The Best Spotting Scope under $200
Russell Patrick Oct 4, 2023 3:55 AM
If you wish to improve your hunting activities or simply enjoy bird watching, the best thing you should invest in is a spotting scope. But many of us don't want a ridiculously pricey one.
Due to their high cost most of the time, spotting scopes were frequently off the shopping lists of many hunters . But now, there are more affordable and practical options that can still give you the best performance. Let’s scroll down for the best spotting scope under $200.
Overview
You might believe that a high-quality spotting scope costs hundreds of dollars. While such may have been the case in the past, quality spotting scopes are now available for less than $200.
Online shopping isn't always simple, though. When every description is written by an advertisement trying to sell you their goods, how can you be sure that you're getting a good deal? If you're unsure of which details matter and which are merely advertising fluff, you can read our reviews and recommendations below. You then can choose the best spotting scope under $200 for your needs.
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- Celestron Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope – Best Overall
- Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scope - Best Portable
- LANDOVE 20-60X80 Spotting Scope - Best Affordable
- Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope - Best Value
- Simmons Venture 20-60X60 Spotting Scope - Best Purchased
1. Celestron Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope – Best Overall
Specifications:
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Objective Lens Diameter: 80 Millimeters
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Focus Type: Manual Focus
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Finderscope: Reflex
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Weight: 3.56 Pounds
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Lens Coating Description: Multi-Coated
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Dimensions : 7.5"D x 3.5"W x 19.3"H
Celestron Ultima has an 80mm lens, which is enormous for the price point and big overall while being comfortably portable. It features a great zoom, from 20 to 60 times magnification.
The spotting scope gets an extra layer of protection from the soft case which should keep it in good condition and increase its lifespan. The drawback of this model is chromatic aberration, which is typical of less expensive spotting scopes. At higher zoom levels, it lowers the image quality and renders it unsuitable for photography. However, if you only need something for looking and not for photography, you're getting a decent value with this model.
Pros:
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Large lens
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Great zoom range
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Waterproof
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Contains a soft case
Cons:
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Several color fringes
2. Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scope - Best Portable
Specifications:
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Objective Lens Diameter: 80 Millimeters
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Focus Type: Manual Focus
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Finderscope: Reflex
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Weight: 2.4 Pounds
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Lens Coating Description: Fully Multi-Coated
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Focal Length Description: 20 millimeters
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Dimensions: 3.15"D x 0.79"W x 2.36"H
The GoSky's Digiscoping adapter, which works with the majority of cellphones, is one of the device's distinctive features that we truly appreciate. This gives you access to detailed visuals on your phone and makes it possible for you to easily and affordably take photos and films of objects that are enlarged.
Thanks to its waterproof and fog proof construction, the GoSky's completely multi-coated 80mm objective lens offers magnification up to 60x in the majority of weather conditions. The weight of this spotting scope is another fantastic feature you'll like. Being less than 2 lbs, you will find it to be the most convenient to carry.
Pros:
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Using a cell phone adaptor, you can focus on your target with twice the image detail.
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With a fully multi-coated lens, excessive or weak lighting won't degrade the quality of the image.
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Incredibly light (1.76 lbs)
Cons:
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None
Related post: Best Night Vision Binoculars
3. LANDOVE 20-60X80 Spotting Scope - Best Affordable
Specifications:
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Objective Lens Diameter: 80 Millimeters
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Eye Relief: 18 Millimeters
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Binocular Prism Description: Porro Prism
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Dimensions : 19.06 x 6.69 x 6.34 inches
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Weight: 4.93 pounds
With its coaxial two speed focusing dials - dual focus, Landove grabs our attention. Dual focusing is uncommon on a scope with this price, therefore the Landove just gained credibility.
Fully multi-coated (FMC) optics are crucial with high magnification and a sizable 80 mm aperture; this premium feature is not often guaranteed on a cheap scope, but Landove nails it. Even while the image quality may degrade at 60x, it will still work admirably for all the enjoyable tasks, such as watching wildlife in your backyard.
Pros:
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Dual focus
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High magnification
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80 mm objective lens
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Affordable
Cons:
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Heavy
4. Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope - Best Value
Specifications:
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Objective Lens Diameter: 65 Millimeters
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Material: Other
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Dimensions: 18.25 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches
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Weight: 2.28 Pounds
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Size: 20-60 x 65mm
The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme has a waterproof and fog-proof casing that keeps the lens and mirrors clear and guarantees that you're getting excellent photos even in challenging lighting conditions. It also comes with a 12" tripod and a window mount, saving you time searching for compatible models on your own.
