Welcome to your guide on the best spotting scopes under $200!

We’ve scrutinized a range of scopes, focusing on magnification power, lens diameter, and durability, to get you the best bang for your buck.

Whether you’re a bird watcher, a hunter, or a nature enthusiast, we’ve got top picks that deliver crisp images without breaking the bank.

Ready for a closer look? Let’s dive in!

Best Spotting Scopes Under $200

If you’re an avid bird watcher or a nature enthusiast, a spotting scope is an essential tool to have in your kit. With a spotting scope, you can observe wildlife and landscapes from a distance with greater clarity and detail. However, finding a good quality spotting scope that fits within your budget can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best spotting scopes under $200. These scopes offer excellent image quality, durability, and ease of use, all while being budget-friendly. Check out our top picks below.

Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scopes with Tripod, Carrying Bag and Quick Phone Holder

This spotting scope is a great buy for those looking for an affordable entry-level option. It’s perfect for bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, and astronomical observation.

Pros

• The dynamic lens focusing system makes it easy to zoom in and out.
• The fully multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens provides a bright, clear, and crisp image.
• The nitrogen filled waterproof and fog-proof design enables the scope to withstand the toughest environments.

Cons

• The tabletop tripod is functional but not very stable.
• The smartphone digiscoping adapter is not compatible with all smartphones.
• The eyepiece shield can be difficult to stretch out.

This spotting scope is perfect for those who want to explore the distant world and take photos and videos of what they have observed. The BAK4 Porro prism optics increases light transmission and makes your view brighter and clearer. The durable framework and rubber armor provide a non-slip grip and shock-proof grip. The carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, and cleaning cloth make it more convenient to carry and maintain.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an affordable spotting scope with high-quality optics, the Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is a great option. It’s perfect for bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, and astronomical observation.

SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scopes with Tripod

If you’re looking for an affordable spotting scope that’s easy to set up and use, the SVBONY SV28 is a great choice.

Pros

• The 25-75x zoom makes it easy to focus and change magnification, making it perfect for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
• The 70mm large object lens allows for more powerful light gathering ability, and the extendable sunshade built onto the main barrel helps reduce glare.
• The IP65 waterproof feature is great for avoiding sudden environmental changes that could damage the scope, and the seamless Non-Slip material finish ensures a secure grip even when wet.

Cons

• The lightweight and portable weight makes it easy to carry, but it can also be easily knocked out of adjustment.
• The lens caps can easily fall off, which can be frustrating when you’re out in the field.
• The tripod and phone adapter included with the scope aren’t the highest quality, but they get the job done.

The SVBONY SV28 is a great spotting scope for beginner to novice birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The 25-75x zoom and 70mm large object lens make it easy to focus and change magnification, and the extendable sunshade helps reduce glare. The IP65 waterproof feature is also a nice touch, as it helps protect the scope from sudden environmental changes.

However, the scope’s lightweight and portable weight can make it easy to knock out of adjustment, and the lens caps can easily fall off. Additionally, while the tripod and phone adapter included with the scope get the job done, they aren’t the highest quality. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable spotting scope that’s easy to use and offers good value for the money, the SVBONY SV28 is definitely worth considering.

HUICOCY Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for an affordable spotting scope that can handle a variety of outdoor activities, the HUICOCY Spotting Scope may be worth considering.

Pros

• The 20X-60X magnification range is ideal for bird watching, target shooting, and other outdoor hobbies.
• The multicoated 60mm green film objective lens provides a bright and crisp image with 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, and protective covers for the eyepiece and objective lens.

Cons

• The image quality may not be as clear as more expensive spotting scopes.
• The tripod included with the spotting scope is basic and may not be sturdy enough for heavy use.
• The powder coating on the spotting scope may rub off over time.

In my experience, the HUICOCY Spotting Scope is a solid choice for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities without breaking the bank. The 20X-60X magnification range is perfect for bird watching, target shooting, and other hobbies, and the multicoated 60mm green film objective lens provides a bright and crisp image with a wide field of view. I also appreciate the included accessories, which make it easy to get started right out of the box.

However, it’s worth noting that the image quality may not be as clear as more expensive spotting scopes, so if you’re a professional photographer or need very high-quality images, this may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, the tripod included with the spotting scope is basic and may not be sturdy enough for heavy use, so you may want to invest in a more robust tripod if you plan to use the spotting scope frequently. Finally, the powder coating on the spotting scope may rub off over time, so it may not look as good after a few years of use.

