Tips for Choosing the Right Spotting Scope

Posted by theopticzone on July 25th, 2019

A spotting scope can serve a variety of purposes. Obviously, they are an aid in hunting or helping to dial-in a firearm over a longer distance and to help spot game, but they also can be used to birdwatch and even observe events from afar. The best spotting scopes for hunting generally will have the same characteristics; here they are.

Adequate Magnification

The purpose of any scope is to magnify objects from a distance to allow for better visibility and greater accuracy. A properly set-up rifle scope, for example, will give the shooter a target advantage thanks to the greater magnification and accuracy of the scope. It also will aid those who might not have the best eyesight over long distances. Testing your spotting scope to ensure you can see over longer distances with clarity is key to making sure you choose the best scope for your needs.

Environmental Factors

If you wear glasses, you have no doubt experienced them fogging up when you step out from an airconditioned vehicle into the heat of a summer day. The same environmental factors that created that also play a role with your spotting scope. You must match the type of scope and glass as well as any treatment it has with the environment you most likely will be hunting or spotting in. Not doing so risks environmental impacts that affect visibility and accuracy.

Budget

In rifle or spotting scopes, you generally get what you pay for. This is because they are so finely calibrated that any reduction in quality can adversely impact the performance of the scope. That does not mean the more expensive, the better the scope, however. This is particularly true when it is applied to your individual needs. Set a budget number you can afford and then do your research to find the scope that meets your needs and your financial capabilities. That not only will help ensure you get the right scope, it quickly narrows down the scopes you have to test when making a purchase.

Lens Diameter

The larger the lens, the more light can be let in. The more light that is let into the scope, the clearer the target. The clearer the target, the better the chances you can make the shot you need to bring it down. Make sure when you are testing scopes that you focus on scopes that let in a lot of light or have lighting aids to help see in environments that are darker.

After that, choosing a scope comes down to your own preferences. By following these basic rules, you will ensure you only test the best spotting scopes for hunting that meet your needs.