Dive into the world of best budget spotting scopes with us!

We’re here to help you find high-quality scopes at an affordable price, tailored to your needs. Not only will you learn what to look for in a spotting scope, but you’ll also discover how to get the most bang for your buck.

Keep reading to find your perfect spotting scope without breaking the bank.

Best Budget Spotting Scopes

We have researched and tested various spotting scopes to find the best ones that won’t break the bank. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced birdwatcher, hunter, or nature enthusiast, having a spotting scope can enhance your experience. Spotting scopes are designed to provide a magnified view of distant objects, making it easier to identify and observe them. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best budget spotting scopes that offer excellent optics, durability, and ease of use, without costing a fortune.

Emarth Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that delivers clear, bright images, the Emarth Spotting Scope is worth considering.

Pros

• The high magnification range of 20x to 60x allows for detailed viewing of distant objects.
• The fully multi-coated lens and BAK4 roof prism provide bright, clear images even in low-light conditions.
• The durable construction with high-quality rubber armor and built-in retractable sunshade makes it a reliable choice for outdoor activities.

Cons

• The tripod that comes with the scope is not the most stable and could be improved.
• Some users have reported difficulty with the phone adapter, which may require some trial and error to get right.
• At the highest magnification, the image quality may suffer slightly.

We found the Emarth Spotting Scope to be a great option for those on a budget who still want a quality spotting scope. The high magnification range allows for detailed viewing, and the fully multi-coated lens and BAK4 roof prism provide bright, clear images even in low-light conditions. The durable construction with high-quality rubber armor and built-in retractable sunshade makes it a reliable choice for outdoor activities.

One downside is that the tripod that comes with the scope is not the most stable and could be improved. Additionally, some users have reported difficulty with the phone adapter, which may require some trial and error to get right. Finally, at the highest magnification, the image quality may suffer slightly.

Overall, we believe the Emarth Spotting Scope is a great value for the price and would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option for bird watching, target shooting, or other outdoor activities.

SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope, the SVBONY SV28 is a great option for beginners and novices.

Pros

• The 25-75x zoom feature makes it easy to focus and change magnification, making it great for birdwatching and scenery observation.
• The 70mm large object lens allows for more powerful light gathering ability, and the 70mm tube allows plenty of light and decent view of the target once set.
• The SV28 is IP65 waterproof and made of a seamless non-slip material, so it doesn’t feel like it would slip out of your hands if wet.

Cons

• The desktop tripod is perfect for range spotting, but it may not be sturdy enough for more rugged terrain.
• The lens caps can easily fall off, which can be frustrating when trying to keep the lens clean.
• The scope is lightweight and portable, but it may not be as durable as more expensive models.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope and were impressed with its ease of use and affordability. The zoom feature allowed us to easily focus on distant birds and wildlife, and the large object lens provided a clear and bright image. The extendable sunshade built onto the main barrel also helped reduce glare on sunny days.

One of the standout features of the SV28 is its waterproof and non-slip finish, which made it easy to grip and use even in wet conditions. We also appreciated the included phone adapter and portable desktop tripod, which made it easy to share videos and photos of what we were observing.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly spotting scope, the SVBONY SV28 is definitely worth considering. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it provides a clear and bright image and is easy to use, making it a great option for beginners and novices.

CREATIVE XP Spotting Scope

We highly recommend the CREATIVE XP Spotting Scope for those looking for a budget-friendly option for bird watching, target shooting, or other outdoor activities.

Pros

• The ED glass provides crystal-clear images even at 60x magnification.
• The waterproof and anti-fog design make it durable and perfect for use in harsh weather conditions.
• The set includes a tripod, phone adapter, and a protective case, making it easy to use and transport.

Cons

• The phone adapter is not very sturdy and may not hold larger phones securely.
• The scope is a bit heavy and may not be ideal for long hikes.
• The focus knobs could be more precise, making it a bit difficult to get a perfect focus.

We were impressed with the quality of images provided by the CREATIVE XP Spotting Scope, even at maximum magnification. The waterproof and anti-fog design made it easy to use in different weather conditions without worrying about damaging the scope. The included tripod and phone adapter were also helpful in getting the perfect shot.

