Spotting Scopes For Bird Watching

Bird watching is a thrilling and rewarding hobby that requires the right equipment to make the most of your outdoor adventures. Spotting scopes are essential for bird watching enthusiasts, as they offer superior magnification and clarity of distant objects. 

Spotting Scopes for Bird Watching Buying Guide

As a bird watcher, choosing the proper spotting scope is crucial to ensure you get the best viewing experience. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best spotting scope for bird watching.

When selecting a spotting scope for bird watching, it is crucial to consider the magnification and objective lens diameter. The magnification determines the level of proximity to the bird that can be achieved, while the objective lens diameter is what controls the amount of light that enters the scope. A larger objective lens diameter permits more light, enhancing the image’s clarity and brightness. While a higher magnification can give you a more detailed view, it can also make the image more unstable. To avoid this, find a spotting scope with a reliable tripod or purchase a quality tripod. A tripod is essential for steady viewing, especially when using high magnification. 

It’s also a good idea to consider the size and weight of your equipment. Bird watching involves travelling to different locations, so a durable and compact spotting scope is ideal. Look for scopes made of durable materials such as magnesium alloy or polycarbonate. A compact size makes it easier to carry around and store, and you will want something easy to carry around and use in the field.

The field of view refers to the width of the area visible through a spotting scope. A wider field of view makes it simpler to spot and track birds. Eye relief is the space or distance between the scopes eyepiece and your eye. A longer eye relief is more comfortable and aids in easier viewing, especially for those wearing glasses. Lastly, lens coatings are crucial for image quality as they reduce glare and increase light transmission. When searching for spotting scopes, opt for ones with fully multi-coated lenses, as they offer the best image quality. If you are thinking about binoculars rather than a spotting scope our guide Binoculars For Bird Watching will help you.

Best Spotting Scopes for Bird Watching

As an avid bird watcher, I know how important having a good spotting scope is. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, a scope can make all the difference when spotting those hard to see birds. I have compiled a list of spotting scopes for bird watching. So, without further ado, let’s look at the top spotting scopes for bird watching.

Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scopes

I highly recommend the Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scopes for bird watching enthusiasts. I recently purchased this bird watching scope and was impressed with its performance. The variable magnification and dynamic lens focusing system make it easy to zoom in and out and get a clear view of the bird.

The multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens provides a wide field of view, making it easier to spot birds in their natural habitat. The fog proof design makes it durable and able to withstand challenging environments, which is great for bird watching in the great outdoors. T

he included smartphone digiscoping adapter lets you take photos and videos of what you have observed, making it easier to share your bird watching experiences with others. However, the front cap is fragile and does not latch well, which can be frustrating. Overall, the Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scopes is a great value for the price, and I highly recommend it to any bird watching enthusiast looking for a durable and high-performing spotting scope.

Pros

• The variable magnification and dynamic lens focusing system make it easy to zoom in and out, providing a clear and crisp image of the bird.
• The fully multi-coated green film objective lens provides a wide field of view, making it easier to spot birds in their natural habitat.
• The nitrogen-filled waterproof and fog-proof design makes it durable and able to withstand demanding environments.

Cons

• The front cap is fragile and does not latch well.
• The tripod mount has lost paint after only two uses.
• The tabletop tripod is nice, but a full size version would be better for this large spotting scope.

JoyDate 20-60×80 HD Spotting Scope

If you are looking for a versatile and affordable spotting scope, the JoyDate 20-60×80 HD Spotting Scope is a great option.

I recently had the chance to use the JoyDate 20-60×80 HD Spotting Scope during a bird watching trip, and I was impressed with its performance. The fully multi-coated lens provided a bright and clear view of the birds, and the 20-60x zoom magnification allowed me to get a close up look at even the smallest details.

One of the best features of this spotting scope is its waterproof and fogproof design. I could use it in various weather conditions without any issues, and the O-ring seals prevented moisture and debris from penetrating the scope.

However, there are a few downsides to this product. The tripod could be more sturdy, and the eyepiece can be tricky to focus, especially at higher magnifications. 

Overall, I recommend the JoyDate 20-60×80 HD Spotting Scope to anyone looking for an affordable and versatile spotting scope for bird watching, hunting, or target shooting. Its powerful magnification and waterproof design make it a solid option for outdoor enthusiasts looking to get a closer look at their surroundings.

Pros

• The fully multi-coated lens provides a bright and clear view of your target.
• The 20-60x zoom magnification makes it perfect for various activities, including bird watching, hunting, and target shooting.
• The waterproof and fog-proof design ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions.

