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Usually, when you’re looking at buying spotting scopes, you will find that the majority of scopes available are suitable for long-distance viewing. And, often, you may have difficulty in finding a good quality short-range scope. For short-range target shooting, hunting in dense forests and pistol shooting, you need optics that are more powerful compared to binoculars; however, you don’t need the high power or the expensive price tag which comes along with high-end spotting scopes. Also, short-range spotting scopes are ideal for birdwatchers, hikers and outdoor naturists because they are lightweight and more portable compared to scopes with a longer range.
So, what is the best spotting scope for 100 yards? Keeping short-range use in our purview, we have put together a list of some of the best spotting scopes for 100 yards. So, read on for more information.
Best Spotting Scopes for 100 Yards
Here are our 100 yard spotting scope reviews.
1. Roxant Blackbird High Definition Spotting Scope
Best Overall
The Roxant Blackbird Spotting Scope is designed to deliver clear images and is ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities. Although its zoom range of 12-36x is limited, it offers bright and clear images up to 150 yards. The spotting scope has a non-slip armor, which makes it rugged, stable and comfortable when you hold it.
- The spotting scope features an extendable/retractable eyepiece, which you can use with or without glasses.
- It is equipped with an optical glass with a fully multi-coated all-glass lens and BAK4 Prism that ensures good light transmission for clear viewing.
- The scope’s lens cap is attached to its body, which prevents it from getting lost.
2. Celestron Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope
Editor’s Choice
The Celestron Ultima 80 Spotting Scope does a good job of viewing at 100+ yards. The spotting scope has plenty of features that make it one of the best spotting scopes for 100 yards. The scope is compact and portable and the 45o angle offers comfortable and better viewing. The fully-coated optics recreates brighter and clearer images, even in low-light conditions.
- The scope is equipped with a focus dial that lets you focus on your subject quickly.
- The 45-degree angle along with the 80 mm objective lens makes the scope perfect for long-distance viewing.
- The spotting scope is 100% waterproof and it is filled with dry nitrogen gas, which prevents the lens from fogging.
3. Barska 15-40×50 Colorado Spotting Scope
Best Value
The Barska Colorado Spotting Scope is an entry-level spotting scope, which is available at a price that’s unbeatable. This is a straight scope and so you need to rest it or mount it at eye level. The spotting scope is quite basic and will offer clear viewing of up to 150 years; however, you can’t expect a lot of clarity beyond 150 yards from this scope.
- The spotting scope has a fully-coated lens with a Porro prism that offers good quality images.
- The scope features a rubber armor that is shock absorbing and makes it durable.
- The spotting scope comes along with a soft case and a tabletop tripod.
4. Celestron Ultima 65 Angled Spotting
If you’re looking for the best spotting scope for 100 yards, then the Celestron Ultima 65 with a 45-degree angle is a good choice. The scope is compact and ultra-lightweight and is ideal for short-range viewing. The scope offers 18 mm eye relief, which is pretty decent and it is waterproof and fog-proof.
- The spotting scope is equipped with an 18x-55x zoom eyepiece.
- The 65 mm lens and 45-degree viewing angle of the scope make it perfect for long-distance and nature viewing.
- The spotting scope has a durable housing that helps to protect the optics from the elements and also prevents any damage due to bumps and jolts.
5. Gosky 20-60X80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope
Looking for a short-range shooting spotting scope? An excellent option in terms of both quality, as well as price, is the GoskyPorro Prism Spotting Scope. The scope has a 45-degree angled eyepiece which ensures that the spotting scope will sit well on the tripod for continuous use. The spotting scope has a waterproof design that makes it weatherproof and protects it from fog, rain, etc.
- The spotting scope features an 80 mm multi-coated objective lens, high-quality eyepiece and prism that delivers crisp, clear and bright images.
- The Magnalium frame of the scope and rubber armor makes it very durable and enables it to withstand any type of weather conditions.
- The dynamic focusing system and 20-60x magnification make it very easy to zoom in on your subject.
Buying Guide – Finding the Best Spotting Scope for 100 Yards
When looking for the best spotting scope for 100 yards, you will find plenty of spotting scopes on the market with varying features. Read our buying guide for information on what to look for in the best spotting scope for 100 yards while buying one.
Body Style
Apart from buying a spotting scope that is attractive looking, you need to decide whether you want a straight spotting scope or an angled one. A straight spotting scope is very simple and is best for beginners; whereas, if you will be using the scope at different heights, then it is better to opt for an angled spotting scope.
Magnification
Getting a scope with higher magnification will allow you to view the subject in greater detail; however, you must ensure that you don’t go overboard with the magnification because it will distort the images. The zoom feature also enhances the adjustability of the scope and its ease of use. The clarity of images is affected by other features such as surrounding light conditions, moisture, fog, etc.
Objective Lens Quality
When it comes to boosting the functionality of the spotting scope, another factor to consider that is equally as important as magnification is the quality of the objective lens. The bigger the objective lens, the more transmission of light and hence, brighter the images. Also, you can choose the coating on the lens – multi-coated, fully-coated or fully multi-coated. Depending on your application, you can choose the type of lens that will work best for you.
Clarity of Image
If you plan to use your spotting scope in clear and bright conditions, then you can work with an inexpensive spotting scope. Typically, budget scopes have inferior optic coatings, that result in lower light transmission. At lower magnifications, this may not be a problem; however, when you go higher, then the low brightness will impact the quality of the image.
Eyepiece
Depending on your use of the spotting scope, you need to decide whether you need detachable eyepieces or not. If you want to use the scope for hunting, then a zooming eyepiece is a good option, which is also quite easy to use.
Build
The build and construction of the spotting scope also play a major role in how and where you use it. High-end scopes are usually waterproof and are reinforced to withstand any damage in the case of falls. Typically, these features are not available in cheaper spotting scopes.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
You can view wildlife with a 20x-40x zoom, as long as the lighting is ideal. Budget scopes are also suitable for birdwatching. However, you should keep in mind that with a budget scope, you will not be able to see a lot of details. While you can see their movements, you may not be able to distinguish the species, characteristics, color patterns, etc.
Estimation of Distance
An inexpensive, budget spotting scope will allow you to judge the distance between your subject and you. Although the visual clarity may be somewhat limited, you will still be able to gauge the distance.
Today, there are several spotting scopes that offer excellent affordability and value and can be a good choice for viewing up to 100 yards. However, to buy the best spotting scope for 100 yards, it is a good idea to understand your requirements and preferences before you finalize the best one for you.
Recommended Reading:
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