Best Spotting Scopes in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 13, 2024
The spotting scopes are at least one step ahead of spy glasses. Whether you are an experienced hunter or a target shooter, or even a weekend bird-watcher, with a spotting scope, you'll see those things and places you couldn't spot with a naked eye. Read on these best spotting scopes reviews and take your pick. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
PRISM SYSTEM
OPTICS
OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER
MAGNIFICATION
FIELD OF VIEW
FRAMEWORK PROTECTION
SET
WEIGHT
WARRANTY
 
PROS

The dynamic lens-focusing system sharpens the image incredibly swiftly and simplifies the process of spotting fast-moving objects. With this scope, you won't miss a single detail.

CONS

Compared with other models, this one is quite heavy. 

OUR VERDICT

This angled spotting scope has become so popular among hunters and bird watchers thanks to its impressive magnification range equal to 20x and overall simplicity of use. It's the perfect choice for wildlife watching, hunting, and simply enjoying the landscape.

detailed parameters
PRISM SYSTEM

BK7

OPTICS

Fully multi-coated optics

OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER

60 mm

MAGNIFICATION

20x

FIELD OF VIEW

~90 metres / 1000 metres

FRAMEWORK PROTECTION

Waterproof and fogproof housing

SET

Tripod, Lens Cap, Carrying Bag, Cleaning Cloths

WEIGHT

450 g

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The frame of this spotting scope is made of specialised materials that make it water, sand, and dust resistant. It can also be used in high humidity thanks to its reliable, moistureproof coating.

CONS

The protective covers might fit a bit poorly.

OUR VERDICT

The SGODDE boasts a nearly transparent lens that lets 99.5% of light through, to give images the maximum clarity. A great choice for people who use a scope for taking photos.

detailed parameters
PRISM SYSTEM

BAK4

OPTICS

Fully multi-coated optics

OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER

52 mm

MAGNIFICATION

10x

FIELD OF VIEW

130 metres / 8000 metres

FRAMEWORK PROTECTION

Waterproof, moistureproof, dustproof, fogproof housing

SET

Hand Strap, Smartphone Capturer, Carrying Case, Eyepiece and Lens Protection Covers, Tripod

WEIGHT

~270 g

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The Exit Pupil wheel has a wide range of adjustments that make it much easier to use the device even if you're wearing glasses. The image clarity can be adjusted depending on how far or close the exit pupil is to your eye. 

CONS

The hook for the wrist strap is unreliable and needs to be used carefully.

OUR VERDICT

If you're looking for a spotting scope that you could safely take along with you on any adventure without worrying about damaging it, the JogGeek JGMTO-01-UK is the kind of device you could easily put your trust in. 

detailed parameters
PRISM SYSTEM

BAK4

OPTICS

Fully multi-coated optics

OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER

52 mm

MAGNIFICATION

16x

FIELD OF VIEW

66 metres/ 8000 metres

FRAMEWORK PROTECTION

Waterproof, dustproof, fogproof housing

SET

Nylon mesh carry case, lens cleaning cloth, Wrist strap, Protective storage container

WEIGHT

327 g

WARRANTY

90 days

PROS

The large eyepiece makes it much more comfortable and convenient to use this monocular telescope without squinting for a long time.

CONS

The focus adjustment knob is a bit tight.

OUR VERDICT

The compact size and low weight make the JoyGeek monocular best suitable for watching various sports events and concerts.

detailed parameters
PRISM SYSTEM

BAK4

OPTICS

Fully multi-coated optics

OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER

42 mm

MAGNIFICATION

10x

FIELD OF VIEW

128 metres / 1000 metres

FRAMEWORK PROTECTION

Waterproof, dustproof, fogproof housing

SET

Carrying Bag, Neck strap, Cleaning Cloth, Tripod, Smart phone Clip

WEIGHT

253 g

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

Thanks to the special coating on lenses that protects the scope from UV rays, the image has excellent clarity and contrast even in broad daylight.

CONS

A relatively small field of view at just 5.5°.

OUR VERDICT

Great visibility, high magnification viewer, and quality optics make the Amandak spotting scope a great choice for all those who look for an affordable device with commendable performance.

detailed parameters
PRISM SYSTEM

BAK4

OPTICS

Fully multi-coated optics

OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER

52 mm

MAGNIFICATION

16x

FIELD OF VIEW

66 metres / 8000 metres

FRAMEWORK PROTECTION

Waterproof and fogproof housing

SET

Lens Cloth, Bag, Hand Strap

WEIGHT

350 g

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

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OXA 20

The Whole World in Front of You

Can't find a spotting scope that would fit all your requirements? Scoured tons of related reviews but still no luck? Well, you've come to the right page since the OXA 20 is the type of spotting scope that will definitely come to your liking.

The strong selling points the OXA 20 is renowned for are its excellent optics and high magnification rate, allowing you to focus in clearly on all sorts of objects moving 1000 metres away from you. The model boasts 20x magnification and features a 60-mm lens that uses a dynamic focusing system to sharpen images. In addition, it has a multi-coated transparent BK7 prism that filters out extra light to improve image clarity. Obviously, with the optics like that, you will be able to see everything clearly without the effect of haziness.

Speaking of the design, the OXA 20 spotting scope has a waterproof and fog-proof casing, which makes it immune to bad weather. The protective covers provide a tight fit and protect the eyepiece from the detrimental impact of moisture and humidity. The rubber frame reduces risks of the scope damage in case it falls. Thanks to all these properties and the fact that it comes with a carry case, the OXA 20 can be safely used virtually everywhere.