However, we did find the phone adapter to be a bit flimsy and not very secure for larger phones. The scope is also a bit heavy, making it a bit difficult to carry on long hikes. Additionally, the focus knobs could be more precise, making it a bit challenging to get a perfect focus.

Overall, for the price, the CREATIVE XP Spotting Scope is an excellent option for those looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that provides high-quality images and is durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Gosky Spotting Scope

If you are looking for an affordable spotting scope, the Gosky Spotting Scope is a great option for you. It is perfect for bird watching, target shooting, hunting, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Pros

• The adjustable 20-60x zoom magnification allows you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail.
• The fully multi-coated 60mm green film objective lens delivers bright, clear, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions.
• The durable framework and high-quality rubber armor provide non-slip grip, shock-proof grip, and durable external protection.

Cons

• When zoomed in, the image loses brightness, contrast, and clarity.
• The iPhone adapter is a hassle to use.
• The tripod is of poor quality.

The Gosky Spotting Scope is easy to use and provides a clear and detailed view of your target. The 45-degree angled eyepiece provides more comfortable viewing, and the retractable hood reduces the entry of unnecessary light and improves the clarity of imaging.

The spotting scope is also equipped with a professional protective tripod, cover, and phone adapter, so that it can be carried around and recorded easily. The O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating the scope for reliable performance in all environments.

Overall, the Gosky Spotting Scope is a great budget-friendly option for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities without breaking the bank.

ROXANT Blackbird Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a budget spotting scope, the ROXANT Blackbird is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The high definition and military grade features provide crystal clear viewing.
• The non-slip armored construction and molded grip make it easy to handle, even in wet conditions.
• The extendable sunshade on the main sighting scope barrel reduces glare.

Cons

• The tripod is not very sturdy and may need to be replaced.
• The carrying case is not very durable and may not provide adequate protection.
• The eyepiece can be difficult to adjust and may require some trial and error.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the ROXANT Blackbird spotting scope and were impressed with its performance. The high definition and military grade features provide crystal clear viewing, even in low light conditions. The non-slip armored construction and molded grip make it easy to handle, even in wet conditions, and the extendable sunshade on the main sighting scope barrel reduces glare.

While the tripod that comes with the scope is functional, it is not very sturdy and may need to be replaced if you plan on using the scope frequently. Additionally, the carrying case is not very durable and may not provide adequate protection if you plan on taking the scope on the go. Finally, the eyepiece can be difficult to adjust and may require some trial and error to get the perfect view.

Overall, we would recommend the ROXANT Blackbird spotting scope to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option for hunting, wildlife viewing, or watching sports. Just be prepared to replace the tripod and possibly the carrying case if you plan on using it frequently.

Emarth Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for an affordable spotting scope, the Emarth Spotting Scope is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The high magnification range allows you to see faraway objects clearly.
• The fully multi-coated lens delivers bright, clear, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions.
• The durable construction provides non-slip grip, shock-proof grip and durable external protection.

Cons

• The tripod that comes with the scope is not very sturdy.
• Some users have reported that the scope gets a little spotty when used at longer ranges.
• The iPhone video setup can be difficult to get right.

We’ve used this spotting scope for a variety of activities, including bird watching, hiking, and target shooting, and have been impressed with its performance. The high magnification range is especially useful for spotting birds and other wildlife from a distance, and the fully multi-coated lens ensures that you get a clear view even in low-light conditions.

The scope is also very durable, with high-quality rubber armor that provides a non-slip grip and shock-proof protection. We’ve used it in a variety of weather conditions, and it has held up well.

One downside to the Emarth Spotting Scope is the tripod that comes with it. While it does the job, it’s not very sturdy and can be a bit wobbly. Additionally, some users have reported that the scope gets a little spotty when used at longer ranges.

Another minor issue is the iPhone video setup, which can be a bit tricky to get right. However, once you figure it out, it’s a great feature to have.

Overall, we think the Emarth Spotting Scope is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable spotting scope that delivers good performance and durability.

HUICOCY Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope, we recommend the HUICOCY Spotting Scope.

