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The best tactical spotting scopes are designed to let you get a better look at whatever is going on out in the distance. They're ideal for any kind of outdoor pursuit, but they're particularly useful if you shoot or hunt, and want to keep an eye on what's happening at a distance from your vantage point.
These products have been around for years, but it wasn't until the early 2000s that the term 'tactical' was added to their name. That's because they were originally used by military snipers as part of their kit and still are today. If you've ever watched a sniper film or documentary then you'll have seen them using one of these devices, with the long lens poking out from behind cover so that they can peer out into the distance undetected.
Tactical spotting scopes differ from binoculars in two key ways: magnification and objective lens size (the former is more important than the latter).
The magnification determines how much closer objects appear through the scope compared to without it while objective lenses determine how much light can enter.
The best tactical spotting scopes should offer between 10x and 60x magnification while having enough aperture to let plenty of light in so that things aren't too dark when viewed through them. Often they have fully multi-coated lenses and must be cleaned very carefully.
All of this means that they tend to be fairly large – even more than other types of telescopes – but there are some models available now which are more compact than others so you don't need such a big bag for storage or transportation purposes.
You also need something that has quality optics inside – especially when paying over $500 for one - as otherwise there won't be any benefit over binoculars or cheaper models like trail cameras. As well as serving practical purposes like hunting and target practice, these tools can be great fun just to use even if nothing unusual is happening nearby thanks to all those extra zoom levels compared with regular binoculars or riflescopes.
How We Choose
You want a spotter that can deliver crisp, clear images with minimal distortion and glare. You also want one that's lightweight so it's easy to carry around all day.
To help you find the best spotting scope for your needs, we've rounded up our top picks below. We've considered factors such as magnification power, lens size, build quality, and eye relief distance when making our selection.
Additionally, we've taken into account customer reviews from Amazon to get an idea of real-world performance levels. Our hope is that this article will make your search for the perfect spotting scope a little bit easier!
Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes 27-60x85 - Angled Razor HD Spotting Scope
The Vortex Razor HD spotting scope is another great choice for beginners looking to go big. It's a heavy-duty model with a solid build and sturdy tripod legs. The focus is manual which can be tricky for some, but it will get you right where you need to be.
We were impressed by the clarity of the image and its low light performance, even through our trees this was usable in many areas. There are no extras on this scope aside from the tripod which makes it simple and pure with no frills or gimmicks to distract you from your view.
Leupold Guide Spotting Scope TMR Reticle (60040)
If you want a spotting scope that's built for hunters, then the Leupold Guide 4 is what you need. This rifle scope has been designed to withstand the rigors of hunting, so it's fully waterproof and fog proof and features an impressive 1-inch exit pupil.
It also boasts an industry-leading 12x magnification and a 40mm objective lens. That means this rifle scope can see a lot further than many others out there, making it ideal for use on hunting rifles with larger calibers like .300 Win Mag or .338 Lapua.
The only downside is that while it offers great clarity, color fidelity isn't quite as good compared to more expensive models - but considering its budget price tag, this really isn't surprising at all.
Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x85mm Angled Body Sand Scope (300102)
The Burris Signature Series HD Spotting Scope is a high-end spotting scope that offers many useful features. For example, it comes with a tripod mount to make it easier to use, even if you're prone or in a kneeling position.
It also has an angled eyepiece so you can look at the target without needing to straighten your neck too much. This makes it ideal for viewing objects from afar without any distortion. The 20-60x magnification range means this spotting scope can be used for all sorts of different applications, and you'll be able to see more details when looking at faraway targets compared to other spotting scopes on this list.
The only downside is that the 20mm exit pupil isn't as large as some other models we tested, which could have an impact on your field of view in poor weather conditions such as rain or snow. However, these are relatively minor issues considering the price of this model and its high level of performance.
Barska AD11430 Compact Targeting 11-33x50 Waterproof Spotting Scope with Mil-Cross Rangefinding Reticle for Target Shooting
The Barska 11-33x50 WP Tactical Spotting Scope is a rugged, waterproof spotting scope that's ideal for hunting and tactical use. This model comes with a Mil-Cross reticle design and an angled eyepiece that's great for targeting and range finding. The crosshair pattern on this scope helps you make quick adjustments to your aim without having to move the whole device around.
The crosshairs are also useful for targeting when you're using the Barska as a rifle scope. The crosshairs can be used with any magnification setting so you can zoom in closer or farther away from your target if needed. Like most other hunting scopes, this one has an 11-33x magnification range, which is good enough to help you spot small game at longer distances while still being able to see clearly through the lens of your binoculars or camera if need be.
While we didn't test how well it could withstand drops onto concrete during our testing process, we did find that the rubber armor on this spotting scope was very durable and shockproof making it suitable for hunting outdoors where things might get knocked around quite a bit. While not advertised as waterproof, we found that this model was fogproof meaning rain shouldn't be much of an issue when using it out in the field or in harsh weather conditions like snowfall or light misting – even if it does get wet along the way there's nothing wrong with leaving it outside overnight between hunts!