Overall, I think the HUICOCY Spotting Scope is a great value for the price, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable spotting scope for outdoor activities.

Emarth Spotting Scope

If you are looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that will not disappoint you, then Emarth Spotting Scope is the one for you.

Pros

• High Magnification: With a powerful zoom magnification range that is adjustable from 20x to 60x magnification, this spotting scope brings nature closer to you than ever. Perfect for target shooting, hunting, bird watching, wildlife, spotting moon, traveling, hiking, camping, archery, astronomy, etc.
• Fully Multi-coated Lens: The lens is all fully multi-coated and features BAK4 roof prism to increase light transmission and deliver bright, clear, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions. For long-range viewing, a dual-focus wheel system enables fast and fine-tuning focus adjustment, allowing you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail clearly.
• Durable Construction: High-quality rubber armor provides a non-slip grip, shock-proof grip, and durable external protection. Built-in retractable sunshade reduces glare, comes with a tripod that allows rotation of the eyepiece to a sideways position, providing adjustable viewing angles.

Cons

• Tripod Quality: The tripod that comes with the spotting scope is not of the best quality. It’s flimsy and doesn’t hold the spotting scope steady.
• Heavy Weight: The spotting scope is a bit heavy, making it difficult to carry around for extended periods.
• Narrow Field of View: The field-of-view is 39-19m/1000m, which is narrower than some other spotting scopes in this price range.

Emarth Spotting Scope is a budget-friendly option that provides excellent value for money. It has a high magnification range that allows you to see things up close and personal. The fully multi-coated lens ensures that you get bright, clear, and high-contrast images even in low-light conditions. The dual-focus wheel system enables fast and fine-tuning focus adjustment, allowing you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail clearly. The durable construction ensures that it can withstand rugged conditions, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

However, the tripod that comes with the spotting scope is not of the best quality, and the spotting scope is a bit heavy, making it difficult to carry around for extended periods. Additionally, the field-of-view is narrower than some other spotting scopes in this price range.

Overall, if you are looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that provides excellent value for money, then Emarth Spotting Scope is an excellent choice.

Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that actually works, the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The picture quality is impressive at all magnifications, making it easy to see details even at long distances.
• The scope is lightweight and easy to transport, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hunting and bird watching.
• The limited lifetime warranty ensures that you can enjoy this product for years to come without worrying about defects or damage.

Cons

• The tripod that comes with the scope is flimsy and not very stable, so you may want to invest in a sturdier tripod for better stability.
• The scope doesn’t feel as sturdy as some of the more expensive models on the market, so you’ll need to be careful with it to avoid damage.
• The adjustable cap at the eyepiece can be a bit finicky and may need to be adjusted frequently to get the best picture quality.

Overall, the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality spotting scope without breaking the bank. The picture quality is impressive, and the scope is lightweight and easy to transport, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hunting and bird watching. However, the tripod that comes with the scope is flimsy and not very stable, and the scope itself doesn’t feel as sturdy as some of the more expensive models on the market. If you’re willing to invest in a sturdier tripod and take good care of the scope, though, it’s definitely worth considering.

SVBONY SV28 25-75×70 Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a budget spotting scope that performs well, the SVBONY SV28 25-75×70 Spotting Scope is a great option.

Pros

• The large objective lens provides powerful light gathering ability in low light environments.
• The foldable eyecup gives you a comfortable viewing experience, even if you watch for a long time.
• The waterproof and fogproof design can cope with rainy and snowy days, so that you are not affected by the weather while watching birds.

Cons

• The image quality is not as sharp as more expensive models.
• The tripod is not very sturdy and may need to be replaced.
• The carrying case is not very durable and may need to be replaced.

During my birding day, I was able to spot cormorants, egrets, solitary sandpipers, least sandpipers, pectoral sandpipers, mallards and more. The SV28 25-75x70mm bird scope has all the features that you need. It mounts to a tripod, has covers to protect the lens and eyepiece, and has an easy-to-use focusing knob.

The SVBONY SV28 25-75×70 Spotting Scope has a large objective lens that provides powerful light gathering ability in low light environments. This makes it easier to see birds in the early morning or late afternoon. The foldable eyecup gives you a comfortable viewing experience, even if you watch for a long time. The waterproof and fogproof design can cope with rainy and snowy days, so that you are not affected by the weather while watching birds.