Pros

• The 20x-60x magnification range is powerful and provides an exceptional experience for any outdoor activity.
• The multicoated 60mm green film objective lens ensures a bright and crisp image, and the 45-degree angled eyepiece adds comfort to your experience.
• The spotting scope comes with a variety of accessories, including a 12” tripod, cell phone adapter, cleansing cloth, carrying/storage bag, eyepiece and objective lens protective cover.

Cons

• The picture isn’t the clearest, but it’s still good for range and general purposes.
• The tripod is basic and not very sturdy.
• The powder coating is not very durable and rubs off easily.

We found the HUICOCY Spotting Scope to be a decent option for its price range. It’s easy to set up and use, and the anti-skid rubber armored structure provides an effective non-slip grip. The main barrel has a large “smooth glide” texture focusing ring in addition to the non-slip comfort molded grip. The retractable eyepieces can be used with or without glasses, and there’s a retractable sun visor built into the main lens barrel to reduce glare.

The spotting scope’s screw base is a standard ¼-20 tapped hole, which is the universal size of most floor-length tripods. The cell phone adapter is expandable to fit most phone models. We used this scope at the shooting range at distances of 50 and 100 yards, and it made it easy for us to see where the shots had gone. We also liked the clip for the phone so you can take pictures of the view.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that comes with a variety of accessories, the HUICOCY Spotting Scope is a decent option.

Gosky Newest 20-60×80 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope

We highly recommend the Gosky Newest 20-60×80 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that delivers excellent performance.

Pros

• The dual-speed focusing wheels provide smooth and accurate focusing, making it easy to focus on your target.
• The fully multi-coated 80mm objective lens delivers bright, clear, and crisp images even in low-light conditions.
• The variable 20x to 60x zoom magnification allows you to view a wide field of view at a lower power and zoom in on details at a higher power, making it perfect for various outdoor activities.

Cons

• The smartphone adapter that comes with the scope may not fit all types of smartphones.
• The eyepiece and lens protection covers may not fit tightly, which can lead to them falling off.
• The scope is a bit heavy, which can make it challenging to carry around for extended periods.

We were impressed with the performance of the Gosky Newest 20-60×80 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope. The upgraded high configuration lens provides better, brighter, and clearer optics, making it easy to see your target. The dual-speed focusing wheels are a great addition, as they allow for smooth and accurate focusing, which is essential when trying to capture a clear image.

The fully multi-coated 80mm objective lens provides a field of view at 105-52ft/1000yard, making it easy to see even the smallest details. The quality BAK4 Porro Prism and 12pcs/6groups lens increase light transmission, delivering bright, clear, and crisp images even in low-light conditions.

The variable 20x to 60x zoom magnification is perfect for target shooting, archery, hunting, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, astronomical observation, etc. It allows you to view a wide field of view at a lower power and zoom in on details at a higher power, making it versatile for various outdoor activities.

The nitrogen-filled waterproof and fog-proof design enables the scope to withstand the toughest environments. The durable framework and rubber armor provide a non-slip grip, shock-proof grip, and durable external lasting protection. The adjustable eyecup folds up and down for comfortable viewing with or without glasses.

Overall, the Gosky Newest 20-60×80 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that delivers excellent performance.

HUICOCY Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope, we recommend the HUICOCY Spotting Scope.

Pros

• The 20X-60X magnification range provides an exceptional experience for any outdoor activity.
• The multicoated 60mm green film objective lens ensures a bright and crisp image and provides a wide field of view.
• The spotting scope comes with a variety of accessories including a tripod, cell phone adapter, cleansing cloth, carrying/storage bag, eyepiece and objective lens protective cover.

Cons

• The picture quality is not the clearest.
• The tripod is basic and not the sturdiest.
• The powder coating on the tripod rubs off easily.

We recently used this spotting scope for bird watching and target shooting. The 45-degree angled eyepiece added a luxury of comfort to our experience. The BAK4 prism created a brighter and crisper image. The screw base is a standard ¼-20 tapped hole which is the universal size of most floor length tripods. The cell phone adapter is expandable to fit most phone models. The high-quality rubber armor structure provides an effective non-slip grip. The main barrel has a large “smooth glide” texture focusing ring in addition to the non-slip comfort molded grip. The retractable eyepieces can be used with or without glasses, and there’s even a retractable sun visor built into the main lens barrel to reduce glare.

