By Robin Owens 5 days ago, Binoculars
The best spotting scopes under 1000 dollars on the market.
If you have loads of cash laying around, you can easily buy a premium-level spotting scope. Those who are on a budget, however, can find a perfect option for under $1000.
In some cases, it might be not obvious what’s the difference between two products and whether you are getting value for money when purchasing a high-end spotting scope.
I have put together this list to help you choose a model that works best for your needs and comes at an affordable price.
If you have never purchased a spotting scope before, make sure to read this guide till the end to learn more about what to look for when you are making a purchase. It will help you to make an informed choice and enhance your hiking or birdwatching experience.
Magnification: 16-48 x | Objective diameter: 65mm | Field of view at 1000m: 138-75 feet | Closest focusing distance: 11.5 feett | Eye relief: 18-20 mm | Weight:48.4 ounces
⊕ RLightweight and portable
⊕ The focus wheel is easy to flick
⊕ Adjustable image quality
⊕ Powerful zoom
⊖ Uncomfortable eye relief
The Vortex Razor HD 16-48x65 is equipped with ED glass optics and presents perfect image quality, high resolution and great color accuracy. It comes with a dual focus which accounts for high focusing precision thanks to advanced adjustment options. The Razor HD is the best spotting scope for 1000 dollars that delivers a powerful performance.
The complex optical system consists of three apochromatic lenses and offers excellent sharpness across the frame, without discernible chromatic aberrations, poor resolution or inaccurate colors at long viewing distances. The Vortex Razor high-definition spotting scope comes with an eyepiece cap, a transparent case and an objective lens cover.
Magnification: 20-60 x | Objective diameter: 80mm | Field of view at 1000m: 47m | Closest focusing distance: 5.8m | Eye relief: 18-20 mm | Weight:1,400g
⊕ Excellent optical performance
⊕ Fully waterproof and fog-proof
⊕ Rubber armor and metal shell
⊕ Less focusing time
⊖ Isn’t compatible with other brands’ tripods
⊖ The pod can’t be rotated
This spotting scope was designed to deliver top-notch image quality. If you need to see objects from a long distance, it’s vital to use a model that allows for high magnification and presents an accurate image. This is why the Pentax PF-80ED has high-end optical lenses.
Just like other Pentax products, it’s safely protected thanks to rubber armor and metal housing. This spotting scope has 518mm focal length. If you still aren’t sure about this option, try comparing it to Vortex Optics Viper spotting scopes sold on Amazon.
This best spotting scope under 1000 can easily beat them when it comes to precision. It is made of high-quality materials and has great optical lenses that deliver stunning sharpness across the field of view. There is also another model available that comes with electronic zoom.
Magnification: 20-60X | Objective diameter: 82mm | Field of view at 1000m: 104.8 feet| Closest focusing distance: Not Listed | Eye relief: Not Listed| Weight: 40.8 ounces
⊕ Allows for digiscoping
⊕ Two tripod mounting options
⊕ Powerful
⊕ Fully weatherproof
⊖ Overly expensive
⊖ Marketing
The Nikon ProStaff 5 20-60Х82 is a great spotting scope for hunters. However, Nikon is in no hurry when it comes to sharing the details about its premium features. This is why it might be difficult for users to figure out how to use this model for digiscoping.
The Nikon 13-30x50mm Field Scope ED 5 is a great value for money as it comes with a wide array of helpful features. While it is a tad more expensive than some other options with better ranging reach, it comes with interchangeable eyepieces. Whether you are a hunter or wildlife photographer, the ProStaff 5 is a good option to consider as it has pretty powerful optics.
Magnification:22x-67x | Objective diameter: 100 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 100-47ft | Closest focusing distance: 26.2ft | Eye relief: 20mm | Weight: 2084g
⊕ High-quality optics
⊕ Perfect coarse and fine focus
⊕ Comes with a fabric case
⊖ Weighs too much
⊖ No tethered objective lens cap
⊖ Needs a heavy tripod
The Celestron 52306 Regal M2 100ED spotting scope boasts an exceptional magnification range from 22x to 67x. The eyepiece is attached to the body at a 45-degree angle. The body is made of aluminum, which makes it quite durable and sturdy.
Even if you use it under low-light conditions, it presents clear images with impressive brightness. Thanks to its rubber coating, it’s perfectly protected from unfavorable weather conditions and is shock-impact-resistant.
Being nitrogen-filled, this best spotting scope for 1000 dollars is fully waterproof, doesn’t fog up or accumulate dust. All in all, the Celestron 52306 Regal M2 100ED comes with advanced functionality and impressive range, while offering a sharp and clear image thanks to its large objective lens.
Magnification: 20-60X | Objective diameter: 80mm | Field of view at 1000m:110-51 feet | Closest focusing distance: 35ft | Eye relief: 18mm | Weight: 80.8 ounces
⊕ Affordable
⊕ 2-speed dual focus
⊕ Great for poor light conditions
⊕ Weatherproof
⊖ Too bulky
The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60×80 spotting scope comes with a set of high-end features that contribute to its incredible optical quality. However, if you need a unit for hunting, it might feel a bit too bulky to your liking. If you aren’t on a budget, it might be worth looking for a slimmer option with similar specifications.
The Bushnell Elite 20-60Х80 delivers 20-60x60 optical quality. It’s quite portable as it weighs only 3 lbs, so you can carry it around easily. While it’s a bit more expensive than some people would like, it offers impressive performance.
