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Best affordable spotting scope
In this review are 5 of the best affordable spotting scopes currently on the market.
The main features that I’ll be paying attention to include the lens types and coatings, magnification capabilities, weight and size, durability, and a couple of other important features.
They all perform well, however my Best Buy is the Barska Colorado and The Top Pick, the Celestron Ultima. Read on to find out why.
Let’s get to it and take a look at the 5 best affordable spotting scopes.
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BARSKA 30-90x90 Colorado Waterproof Spotting Scope
Great optics with a impressive 90x magnification.
If you are on the hunt for a good and affordable spotting scope with some serious magnification abilities, the BARSKA 30-90×90 Colorado Waterproof Spotting Scope might just be the best option for you.
The 90mm lens is very nice, plus the overall quality of the optics is very high.
If you need great color contrast, light transmission, and overall viewing clarity, this is definitely one of the better affordable spotting scopes to keep in mind. It has a 30x to 90x zoom capability.
As you can see from the other products here today, for such a low price, finding a spotting scope with 90x zoom is nearly impossible, so this is quite welcome. The zoom is very easy to adjust with the included dial.
Now, to be clear, the best part about the BARSKA 30-90×90 Colorado Waterproof Spotting Scope is the fact that it has great viewing capabilities. With that being said, this scope is far from being small or lightweight, which is not too convenient.
At the same time, it is also by far not the most durable spotting scope out there. However, if you need great viewing capabilities, it is a good option to keep in mind.
- Precision Optics: The spotter features powerful and versatile 30-90x magnification that allows easy targeting and then zoom in for a closer and detailed look.
- Quality Optics: The spotting scope comes with BK-7 prism, fully-coated optics, and 90mm objective lenses, bringing you bright and crystal clear views.
- Solid Construction: The spotting scope is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and has a straight body design for convenient using.
- Compact & Portable: The compact spotter comes with a carrying soft case for convenience storage and transport.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Celestron 80mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope
One of the best affordable spotting scopes you can buy today.
Perhaps one of the very best affordable spotting scopes, the Celestron Ultima 80mm Spotting Scope is one tough cookie.
For one, it features a rugged and durable rubber outer coating. It’s useful in case you drop it or it gets banged during transit. It will not easily break.
What does need to be said here is that this spotting scope is pretty big and bulky, but its capabilities more than make up for it.
It also comes with a soft waterproof carrying case to help increase portability.
This is an 80mm and 45 degree angle spotting scope, which is fairly standard. The refractor lens is convenient because it helps increase viewing quality, low light transmission, and color contrast.
What is impressive is that the Celestron Ultima Spotting Scope features a 20x to 60x zoom capability. In other words, you can see very far with this scope, plus the zoom is easy to adjust as well.
It might not accept filters, but it does allow you to connect a DSLR camera for awesome pictures. The eyepiece is eyeglass friendly, which is another big feature we like.
- ULTIMA ANGLED SPOTTING SCOPE: The outdoor enthusiast’s choice is our great all-around spotting scope with an 80mm objective lens and a 45° viewing angle. Perfect for observing nature and long-distance viewing.
- INCLUDES ESSENTIALS FOR BETTER VIEWING: Extended tripod mounting plate, a zoom eyepiece with an integrated T-adapter for digiscoping, a carrying case, an eyepiece lens cap, an eyepiece port cover, a soft carrying case, an eyepiece pouch, a lens cloth, and an instruction manual.
- MULTI-COATED OPTICS: Every lens surface is coated multiple times with anti-reflective coatings
- SHARP ZOOM EYEPIECE FUNCTION
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Bushnell Sentry 12-36x50mm Waterproof Spotting Scope
Small and very lightweight spotting scope. Ideal for backpacking.
If you need a really compact and fairly lightweight spotting scope for a decent price, the Bushnell Sentry 12-36x50mm Waterproof Ultra Compact Spotting Scope might just be your best bet.
In terms of size and weight, this scope is about as good as it gets considering the low price at which it comes.
In terms of portability, it is no slouch, plus it also includes a tripod, which is really convenient for bird watching, animal spotting, and general viewing purposes. In terms of convenience, this small scope is up there with the best of them.
Moreover, when it comes to durability, this scope is coated with a good layer of rubber, so it should stay intact if dropped.
What is also quite impressive is that this particular spotting scope is both waterproof and fog proof, both features you won’t often find for such a low price.
