Scopes and Optics

6 Best Spotting Scopes For Snipers

Best Spotting Scope For Snipers

Best Spotting Scope For Snipers

Best spotting scope for snipers. Spotting scopes are vital tools that help see targets clearly. They help you recognize and identify a target at a further distance and allow you to execute precision ground engagements. Sniper spotting scopes are not the average hunting scope; hence you need to be careful before settling for one. It is worth mentioning that snipers typically operate between 600 and 1200 meters and sporadically take an enemy out from much farther away. This means that not all spotting scopes are ideal for snipers. With that said, we will dive into the sniper world and be more enlightened about sniper spotting scopes. But first, let’s have a look at the best spotting scopes for snipers.

Here is a quick look

PRODUCT IMAGE PRICE
#1) Zeiss Carl Optical Zeiss Carl Optical
#2) Leupold SX-5 Santiam  Leupold SX-5 Santiam
#3) Kowa TSN-880 Series Angled Body Kowa TSN-880 Series Angled Body
#4) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes
#5) Leupold Mark 4 Leupold Mark 4
#6) SWAROVSKI ATX/STX  SWAROVSKI ATX/STX

 

Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Spotting Scope For Snipers

1. Straight or angled

Choosing between an angled or straight spotting scope depends on your preference. But each model has its pros and cons.

A straight model is intuitive and easy to use. It is easy to carry around, hence doesn’t add unnecessary weight. On the other hand, an angled scope is suitable for extended glassing sessions. Its eyepiece can easily be rotated, giving you a comfortable viewing angle. It is ideal for glassing at an angle.

2. Eye relief

This refers to the distance between your eye and the eyepiece lens of the scope. Long eye relief is pertinent for all users, with or without eyeglasses. The best spotting scope for snipers comes with long eye relief. It saves you the hassle of removing your eyeglasses whenever you want to see through the scope.

3. Weatherproof

The best spotting scope for snipers should be completely weatherproof. With a spotting scope that is waterproof and fog proof, you will have peace of mind knowing it is protected from water damage. The scope should additionally have a rubber armor that protects it from weather elements and provides a firm grip even in wet conditions.

4. Weight

A lightweight spotting scope will be easy to move around with. However, you don’t have to fret much about the weight if you intend to use the scope from a stationary point.

 

Best Spotting Scope For Snipers Reviews

#1) Zeiss Carl Optical

Zeiss Carl Optical

 

 

 

Zeiss Carl Optical Dialyt Filed Spotter 18-45×65 Spotting Scope should be your next spotting scope purchase as it is one of the best, if not the best spotting scope for snipers. Its multi-coating technology makes it great for snipers. The scope features a versatile 18-45x magnification and allows you to identify your target quickly. You can also see the tiniest details far away with this powerful magnification. Its vast 65mm objective lens provides a wide view so that you have a crystal-clear view.

Snipers love that the Zeiss Carl Dialyt Field Spotter is easy to use. The spotting scope is always primed and ready, even when speed is urgently needed. This implies that you can aim at your target without wasting valuable time. The Zeiss Carl Dialyt Filed comes in a compact design, which doesn’t hinder mobility when shooting.

Another impressive feature of the Zeiss Carl Optical Dialyt Field Spotter is its multi-coated lenses that allow maximum light gathering, resulting in sharp and clear images, regardless of the lighting condition.

The spotting scope is sealed and filled with nitrogen. As a result of this inclusion, it is ready for use in all weather conditions, as no moisture, fog, or water can penetrate inside. This is in addition to being shockproof. A rubber armor housing guarantees protection and a secure grip even on rainy days.  The Zeiss Carl Optical Dialyt Field has a robust aluminum body that gives you long-lasting use for many years.

Key Features

  • Multi-coated lenses for superior light transmission
  • Waterproof and fog-proof performance
  • Variable 18-45x magnification
  • 65mm objective lens
  • Compact design
  • Easy to use
  • Rubber armored body for a shockproof performance
  • It can be mounted on a tripod
  • Allows instant use in urgent situations

 

 

#2) Leupold SX-5 Santiam 

Leupold SX-5 Santiam

 

 

 

 

 

Every snipper deserves the impressive features that come with the Leupold SX-5 Santiam 27-55x80mm HD Spotting Scope. This scope is made with high performance in mind. Like other Leupold scopes, the SX-5 Santiam has a Twilight Max HD Light Management System that gives an extra thirty minutes of extra shooting light when lighting conditions are poor.

