Recommended Spotting Scopes

How do you use a spotting scope?

The function of a spotting scope is ideal for spotting birds and objects in landscapes. With their high magnification and stability, these scopes offer added value over standard binoculars. You can get objects much closer to you and the image is much more detailed and sharp than with binoculars. With the spotting scope, you can choose an angled or straight spotting scope. The angled spotting scope is most commonly used when spotting birds. You can use the scope more easily over a longer period of time and position the eye piece on the side or bottom. This makes it possible to observe objects moving skyward. The straight-angle spotting scope is mainly used for hunting. A straight spotting scope provides a ‘point and shoot’ alignment and is easier to use low to the ground.

What do you look out for when buying a spotting scope?

Spotting scopes are available from Vanguard, Swarovski, Nikon and Bushnell, among others. When choosing the right spotting scope, you can pay attention to certain features. One important feature is the application of the spotting scope. If you are going to use it in a fixed location. then it is advisable to buy a scope with a larger lens (80mm/90mm). The moment you start making more movements with the scope, a 50mm/60mm scope is recommended. In addition, built-in image stabilisation can also be an important factor. The heavy weight of the spotting scope makes it difficult to get the object as stable as possible in focus. Some spotting scopes have built-in image stabilisation, but often a tripod can help here. It also pays to use different eyepieces, which allow you to change the spotting scope's magnification factor.

See all our spotting scopes here:

All spotting scopes

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