By Robin Owens 13 days ago, Binoculars
What are the best efficient spotting scopes for digiscoping?
A spotting scope might prove to be quite useful in many different situations whether you are an astrophotographer, birdwatcher, or hunter. It is also perfect for digiscoping, target shooting, and conducting surveillance.
Depending on your needs, it’s important to choose a spotting scope that will help you reach your goals. If you are interested in the best spotting scope for digiscoping, take a look at our reviews.
Digiscoping photographers use spotting scopes with their digital cameras to take high-quality photos from a long distance. If your camera doesn’t have the magnification capabilities that you need, buying a spotting scope is a great way out.
By attaching a spotting scope to your camera, you can take amazing pictures of wildlife and create stunning content.
Magnification: 20-60x | Objective diameter: 80 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 36-20 metres / 108-60 ft | Closest focusing distance: 5 metres / 16.4 ft | Eye relief: 17 mm | Weight: 1540 g
⊕ Aluminum frame
⊕ Perfect light transmission
⊕ Fluoride-containing HD lenses
⊕ Shock-impact resistant
⊖ High price
The Swarovski ATS 80 HD is an angled spotting scope that delivers the best performance among all the models that we have reviewed.
Thanks to its fluoride-containing lenses with high light-gathering capabilities and a special coating, it provides stunning image quality. The scope has phase-corrected prisms that contribute to the high level of detail.
As the body is rubber-armored, it can easily withstand harsh conditions. It also absorbs noise. Besides being dustproof, the spotting scope is water-resistant as well. It can deliver amazing performance even at 13 feet below the water level.
Magnification: 22-67x | Objective diameter: 100 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 33-16 metres / 100-47 ft | Closest focusing distance: 8 metres / 26.2 ft | Eye relief: 20 mm | Weight: 2084 g
⊕ Magnesium alloy hull
⊕ ED objective lens
⊕ StarBright XLT
⊕ Dual focus
⊖ Weighs more than 2kg
The Celestron Regal M2 comes with an extra-low dispersion lens element that allows lessening chromatic aberration and taking pictures through a spotting scope with high color accuracy. Thanks to XLT coating, the lens of this spotting scope has impressive light-gathering capabilities and delivers images with a great brightness level.
As it has a dual focus feature, you can focus on distant objects more quickly. It has a magnification range from 22 to 67x which allows choosing any viewing angle. You can attach your DSLR camera by using a kit T-adapter ring.
Magnification: 20-60x | Objective diameter: 80 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 90-42 ft | Closest focusing distance: 6 metres / 18 ft | Eye relief: 15 mm | Weight: 1100 g
⊕ FMC optics
⊕ Waterproof
⊕ Body is made of durable materials
⊕ Comes with a tabletop tripod
⊖ Unimpressive eye relief
The DTF 20-60x80 comes with a 45-degree eyepiece which makes it easier to see any object from a distance. The spotting scope is well-designed and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions thanks to its waterproof and shock-resistant features. It won’t slip out of your hands even in humid weather.
The lens body is filled with nitrogen. O-ring seals contribute to the waterproof construction that also allows you to use the spotting scope despite dust or moisture.
By using a smartphone holder compatible with the 1-1.9-inch diameter of the eyepiece, you can attach a smartphone of a 2.2-3.9-inch width. Thanks to it, you can take fantastic pictures and record videos and share them on social networks.
Magnification: 20-60x | Objective diameter: 80 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 82.9-48 ft | Closest focusing distance: 6 metres / 18 ft | Eye relief: 17.9-15 mm | Weight: 1750 g
⊕ Waterproof and fog-resistant body
⊕ A viewing angle can be changed
⊕ Fully multi-coated
⊕ Impressive BAK4 Porro prism
⊖ Weighs too much
As manufacturers used the BAK4 Porro prism optics, the lens can take in more light and deliver stunning images with perfect brightness, clarity, and contrast even in poor lighting conditions.
