Best Spotting Scopes of 2026

"I was genuinely surprised by the crystal-clear optics and impressive light-gathering ability of this spotting scope, especially at this price. It performs excellently in low-light conditions, and the tripod included is sturdy and adds value. For those looking for a high-performing scope without breaking the bank, I highly recommend it."

"I use this scope for my mountain trips and it's been a game-changer. The portability and lightweight design make it easy to carry, while the clarity remains sharp even at high zoom. The phone adapter is robust, and the tripod is steady and well-balanced. My only minor issue is the front lens cap fitting loosely, but overall, it's a fantastic buy."

"As someone who needed a budget-friendly spotting scope for sighting rifles at 100 yards, this model exceeded my expectations. The clarity is perfect, there's no hazing, and the price is exceptional. My only small complaint is that the lens covers tend to fall off easily, but that's not enough to dampen my satisfaction."

"I’m honestly amazed by this scope’s clarity and magnification. The focus knob lets me see fine details, like every crater on the moon. I compared so many different scopes before choosing this one and I’m glad I did—the results far exceeded my expectations for the price."

"I use this scope mainly for target shooting up to 100+ yards and it delivers crystal clear, sharp focus. The angled eyepiece is much nicer than my old scope, and while the included tripod is just okay for a table, the scope itself is easily worth the money. Absolutely no complaints."

"As someone who enjoys both stargazing and watching river activities from the porch, I find this product works very well and is a great value. Setting it up outside on a tripod has allowed me to see things I’d otherwise miss—definitely a smart purchase for the price."

"I'm no optics expert, just an average guy who knows what good glass looks like. The clarity and brightness of this Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60X85 really surprised me—it’s as good as my Nikon Monarch 7! The build quality is outstanding, and there’s no distortion even at max zoom. If you want something reliable and don’t need to pay for a premium name, this is a fantastic choice."

"I bought this scope mainly for sighting in rifles at 200-300 yards and spotting animals up to a mile away, and it’s perfect for both tasks. The glass quality is impressive for a mid-priced optic. Delivery was quick, and with the Vortex warranty, I feel confident in my purchase."

"This scope is seriously impressive—I can spot deer and elk from seven miles out with ease. I’m genuinely amazed by the long-range clarity it delivers."

"I’m really impressed with the crystal clear optics and powerful zoom on this spotting scope. It’s lightweight and super easy to set up, making it ideal for trips to the shooting range. For the price, the clarity and build quality are outstanding. Definitely a great value purchase!"

"As soon as my Gosky scope arrived, I was excited to try it out! The image quality and zoom blew me away—can’t wait to bring it on my next wildlife trip. The camera adapter is awesome for taking up-close photos, and the scope feels sturdy and user-friendly. This is honestly one of my best gear investments."

"This scope is the perfect size for birdwatching and stargazing. The pictures are amazing, and it’s so light that even kids or older adults can use it easily. I also love how I can attach my phone to capture what I’m seeing."

"I was genuinely impressed from the first time I set up this spotting scope. The 20–60x magnification is no joke—even at full zoom, the image stays surprisingly clear. The wide field of view at lower magnification helps track moving birds effortlessly. The 85mm lens makes everything bright and sharp, and the colors look natural, even in low light. The tripod adjusts from table height to standing, and once locked, keeps everything steady. It's also durable—I've used it in mist and mud with no issues. All the included accessories, like the carrying bag and phone adapter, make it even more practical for outdoor use. I highly recommend this scope to anyone who wants quality optics without breaking the bank."

"I bought this for bird watching and wildlife viewing, and I love it! The large optics collect tons of light for crisp images, and the zoom is powerful yet easy to use. The tripod and phone adapter let me take great telephoto photos, and everything fits in my bag for easy carrying. My kids have fun using it in the backyard and I’m planning to try it at a football game soon. Overall, it’s a fantastic product and perfect for our outdoor adventures."

"The Gosky 20-60x85 is a game-changer for bird watching and nature spotting. The images are clear and bright, and the powerful zoom lets me see wildlife in amazing detail. The phone adapter is simple to use for capturing photos, and the carrying bag keeps everything organized. The included tripod is just fine for beginners, but I might upgrade for even more stability. Overall, it’s an excellent value and performs well beyond my expectations."

