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The best compact spotting scope for hunting is as every bit as powerful and efficient, if not more, than a pair of binoculars, minus the bulk. These miniature rugged telescopes (with lesser magnification) are modified for portability and take the stage where binoculars quit; their optical performance is quite hard to beat and maybe even unparalleled by other sporting optics.
However, the overwhelming number of products available in the market can throw you off; after all, there’s one for every size preference, power preference, budget and portability preference. Here’s a quick review of our top compact spotting scopes and a buying guide on how to pick out “The One” for your hiking or hunting expedition!
Best Compact Spotting Scopes for Hunting
Here are our top compact spotting scope for hunting reviews:
1. Huicocy 20-60x60mm Spotting Scope
Best Overall
For a range of impressive features, a number of accessories, and an amazing performance at a hard-to-beat price, the Huicocy 20-60x60mm Spotting Scope is your best bet. With a 60 mm objective lens for powerful light-gathering and resolution, a fog-proof design that beats gloomy weather and 100% reliable customer service, this spotting scope is a must consider and more so if you’re on a budget! Its high magnification makes it a great option for target shooting and hunting.
Some of its features include:
- A free table tripod and phone-mount kit with standard tripod screw are included
- A powerful zoom feature from 20-60x
- A 45-degree angled eyepiece for comfortable viewing
- 39-19mm/1000m field-of-view for close viewing
- Rubber armor construction for better grip and durability
- An extendable/retractable eyepiece that lets you use the scope comfortably, with or without glasses
2. Celestron 52320 Landscape Spotting Scope
Best Value
With fully-coated optics that enable improved light transmission resulting in clear, bright and focused images, the Celestron 52320 Landscape Spotting Scope is one of the most efficient spotting scopes out there! Lightweight, compact and therefore, super easy to pack and carry, it’s great for any expedition, whether you’re out on the field or in the range. Additionally, at a price of around $50, this spotting scope is a steal and gives you amazing value for the money you pay.
Some of its features include:
- A rotating tripod mount that lets you find the best viewing position
- 10-30x zoom eyepiece with adjustable magnification, so that you can switch between a wide field of view or general viewing and close-up viewing for specifics
- A rubber grip for easy adjustment of the magnification on the zoom eyepiece and large focus wheel, even while wearing gloves
- Is eyeglass friendly
- Comes with multiple accessories, including a tripod and carry-all soft case
3. Roxant Authentic Blackbird HD Spotting Scope
Editor’s Choice
Equipped with a 12-36×50 zoom eyepiece that’s extendable/retractable, weatherproof rubber armor construction that’s slip resistant, and HD military-grade optics, the Roxant Authentic Blackbird HD Spotting Scope is a must consider for all serious hunters/outdoor enthusiasts out there. Equipped with a ton of features, this compact spotting scope is perfect for everything from vacationing to hunting to survival training to stargazing to target shooting; this spotting scope is functional in every sense, with a power that belies its size and convenience that belies its power!
Some of its features include:
- A ton of accessories, including a foldable tripod, lens caps and carrying case
- Features an extendable sunshade that’s built onto the main barrel, in order to reduce the glare
- Optical glass with superior BAK4 Prism and fully-multi-coated all-glass lens for better and clearer viewing
- Lifetime replacement guarantee
4. Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes
A state-of-the-art spotting scope from Vortex Optics, the Razor HD Spotting Scope features an 11-33×50 Angled Razor triplet apochromatic lens put together with HD, extra-low dispersion glass for some pretty amazing color fidelity and resolution. With micro and macro adjustments on the focus wheel, you can fine tune and focus as you desire, with a close focus facility of up to 6.6 feet. The spotting scope even features an adjustable eyecup that folds up and down so that you can view objects with the same amount of comfort whether you’re wearing glasses or not.
Some of the features include:
- An easily adjustable zoom eyepiece for magnifying objects
- O-Ring sealed and argon purged, resulting in waterproof and fog-proof performances
- Armortrek coating that keeps the lenses protected against dirt, scratches and oil, while also enhancing the durability of the scope and improving the user’s grip.