Overall, we think the HUICOCY Spotting Scope is a great value for its price. While it may not have the clearest picture quality, it gets the job done for general purposes and range shooting. We recommend this spotting scope to anyone who wants to try out bird watching or target shooting without breaking the bank.

Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope

We recently got our hands on the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope and we were impressed with its performance.

Pros

• The scope provides clear images at all magnifications.
• It is lightweight and easy to carry around.
• The scope is fog proof, making it ideal for use in different weather conditions.

Cons

• The tripod that comes with the scope is flimsy and not very sturdy.
• The lenses’ alignment may not hold up over time or with a drop.
• The adjustable cap at the eyepiece is prone to breaking.

The Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope is a great option for those looking for a budget spotting scope. The scope provides clear images at all magnifications, making it ideal for hunting and outdoor events. It is also lightweight and easy to carry around, making it convenient for on-the-go use.

However, the tripod that comes with the scope is flimsy and not very sturdy, so we recommend using a separate tripod for more stability. Additionally, we are unsure how the lenses’ alignment will hold up over time or with a drop. Finally, the adjustable cap at the eyepiece is prone to breaking, so be careful when adjusting it.

Overall, we recommend the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope for those looking for a budget-friendly option that still provides clear images and is easy to carry around.

Buying Guide

When looking for a budget spotting scope, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look for when choosing a spotting scope:

Magnification

Magnification is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a spotting scope. The magnification power determines how much closer you can see the object. A good spotting scope should have a magnification range of at least 15x to 45x, which is ideal for bird watching, hunting, and other outdoor activities.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens diameter is another important factor to consider when buying a spotting scope. The larger the objective lens diameter, the more light the scope can gather, resulting in brighter and clearer images. A good budget spotting scope should have an objective lens diameter of at least 50mm.

Lens Coating

Lens coating is another important feature to consider when buying a spotting scope. The lens coating helps to reduce glare and improve image quality. A good spotting scope should have fully multi-coated lenses, which provide the best image quality.

Durability

Durability is another important factor to consider when buying a spotting scope. A good spotting scope should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. It should also be waterproof and fog proof, which is essential for outdoor activities.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of a spotting scope are also important factors to consider when buying a budget spotting scope. A good spotting scope should be lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. It should also be easy to set up and use.

In summary, when buying a budget spotting scope, it’s important to consider the magnification, objective lens diameter, lens coating, durability, and size and weight. By considering these factors, you can choose the best spotting scope for your needs without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best spotting scope for target shooting under $500?

When it comes to target shooting, we recommend the Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60×60. It offers clear and bright images, with a durable and waterproof design. It also has a wide field of view, making it easier to track moving targets.

What is the best budget spotting scope for bird watching?

For bird watching, we suggest the Celestron TrailSeeker 20-60×80. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. The ED objective lenses provide sharp and clear images, while the fully multi-coated optics ensure maximum light transmission.

What is a good spotting scope for 200 yards?

If you are looking for a spotting scope for 200 yards, we recommend the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60×65. It has a rugged and durable design, with fully multi-coated optics for bright and clear images. It also has a fast focus system, making it easy to adjust the focus at different distances.

How far can you see with a 20-60X spotting scope?

The distance you can see with a 20-60x spotting scope depends on various factors, such as the quality of the optics, atmospheric conditions, and the size of the object. Generally, you can see up to 1000 yards with a high-quality spotting scope.

What are the top features to look for in a high-end spotting scope?

When looking for a high-end spotting scope, consider the following features:

• Magnification and objective lens size
• Quality of optics and coatings
• Durability and waterproofing
• Field of view and eye relief
• Focus and zooming mechanism
• Tripod compatibility

Which spotting scopes do military snipers commonly use?

Military snipers commonly use the Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60mm Spotting Scope and the Vortex Razor HD 27-60x85mm Spotting Scope. Both of these spotting scopes offer high magnification, clear and bright images, and rugged and durable designs.