But the magnification of this model is only 12 to 36 times. Although it is adjustable, which is helpful, 12x is too low and 36x is not a particularly good stopping point. This model doesn't have a great maximum zoom. However, if you already know that you won't want a significant zoom, this model is a fantastic deal for you.
Pros:
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Water- and fog-resistant
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Window mount and tripod are included
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Contains a hard case
Cons:
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Inadequate magnification
5. Simmons Venture 20-60X60 Spotting Scope - Best Purchased
Specifications:
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Objective Lens Diameter: 60 months
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Focus Type: Manual Focus
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Finderscope: Reflex
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Item Weight: 1 Pounds
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Lens Coating Description: Fully Multi-Coated
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Dimensions: 20.16 x 12.36 x 7.01 inches
You'll enjoy the new Venture 20-60x60 spotting scope from the reputable Simmons brand if you want inexpensive optics. The Venture line has replaced ProSports, which has faded away. Even while prices for the new series did increase slightly, they are still on the lower end of the pricing range.
Although the BK7 glass may have an impact on exit pupil shape, fully multi-coated optics will ensure that brightness and clarity are enough for your intended.
Thanks to Simmons, it's simple to utilize for leisure purposes and achieve sighted-in at 100 yards while staying within your budget.
Pros:
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Affordable
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Enhanced magnification
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Optics with a full multi-coating
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Simple to use
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Includes accessories
Cons:
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BK7 glass
Related post: Best Small Binoculars
SVBONY SV46 Spotter Scopes 20-60x80 for Target Shooting, HD Dual Focus High Definition Long Range Spotting Scopes,BAK4 FMC IPX7 High Power Telescope, with Case for Hunting Birding Stargazing
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- BrandSVBONY
- Prime
Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scope with Tripod, Carrying Bag - BAK4 Angled Scope for Target Shooting Hunting Bird Watching Wildlife Scenery (Phone Mount+SLR Mount Compatible with Canon)
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- BrandGosky
- Prime
- SCORE8.8PF Score
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- BrandBushnell
- Prime
Dsoon 20-60x80 Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting with Extendable Tripod, Phone Adapter, Remote Control, Carry Bag, Spotting Scope for Bird Watching Hunting, Waterproof Spotter Scope
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- BrandDsoon
- Prime
Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scopes with Tripod, Carrying Bag and Quick Phone Holder - BAK4 High Definition Waterproof Spotter Scope for Bird Watching Wildlife Scenery
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- BrandGosky
- Prime
Gosky 20-60x60 HD Spotting Scope with Tripod, Carrying Bag and Scope Phone Adapter - BAK4 45 Degree Angled Spotter Scope for Target Shooting Hunting Bird Watching Wildlife Scenery
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- BrandGosky
- Prime
- SCORE9.2PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandAthlon Optics
- Prime
HUICOCY Spotting Scopes, 20-60x60mm Zoom 39-19m/1000m with FMC Lens, BAK4 45 Degree Angled Eyepiece, Fogproof Spotting Scope with Tripod, Phone Adapter, Carry Bag for Target Shooting,Hunting,Birding
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- BrandHUICOCY
- Prime
HUICOCY Spotting Scopes, 20-60x60mm Zoom 39-19m/1000m with FMC Lens, BAK4 45 Degree Angled Eyepiece, Fogproof Spotting Scope with Tripod, Phone Adapter, Carry Bag for Target Shooting,Hunting,Birding
View on Amazon- SCORE8.4PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandHUICOCY
- Prime
Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope with Tripod, Phone Adapter, Carry Bag, Scope for Target Shooting Bird Watching Hunting Wildlife
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- BrandEmarth
- Prime
SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scopes with Tripod,Hunting,25-75x70,Angled,Waterproof,Range Shooting Scope,with Phone Adapter,Compact, for Target Shooting,Birding,Stargazing,Wildlife Viewing
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandSVBONY
- Prime
- SCORE9.0PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandVortex
- Prime
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. How far can you see with a great spotting scope?
The most affordable scopes will work well for ranges of 25 to 100 yards, but cost will increase for each additional 100 yards.
2. What causes the blur in my spotting scope?
The view may become blurry if you magnify more than 60 times due to the earth's atmosphere. Heat waves and high-altitude winds move air, causing different air temperatures to mix and, on hot days in particular, the air to function as a weak lens that obstructs light from distant objects.
3. Can you use a spotting scope to view the stars?
In reality, a spotting scope is an excellent option unless you have a genuine interest in astronomy. Spotting scopes can be used for all general observation and the most fundamental astronomy, including the moon, planets that are close by, and other brilliant objects in the night sky. They are simple to put up and operate and have magnifications up to about 60x or 70x.