The Best Small Spotting Scope For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope

The 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope from Emarth features a durable rubber armor that provides non-slip grip and shock-proof grip for enhanced durability. It comes with a built-in retractable sunshade, allowing you to spot your target in bright conditions without glare. It is also made with tripod which enables you to rotate it in a sideways position, providing adjustable viewing angles. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scopes

The Gosky 20-60x80 Spotting Scope is fully multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens provides a field of view at 82.9-48ft/1000yards and includes a quality BAK4 Porro prism optics increases light transmission and makes your view brighter, clearer and delivers crisp images. This spotting scope includes a tabletop full metal tripod and tripod mount for steady observations. Read Review

3. Best Lightweight: Spotting Scope, Huicocy 20-60x60mm Zoom 39-19m/1000m with FMC Lens

Explore and discover with the Spotting Scope. This quality spotting scope provides high-quality magnification, a long telescopic zoom lens, and a retractible eyepieces for use with glasses or without glasses. The Spotting Scope also contains an integrated sun visor which eliminates glare. The Spotting Scope is lightweight and durable, making it perfect for travel or day trips. Read Review

4. Best Realiable: Gosky 20-60x60 HD Spotting Scope

Whether you're a professional naturalist or an amateur enthusiast, this spotting scope by Gosky is an excellent choice. With the included smartphone adapter, you can easily capture what you have observed and share your findings on social media. The tripod provides a more stable observation and the carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers make it easy to carry and maintain. Read Review

There are a lot of things in nature that we can’t see. It’s a good thing there are people like you who can spot them. In order to spot these small hidden things, you need a small spotting scope. These scopes are compact and light in weight so they can easily be carried around when you go on an outdoor adventure or on a hike. You don’t have to be a professional wildlife photographer to take advantage of these scopes either.

They’re perfect for taking detailed photos of your garden, lawn, or backyard for birding or gardening purposes. There are so many different types of spotting scopes out there that it can be difficult to know which one is the best for you and your needs. This guide will help you understand what qualities to look for when selecting the best small spotting scope for your needs.

After nearly 18 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Emarth, Gosky, Huicocy, Svbony, Landove, Athlon optics, Vortex, Gravitude, Creative xp, Bushnell. Among them, Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope seems to be the first product you can rely on. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for a good-looking option, you may go with Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scopes.

Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope
Our Score:
9.7
Emarth
  • ✅【Fully Multi-coated Lens】The lens are all fully multi-coated and features BAK4 roof prism to increases light transmission and delivers bright, clear, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions. For long range viewing, a dual focus wheel system enables fast and fine-tuning focus adjustment,allows you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail clearly
  • ✅【Emarth VIP Customer Service】 - Emarth offers lifetime VIP customer service for our customers, you are welcome to contact us if any problem with our optics products, our special line service will work hard to put a smile back on your face
  • ✅【High Magnification】This spotting scope features a powerful zoom magnification range that adjustable 20x to 60x magnification,45 degree angled eyepiece ergonomic design allows more comfortable viewing. Field-of-view is 39-19m/1000m, brings nature closer to you than ever. Perfect for target shooting, hunting, bird watching wildlife, spotting moon, traveling, hiking, camping, archery, astronomy etc
TOP Choice #2 Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scopes
Our Score:
9.6
Gosky
  • Includes tabletop full metal tripod and tripod mount for steady observations. The carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, cleaning cloth make you more convenient to carry and maintain.
  • Variable 20x to 60x magnification and dynamic lens focusing system - makes it easy to zoom in on target. Perfect for target shooting, archery, hunting, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, astronomical observation etc.
  • Nitrogen filled waterproof and fog-proof design enables the scope to withstand the toughest environments. Durable Framework and Rubber Armor provide non-slip grip, shock-proof grip and durable external lasting protection. The eyepiece shield can be stretched out to protect the eyepiece
  • COMPLETE ACCESSORIES - The spotting scopes come with a tripod, phone adapter, cleaning cloth, carry bag, eyepiece and objective lens protective cover. The scope’s screw base is a standard 1/4-20 taped hole which is universal of most floor tripod. The adjustable phone adapter can freely stretch and clamp most models of mobile phones. The eyepiece and objective lens protective cover, cleaning cloth and carry bag keep your spotting scopes clean at all times.
  • 20x to 60x POWERFUL MAGNIFICATION - This HD spotting scopes provides a powerful zoom magnification which can be continuously zoomed from 20x to 60x, making it easy to narrow the distance between you and the target. The 45° angled eyepiece offers a more comfortable viewing feeling for target shooting, bird watching, hunting, astronomy, wildlife viewing, etc.
  • BAK4 HIGH-TRANSMITTING PRISM - BAK4 has a finer texture and high refractive index, which can get brighter images and make the surrounding image clearer. Compared to BAK7, Huicocy's BAK4 prism telescope can provide you with a more comfortable sense of reality.
4 Gosky 20-60x60 HD Spotting Scope
Our Score:
9.4
Gosky
  • 【WATERPROOF DESIGN】: O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust and debris from penetrating the scope for reliable performance in all environments. Nitrogen gas purging delivers further waterproof performance
  • 【POWERFUL MAGNIFICATION】: Adjustable powerful 20-60x zoom magnification allows you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail. Perfect for target shooting, archery, hunting, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, astronomical observation etc
5 SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scopes
Our Score:
9.2
SVBONY
  • 70mm large object lens;More powerful light gathering ability;70mm tube allows plenty of light and decent view of the target once set;extendable sunshade built onto the main barrel to reduce glare
  • 25-75x zoom;SV28 spotting scope is easy to focus and change magnification;easily set up when looking at birds and scenery;A great spotting scope for beginner to novice
  • Lightweight and portable weight;Very suitable for carrying when going out for observation; can also be easily put into the car for use in family camping
  • ALL IN ONE - You will receive a black oxford carrying bag in a black box, which includes a LANDOVE 20-60X80mm BAK4 Waterproof Angled Prism Spotting Scope, a metal table tripod, a QUICK SET SMARTPHONE ADAPTER, a cleaning cloth, two lens covers and LIFETIME WARRANTY GUARANTEE, LIFETIME MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - High quality material brings you better experience. Special design: non-slip grip, shock-proof grip, nitrogen-filled waterproof, fog-proof, built-in retractable sunshade, eyepiece shield...Provide you with the best quality products.
  • CATCH THE NATURE INTO YOUR SCREEN - Comes with a digiscoping cell phone adapter - which enables you to take videos and images in the distant world.The phone adaptor fits most of smart phones with or without cases on the market, which is quicker and easier installation and remove. It is not only suit for spotting scope, but also other optical instruments.
  • Variable 20x to 60x zoom magnification allows you to view a wide field of view at a lower power and zoom in on details at a higher power. Perfect for target shooting, archery, hunting, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, astronomical observation etc
  • Gosky’s top of line spotting scope - 80mm big objective lens and fully multi-coated optics with BAK4 Porro Prism and 9pcs/5groups lens increase light transmission, deliver bright, clear, crisp images even in low-light conditions
  • Comes with a New Design Large smartphone digiscoping adapter,enables you to take photos and videos of what you have observed. Bring the nature closer to you and you can explore the distant world easily through the phone screen. A carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, cleaning cloth make you more convenient to carry and maintain
  • Sport type: Hunting
  • O-ring sealed and argon purged, the scope delivers waterproof and fogproof performance. Armortek coatings protect the lenses from oil, scratches, and dirt. Rubber armor enhances both durability and grip for the user.
  • The redesigned Diamondback HD spotting scope has all the optical horsepower the western hunter needs, and excels in low light. It features a streamlined exterior for a sleeker profile and a built-in helical focus wheel for fast and fine adjustments.
  • 【𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗬】You have several choices when purchasing a spotting scope, know that we are a USA based company with undeniable 𝗨𝗦 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 and a product built to last. We are so confident you will love our products, that if you are not happy for any reason, Gravitude will replace your item or provide a full refund. It’s that simple!
  • 【𝗦𝗘𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘】The Raptor HD offers powerful magnification between 20x – 60x eliminating long walks to view your target! Adjustable Eye Relief and Eyepiece Angle provides comfortable viewing while the two Fast Focus Knobs quickly sharpen your perspective. The perfect spotter scope for shooting range outings and ideal choice for anyone browsing spotting scopes for bird watching!

Try one of the following guide to pick best small spotting scope for you need

Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices when it comes to purchasing best small spotting scope? Visitors didn't even know if a better option was available. We have a few suggestions which will make things easier and thus save you time and effort.

Review them out below to see whether the item you're looking for is right for you!

Magnification

It depends on the range of your choice whether you choose a binoculars or spotting scope. Most scopes will pick up from binoculars and fall within the 12 to 80 power magnification range. They are almost always "zooms," which means they can offer multiple magnifications, such as 20-60x.