Better yet, its eyepiece is angled and can be rotated, thus giving you many viewing options and maximum comfort.

When it comes to durability, the Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD Spotting Scope is crafted with an aluminum and polycarbonate body that is rubber armored. This makes it one of the durable scopes you can find on the market. It is lightweight as well, so it promotes good mobility.

Waterproof and fog proof, the Leupold SX-5 Santiam 27-55x80mm HD will perform without fail in all weather conditions. Its lenses are scratch-resistant and durable, meaning they will face harsh conditions and remain indestructible.

Moreover, the Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD uses a large eyepiece that offers a generous eye box for a cushier viewing experience without fatigue and eyestrain. Its optical system delivers super clear and bright images, hence meeting your demands as a shooter.

Overall, the Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD will perform relentlessly for life.

Key Features

  • Waterproof and fog-proof performance
  • Durable rubber-armored housing
  • Lightweight design
  • Variable 27-55x magnification
  • Gigantic 80mm objective lens for a wide field of view
  • Twilight Max HD Light Management System
  • Angled and rotatable eyepiece
  • Large eyepiece for more comfort

 

 

 

#3) Kowa TSN-880 Series Angled Body

Kowa TSN-880 Series Angled Body

 

 

 

Another product on our best spotting scope for snipers review is the Kowa TSN-880 Series Spotting Scope. The spotting scope successfully removes chromatic aberration by a massive 88mm objective lens crafted from pure fluorite crystal. The lens has unbelievable light gathering capability and, as a result, gives you very clear and bright images. This is so, even in poor lighting conditions.

Magnesium alloy is used in the construction of Kowa TSN-880. This makes it lightweight yet robust. This implicates it can handle the most challenging conditions in the outdoors. It is filled with dry nitrogen gas for a fog-proof performance. Also, it is waterproof to JIS Protection Class 7. This makes the Kowa TSN-880 ideal for use in all weather conditions.

Still, the Kowa TSN-880 utilizes an angled eyepiece, allowing it to rotate to many angles, leading to a comfortable shooting session. The eyepiece is secured by the locking mechanism, thus preventing it from falling off.

The Kowa TSN-880 can be mounted on a tripod for a shake-free viewing session. It also has an inner focus mechanism that reduces image movement while focusing. The Kowa TSN-880 Series is the ultimate powerhouse of many snipers.

Key Features

  • Durable magnesium alloy body
  • Lightweight yet rugged construction
  • Completely waterproof and fog proof
  • Wide field of view
  • Whooping 88mm objective lens
  • Dual focus mechanism for fast and fine focus
  • The lens is built of pure fluorite crystal
  • Angled eyepiece
  • The eyepiece locking mechanism protects the eyepiece

 

 

 

#4) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes

Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes

 

 

 

Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope is another incredible option for snipers. The Vortex Razor HD comes with an APO system that includes an apochromatic triplet lens combined with HD glass. This leads to exceptional color sharpness. The triplet achromatic lens offers a clear magnification, even in poor lighting. XR Plus anti-reflective coatings are also present for delivering superior brightness.

Another feature of the Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope is a locking collar meant for rotation of the scope to have the best viewing angle. A built-in sunshade that is extendable reduces glare.

Additionally, Vortex Razor HD is a good choice for you as it is completely waterproof and fog proof. This is thanks to the O-ring seals and argon purging. So, it will not disappoint even when the weather becomes unpleasant.

Because scopes are often used outdoors where conditions are harsh and demanding, the Vortex Razor HD is made with durability. It is rubber armored for a secure grip and protection. The lenses have Armortek coatings that shield them from oil, dirt, dust, scratches, and other elements. You can have confidence that the spotting scope will come out looking brand new even when subjected to rough conditions.

Besides that, a smooth helical focus dials in sharp resolution and keeps the scope trim for easy carrying. The Vortex Razor HD also has a multi-position eyecup that twists up, giving you ample eye relief. All these fantastic features make the Vortex Razor HD spotting scope an excellent choice for you.