The materials used are of a high quality. With that being said, it does not have the best viewing capabilities in the world. It features 12x to 36x zoom capabilities, which is not the best among available products, but is far from the worst.
The 50 mm objective lens used here is pretty decent. The high-quality optics do provide for fairly good resolution, light transmission, and color contrast.
Bushnell also make quality night vision monoculars and scopes too.
- Hunting scopes spotting
- Made of the highest quality materials
- Another great Bushnell product
- Compact spotting scope comes with tripod, car window mount, soft carrying case, premium hard case, and scope glove
- 12 to 36x adjustable magnification; 50-millimeter objective lens
- Multi-coated optics for increased light transmission
- 100 percent waterproof and fogproof; shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Limited lifetime warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Redfield Rampage 20-60x60mm Spotting Scope Kit
Quite a large scope, but it does pack a lot of features.
When it comes to affordable spotting scopes, the Redfield Rampage is a pretty decent choice to go with.
For one, it features a 60 mm lens with high-quality optics. In other words, in terms of good light transmission for low light viewing, color contrast for differentiation, and HG resolution, this scope is up there among the best.
Speaking of resolution, even at 60x magnification, this spotting scope is very clear.
With a zooming range of 20x to 60x, for the price which this comes in at, you really cannot complain.
The included zoom dial is very quick and easy to use, which is a pretty big bonus as far as we are concerned.
I also like the Redfield Rampage 20-60x60mm Spotting Scope Kit because it comes with a lot of cool stuff like a waterproof carrying case, the ability to attach to a tripod as well as the tripod itself, a retractable lens cover, and a view-thru soft case as well.
It’s a nice little all-in-one kit that comes with pretty much everything you could need. With that being said, this scope is quite big and bulky, so it is not exactly convenient to carry around.
However, it is very durable and made with a rugged outer shell, not to mention that it is actually totally waterproof as well.
- 20x-60x Magnification offering a wide range of applications
- Refractable lens shade
- Tough polycarbonate body
- Comes with a tripod, view-thru case with strap, soft storage case, eyepiece cover, and objective lens cover
- Professional-grade BAK4 prism
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
MINOX MD 50 W Spotting Scope
A durable and compact spotting scope. Although magnification could be better.
If you need a really durable and compact spotting scope, the MINOX MD 50 W Spotting Scope is a good option to keep in mind. This scope comes in at only 24 ounces and is very compact, both features which we appreciate. It’s quite portable and easy to carry around, making it convenient if you already have a lot of gear with you.
It is specially designed for people who don’t want to lug along big and heavy scopes.
Now, in terms of durability, this scope is also top notch. The rubber armor coating makes it very resistant to impact damage.
What is really neat here is that the MINOX MD 50 W Spotting Scope is totally waterproof, even when submerged down to 16 feet. This is not something that you will often find when looking for a cheap scope.
The MINOX MD 50 W Spotting Scope does have pretty decent viewing capabilities. It features 16x to 30x magnification capabilities, which is not superb, but for such a low price, you really cannot complain.
The high-resolution objective lens system, combined with the M-lens coating creates a pretty good view.
This scope features fairly high light transmission, pretty decent color contrast, and an overall HD viewing experience. We also like the proper seal and nitrogen-filled housing which helps to stop this thing from fogging up.
- M-Lens Coating for efficient light transmission
- Nitrogen filled housing for non-fogging clarity
- High contrast and natural color rendition
- Waterproof submerged to 16 feet
- Lightweight at only 24 ounces
- Fully adjustable eyepiece with 16x to 30x magnification
- Small compact design; weighs just 615 grams
- 50 mm entrance pupil
- High resolution objective lens system features the unique MINOX multi-layer M coating
- Angled scope provides a more relaxed stance during viewing
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a recommendation, I would recommend the BARSKA 30-90×90 Colorado Waterproof Spotting Scope, at least for pure viewing capabilities.
The fact that it has a magnification capability up to 90x is quite impressive. The optics and viewing experience provided by this scope are truly top notch. With that being said, other than being waterproof, it is not the most durable item in the world, nor is it the most portable.
If you are looking for a good mix of durability, portability, and viewing capabilities, we would have to go with the Celestron 80mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope.
It has a 60x zoom capability, it is quite durable, and it has some other neat features too. It’s not the smallest or lightest option out there, but it is far from being the largest too.
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