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10 Best Spotting Scopes For Hunting 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Swarovski Modular Objective 115 mm Arca Swiss Green 48815

The Swarovski Modular Objective 115 mm Arca Swiss Green 48815 is an excellent choice for those serious about hunting and spotting wildlife. One of its standout features is the impressive 115mm objective lens, which is designed to gather maximum light, making it ideal for dawn and dusk when visibility is crucial. This is complemented by SWAROVISION technology that enhances detail recognition, providing clear and sharp images even in challenging conditions. Additionally, the fluoride-containing HD lenses help to minimize color fringing and ensure vibrant color fidelity, which is a big plus when tracking animals.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,171
Objective Lens Diameter
Weight and Portability

Most important from
7 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
The 115mm objective lens draws in an impressive amount of light, enhancing visibility during dawn and dusk.
Weight and Portability
Despite its excellent image quality, the 115 mm lens is criticized for being bulky and overpriced, with some users calling for a redesign of the mount.
#2
9.1 score

Celestron – Regal M2 100ED Spotting Scope – ED Glass for Birding and Outdoor Activities – Phase and Dielectric Coated BaK-4 Prism – Fully Multi-Coated Optics – Dual Focus – 22-67x Zoom Eyepiece

The Celestron Regal M2 100ED is a high-quality spotting scope well suited for hunting and outdoor activities. Its 22-67x zoom magnification offers a wide range for both distant and closer viewing, making it versatile in the field. The large 100mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, which helps produce bright and clear images even in low-light conditions often encountered at dawn or dusk.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Weight and Portability

Most important from
369 reviews

Magnification
Image quality at lower magnifications is excellent, delivering bright and clear views with minimal distortion.
Weight and Portability
The magnesium body is solidly constructed, combining durability with a smooth, dual-stage focus mechanism that operates effortlessly.
#3
8.5 score

Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 82mm Angled Body with 20-60x Zoom, Black

The Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 82mm is designed specifically for hunters and nature enthusiasts, offering impressive features that cater to outdoor viewing. With an 82mm objective lens, it strikes a nice balance between size and brightness, allowing for clear and bright images, even in low light conditions. The multicoated optics enhance image clarity and color accuracy, making it easier to spot wildlife from a distance. The adjustable zoom range from 20x to 60x gives users flexibility in magnification, which is quite beneficial for varied hunting environments.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Field of View

Most important from
55 reviews

Magnification
Wide field-of-view and easy to adjust from 20x to 60x magnification.
Field of View
Wide field-of-view and easy to adjust from 20x to 60x magnification.

Top 10 Best Spotting Scopes For Hunting 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Swarovski Modular Objective 115 mm Arca Swiss Green 48815

Objective Lens Diameter: 115 mm
Lens Coating: fluoride-containing HD lenses
Weight and Portability: 4.63 pounds, 14.25 x 7.5 x 6

Chosen by 1171 this week

Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 82mm Angled Body with 20-60x Zoom, Black

Magnification: 20x to 60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 82mm
Lens Coating: multicoated
Waterproof and Fogproof: Yes
Weight and Portability: 4.1 pounds

Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope 27-60x85 Angled

Magnification: 27-60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 85 mm
Eye Relief: good eye relief
Lens Coating: special coatings
Waterproof and Fogproof: waterproof and fogproof
Weight and Portability: 65.6 oz

Swarovski Optiks HD-ATS-80 HD Spotting Scope with 20x60 Eyepiece (Angled, 80mm)

Magnification: 20-60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 80 mm
Lens Coating: HD fluoride lenses
Waterproof and Fogproof: Waterproof and fogproof
Weight and Portability: 5.6 pounds

Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope 13-39x56 Angled

Magnification: 13-39x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Eye Relief: angled eyepiece, twist-up eyecup
Lens Coating: HD glass, XR Plus, Armortek
Waterproof and Fogproof: waterproof, fogproof, argon gas purging
Weight and Portability: 3.5 pounds

Swarovski Optik ATS-65 HD Spotting Scope with 20x60 Eyepiece (Angled, 65mm)

Magnification: 20-60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 65mm
Lens Coating: HD lenses with fluoride elements
Waterproof and Fogproof: yes
Weight and Portability: 3 pounds, under 13 inches

Swarovski Optik HD-STS-80 HD Spotting Scope with 20x60 Eyepiece (Straight, 80mm)

Magnification: 20-60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 80mm
Eye Relief: individual twist-in eyecups
Lens Coating: fluoride-containing HD lenses
Waterproof and Fogproof: waterproof and fogproof
Weight and Portability: over 5 pounds; less portable
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Buying Guide for the Best Spotting Scopes For Hunting

When choosing a spotting scope for hunting, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Spotting scopes are essential for hunters who need to observe game from a distance, and the right scope can make a significant difference in your hunting experience. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the perfect spotting scope for you.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the object will appear through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because higher magnification allows you to see more detail from a greater distance. Spotting scopes typically range from 15x to 60x magnification. For general hunting, a scope with 20x to 40x magnification is usually sufficient, providing a good balance between detail and field of view. If you need to observe game at very long distances, consider a scope with higher magnification, but be aware that higher magnification can also make the image shakier and more sensitive to movement.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the spotting scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because a larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter and clearer image, especially in low-light conditions. Common sizes range from 50mm to 80mm. For hunting, a lens diameter of 60mm to 80mm is ideal as it provides a good balance between brightness and portability. If you often hunt in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk, a larger objective lens will be beneficial.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 1,000 yards. A wider FOV is important for quickly locating and tracking moving game. Spotting scopes with lower magnification generally have a wider FOV. For hunting, a FOV of 100 to 200 feet at 1,000 yards is typically sufficient. If you prioritize tracking moving targets, opt for a scope with a wider FOV.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance from the eyepiece to your eye where you can still see the full field of view. This is important for comfort, especially if you wear glasses. Spotting scopes usually offer eye relief ranging from 12mm to 20mm. For hunters who wear glasses, look for a scope with at least 15mm of eye relief to ensure a comfortable viewing experience. If you don't wear glasses, shorter eye relief may be acceptable.
Lens CoatingLens coating refers to the special coatings applied to the lenses to reduce glare and improve light transmission. This is important for producing a clearer and brighter image. There are different levels of coating: coated (a single layer on one lens surface), fully coated (a single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces), multi-coated (multiple layers on one or more surfaces), and fully multi-coated (multiple layers on all air-to-glass surfaces). For hunting, fully multi-coated lenses are ideal as they provide the best image quality and brightness.
Waterproof and FogproofWaterproof and fogproof features ensure that the spotting scope can withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent internal fogging due to temperature changes. This is important for maintaining clear visibility in various environments. Look for scopes that are nitrogen or argon purged and have O-ring seals. For hunting, especially in unpredictable weather, a waterproof and fogproof scope is essential to ensure reliable performance.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability refer to how easy it is to carry and handle the spotting scope. This is important for hunters who need to move around frequently or cover long distances. Spotting scopes can range from lightweight, compact models to heavier, more robust ones. For hunting, consider a scope that balances weight and performance. A lighter scope (under 3 pounds) is easier to carry, but make sure it still meets your optical needs.

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