scopes is diverse and here are the most important factors to consider when shopping for a spotting scope for target shooting 300 yards.
Magnification Power
For target shooting out to 300 yards, you will need a spotting scope with a zoom power between 15x and 60x. The broader the magnification power a scope has, the wider the ranges it will cover and give you the flexibility to take shots at different ranges.
Size
The next thing to consider is size. If you want a spotting scope that is easy to carry in the field, a mid-sized model with about 60mm objective lens will do. An objective lens that is bigger than 60mm makes the scope big and cumbersome to carry around.
Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider when looking to buy a spotting scope for target shooting 300 yards. The most hard-wearing spotting scopes are made with either aluminum allow or magnesium alloy. Such scopes maximize durability without being bulky.
In addition to quality construction, a riflescope for target shooting should be double-sealed against moisture, dirt, and dust. It should also have the optics filled with dry inert gas to keep it thermal stable and free of fog.
Glass Quality
Glass quality is what sets apart a premium quality spotting scope from a cheap one. To be successful in the shooting range, you will need a spotting scope that offers clear pictures of the targets. Spotting scopes made with HD or ED glass offer outstanding image quality in all lighting and weather conditions. A good spotting scope for target shooting 300 yards will also have solid lens coatings to ensure high levels of light transmission.
FAQs
Should I prioritize image quality or durability in a spotting scope for 300-yard target shooting?
Both image quality and durability are important factors to consider. Image quality, including clarity, color fidelity, and resolution, ensures that you can clearly see the target and make accurate assessments.
Durability is crucial for withstanding the rigors of outdoor shooting and ensuring the scope holds up over time. Look for spotting scopes that strike a balance between these factors, with robust construction, high-quality optics, and protective features like waterproofing and fog proofing.
What is the best spotting scope magnification?
The best spotting scope magnification will largely depend on how you plan to use the spotting scope. For target shooting out to 300 yards, a model with moderate zoom power up to 60x will be sufficient.
Do I need a spotting scope for target shooting?
It depends on the distance you will be shooting the targets at. If you are shooting targets at 100 yards and below, you don’t need a spotting scope. However, you will need a spotting scope for target shooting above 100 yards as the further the target is, the harder it becomes to spot it with your naked eyes.
Are there any additional features I should consider in a spotting scope for 300-yard target shooting?
Additional features to consider include an adjustable focus for precise image clarity, built-in reticles for measuring distances or making adjustments, and image stabilization for reducing image shake. These features can enhance your shooting experience and improve your ability to analyze and evaluate shots at 300 yards.
Remember to research and compare different models, read reviews, and consider your specific shooting needs and preferences when selecting a spotting scope for target shooting at 300 yards.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a quality and well-crafted spotting scope will fine-tune your shooting accuracy and make your target shooting trips successful and more enjoyable.
Each of the spotting scopes we have listed above works well within the 300 yards range and has the essential feature that a shooter needs to fine-tune their shooting accuracy.
So look at the specs and features that these scopes bring to the table, then use this guide to get the product that is best for your target shooting needs.