However, the image quality is not as sharp as more expensive models, and the tripod is not very sturdy and may need to be replaced. The carrying case is also not very durable and may need to be replaced.

Overall, the SVBONY SV28 25-75×70 Spotting Scope is a great budget option for birdwatchers or target shooters who want a spotting scope that performs well without breaking the bank.

GOOCHIN Spotting Scope

This is a great spotting scope for anyone looking to purchase a high-quality product.

Pros

• The powerful zoom magnification range of 25-75x is perfect for outdoor birding, hunting, target shooting, moon observation, and more.
• The BAK4 lens and FMC coating provide a brighter and clearer field of view, with reduced loss of light.
• The IPX7 nitrogen-filled waterproof and fogproof design makes it easy to handle outdoor bad weather and unexpected conditions.

Cons

• The spotting scope body can be slightly heavy at 1.9 kilograms.
• The fixed mount may not be suitable for those who prefer a more flexible mounting option.
• The 20mm large eyepiece may not be suitable for those who wear glasses.

This spotting scope is comfortable and durable, with a non-slip rubber shell that provides better grip, anti-slip, and anti-vibration. The alloy body is upgraded in quality and has the advantages of both light weight and high resistance to pressure, making it easy to carry on the go. The tripod included in the package meets the need for stable observation and can be adjusted to a comfortable height for outdoor observation activities. The cell phone stand is convenient for use when shooting observation objects, and the soft bag is convenient to carry when going out.

In conclusion, the GOOCHIN Spotting Scope is a great product for anyone looking for a high-quality spotting scope under 200. With its powerful zoom magnification range, BAK4 lens, and FMC coating, it provides a brighter and clearer field of view. The waterproof and fogproof design makes it easy to handle outdoor bad weather and unexpected conditions.

MOVE SHOOT MOVE 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter

If you are looking for a precise and durable phone adapter for your telescope, spotting scope, monocular, binocular, or microscope, the MOVE SHOOT MOVE 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The 3-axis design allows for precise adjustment in three directions, ensuring that your cell phone camera is accurately centered with the eyepiece.
• The all-metal build is robust and durable, ensuring that your phone is held tight and perpendicular to the eyepiece, minimizing shaking and maximizing stability.
• The adapter is compatible with almost any smartphone brand or model and most telescopes, spotting scopes, monoculars, binoculars, and microscopes.

Cons

• The price may be a bit steep for some buyers.
• The adjustment screws may be a bit sloppy for a precision device.
• The shutter remote control may not work with all smartphones.

The MOVE SHOOT MOVE 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter is engineered and machined for high precision adjustment and razor-sharp alignment with the lens. The XYZ fine-tuning knobs allow for stable and accurate adjustment, and the firm grippers hold both the phone and eyepiece securely in place. The rubber pads on both the eyepiece clip and cellphone clamp protect the devices against abrasion.

The adapter is easy to use and fits iPhone/Android smartphones of almost any brand/model (width 2.36″-3.44″/60mm-87.5mm), regardless of phone camera design or weight. The adapter can hold eyepieces (outer diameter 0.86″-2.4″/22mm-61mm) of most telescopes, spotting scopes, monoculars, binoculars, and microscopes.

The MOVE SHOOT MOVE 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter kit includes a Bluetooth shutter release for shooting without touching the phone screen and thus prevents shaky photos. The adapter kit is sleek, compact, and lightweight for any digiscoping adventure, making it a must-have gadget for astronomers, nature photographers, birdwatchers, travelers, researchers, and more.

In summary, if you are looking for a high-precision, durable, and versatile phone adapter for your telescope, the MOVE SHOOT MOVE 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter is an excellent choice.

Celestron Mini MAK 70mm Angled Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a compact and versatile spotting scope that’s suitable for both terrestrial and astronomical use, the Celestron Mini MAK 70mm Angled Spotting Scope is a great option.

Pros

• The Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design with multi-coated optics provides clear and crisp images.
• The built-in zoom eyepiece is capable of 25-75x magnification, allowing you to get up close and personal with your subject.
• The tabletop tripod with built-in slow motion controls is convenient and easy to use.

Cons

• The soft carrying case could be more durable.
• The tabletop tripod is not very stable and can be wobbly.
• The scope can be a bit heavy for extended use without a more robust tripod.

The Celestron Mini MAK 70mm Angled Spotting Scope is a great choice for anyone who wants a compact and versatile spotting scope that can be used for both terrestrial and astronomical observations. The Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design with multi-coated optics ensures that you get clear and crisp images, while the built-in zoom eyepiece allows you to zoom in and out to get the perfect view.

