Best Spotting Scope for Ocean Viewing
Ocean views are best seen with an optic than with naked eyes. Spotting scopes are lightweight, portable, and the perfect optics for ocean viewing. If you are always fascinated by the beautiful views of the ocean, you should consider carrying a spotting scope the next time you are in the ocean. With the market offering a wide range of spotting scopes to choose from, there is something for everyone. Nevertheless, with the wide range of models to choose from, it becomes overwhelming to find the right spotting scope especially if you are in the market for the first time. To help you find the best spotting scope for ocean viewing, here are some of the best spotting scopes worth your consideration.
Here is a quick list of our favorite spotting scopes for ocean viewing
| PRODUCT | IMAGE | PRICE |
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| 2. Celestron Regal M2 100ED Spotting Scope |  |
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| 3. Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotting Scope |  |
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| 4. Gosky Updated Spotting Scope with Tripod |  |
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| 5. Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope |  |
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| 6. BARSKA 15-40X50 Colorado Spotting Scope |  |
Spotting Scope for Ocean Viewing Reviews
#1) Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope
Ocean viewing gets better and more fascinating when you use a quality optic such as the Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope. Featuring a powerful 20-60x zoom power, this is the best spotting scope for ocean viewing and any other outdoor sceneries. Built from high-quality materials, this spotting scope is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. Its durable framework features a shock-absorbing rubber armor which also provides a secure, non-slip grip. A retractable sunshade helps protect the eyepiece while also reducing glare. Suitable for all users, with or without eyeglasses, this scope has one of the longest eye relief. The high-quality BAK4 prism enhances the light transmission needed to provide bright and clear target views. To have more stable ocean views from any angle, you can easily mount the scope on any standard tripod. Weighing just 3.5 pounds, this optic is lightweight and comfortable to handle. Key Features
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#2) Celestron Regal M2 100ED Spotting Scope
Whether you are buying your first spotting scope for ocean viewing or upgrading, go for the Celestron Regal M2 100ED. This scope is lightweight and easy to move around with. Its lenses feature extra-low dispersion glass which enhances light transmission to deliver true-to-color target ocean views. Additionally, the lenses are fully multi-coated to deliver bright and clear images. The eye relief is long and consistent even for those who put on eyeglasses. You can easily mount this scope on a tripod for a comfortable viewing angle especially during long viewing sessions. For all-weather reliability, this optic is fully waterproof and fog-proof. It’s crafted from magnesium alloy to ensure reliable performance in any environment it’s subjected to. Also included is a T-mount adapter where you can attach a DSLR camera for Digiscoping. Key Features
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Related Post: Best High End Spotting Scope
#3) Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Investing in a decent quality spotting scope for ocean viewing doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 is a high-quality spotting scope available at a remarkably affordable price tag. Suitable for beginners and professionals alike, this excellent spotting scope is very user-friendly. Made from high-quality aluminum, this optics is very durable. Its lenses are fully multi-coated to deliver superior image brightness and clarity regardless of the lighting condition. Weighing just 38 ounces, this spotting scope is lightweight and easy to move around with. A built-in extendable sunshade minimizes broad daylight glare to provide better image clarity. For all-weather reliability, the scope is fully waterproof and fog proof. You can therefore trust it to withstand the harshest weather conditions or still stay safe if accidentally submerged underwater. It’s also tripod mountable for comfortable long-range observation. Key Features
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#4) Gosky Updated Spotting Scope with Tripod
Suitable for stationary pursuits, Gosky Updated Spotting Scope is an ideal spotting scope for ocean viewing. Available at a reasonably affordable cost, this optic is best for those on a tight budget. This scope comes with a tripod for you to enjoy comfortable views during extended viewing sessions. The 45 degrees angled eyepiece provides a snig viewing while the generous eye relief comfortable accommodates those who put on eyeglasses. Built to last for decades, the scope is built from high-quality materials and has a shock-absorbing rubber armor which also provides an ergonomic, non-slip grip. With a variable 20-60x magnification, this optic is perfect for both close-up and long-range views. Its lenses are fully multi-coated to produce bright and clear image views. To deliver reliable all-weather performance, this optic is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver fog proof and waterproof performance respectively. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and suitable for multiple outdoor applications. Key Features
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#5) Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope
If you are in the market for a solid budget choice spotting scope for ocean viewing, Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope might be what you are looking for. Featuring a 60x magnification power and a 60mm objective lens, you are assured of the best image views. Built to last a lifetime, this optic features a durable housing that is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to deliver reliable waterproof and for proof performance. The rubber-coated surface delivers reliable shock performance while also providing a snug and non-slip grip. This angled spotting scope also features a wide field of view and unlimited eye life that’s comfortable even for those who put on eyeglasses. With anti-reflective lens coating, the images provide are bright and crystal clear, full of color contrast. You can easily mount it on a tripod to enjoy a snug, long viewing sessions. Key Features
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#6) BARSKA 15-40X50 Colorado Spotting Scope
The BARSKA 15-40X50 Colorado Spotting Scope is another decent spotting scope for ocean viewing. What makes this optic stand out among the rest is its impressive features at a remarkably affordable price. Equipped with multicoated glass and BK-7 Porro prism, you are assured of bright and clear target views all through. The lightweight construction makes it easy to carry and handle while the wide zoom range is ideal for a wide range of viewing scenarios. Built from high-quality materials, this optic is durable and sturdy enough to withstand the harshest outdoor environments. Also included is an adjustable objective that enables the user to make fine adjustments while maintaining a visual on the target object. For your convenience, the included mini-tripod is foldable while the soft carry carrying case is perfect for nature observation on the go. Key Features
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Factors To Consider When Buying a Spotting Scope for Ocean Viewing.