Key Features

  • Waterproof and fog proof construction
  • Crafted from highly durable materials
  • Locking collar for rotation of the scope
  • Rubber armored body
  • Smooth helical focus
  • Multi-position eyecup
  • Stretchable sunshade
  • Tripod mountable for a stable observation
  • Fully multi-coated with XR coatings

 

#5) Leupold Mark 4

Leupold Mark 4

 

 

 

Another one from Leupold appears on our best spotting scope for snipers review, for a good reason. Just like other Leupold scopes, you can never go wrong with the Leupold Mark 40-60x80mm Spotting Scope. Made with snipers in mind, the spotting scope is bestowed with an array of features. For starters, it is made with the brightness and clarity you need to identify your target in all weather conditions. All Leupold scopes have a Twilight Max HD Light Management System, and the Leupold Mark 40-60x80mm is no exception. The feature provides an extra thirty minutes of extra shooting light when lighting conditions are poor. Still on visibility, the Leupold Mark 40-60x80mm has Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, which provides remarkable light transmission even in poor lighting conditions. If you are determined not to let dismal light get in your way, you need to remember the Leupold Mark 40-60x80mm Spotting Scope has fully multi-coated lenses that produce unmatched clarity and resolution.

Further, the spotting scope has a folded light path design that offers more magnification. The Leupold Mark 40-60x80mm spotting scope has a magnesium body enclosed by a rubber armor coating. Its lenses are resistant to scratch, oil, and dirt and have a folded light design. It is nonetheless waterproof and fog proof. So, you don’t have to fret about abrupt changes in the weather, as you can trust the unit to perform as it should.

The Leupold Mark 40-60x80mm has all the features to make you a better sniper or at least as good as a sniper.

Key Features

  • Robust magnesium housing
  • Lightweight yet durable construction
  • Rubber armor provides a firm and secure grip
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
  • Twilight Max HD Light Management System
  • High-quality optical system
  • The lens is fully multi-coated
  • Scratch-resistant lenses
  • Folded light path design
  • 30mm eye relief
  • Excellent performance in low light conditions

 

 

#6) SWAROVSKI ATX/STX 

SWAROVSKI ATX/STX

 

 

 

All Swarovski scopes are unbeatable in performance and quality, and the Swarovski ATX/STX 65mm scope, is no different. As the best spotting scope for snipers, the ATX/STX offers exceptional image clarity and brightness.

Like other scopes from Swarovski, the ATX/STX has the SwaroClean feature, a non-stick coating that covers the lenses. Its primary purpose is to shield the lenses from fog, dust, mist, and other elements. It also offers a continuous tracking experience with no interruptions. Because of this, it is a favorite among snipers

With the Swarovski ATX/STX spotting scope, you are guaranteed lucid, bright, and sharp target images. It is entirely waterproof and fog proof. This connotes that it will not let you down, even in bad weather conditions.

Its massive 65mm objective lens allows maximum light into the cope. So, whether it is dawn or dusk, you will not have visibility issues. The Swarovski ATX/STX nonetheless has a durable, ergonomic design to ensure the most challenging conditions.

Key Features

  • Delivers sharp and clear images
  • SwaroClean coating on the lenses
  • Entirely waterproof and fog proof
  • Ideal for poor lighting conditions
  • Durable construction
  • Ample eye relief
  • Wide field of view
  • High optical performance

 

The Best Spotting Scope For Snipers: FAQs

1. Which is better, straight or angled spotting scope?

It depends.  A straight spotting scope makes tracking the moving target easy. It is also easy to pack and great for users who walk for miles searching for targets. The latter is ideal for viewing targets that are either downhill or uphill.

2. Do snipers use FFP or SFP?

Aside from competition, military and police also use FFP scopes when there is a need for a rapid and precise follow-up shot. That could imply that the shooter is spotting their miss, or it could mean they are working with a spotter calling a correction.

3. What magnification do snipers use?

Snipers commonly use a 2-12x magnification power, ideal for long ranges. If you require a lower or higher magnification, you can easily adjust it. Higher magnification levels enable you to meet targets more accurately at long ranges.

 

Conclusion

The best spotting scope for snipers provides optical performance that cannot be found in other optics. Your shooting experience will never be the same as long as you have the proper spotting scope. All the ones explained above will go a long way for you.

 

 

 

See Also: 7 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting

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