Spotting scopes and terrestrial telescopes

Spotting scopes and terrestrial telescopes

A spotting scope allows you to read shots on a target, observe the terrain, and evaluate wind at distances that binoculars cannot cover. The collection includes Vortex models such as Diamondback HD, Viper HD, Crossfire HD, and Razor HD, as well as Leupold, Vector Optics Continental and Paragon, Hawke, Bushnell, and Konus spotting scopes.

How to choose

• Magnification: 20-60x zooms are the most popular; for long-range shooting, higher magnifications and larger objectives are needed.
• Objective lens: 50-65 mm to keep weight and size down, 80-85 mm for maximum brightness.
• Straight or angled: straight is quicker to aim and more comfortable when shooting prone, while angled is ideal for long observation sessions while seated, at the bench, or as a spotter.
• Support: use a stable tripod; some models include a small table tripod.

Not sure which to choose? Read our guide: How to choose a spotting scope: a guide for shooting, hunting and nature observation.