- XR-Plus anti-reflective coatings for maximum brightness
5. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope
When you’re looking for a heavy-duty performance that doesn’t compromise on the scope’s lightness and compact nature, look no further than the Diamondback 20-60×60 Straight Spotting Scope, with its fully XR-multi-coated lenses and powerful zoom feature. The scope also features a retractable built-in sunshade to facilitate better light transmission and clearer images and like its cousin, the Razor HD, features an adjustable eyecup. The scope manages an impressive close focus of 22 feet.
Some of its features include:
- A twist-and-lock collar for moving the scope to various positions
- Easy-to-use focus wheel
- O-Ring sealed and nitrogen purged to remain fog-proof and waterproof
- Rubber armor for better durability and grip
6. SVBONY SV13 Spotting Scope
The SVBONY SV13 Spotting Scope is convenient, efficient and powerful, letting you take photos and view distant objects like it’s a piece of cake. The scope features an IPX7 waterproof design, ensuring that it more than survives any rain, hail or snow. Additionally, it features a 45-degree angled eyepiece that hits the sweet spot of comfortable viewing, whether or not you’re wearing glasses!
Some of its other features include:
- The ability to support a camera adapter
- A fully multi-coated lens with a high-grade high-refractive index-prism guarantee for superior light transmission and brightness
- Comes with an adjustable solid tripod that’s easy to fold and store in the provided 3D carry bag
7. Bushnell Trophy XLT Compact Spotting Scope
High-quality optics that result in stunning HD clarity, fully multi-coated optics for bright and clear images and durability that’s built to last — the Bushnell Trophy XLT Compact Spotting Scope is all of this and more! The beautifully-designed spotting scope is constructed using high-quality materials that are used and tested extensively to ensure that they meet the required standards and with a 20-60x 65mm objective lens, magnification won’t be an issue at all.
Some of the features include:
- 20-60x magnification
- Rubber-armor coating to ensure that the scope is 100% waterproof
- Comes with a compact, foldable trip and a hard case for storage
- Is 13.4 inches long and weighs 42.3 ounces
- Features a Porro prism design
Compact Spotting Scope for Hunting Buyer’s Guide
Here’s what you need to know about buying a compact spotting scope for hunting.
Straight vs Angled
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a spotting scope is whether you want one that’s angled or straight. With the former, you’ll be looking down the eyepiece whereas, with the latter, you’ll be looking straight.
Straight and angled spotting scopes come with their own pros and cons. Straight scopes are easier to use from a vehicle, less likely to collect water and snow when not being used, are easier to store and better for faster acquisition of targets. However, they’re uncomfortable to use at uphill angles, use while crouching and require taller tripods, which can pose issues in windy conditions.
Angled scopes, on the other hand — can be used with shorter tripods — are more comfortable whether at uphill angles or users with different heights and are better for digiscoping. However, they’re harder to store, not that great for looking downhill and more prone to collecting snow and water when not in use.
Angled scopes are better for birdwatching or stargazing, or any activity that requires looking up a lot. For everything else, there are straight scopes, but this also depends on your preference.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
A few other factors to keep in mind when buying a compact spotting scope are:
- The higher the quality of the glass, the better.
- The more the number of coatings, the better, especially prism-specific coatings.
- What magnification you require; lenses are capable of magnification as low as 8x and as high as 60x. The weight and size may increase with higher magnification.
- The larger the aperture, the heavier your scope, so aim for a 50mm or smaller aperture size.
- Pick a lightweight scope, preferably one that’s below 40 ounces for more convenience.
- The ability to use it as a handheld device
- A maximum length of 16 inches; anything longer can get awkward to manage
- A good deal on a warranty
Compact scopes are great for multiple applications, giving them an edge over even high-powered spotters. Though small, quality and prices vary between brands. They’re also a better option than binoculars as they give you a wider field-of-view, better clarity and magnification; for the serious hunter/outdoor expeditionist, a good spotting scope is a must and there’s very little margin for error with the ones we’ve laid out for you! Picking one of these, or any high-quality spotting scope, for that matter, is sure to go a long way in improving your outdoor activity.
Recommended Reading:
- Best Spotting Scope for Birding
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- Best Spotting Scope for Digiscoping
- Best Budget Spotting Scopes
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