Straight Or Angled View

There are two versions of many spotting scopes: straight and angled. The eyepiece orientation is what this refers to. Although you can use both effectively, you may prefer the spotting scope.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens diameter refers to the area of your scope's viewing field. Smaller backpacking spotting scopes can be up to 40mm in diameter, while bigger stargazing scopes are around 100mm. Although larger scopes are generally more effective because they allow in more light, heavier scopes will usually be costlier and weigh more. You will need to know how the scope is going to be used. If you have the opportunity, you should also spend some time looking at different scopes to help you find the right one for you.

Aperture

SpottingScopeAn aperture in a spotting scope is the size of the objective lens. It's usually measured in millimeters. The aperture size for hunting purposes will typically range from 50 to 90mm. The instrument's size and weight will directly affect the aperture size. However, the focal length and optical design play an important role. With a larger objective lens, the light entering the optical system will be more concentrated. This can lead to greater detail and clarity. The actual observed brightness of an image depends on several factors, including the transmittance (coatings), how the aperture is related to magnification (exit pupils), and the focal length of objective lenses.

Weight

Some people, such as hunters who use their scope mostly from a car or day hikers with basic supplies, consider weight a minor issue. Others find it a significant concern. A smaller, lighter scope might be the best choice if you are looking to hike miles up remote mountains to see stars, or climb 14,000 foot peaks for bighorn sheep hunting,

Clarity

The glass is probably the reason why two scopes have similar features, but very different pricing. It's one thing to make durable scope tubes, but it is very difficult to create material that magnifies images without adding colour or distortion. Clarity is an important factor, just like with camera lenses and diamonds.
Spotting scopes that are inexpensive can still do the job and save you money. These scopes will have imperfections and may not show true-to-life color. They can also cause distortion around the edges. These distractions are gone with high-end glass, though you will have to spend a lot of money for it.

Optical Design

Two types of optical design are used in spotting scopes. The refractor is the most common and the catadioptric the least. One difference is in the lens used to focus the image. Refractor uses optical glasses lenses to bend light, while catadioptric uses mirrors to reflect light. Although the differences in material are not significant, they can each produce distinct optical characteristics.

Price

A spotting scope can be expensive, costing anywhere between several hundred and several thousand dollars. Scopes come in all price ranges. While I cannot say if $3,000 is worth it, I can assure you it will not be worth the cost of $100. Low-quality scopes are often frustrating and you don't get the intended purpose of the scope.

FAQs

What Do The Numbers On A Spotting Scope Mean?

The number before the X indicates the magnification range, either fixed or telescopic. Numbers after the X indicate the size of the objective lens in millimeters. The scope 10-20x40 zooms between 10- and 20, power magnification, and features a 40-millimeter objective lens.

What Magnifications Are Typical For Spotting Scopes?

The majority of spotting can be done at 30- to 40-power magnification. Many spotting scopes can be extended beyond this range, but there are occasions when it is useful. More powerful optics can be used by people in open areas with calm, clear air.

Can You Use A Telescope As A Spotting Scope?

Although it is possible, we don't recommend it. Telescopes are typically larger and less fragile than a spotter scope.

Can I Attach A Camera To My Spotting Scope?

It is, indeed. This allows you to make the most of your experience. This technique is used by both hunters and wildlife guides to capture pictures of animals that they encounter. It's possible to be amazed at how good the photos turn out.

What Makes A Spotting Scope Good For Hunting?

Scoring scopes enable hunters to see further than what is possible using binoculars or riflescopes. These scopes are much more effective than lesser-powerful optics and allow for better target identification. They can also scan faraway terrain with much greater accuracy.

How Should I Carry My Spotting Scope?

Scopes for hunting are made to be carried on rugged terrain and in any weather. They are still precision optics, so it is a smart idea to protect them with a case.

What Is A Spotting Scope Used For?

Scopes can be used to view objects at close range. They are used by wildlife tour guides and hunters to identify and observe animals from a distance. Spotting scopes are used at the range to help shooters evaluate the placement of their shots without having to leave the bench.

Conclusion

The website has a buying guide for best small spotting scope for your needs. It will assist you in determining what to purchase and how much was to purchase! If the above options do not meet your needs, consider Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope, Green, 20-60 x 65mm as an alternative.

Whether any of this makes it sound daunting or if you want more information, please give us a call, our members of the team are always happy to chat and brainstorm ideas with you!


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

Read Katie's full bio