Best High End Spotting Scope
Spotting scopes are some of the best tools you will invest your money on. They can be used for wildlife spotting, bird watching or even observing the sky at night. With these activities, you are taking time to marvel at the wonders of nature. You want the images you are viewing to be brought closer for better clarity and this is the reason why you need to invest in the best high end spotting scope in the market. A spotting scope isn’t limited to just observing nature, if you are an avid sporting fan, you can use it to view close-up images of activities like boat races or any other sporting activity.
The best high end spotting scopes are expensive to manufacture, and because their market is not as big as the one for rifle scopes or binocular, manufacturers tend to produce spotting scopes at a slower rate in comparison to the two. With that said, there is no deficit on the market for the best high-end spotting scopes, as a matter of fact, the market is flooded with them. A high end spotting scope is an investment that you want to last. Buying from a trusted and reputable brand is one way to ensure the scope will outlast you. To this effect, we have compiled a list of the best high end scopes on the market to help you buy one from the best of the best.
Here is a quick list in case you are pressed on time
| Product | Image | Price |
| SWAROVSKI ATX/STX 65mm Modular Objective Lens, Multicolor |  |
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| Leica APO-Televid 82 Angled – ‘Closer to Nature’ Package – U |  |
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| Zeiss Victory Harpia 85 Spotting Scope Body |  |
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| Meopta MeoPro HD80 |  |
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| Zeiss Carl Optical Dialyt Field Spotter 18-45x 65 Spotting Scope
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| NightForce TS-80 20-60x80mm Hi-Def, Angled Spotting Scope |  |
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| Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes |  |
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| Leupold 20-60×80 Mark 4 Tactical Waterproof Spotting Scope |  |
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| Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55×80 Spotting Scope |  |
Best High End Spotting Scope Review
#1) SWAROVSKI ATX/STX 65mm Modular Objective Lens, Multicolor
Of course, we start our review with a spotting scope from Swarovski! This is one of the best high end spotting scope on the market. Swarovski always produces quality after quality optics and this is one of their masterpieces. It comes with an exceptional close focus distance, generous eye relief, and a wide field of view. What this means is, you can look through your scope while still be aware of your surrounding. It is a really compact spotting scope and is also lightweight. This makes it easy to transport and move around with it. Additionally, it is fully weatherproof so you can use it under any weather conditions. The acronyms on the scope name show the shape of the scope. ATX meaning the angled version and the S means the straight version. On the other hand, the X speaks to the X series. Specifications
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#2) Leica APO-Televid 82 Angled – ‘Closer to Nature’ Package – U
The Leica Apo Televid 82 is arguably the best of the best high end spotting scope there is. This is no surprise if you are familiar with Leica. It comes with fully multi-coated optics which means the views are clear and bright. Combining the optics and the huge objective lens makes for the clearest and brightest vies. It also comes with recessed dual-focus controls and AquaDura coatings. This spotting scope is fully weatherproof, comes with a bayonet eyepiece catch system and the eyepiece interchangeable technology. You can also choose to buy the 1.8x magnification extender eyepiece as an additional accessory. What the 1.8x magnification extender does is it multiplies the scope’s power by 1.8X. Specifications
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#3) Zeiss Victory Harpia 85 Spotting Scope Body
The Zeiss Victory Harpia 85 comes with a jaw-dropping, high heart rate inducing price tag, but worth it. The problem is you buy the eyepiece and the scope body separately, they are sold separately. However, if you can overlook this and actually buy it, here is what it comes with. A high-quality glass, dual focus, 72° wide-angle viewing, and everything luxurious. It is a little heavy and ideal for wildlife observation or photography. The glass system delivers exceptionally sharp images with color fidelity regardless of the magnification. The optical coating ensures high contrast images even in low light conditions. The 72-degree angle of vision gives you a great overview of your surrounding even at the highest magnification. It offers the clearest of views even in wet weather. It is arguably the best high end spotting scope there is. Specifications
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#4) Meopta MeoPro HD80
The Meopta MeoPro HD80 is a spotting scope that does what it says it does and that’s why we have it on our best high end scope review. It promises to bring objects that are several hundred yards out, close to your eyes. It comes with an 80 mm fluoride objective lens that ensures excellent resolution, image brightness, and color fidelity. It is also responsible for eliminating any color fringing in unfavorable conditions. To bring distant objects right in front of your eyes, it is fitted with a 20-60x eyepiece that delivers views with extraordinary sharpness. It is weatherproof and built to outlast you. Its durability comes from its rubber-armored magnesium chassis. Specifications
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#5) Zeiss Carl Optical Dialyt Field Spotter 18-45x 65 Spotting Scope
As one of the best high end spotting scope, the Zeiss Carl Optical comes ready to use without needing any adjustments to make sure it’s ready to go any time you want to use it. Its wide field of view and wide magnification range means you get to view objects that are far away, It brings to you images in high resolution, easy to operate, and is tripod adaptable. The multi-layer coatings allow high light transmission while the shock-absorbing rubber which is also nonslip gives it durable qualities. To enhance durability, it comes with a monoblock construction that makes sure it survives harsh conditions. It is also weatherproof for use in unfavorable weather conditions. Specifications
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#6) NightForce TS-80 20-60x80mm Hi-Def, Angled Spotting Scope
We close our best high end spotting scope review with the best one from NightForce. It comes with an internal prism design that deliver maximum transmission of light which makes the views crystal clear. It can even be used by the kids as it is fitted with NightForce own coatings that are smudge and fingerprint resistant. With its magnesium alloy body, this scope is built to withstand harsh conditions while delivering the best images. This is a durable spotting scope that is reasonably priced so many of us can enjoy the benefits of a high end spotting scope. Specifcations
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Best High End Spotting Scope Buying Guide
If you want to get the most out of your scope, then you should consider the following factors.
The shape of the spotting scope
Spotting scopes come into two options, either straight or angled. These words describe the shape spotting scopes come in.
Straight spotting scopes– These scopes have the lens in line with the eyepiece. They are great for beginners as they focus on the object faster. They are also easy to carry due to their shape and you might not need a tripod for easier target acquisition. They are also very versatile and can be used for almost everything you need.
Pros
- Easy to store and pack due to its shape.
- Easier to use.
- Faster target acquisition.
- You don’t have to use a tripod with this scope.
Cons
- Uncomfortable to use at an angle or a crouching position.
- If you need to use a tripod, then it would have to be taller which might be challenging in windy conditions.
Angled spotting scopes- These are the most popular of the two. For these scopes, the eyepiece is angled 45 to 90 degrees to the lens. They are ideal for stargazing, birdwatching, or any activity that requires you to look upwards. Due to their shape, they offer more comfort compared to straight spotting scopes. What’s more, the scopes allow for digiscoping, which is the practice of hooking up a camera to the scope so you can take pictures.
Pros
- Offers better support for digiscoping.
- You can use a shorter tripod.
- Can work well on steep slopes.
- Offers more comfort.
Cons
- Hard to pack due to its shape.
- Can easily collect moisture when not in use.
- Not very great for downhill spotting.
Magnification range
Just like rifle scopes, spotting scopes come with magnification specifications in numbers, typically three numbers. The first two numbers show the range of magnification while the last one indicates the front lens diameter. Like for example a 20-60×80 mm spotting scope means it has a magnification range of up to 20x to 60x and the front lens diameter is 80mm.
The best high end scope comes with a large lens that delivers clearer images and a high magnification range for sighting objects from a distance.
Conclusion
We have included the best high end spotting scopes with varying price ranges for everyone on a different budget. These scopes are some of the best in the game and come highly recommended.
We hope this review helps.