Bushnell 781545ED Legend T-Series Flp Spotting Scope with Mil-Hash Reticle, 15-45 x 60mm, Tan
Bushnell
781545ED Legend T-Series Flp Spotting Scope with Mil-Hash Reticle, 15-45 x 60mm
The Bushnell Legend Tactical Series with ED Prime Glass, BaK-4 Prisms, and Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) Optics.
Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Prime fluorite glass delivers amazing color resolution and virtually eliminates chromatic aberration and color-fringing to bring out the most distinct details possible. Fully multi-coated (FMC) optics and premium BaK-4 prisms capture your subject with vivid clarity and contrast, even in low-light conditions.
- Folded light path spotter with HD prime Glass, fully multi-coated optics, Ultra wide-band coating, and rain guard HD to provide the brightest image possible
- First focal plane mil-hash reticle and is fully 100% waterproof and Fog proof
- Picatinny rail mounts on the top and side
- Magnification ranges from 15 to 45x with a close focus range of 35'
- Backed by Bushnell no Questions Asked Lifetime Warranty
Tactical Spotting Scope FAQs
Tactical spotting scopes are perfect for hunting, camping, hiking, and more! They make it easier to find your target before taking a shot.
However, there's a lot of confusing information out there about tactical spotting scopes. People write in with questions like "What is the best brand of tactical scope? ", or "Is it better to get a monocular or binocular? ". We've answered some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about tactical spotting scopes below so that you can make an informed decision!
Is A Spotting Scope Good For Backyard Shooting?
In a word, yes! Spotting scopes are great tools for any hunter or backyard shooter, whether you're after deer in your local woods or targets at the range. The clearer your view of the target, the easier it is to place your shot accurately and bring home the prize.
The biggest benefit spotting scopes offer over binoculars is their superior magnification power. Most high-quality spotting scopes offer between 60x and 100x magnification - enough to clearly see details like the animal's ear twitching or a slight shift in its stance that would otherwise remain undetected with binoculars. With proper training and practice, you can use this information to get a leg up on the competition.
Can I Use A Spotting Scope On My Rifle?
Spotting scopes are built to be mounted on tripods and can be awkward to hold steady. The best spotting scopes are built with a large objective lens, which helps them gather more light so you get clearer images. This also means that they are heavy, making them difficult to hold up for any length of time without a tripod or monopod. Spotting scopes aren't made specifically for rifles and aren't ergonomically suited to firing guns accurately. They can work in an emergency, but we wouldn't recommend it as your primary setup if you plan on shooting regularly.
If you have a scope already set up on your rifle and need a better view of the target, then definitely use one instead of trying to hand-hold the spotting scope alone. It's much easier to support both the rifle and the spotting scope than just one separately when shooting for extended periods of time. Be sure not to place too much pressure on either piece when shooting or setting up since this will make recoil worse and affect accuracy as well.
Can I Use A Spotting Scope For Viewing Wildlife?
A spotting scope is a powerful tool for viewing wildlife, but it's not the right choice if you're hoping to get as close as possible. Spotting scopes have long lenses, so they magnify distant subjects and allow you to see many animals at once from a distance.
If you want to observe wildlife up close without spooking them, consider getting a pair of binoculars instead. They're ideal for observing nearby birds and mammals in their natural habitat.
What Spotting Scope Does The Army Use?
The U.S. Army uses a variety of spotting scopes depending on their mission needs and type of warfare they specialize in, such as artillery or infantry. For instance, an Army light infantry unit might use a basic 12x spotting scope while an artillery battalion would use more powerful 40-60x spotting scopes mounted on vehicles to direct fire missions over long distances.
Most commonly, however, the U.S. Army uses 20x spotting scopes that are lightweight yet durable enough to handle the rigors of military operations without breaking the bank at about $300 per unit in quantities that reach into the thousands for large orders. These 20x spotting scopes have variable objective lens sizes ranging from 50mm to 100mm and offer clear images with good detail across a wide field of view (about 45 degrees). The 20x model is also relatively easy to produce so it can be rapidly deployed in time of need even if it may not quite match up to models like those by traditional optics giants like Leica or Swarovski .
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best tactical spotting scope, there are many important factors to consider. You should first assess what your specific needs are in order to determine which type of scope will work best for you. Do you want something lightweight and portable or do you need more magnification for long-range shooting? Should it have good low-light capabilities or is cost a factor? All these elements must be taken into consideration when making your choice. Additionally, think about how quickly and accurately you can make adjustments on the scope as well as how easy it is to set up and adjust. Lastly, look at reviews from other customers to see if they had any issues with the product that may influence your decision. By considering all of these aspects, you can find a great spotter scope that meets all requirements without breaking the bank!