The SVBONY SV13 comes with an adjustable viewing angle so by using the rotate knob, you can change the angle up to 90 degrees. The O-ring seals and nitrogen-filled body account for supreme protection from dust and mood.
This spotting scope digiscoping is also up to 1 meter waterproof. Thanks to its great design, you can use the spotting scope in foggy and rainy weather without risking your equipment.
Magnification: 30-90x | Objective diameter: 90 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 26-13 metres / 78-40.2 ft | Closest focusing distance: 10 metres / 32.8 ft | Eye relief: 1.78-14.8 mm | Weight: 2177 g
⊕ Easy to carry around
⊕ 2-way fluid head
⊕ Comes with edged sun-shade
⊕ Highly precise focus
⊖ Tripod is unsteady
The Colorado 30-90x90mm is a straight spotting scope that has been designed for long distances. It offers a 30x to 90x magnification.
The impressive 90mm lens has great light-gathering capabilities. Thanks to it, you can use this spotting scope even in the evening or shortly after dawn.
The spotting scope comes with a built-in sun-shade featuring an edged design. It helps you achieve better image quality when you take photos on sunny days. The spotting scope is fully water-resistant. It is extremely useful when you need to take long-distance photos.
Magnification: 20-60x | Objective diameter: 60 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 36-19 metres | Closest focusing distance: 7 metres / 23 ft | Eye relief: 17-13.5 mm | Weight: 794 g
⊕ Amazing multi-coated lens
⊕ BK7 Porro prism
⊕ For all weather conditions
⊕ Comes with retractable sun-shade
⊖ A phone holder is inconvenient
This spotting scope digiscoping is a perfect choice for beginners as it is easy to handle. It weighs only 1.75lbs. Thanks to a close focus, you can take photos from a distance of 23 feet.
Its 60mm multi-coated lens accounts for a magnification range from 20x to 60 x. As the spotting scope comes with the BK7 Porro Prism, a refractive index is quite impressive. The easy-to-retract sunshade is build-in and helps reduce glare.
Thanks to the IPX6 weatherproof body,you can use this equipment in poor weather. The metal tripod is durable and adjusted. There is also a special adaptor for attaching your smartphone, a cleaning kit, and a zippable carry case.
Magnification: 20-60x | Objective diameter: 62 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 156-81 ft | Closest focusing distance: no information | Eye relief: 19.5-18 mm | Weight: 980 g
⊕ Amazing design
⊕ Dynamic lens dual focus system
⊕ BAK4 prism
⊕ Solid build
⊖ Its field of view isn’t wide enough
One of the key advantages of this spotting scope is its magnification range from 20x to 60x. It is perfectly suitable for taking photos from different distances.
Thanks to the tabletop tripod, the spotting scope is quite stable. You can attach your phone by using a special adapter and carry the equipment in a carry case. The spotting scope comes with a powerful lens that delivers HD quality. The nitrogen-filled body is waterproof and can be used in foggy weather.
Being designed for harsh environments, the spotting scope delivers perfect performance on sunny days thanks to its sun-shade. The spiral eyepiece cover provides great comfort whether you wear glasses or not.
Magnification: 20-60x | Objective diameter: 80 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 82.9-48 ft | Closest focusing distance: 6 metres / 18 ft | Eye relief: 17.9-15 mm | Weight: 2000 g
⊕ Dynamic lens focusing
⊕ FMC objective lens
⊕ Waterproof and fog-proof body
⊕ Retractable sunshade
⊖ Field of view is insufficiently wide
This best spotting scope for digiscoping comes with an 80mm green film lens that allows for a 20-60x magnification. Thanks to the dynamic focusing system, you can quickly zoom in to see your subject more clearly.
As the spotting scope also has an amazing prism and eyepiece, the image quality is at the top-notch level. The eyepiece is set at an angle of 45 degrees, which accounts for better viewing experience.