"After following the step-by-step video, I had this mounted on my Vortex Viper and my Samsung Ultra was ready to go in minutes. The alignment was incredibly fast and accurate, both with the Magview app and my phone's default camera. Picture quality impressed me at every magnification. My only gripe? The neoprene eyepiece cover is trickier to use, but since the S1 shields the eyepiece anyway, it's not a big deal. I even bought a separate phone case just for field use—magnet strength and weight are spot-on."

"I appreciate how well-made and sturdy this is. Setup was a breeze, and the app, though simple, makes alignment effortless and puts handy camera controls at my fingertips. The only hitch is that with the S1 attached, my scope's case won't zip up fully, but that's understandable. Overall, this is an outstanding tool for digiscoping."

"Honestly, I love the flexibility and universal fit—I use it across different scopes and lenses with no hassle. It’s not perfect: there’s a small gap between my phone lens and the eyepiece, so with certain setups, you might need to use digital zoom. But if your gear is compatible, the Magview system really delivers."

"I've used this spotting scope several times under different lighting conditions, and it consistently delivers a clear view at 100 yards, even with .223 bullet holes. It's not a high-end optic, but for what I paid, the performance is impressive and reliable. The only thing I needed to get used to was getting close to the lens at higher magnification, but once focused, the image is sharp and functional. I recommend investing in a better tripod, but overall, this scope is a great value for anyone shooting at or under 200 yards."

"I bought this spotting scope for rimfire target shooting at shorter distances, and the clarity and ease of use really surprised me. Compared to my old, more expensive scope, this one is much more user-friendly for 25 to 100 yards. The glass is good, focusing is simple, and the price matches what I paid for a quality scope decades ago. I'm so satisfied that I'm considering buying another one for my grandson who’s just starting out."

"This is one of the best outdoor tools I've picked up! The powerful 20-60x zoom gives me crystal-clear views of birds, wildlife, and distant scenery. Image sharpness and comfortable angled design make long sessions easy. The tripod is sturdy and the phone adapter lets me take great photos. For the price, this spotting scope is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for high quality on a budget."

"I'm amazed by the crystal-clear visuals this scope delivers, even spotting elk clearly at 1,000 yards. For the price, it's a fantastic deal—clarity, build quality, and ease of use really stand out. I especially appreciate the lifetime warranty that comes with it."

"After frustrating customer service with my old brand, I switched to this Vortex scope and noticed an immediate improvement in clarity and digiscoping performance. It's solidly built, lightweight, and easy to mount on a tripod. The warranty and fair price sealed the deal for me."

"The image is bright and clear at low power, and I love the smooth, precise adjustments. While I wish it came with a true storage case, the heavy-duty lens caps and overall construction make it a reliable spotting scope for my range and wildlife viewing needs."

"I use this scope mainly for wildlife watching and checking out the sea from my balcony. The range is impressive, and the scope feels really solid and well-made. I like that it comes with both a hard and soft case, plus a table and window mount. The lifetime warranty is a big plus for me. My only minor gripe is that the lens cover could fit tighter, but that's an easy fix. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it for its value, quality, and included accessories."

"I picked up the Bushnell spotting scope for hunting and target shooting, and it really exceeded my expectations. Both the hard case and soft bag are top-notch, and the tripod works well for my needs. The 20x-60x magnification is fantastic, and the focus is easy to adjust. I can see targets clearly at 600 yards, and even further if needed. My only small complaint is I wish there was a bit more eye relief, but for the price, it's a great buy."

"After comparing this Bushnell with other brands like Simmons and Leupold, I'm genuinely impressed. The glass clarity is surprisingly good, and the magnification range is excellent. You get a rubberized, rugged body, two storage cases, and a usable tabletop tripod. While the Leupold has smoother adjustments, it costs three to four times as much. For the money, this is a fantastic option for most shooters or spotters."

"As an archer, I've been using this spotting scope every week and at tournaments. I’m impressed by its clarity and performance, and I honestly can’t see a reason to spend more on pricier models. If you’re into archery like me, just make sure to get a solid tripod, and you’ll be set. For the price, I couldn’t be happier—great purchase for budget-conscious buyers!"

"I’ve found this scope to be a great value for the money. The image is crisp and clear even at long distances. I could easily spot details at 100-200 yards, and even saw an air conditioning unit a mile away when zoomed to 75x. Highly recommend it if you want quality without breaking the bank."

"Even though the scope isn’t as high-end as some brands, it does exactly what I need for plinking and nature viewing. It’s super lightweight, and the magnification lets me see impacts at 400 yards. The only thing is the included tripod is a bit shaky, but once I swapped it out, I was very happy. Overall, perfect for those on a budget."