The Best Spotting Scope under $200

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:

• Objective Lens Diameter: 80 Millimeters

• Focus Type: Manual Focus

• Finderscope: Reflex

• Weight: 3.56 Pounds

• Lens Coating Description: Multi-Coated

• 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.

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Pros:

• Large lens

• Great zoom range

• Waterproof

• Contains a soft case

Cons:

• Several color fringes

2. Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scope - Best Portable

Specifications:

• Objective Lens Diameter: 80 Millimeters

• Focus Type: Manual Focus

• Finderscope: Reflex

• Weight: 2.4 Pounds

• Lens Coating Description: Fully Multi-Coated

• Focal Length Description: 20 millimeters

• 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.

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Pros:

• Using a cell phone adaptor, you can focus on your target with twice the image detail.

• With a fully multi-coated lens, excessive or weak lighting won't degrade the quality of the image.

• Incredibly light (1.76 lbs)

Cons:

• None

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3. LANDOVE 20-60X80 Spotting Scope - Best Affordable

Specifications:

• Objective Lens Diameter: 80 Millimeters

• Eye Relief: 18 Millimeters

• Binocular Prism Description: Porro Prism

• Dimensions : 19.06 x 6.69 x 6.34 inches

• 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.

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Pros:

• Dual focus

• High magnification

• 80 mm objective lens

• Affordable

Cons:

• Heavy

4. Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope - Best Value

Specifications:

• Objective Lens Diameter: 65 Millimeters

• Material: Other

• Dimensions: ‎18.25 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches

• Weight: ‎2.28 Pounds

• 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.

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Pros:

• Water- and fog-resistant

• Window mount and tripod are included

• Contains a hard case

Cons:

• Inadequate magnification

5. Simmons Venture 20-60X60 Spotting Scope - Best Purchased

Specifications:

• Objective Lens Diameter: 60 months

• Focus Type: Manual Focus

• Finderscope: Reflex

• Item Weight: 1 Pounds

• Lens Coating Description: Fully Multi-Coated

• 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.

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Pros:

• Affordable

• Enhanced magnification

• Optics with a full multi-coating

• Simple to use

• Includes accessories

Cons:

• BK7 glass

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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.