Spotting Scopes
Spotting scopes are like telescopes but they are designed to view objects on Earth and not the heavens. They have more power than a pair of quality binoculars and have a wide field of view, making it easy to spot distant objects in the field. Spotting scopes are designed to be rugged for use in the field and the extremes of the outdoors.
Spotting scopes can be rated anywhere between 20 and 60 times the magnification and higher depending on the type and usage. The higher the magnification rating then the spotting scopes will be more useful in the field. However, the extremely high magnification will make the spotting scopes difficult to use and will require a spotting scope tripod or a spotting scope stand. But any rating less than 20 and you might as well use a pair of quality binoculars.
The light gathering power of a spotting scope is determined by the width of the objective lens. This is the lens on the front of the spotting scope and is typically between 55 and 80 mm. However, the larger the objective lens, the more heavy and expensive the spotting scope will be. Visit our Spotting Scopes Store by clicking the link.
Some of the more common uses of spotting scopes are the following:
Bushnell Sentry Spotting Scope 18-36x50mm w/Tripod & Case, Camo |
Spotting scopes are used by sport fans at their local or professional football game, soccer game, baseball game, track & field event, and automobile/motorcycle racing events. A general all around good spotting scope can be used. The Bushnell Sentry Spotting Scope 18-36x50mm w/Tripod & Case, Camo pictured on the left side would make a great general purpose spotting scope. Click on the image on the left side or the link below the image for more information. or to purchase your own Bushnell Sentry Spotting Scope Our online sale price is $139.95.
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Spotting scopes are used by hunters trying to spot their targets in the distance. The spotting scope that you select for hunting will need to be waterproof due to the possibility of rain. It also needs to be fog proof since you may be using them in cold weather. Another requirement is that the spotting scope should be camouflaged. A great spotting scope to use for hunting is the Nikon Prostaff Spotting Scope 16-48x65 Realtree Straight Outfit shown here on the right side. Click on the image on the right side or the link below the image for more information or to purchase your own Nikon Prostaff Spotting Scope. Our online sale price is $429.95.
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Nikon Prostaff Spotting Scope 16-48x65 Realtree Straight Outfit |
 
Blackhawk 20-60x70 Waterproof Spotting Scope with Tripod, Soft Carrying Case and Premium Hard Case  |
Spotting scopes are also used by whale watchers. You need a good quality spotting scope that is waterproof due to the ocean and water splashing onto the scope. You should also have one that is fog proof since some of the whale watching can occur in cold weather. A recommended spotting scope to use for whale watching is the Blackhawk 20-60x70 Waterproof Spotting Scope shown here on the left side. Click the image on the left side or the link below the image for more information or to purchase your own Blackhawk Spotting Scope. Our online sale price is $181.87.
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Spotting scopes are used by bird watchers to view the birds they spot. Some have interfacing for use with a camera which is useful for bird watchers who would like to add to their list of birds spotted while taking a photograph of the bird. A really great spotting scope to use for bird watching is the Blackhawk DSS60 15-45x60 shown here on the left side. This spotting scope comes with a 5.0 mega pixel camera for taking photos of the birds that you spot. Click on the image on the right side or link below the image for more information or to purchase your own Blackhawk Spotting Scope. Our online sale price is $484.40.
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Blackhawk DSS60 15-45x60 Spotting Scope with 5.0 MP Digital Camera |
Spotting scopes are designed to be extremely lightweight. This makes them easy to carry in the field. Many are designed to be weather resistant so you can use them in cold weather and in the rain. Most of the spotting scopes also come with mounts for a tripod.
Spotting scopes are also used in the field to get a close-up view of distant targets. They are used by plane spotters and at shooting competition to view the hits on the target.
There are numerous variations of spotting scopes design available. Some are hinged to allow the scope to be mounted on a tripod while the viewing aperture can be moved for convenience.
Straight spotting scopes have no flexibility but they are easier to use when you want to track an object in your visual field. There are also numerous choices in terms of the focusing mechanism, weather protection, fog protection, and other features of spotting scopes.