Cons

• The tripod could be more sturdy, and you may need to purchase a sturdier tripod for more stable observations.
• The eyepiece may be difficult to focus.
• The carrying case could be more durable and may not provide adequate protection for the scope during transportation.

Gosky Spotting Scope

Consider the Gosky Spotting Scope if you are looking for a high quality spotting scope for bird watching, hunting, or other outdoor activities. 

I have had an opportunity to use the Gosky Spotting Scope while bird watching, and I was impressed with its performance. The scope’s powerful 20-60x zoom magnification allowed me to get a closer look at the birds, making it easier to identify them. The fully multi-coated lens delivered bright, clear, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions, which was great for early morning bird watching. I was also impressed with the scope’s waterproof design, which features O-ring seals to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating the scope. I recommend the Gosky Spotting Scope to anyone looking for a high quality spotting scope for bird watching or other outdoor activities.

Pros

• The powerful 20-60x zoom magnification lets you look closer at your target, making it perfect for bird watching and other outdoor activities.
• The fully multi-coated lens delivers bright, clear, high contrast images even in low light conditions.
• It has durable construction and high quality rubber armor, providing a non-slip,shock-proof grip.

Cons

• The image loses brightness, contrast, and clarity when zoomed in.
• The tripod quality could be better.
• The iPhone adapter can be a hassle to use.

Dsoon 20-60×80 Spotting Scopes

I highly recommend the Dsoon 20-60×80 Spotting Scopes for bird watching and target shooting enthusiasts who want to capture intricate details of distant objects.

I borrowed a Dsoon 20-60×80 Spotting Scope for bird watching and was amazed at how much closer I got to the birds. The 20-60x zoom magnification with a retractable eyecup allowed me to change the magnification power from 20x to 60x via the zoom ring, making it ideal for distant birds. The adjustable eye relief of 14.5-16.8mm was also very comfortable.

The spotting scope comes with a rotatable tripod mounting base, which allowed me to change the angle for more comfortable viewing. The retractable sunshade also helped reduce glare from sunlight. The spotting scope is also lightweight and durable, thanks to its rubber armored magnesium housing.

The Dsoon 20-60×80 Spotting Scopes come with a full range of accessories, including a tripod, a carry case, protection covers, and a cleaning cloth. The smartphone adapter enabled me to take photos and videos of what I observed. The Dsoon 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is an excellent investment for bird watching and target shooting enthusiasts who want to capture intricate details of distant objects.

Pros

• The 80mm green film objective lens and fully multi-coated optical system increase light transmission and deliver bright, clear, and crisp images at high magnification power, even in low-light conditions or
• .
• The dual focus knobs provide two different focusing speeds, allowing for precise focusing and sharper images.
• The spotting scope is IPX7, fully waterproof and fogproof, making it durable and long-lasting.

Cons

• The tripod needs to be more sturdy to support the weight of the spotting scope, making it wobbly and unstable.
• The phone adapter is not the most rugged piece of equipment.
• The images may be of a low level quality, but they are still impressive for the price.

Emarth Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spotting scope that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Emarth Spotting Scope is a great option.

I was impressed with the Emarth Spotting Scope’s performance during my bird watching outings. The high magnification range allowed me to get up close and personal with my subjects, and the fully multi-coated lens provided clear and bright images. The durable construction also gave me peace of mind when using it in rugged conditions.

However, the tripod with the scope could be sturdier, and the dual focus wheel system took some practice to get used to. Additionally, the phone adapter may only fit some phone models perfectly, so it’s worth checking if it’s compatible with your phone before purchasing.

If you’re looking for a budget friendly spotting scope that still delivers on quality, the Emarth Spotting Scope is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The high magnification range of 20x to 60x makes it perfect for bird watching, target shooting, hunting, and more.
• The fully multi-coated lens and BAK4 roof prism provide bright, clear, high contrast images even in low light conditions.
• The durable construction with high quality rubber armor provides non-slip, shock-proof grip and protection from rugged conditions.

Cons

• The tripod with the scope could be more sturdy and could be upgraded for better stability.
• The dual focus wheel system can be tricky to use at first and may take some getting used to.
• The phone adapter with the scope may only fit some phone models perfectly.

Final Thoughts

A spotting scope is a helpful tool for bird watchers, allowing them to observe birds from a distance with clear and detailed images. The top spotting scopes for bird watching offer a range of features, from high magnification to waterproof and fogproof design, making them versatile and suitable for different types of birding environments. Whether a beginner or an experienced bird watcher, investing in a quality spotting scope will enhance your birding experience and fully allow you to appreciate the natural world’s beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions