Best Spotting Scopes of 2025

"I purchased this scope for target spotting in small-bore prone competitions at 50 and 100 yards. It replaces my older Nikon 15-45 x 50. The view is noticeably brighter, and the angled eye piece is a great improvement. I found that the performance at higher power is adequate but not outstanding. Overall, I consider it a step forward for my needs."

"Initially, I was uncertain after reading various reviews, but I'm pleased to say that this scope performs as advertised. It's larger than expected and feels well-constructed. The images are clear and bright, even at full magnification. I was surprised by the metal tripod that came with it. The phone feature is impressive and holds my large Android phone securely, even with the case on!"

"This spotting scope is fantastic for short to long-range viewing, with clarity extending beyond 1000 yards. The tripod is stable, and it fits perfectly in my small day pack. It’s a great addition to my gear!"

"I was pleasantly surprised when I viewed the moon! The clarity and detail through the scope were unbelievable. While the tripod is a bit cheap, it works fine as a spotting scope at the range. The phone mount takes some adjustment to align properly, but overall, I’m very happy with the price and function of this scope!"

"I bought this mainly due to the affordable price. I would rate it 4 stars compared to high-end scopes, which might be closer to 2 or 3 stars. It’s great for the range and allows me to see my target without losing my position. However, the mount isn't very sturdy, and I’ve accidentally taken many photos while trying to set up my phone. Still, the glass quality is decent for birdwatching or target practice, making it a good purchase if you're unsure about needing a spotting scope."

"As a beginner astronomer, I found this spotting scope to be a great introduction. I was impressed with its image quality, especially compared to my Canon binoculars. Although I decided to return it because I don’t foresee using it enough, I would say that if you need a compact scope for specific magnification, this brand is among the best budget options available!"

"I found this scope to be definitely worth the investment. The clarity at long distances is impressive, and I'm really happy with its ruggedness."

"I purchased this slightly used, and although I was a bit hesitant, the lifetime warranty from Vortex eased my worries. The image quality is nice, and I appreciate the angled design for spotting birds at higher locations. It allows for a more stable setup with a lower tripod."

"As a Vortex fan, I was thrilled with the quick shipping from this seller. I gifted this to my husband for his birthday, and he is extremely happy with it!"

"I've found the Vortex Crossfire to have fantastic optics. I just wish the eyepiece could rotate like the larger models, but its compact size was what I needed."

"As competitive archers, we needed a travel-friendly spotting scope. The Vortex Crossfire is the perfect answer—small, durable, and it delivers 90% of the sharpness of our full-sized scopes. We even bought two!"

"This spotting scope has been invaluable. I take it everywhere—fishing, hunting, and just watching birds. Honestly, it's given me a perspective far beyond what I expected."

"I bought this so my son and I could use it for long range shooting. We took it to an outdoor range and used it out to 400 yards—it was surprisingly clear. For the price, I am very happy."

"As a former army sniper, I shopped around and found this scope. I can see pinecones on a tree 500M away. I can't wait to test it on the range!"

"I purchased this scope for hunting and wildlife observing. The Bushnell Trophy Extreme has exceeded my expectations. The 20x-60x magnification is phenomenal and I found it easy to adjust focus."

“I’ve always had middle-of-the-road binoculars, but this Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60X85 surprised me. The optics are super clear and comparable to my Nikon Monarch 7. Even on cloudy days, I see lots of light and no distortion at high zoom. The build quality is phenomenal—it's built like a tank. Don't listen to the optics snobs; this scope is a Honda—it gets the job done and lasts long.”

“We purchased this spotting scope to observe wildlife in Yellowstone, but I’ve already tested it at home. The optical quality is satisfying, and it fits perfectly with my tripods. However, I was a bit disappointed with how it was packaged by Amazon. The manufacturer's box was loose in the larger box, which caused it to slide around. Thankfully, the scope wasn’t damaged, but a bit more care in packaging would have been appreciated.”

“I initially thought this scope was great, but using it at full magnification for shorebirds revealed some limitations. The build quality is top-notch, and it’s easy to operate, yet I couldn't get the detail needed for identifying similar species. I ended up returning it, as I think more investment is needed for long-distance birding, but it's still a nice option if you don’t often use full magnification.”

"I was quite skeptical about buying this scope, thinking it resembled a Vortex knock-off. However, with a lifetime warranty and its excellent performance, I quickly changed my mind. The optics are very clear, and for just over $200, it's a fantastic deal for an avid deer and elk hunter like myself, especially when scanning the vast ridges of the Northwest."

"I am very pleased with this spotting scope! The glass is exceptionally clear, and I can easily see holes in targets from 200 yards while shooting my .270. The phone adapter is a wonderful feature that I can't wait to use for capturing wildlife footage. I used to struggle with my old scope, but now, this one is everything I hoped for and more!"

"This scope is amazing for my needs! I wanted to observe the moon and surrounding nature, and it delivered! I took an impressive photo of the pink moon with my iPhone 11 using the included attachment. The quality of materials feels premium for the price, though I plan to get a taller tripod for better viewing. Overall, it's a great travel scope for casual use."

"I am truly impressed with the LULOLO UHD Spotting Scope! It's large and comes with a nice carrying bag, tripod, and more. The scope feels sturdy and durable, and I love the lens covers. The included tripod is super helpful for stability, especially when taking pictures using the phone adapter. Mounting my smartphone is a breeze, transforming the scope into a telephoto lens. It's easy to set up and use, with a smooth focus dial and comfortable eyepiece. Whether I'm observing the moon or birds nearby, this scope works great. Highly recommend!"

"Transitioning from binoculars to the LULOLO 25-75x85 UHD Spotting Scope has been a game-changer for me. The zoom from 25x to 75x allows me to see details I never noticed before, and the 85mm objective lens gathers light effectively, making it great for low-light conditions. The phone adapter is easy to set up, and I enjoy documenting my outdoor experiences. Although the included tripod is lightweight, I might upgrade it for better stability. Overall, this scope has enhanced my wildlife observation and I'm excited to keep using it!"

"I was on the hunt for a spotting scope for hunting in the hills and trees, and I decided to try the LULLOLO Scope through Amazon. To my surprise, it offers great value for the money! The included carrying case, phone adapter, and tripod are all well-made. I can easily spot deer and turkey on my food plot from 1/4 mile away and even count points on a buck's rack. I'm impressed with how clearly I can see wildlife, even at over 1 mile away. I highly recommend the LULLOLO spotting scope!"

“I bought this scope to watch sailboats from my window. I can see them several miles away with amazing photo quality. At half a mile, I could read a ‘No trespassing’ sign on the beach, although it was slightly blurred. The value for the money is impressive, and the construction feels sturdy. The only minor issue is that the rotation knob interferes with the focus knob when turned far, but it's not a big deal.”

“I was genuinely surprised by this scope! No noticeable refraction or fishbowl effect here. It performs best under 60x zoom. I can spot .17HMR hits at 100 yards easily, and while it's not perfect, it does its job well. The focus knob is just right, and in good light, I think beginners will be quite happy with the viewing experience.”

“I appreciate the effort put into the optics. While it may not withstand rough conditions, as a general spotting scope, it surpasses expectations considering its price. I have older scopes that cost much more and don’t have this level of resolution.”

"I recently got my hands on this spotting scope, and it has truly been a game-changer for my outdoor adventures. The design is compact and comes with a carry bag, making it easy to take on hikes or camping trips. The 25-75X zoom and 80mm front lens allow me to spot wildlife from afar with crystal-clear clarity. The tripod is a handy addition with its easy adjustments for the perfect viewing angle. Overall, I'm beyond satisfied and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a portable and high-performing scope!"

"I've had this scope for about a month now, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I absolutely love the optics—it's very well made and user-friendly. I do wish the lens covers were attached to avoid losing them. The adapter works fine after a bit of practice, and I’m ecstatic about getting close-up views of distant objects. Overall, I’m quite happy with this purchase, especially considering the awesome price for its quality!"

"The scope is very clear and easy to operate. The tripod is decent, though not great. I appreciate the phone attachment that allows me to video and take pictures from a distance. Overall, it's a great scope for the money!"