Selecting the Right Spotting Scope

Fourteen pages of an interesting book can be quickly consumed. Shopping fourteen computer pages of spotting scopes with over 120 different sizes and models can lead to confusion in no time flat. Not because spotting scopes aren't alluring to nature lovers, but the variations and details can be overwhelming.

Everyday, Eagle Optics helps customers manage the maze of options encountered when selecting the right scope. By applying the same criteria the Eagle Optics Staff uses, you can narrow the 120+ choices to the best scope for you.

Budget: Penny-pinching or Unlimited?
Cost and quality go hand in hand, and the first thing to ask is, "How much can I spend?" Before you can honestly answer that question, it is helpful to evaluate exactly what benefits come from the differently priced scopes.

Quality of Optics
Obviously, optical quality is the first difference one would expect. Lower-priced scopes offer good images at lower magnifications (15-30x), and that may be all you require. Zooming to the higher range of magnification results in a loss of image quality. In contrast, the image of a top-notch scope remains sharp and bright at 60x or higher. Do you need the reach of a high magnification or is a lower power suitable?

As technology advances, the higher-priced scopes incorporate new lens coatings and glass formulas for the highest light transmission, sharpest details, and color clarity. Do you crave the finest details or do you just need a serviceable image?

Strength of Build and Warranty Matters
After you decide how much optical performance you can afford, you have to consider the durability of the scope. Waterproofing and fogproofing are always a plus, regardless of your activity, and are standard features on many scopes. More rigorous activities require a well-built scope. Just like optical quality, the higher your budget can go, the tougher the scope will be. Consider the manufacturer's warranty—the stronger the warranty, the longer the life of your investment.

Objective lens size and body style-
Identical optics in different shapes and sizes means your next question is, "Angled or straight body? 80mm or 65 mm lens?" The larger objective lens gathers more light and is beneficial when glassing at long distances, in low-light situations, or for digiscoping. The 60-65mm lens sizes are smaller, lighter, and easier to carry.

Practical benefits of an angled body scope include the ability to set the tripod lower to allow people of different heights easy viewing. Angled bodies usually rotate so the eyepiece is lower and youngsters can view without lowering the tripod. This also allows for a comfortable position when using a car window mount. Straight body scopes are easier to use when the majority of viewing is downward from a higher position.

Don't Stop With The View!
Digiscoping is extremely popular and if you even think you might be interested in photographing through your scope, take a look at the different digiscoping adapters available for the scope you want. Higher-priced scopes typically have more advanced digital camera adapters. Universal digiscoping adapters make digiscoping possible on most scopes. With the constantly changing, large variety of cameras, it is best to call Eagle Optics directly for advice.

The Foundation—The Tripod
OK-you've figured out which scope is perfect. Quality, budget, size, and style are all decided. Don't jeopardize your decision or the scope's performance by selecting a cheap plastic tripod. At the minimum, you will need a durable aluminum tripod. While giving you good stability at an affordable price, the aluminum tripods can be heavy.

If you are carrying your equipment for long distances or periods of time, you will want to consider the carbon fiber tripods. Lighter in weight, the carbon fiber tripods also provide better vibration-dampening qualities. This is especially important when viewing at higher magnifications or digiscoping.

Getting Started
To help you start your search, the scopes listed below are the spotting scopes we have found our customers to be very happy with. Take a look and give us a call with questions.

Over $2000
Kowa TSN 88mm Prominar	The extra-large 88mm objective lens delivers extra light for better details.
Swarovski ATM 80mm HD	A customer favorite for exceptional performance and value and is a great option for digiscoping.
Leica Televid APO 25-50x82mm	Leica's brand-new scope offering a superb wide angle field of view in a zoom eyepiece.
Under $1000
Bushnell 20-60x80mm Elite ED	It is hard to beat the performance and price of the Bushnell 80mm Elite ED.
Pentax PF 20-60x65 EDII	Sized to travel with you here on earth, Pentax scopes take 1.25 inch astronomical eyepieces for exploring other planets.
Kowa TSN 66mm ED	Kowa continues its long tradition of spotting scope excellence with incredible brightness and details.
Budget scopes with eyepieces included
Vortex Skyline 20-60x-80mm	Spend under $500 and get great light gathering for details at a distance.
Nikon ProStaff 20-60x82	Get the wow factor of Nikon optics with the economical ProStaff.
Sandpiper 15-45x65	The Sandpiper consistently ranks at the top for performance and value.
Eagle Optics Denali 15-45x60	The best entry-level scope around, the Denali is a customer favorite and easy on the budget.