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Having the best spotting scope for hunting can make all the difference in your outdoor experience.
The crisp fall air signals that hunting season is upon us. You could be an avid hunter, patiently scanning the horizon for big game animals, or perhaps you’re a nature enthusiast seeking to connect with the wonders of the wild. Whichever path you tread, having the best spotting scope for hunting can make all the difference in your outdoor experience.
Join us as we explore the world of spotting scopes, their incredible benefits, and why they are the ultimate tool for embracing the great outdoors.
A spotting scope is a portable, high-magnification optical device for viewing distant objects. It is similar to a telescope but smaller and lighter, making it more portable and easier for field observation. Spotting scopes are typically used for hunting, scouting, target shooting, and other outdoor activities requiring high magnification, like birdwatching.
Spotting scopes work by using a series of lenses to magnify the image of a distant object. These remarkable optical devices allow you to see game animals from distances that would be impossible with the naked eye alone.
Not to mention that these big game animals are already camouflaged by their natural habitat. A spotting scope can help you pick out the finest detail, such as the flicker of an ear or the shimmer of an antler in the sun.
In this video, our friend Ron Spomer provides an in depth review of the TORIC 27-55X80 Spotting Scope.
Spotting Scope Lenses
The eyepiece lens, which you look through to view the magnified image, should be comfortable on the eye for extended periods. The objective lens is responsible for collecting light and allows you to spot animals as they move at dawn and dusk. A spotting scope with a larger objective lens can gather more light, resulting in a brighter image, essential during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.
Benefits of Using a Spotting Scope
So, why invest in a spotting scope? The answer lies in the unique advantages spotting scopes bring to the table.
First, they are indispensable for scouting terrain and game animals that may be miles away. The magnified optic allows you to plan your approach and make informed decisions about the best hunting strategy, saving both legs and lungs from making unnecessary treks.
ELR Targets – Best Spotting Scope
The best spotting scope for hunting or shooting is also crucial for viewing extreme long-range targets. It provides a clear, magnified view of the animal in your crosshairs, allowing you to evaluate distance, wind, and other environmental factors. When paired with a high-quality rifle scope, this helps you make any adjustments necessary for an accurate shot placement.
TRACT offers a 22x or 30x Spotting Scope Eyepiece with an MRAD reticle within the field of view. It’s a great option for spotting for other shooters and features an offset reticle that does not obscure the FOV while allowing precise target measurement and follow up shot correction.
Confirming Shot Placement – Best Spotting Scope
Speaking of accurate shot placement, responsible hunters understand the importance of clean kills. Beyond planning a stalk or approach once an animal is spotted, the best spotting scope for hunting will help you assess an animal’s overall quality. This will help ensure ethical hunting practices are in place and laws and guidelines are met.
In addition, your hunting partner can confirm the shot placement. Or, if you’re at it alone, you can scan the terrain and confirm if the animal was hit or missed right after the shot. This allows you to mark the animal’s direction after impact or quickly take an additional shot. With magnifications up to 55x or higher, spotting scopes provide the range and clarity needed for these judgment calls.
Spotting Scopes as Nature Photography Tools
Spotting scopes are more than just tools; they are our windows to the wild. In addition to their practical use, spotting scopes are fantastic tools for nature and wildlife photography. When paired with a universal digiscope adapter, a spotting scope can become a super telephoto lens.
A digiscope adapter connects the camera on your cellphone to the spotting scope’s eyepiece, leveraging its magnification for capturing impressive close-up shots of wildlife, landscapes, even outer space! Whereas capturing these photos would normally require expensive dedicated camera lenses.
The Novagrade adapter securely grips your phone (even with a protective case on) and quickly attaches it to your eyepiece to provide exceptional image and videos right through the eyepiece of your optic. Now you can capture an image and or video of that buck you have been scouting all summer long.
Choosing the Best Spotting Scope for Hunting
Of course, to reap all these benefits, you need to choose the right spotting scope for your needs and hunting environments. If you’re hunting in open terrain like fields or prairies, a wider field of view will be advantageous to scan a larger area.
Spotting scopes equipped with ED lenses can help you spot, identify, and assess game animals at long distances, even in low-light conditions. The best spotting scope for hunting with quality lens coatings will also provide exceptional color fidelity and reduce glare.
Regardless of where you’re using a spotting scope, we recommend always having it on a tripod or mounted firmly to something like the window of your vehicle. The higher the magnification, the more “shake” you’ll experience.
Having the best spotting scope for hunting can make all the difference in your outdoor experience.
Having the ability to use a binocular for scanning a large area is critical, however, the magnification of a spotting scope allows you to see detail otherwise missed.
We also recommend selecting a fogproof, waterproof spotting scope since the weather is unpredictable, especially in the mountains. And pick a size and weight you can comfortably pack into those remote areas.
Maintenance and Care – Best Spotting Scope
Like any outdoor equipment, proper maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your spotting scope. To keep your optic in tip-top condition, follow these simple guidelines:
- Clean the lenses regularly using a microfiber cloth or lenspen.
- Protect the lenses with caps to prevent dust and debris buildup when not in use.
- Store your spotting scope in a secure case to shield it from the elements during transport.
Whether you’re scouting elk in the Rockies or taking photos of wild turkeys in a spring hay field, a great spotting scope will get you so much closer to nature. It’s your window to the wild!
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