The tabletop tripod with built-in slow motion controls is a convenient and easy-to-use feature that allows you to easily adjust the position of the scope. However, the tripod could be more stable and can be a bit wobbly, especially if you’re using the scope in windy conditions.

One downside of the Celestron Mini MAK 70mm Angled Spotting Scope is that the soft carrying case could be more durable. If you plan on taking the scope with you on the go, you may want to invest in a more robust carrying case.

Overall, the Celestron Mini MAK 70mm Angled Spotting Scope is a great choice for anyone who wants a compact and versatile spotting scope that provides clear and crisp images. While it does have a few minor drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons, making it a great value for the price.

Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that delivers bright, clear images, the Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope is a solid choice.

Pros

• K9 glass prisms with silver coating reflect a great amount of light to your eyes which will give you a bright image.
• Fully Multi-Coated lenses give you great light transmission and bring bright images to your eyes.
• Nitrogen Purging uses the inertia gas to purge moisture out of the tube giving you better waterproofing and thermal stability.

Cons

• At higher zoom levels, it loses clarity and luminosity, which is strange considering it’s an 80mm scope.
• It can be difficult to get a good focus at times.
• The scope is a bit heavy and bulky, making it less than ideal for backcountry treks.

In terms of image quality, the Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope is impressive. The K9 glass prisms with silver coating and Fully Multi-Coated lenses work together to deliver bright, clear images that are easy to see even in low light conditions. The Nitrogen Purging also ensures that the scope is waterproof and thermally stable, so you can use it in any weather conditions.

However, there are a few downsides to this scope. At higher zoom levels, it can lose clarity and luminosity, which is disappointing considering it’s an 80mm scope. Additionally, it can be difficult to get a good focus at times, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to get a clear view of your target. Finally, the scope is a bit heavy and bulky, making it less than ideal for backcountry treks.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that delivers bright, clear images, the Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope is a solid choice. Just be aware of its limitations and use it accordingly.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a spotting scope under $200, there are a few key features to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Magnification

One of the most important features to consider when choosing a spotting scope is the magnification. The magnification will determine how close you can get to your target, and it is important to choose a scope with a magnification that suits your needs. Look for a scope with a variable magnification so that you can adjust it as needed.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens diameter is another important feature to consider when choosing a spotting scope. The larger the diameter, the more light the scope can gather, which will result in a brighter and clearer image. Look for a scope with an objective lens diameter of at least 50mm.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and your eye when the scope is in use. It is important to choose a scope with a comfortable eye relief to avoid eye strain. Look for a scope with an eye relief of at least 14mm.

Field of View

The field of view is the area that you can see through the scope at a given distance. A wider field of view can be helpful when tracking moving targets. Look for a scope with a wide field of view to make it easier to find and track your target.

Durability

Finally, it is important to choose a spotting scope that is durable and can withstand the elements. Look for a scope with a waterproof and fog proof construction, as well as a sturdy and well-built body.

By considering these key features, you can choose a spotting scope under $200 that will meet your needs and provide you with clear and accurate images of your target.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good spotting scope for 200 yards?

A good spotting scope for 200 yards should have a magnification of at least 15x and an objective lens diameter of 50mm or larger. It should also have good image quality, be easy to use, and be durable.

What is the best magnification for a spotting scope?

The best magnification for a spotting scope depends on the intended use. For bird watching and nature observation, a magnification of 20x to 60x is usually sufficient. For target shooting and hunting, a magnification of at least 30x to 60x is recommended.

How far can you see with a 20-60×80 spotting scope?

With a 20-60×80 spotting scope, you can see objects up to a distance of 1000 yards or more, depending on the atmospheric conditions and the quality of the scope.

What spotting scopes do military snipers use?

Military snipers use high-end spotting scopes from top brands such as Leupold, Nightforce, and Vortex. These scopes are designed to provide clear and sharp images at long distances and in varying light conditions.

What are the best budget spotting scopes for birding and hunting?

Some of the best budget spotting scopes for birding and hunting include the Celestron Ultima 80, the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD, and the Barska Blackhawk.

Which is better: Vortex or Celestron spotting scopes?

Both Vortex and Celestron make high-quality spotting scopes that are popular among bird watchers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The choice between the two brands ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific features and specifications of the scope.