The body is waterproof, so you can use this spotting scope in rainy or foggy weather. A smartphone can be attached with the help of an adapter. To take a photo, you can also hold your phone close to the eyepiece.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Swarovski HD-ATS-80
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
 |
Celestron Regal M2
For Birding |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
DTF 20-60x80
With Tripod |
CHECK PRICE → |
Whether you need to see distant objects on the land or sea, you will benefit from using a spotting scope which is nothing other than a portable telescope. Unlike binoculars, such equipment allows seeing objects located far from you with a stunning level of detail.
Manufacturers offer a wide array of options to choose from. Before making a purchase, check your spotting scope’s magnification, focus distance, the size of the lens, and the angle of the eyepiece.
You can easily deduce the range of a spotting scope by paying attention to three numbers in its name. For instance, if you see a 14-45x60 spotting scope, it means that it comes with the 60mm front lens and is capable of magnifying from 14x up to 45x.
If you purchase a scope with a large-size lens, you will get a better quality image with a stunning level of detail. High magnification capabilities allow seeing even the most remote objects.
Those, who are looking for perfect digiscoping equipment, need a spotting scope that delivers decent image quality and great sharpness levels. When it comes to taking pictures of birds and animals, a photographer might need to get closer to the subject without spooking it. The close focus distance is perfect when you need to see something in detail without any signs of blurring. If you see the subject from the distance of 20 feet clearly, your spotting scope has a pretty decent close focus distance.
While making your choice, think carefully about what is more important, good image quality or a portable spotting scope. An 80mm lens spotting scope gathers more light than 50mm and 60mm lens ones. It delivers better image quality and level of detail. It also accounts for a wider field of view. However, the large-size lens also means that your spotting scope will be less portable and might cause some muscle strain if you carry it around for long periods. Spotting scopes with big lenses cost more so if you want to find the best budget spotting scope for digiscoping think carefully if it suits your needs perfectly.
There are two kinds of spotting scopes, namely, angled and straight ones. It refers to the shape of their bodies. Each of these types comes with advantages and drawbacks.
If you opt for a straight spotting scope, its eyepiece will be in a line with the lens. The spotting scope looks like a tube. This type of equipment might be more comfortable to use for newbies as it allows focusing on your subject in no time.
It is also quite easy to pack and carry around as it doesn’t take much space. The key drawback of this type is that such spotting scope might cause muscle strain if you are trying to use it from extreme angles.
An angled spotting scope has an eyepiece that is positioned at a 45-90 degree angle from its lens.
If you take a closer look at this equipment, it will remind you of a straight tube with a raised angled part with the lens. This design is perfect for those who need to use different viewing positions.
It is extremely helpful when you need to watch birds or animals on slopes. You can easily change the angle to watch your subject closely. Besides, you can buy a shorter tripod as the angled part of the scope adds to its height.
The only significant shortcoming is that such spotting scope might get covered in moisture if you leave it and go on a break. It is also less portable and you need to think carefully about how to pack it properly.
A spotting scope has been designed as a replacement for a portable telescope. The best spotting scope for digiscoping is helpful when you need to see distant subjects and your binoculars can’t cope with the task. Whether you are a birdwatcher, hunter, surveillance professional, or wildlife enthusiast, you will benefit from seeing distant objects with a great level of detail.
Those, who want to see a bright image, need to purchase at least a 60mm spotting scope. If you have some cash lying around, you can also choose a larger lens. High brightness is vital for digiscoping as you need to take a photo of good quality. The best spotting scopes come with an 85mm lens so make sure not to purchase a spotting scope that comes at a budget price.
When you buy a spotting scope, it is likely to have a variable zoom that allows for a 15-45x or 20-60x magnification. Thanks to it, you can change magnification depending on your needs. In most cases, a spotting scope comes with a 15x p – 60x magnification range.
If you are a hunter or like the target practice, you will enjoy using a straight spotting scope. It makes it easier to look below your level. An angled spotting scope will make your bird-watching experience more enjoyable as you will be able to look in the sky without experiencing muscle strain.