With the market offering a multitude of spotting scopes ideal for ocean viewing, here are some of the important factors to consider when buying one.
- Magnification
Generally, spotting scopes have a higher magnification power than binoculars. A spotting scope with a variable zoom of 15-45x or 20-60x is ideal for ocean viewing. Since spotting scopes with greater magnification work best in high altitude areas but not low altitude and humid climates, you are unlikely going to need more than 60x. Look for a scope with a variable zoom power so you can have great views both at close and long-range.
2. Durable construction.
Just like other outdoor fun activities, ocean viewing involves movement from one point to the other. You’ll be carrying your spotting scope across miles in the water and chances are that it will occasionally be bumped or dropped along the way. This calls for a spotting scope that’s rugged and sturdily made to withstand multiple impacts without sacrificing its performance. For reliable performance in all weather conditions, choose a scope that’s fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof. This way, you are guaranteed that the scope won’t get destroyed if accidentally submerged in water.
3. Ergonomics
Since you’ll be spending most of your time moving across the ocean, make sure that the spotting scope that you choose is snug to use for extended periods. Depending on how long you intend to stay in the ocean, you’ll need to choose between a straight or angled scope. Straight spotting scopes feature a higher profile because you’ll require it to be at eye level when seated. On the other hand, angled scopes are easier on your neck and back, and they provide a snug view for extended viewing sessions.
4. Eye relief.
Eye relief is the other important factor to consider especially if you put on eyeglasses or sunglasses when you use your spotting scope. It can be annoying if you have to take off your eyeglasses whenever you have to look through your spotting scope. To accommodate every user, with or without eyeglasses, we recommend an eye relief of at least 4 inches.
5. Objective lens.
The other important feature to look out for is the size of the objective lens. How big the lens is will dictate how well you can see under different lighting conditions. The bigger the objective lens, the more powerful the optic is. Larger objective lenses are usually between 60 and 100mm in size. Spotting scopes with such objectives gather more light which results in bright and clear target views. Additionally, they provide a wider field of view. However, the bigger the objective lens, the heavier the scope becomes. You’ll therefore have to consider the weight of the scope and go for one that works best for you. You can also consider getting a tripod adaptable spotting scope which helps if the scope is too heavy.
FAQs about the Best Spotting Scopes for Ocean Viewing.
- Do I need a tripod?
Yes. Since spotting scopes use high magnification, tripods are highly recommended. Mounting a spotting scope on a tripod provides better and stable quality visuals. Some scopes are already equipped with tripods while others require you to purchase the tripod separately.
- Is sunshade important for ocean viewing spotting scopes?
Yes, it is. Touring the ocean during broad daylight exposes you to bright and scorching sunlight. A spotting scope with a built-in sunshade provides an easy solution in reducing glare. Additionally, if your scope has a retractable sunshade, you won’t have to put on sunglasses when using the scope during the day.
- Should I invest in a high end spotting scope?
Of course yes. If you are not on a tight budget, go ahead and invest in a high-end spotting scope. Such optics deliver better optical performance in all environments. They are also equipped with a multitude of impressive features worth the investment.
- Should I choose an angled or a straight spotting scope?
For most outdoor applications including ocean, river ar beach viewing, the angled spotting scopes are more suitable than the straight counterparts. This is because they are snug to use for extended periods and are also more convenient to share with other viewers.
Conclusion
A spotting scope is the best optic to use if you want to have clear ocean views of boats in the bay or ships on the horizon. You’ll need a good quality scope to observe subjects from the furthest distance. If you are looking for a new spotting scope or an upgrade of an existing one, all of the products listed above are top quality and ideal for ocean viewing. A spotting scope for ocean viewing is one of the things you buy for multipurpose use, from birdwatching to sightseeing. We love the spotting scopes we have reviewed and we know you will love them too!
See Also: Top 8 Best Binoculars for Sightseeing
Top 4 Best Binoculars for Long Distance