Bushnell created one of the best long range spotting scopes under 1000 that makes the most out of the recent technology advancements to enhance your hunting or birdwatching experience.
Magnification: 20-60x | Objective diameter: 85mm | Field of view at 1000m: 102-51 ft | Closest focusing distance: 29.5′ | Eye relief: 0.78-0.7""mm | Weight: 66.5 oz
⊕ Superb image quality
⊕ Durable and weatherproof
⊕ Convenient eye relief
⊖ Comes without tripod
⊖ Slightly heavy
The Cronus has created a complex lens system that works wonders for image sharpness. The Athlon Optics Ares is perfect for those who are looking for a waterproof argon-purged spotting scope. If you can’t decide if this option suits your needs, make sure to read this review.
If you already know what you are going to use the spotting scope for, your choice will be easier. The Athlon Optics Ares was created specifically for shooters who need to use their equipment under harsh conditions. The body is solidly built. The multi-coated lenses present a crystal clear image.
Thanks to its powerful optics, this best spotting scope under $1000 makes the image look sharper. Just like other products released by Athlon, it’s easy to set up. If you mount it on your rifle, you will easily spot an animal even from a long distance.
Magnification:12-27x | Objective diameter: 65mm | Field of view at 1000m: 137-110 ft |Closest focusing distance: 8 ft | Eye relief: 18.6-20.2 mm | Weight: 34 oz
⊕ High-quality fluorite lens
⊕ Portable body
⊕ Great clarity
⊕ Sturdy magnesium shell
⊖ Magnification is difficult to adjust
By releasing affordable spotting scopes, Maven has quickly established itself as one of the leading companies on the market. If you want to purchase a highly efficient unit, take a look at the recent offer from Maven. The S.2 enjoys wide popularity thanks to its portable size and high-end features.
I have reviewed the Maven S.2 12-27 X 56mm spotting scope to tell you more about its pros and cons. This compact model weighs only 34oz and delivers 12-27x magnification thanks to the 56mm focal lens. The focus and power knobs are made of aluminum. The magnification knob feels too stiff. The newest Abbe-Koenig prism system, 20.2mm eye relief distance and a stunning 134ft FOV contribute to the superb image quality.
Among other advantages of this best spotting scope for 1000 dollars, it’s worth mentioning its 8ft close focus distance and a 4-2mm exit pupil diameter.
Magnification: 15-45x| Objective diameter: 65mm | Field of view at 1000m:131 - 68.1ft | Closest focusing distance: 11 ft | Eye relief: 20.0 - 17.6mm | Weight: 62oz
⊕ Solid build, anti-grip coating
⊕ Wide field of view
⊕ Impressive light-gathering capability
⊕ Top-notch brightness
⊖ Short eye relief issues
To take your shooting skills to the next level, try using the Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide 15-45x65 HD spotting scope. It is a lot more than you’d expect for the money. It is designed to withstand severe outdoor conditions, with its housing being fully waterproof and fog-proof.
What’s more, it comes with scratch-resistant lenses, which allows you to safely use them during your hunting trips. The Twilight Max HD Light Management System accounts for the perfect image quality with amazing brightness. Thanks to it, you can use up to 30 minutes of extra shooting light in the evening.
The optics blocks 90% more stray light than other similar products and delivers superb definition. With the premium-quality glass, the Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD 15-45x65mm spotting scope can be considered as one of the best options available.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Vortex Razor HD
Our choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Pentax PF-80ED
Affordable |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Nikon Prostaff 5
Professional |
CHECK PRICE → |
If you need to choose a perfect spotting scope, pay attention to its optical lens and portability. A unit that comes with poor-quality optics won’t help you much. The easiest way to find a high-magnification spotting scope is to check the numbers in its name. Usually, manufacturers indicate them like this: “20×60”. The first number designates the magnifying power. If there are two numbers, for instance, “20-60×60,” it means that the model has a variable zoom.
The second number is the diameter of the lens indicated in millimeters. In our example, it’s 60mm. If you need to buy a good device, make sure to look for spotting scopes equipped with 60mm or larger lenses. A big lens gathers more light and allows seeing a high-quality image even at dusk.
Spotting scopes are created to make your birdwatching, hiking or hiking experience more enjoyable. If they aren’t compact enough, you won’t be able to carry them around for an extended period of time. Portable models are built of special materials that are both durable and lightweight. If you need a spotting scope that is easy to grip, take a look at the rubber-coated options. Such models can also withstand a fall easily as they are shock-impact resistant.
Before buying the best spotting scope for 1000 dollars, make sure to take a closer look at its case. If you like venturing outdoors and often go on a trip by car, you need to protect your equipment in transit. If a case is soft, it won’t protect your spotting scope from real damage. This is why it’s better to pay more for a model that has a hard case.
No, especially if you have a budget spotting scope that is comparable to binoculars. If you choose a good option among the spotting scopes under 1000, however, it might help you to spot animals more easily.
An angled spotting scope is a perfect option when you need to see your subject from an extreme viewing angle. A straight one is great when you want to locate your target in no time and avoid glare on a sunny day.
The U.S. Marine Corps now use the Leopold Mark 4 tactical spotting scope as their scout sniper observation telescope. Before that, they used other pieces of equipment for decades.
They are pretty similar, but what makes a spotting scope different from binoculars is that it is equipped with a single lens and comes with one eyepiece, whereas binoculars have two lenses and eyepieces. Binoculars are more portable and have a shorter length.