Considering all of these advantages it's easy to see why so many people choose to go for the OXA 20. It offers flexibility and versatility, which makes it suitable for almost all kinds of viewing you may like to do - bird watching, hunting, target shooting, or observing wildlife. So if you seek that kind of versatility and a slightly steeper price doesn't make you shy away, do not hesitate and take advantage of the OXA 20.

Review of OXA 20 Angled Waterproof Spotting Scope
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B071XHF3M7

 

SGODDE 10x52

Your Ideal Travel Companion

If you'd like to purchase a spotting scope that could be used not only for observing wildlife but also for taking pictures, your go-to choice is the SGODDE 10x52 model. Armed with a wide 52-mm lens, this device will allow you to take crisp and clear shots across 10x magnification range, all while providing you with the opportunity to enjoy wonderful views around.

But the advantages do not end here. Unlike some other models that are good only for viewing targets at a relatively short range, the SGODDE 10x5 is well suited for bird watching, while enabling you to look at them 8000 m away. This alone gives this spotting scope a few scores over its counterparts right away.

What else adds up to the strong points of this model is its relatively wide exit pupil diameter, meaning you will see images as bright as they would be if you looked at them with your naked eyes. Now, couple that with a nearly transparent lens used that filters out up to 99.5% of light and a BAK4 prism with protective covers, and it's easy to see why so many people choose to buy this particular model.

Aside from the excellent optics, the SGODDE 10x52 provides a good hand feeling due to its rubber non-slip design. It's armored and water-proof and can safely be used in the field, on water, and anywhere else both in sunny and rainy weather.

Upon purchasing this monocular scope, you'll get a storage case, a cell phone adapter, and a strap - everything needed for its comfortable use.

All of this makes it an ideal companion for active people who love travelling, love wildlife, and who'd love to be able to live every moment of their outdoor adventures to the full.

Review of SGODDE 10x52 Portable HD Spotting Scope with Hand Strap/Tripod
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B06XSGL4D1

 

Prime Outdoors 16x52

Look Far and See More

Planning an adventure in the mountains and wish you could see more than only with your naked eyes? Then you should definitely take the Prime Outdoors 16x52 birdwatching and hiking monocular with you. It comes in 52 mm size and is an ideal choice for hiking and birding adventures.

Equipped with a high-power BAK 4 prism, the scope can zoom in up to 16x which lets you see as far as 8000 metres with absolute clarity. You will be able to see as wide as 66 metres at the maximum distance, taking in quite a lot. And don't worry that the image might get blurred due to the distance. The 52-mm lens is great for spotting in cloudy weather and at the dusk, as it gathers enough light to brighten the picture. Conversely, the fully multi-coated optics ensure that no glares will bother you even if you use the device on a very sunny day.

One of the advantages of the Prime Outdoors 16x52 lies in the possibility to adjust the focusing ring, which makes it suited for people wearing glasses. Due to this, you can use it comfortably with your specs on. Another notable benefit of this scope is its fog-proof and waterproof casing which gives the lens extra protection preventing it from fogging and getting dirty.

Along with the above-mentioned features, you will like that this scope comes with a protective pouch that is extra thick to keep the device protected from damage and drops. There's also an option to hook it up to your belt using the shoulder strap.

Overall, the Prime Outdoors 16x52 is ideal for admiring landscapes, spotting birds and animals, or mapping your route across a hiking trek. It boasts excellent protection from the elements and can be taken with you literally anywhere.

Make your adventures more exciting with the Prime Outdoors monocular.

Review of Prime Outdoors 16x52 Birdwatching and Hiking Monocular
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01BAYZY1O

 

JoyGeek JGMT01-01-UK

Monocular That Can Replace Your HD Camera

If you are looking for a lightweight yet high power spotting scope for different applications, consider the JoyGeek JGMT01-01-UK that can provide you with a clear and enjoyable viewing experience without straining your hand and suit hiking, bird watching, hunting and many other activities. The notable feature that sets the JoyGeek JGMT01-01-UK apart from many similar devices is its large eyepiece which allows you to enjoy the picture without squinting your eyes or having to hold the scope pressed to your face.

This model features a fairly wide 42 mm lens with a 10x zoom rate that is enough to get a clear picture bigger than what you'd see using your mobile camera. With that, the diameter of the lens is rather low, making the scope suitable only for use in the daylight and in environments with enough illumination. The effective distance of this scope isn't large, either, and makes only 250-260 metres. There's also a focus knob that allows you to adjust the clarity of the picture, making it very convenient to observe fast-moving objects. And in spite of the fact that shifting focus takes some time and there's no automatic option, all pictures, in the end, look clear and without blurs.

For extra convenience, the JoyGeek monocular comes with a carrying bag and a neck strap allowing you to keep the device on you. Furthermore, it includes such accessories as a tripod and a smartphone clip, meaning you can easily take telephotos with it by fixing the scope in front of your smartphone. So if you wanted to, you could easily use it instead of your digital camera.

As you can see, the JoyGeek JGMT01-01-UK has pretty good performance and tech specs so you should be able to enjoy your viewing experience to the full. Waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, it's perfect for just about any activity you love doing. 

Review of JoyGeek JGMT01-01-UK Handheld Monocular Telescope with Tripod
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B075FSYZ4W

 

AmandaK 16x52

Excellent Value

The day is the most favourable time for enjoying the beauty of the world around us. On the other hand, overly intense sunshine can easily spoil views by causing glares on a monocular. If that's what you worry about, we'd like to offer you to turn your eyes to the AmandaK 16x52 spotting scope which was specifically designed to counteract UV rays. The 52 mm lens on this model features a special coating that keeps excess light away while still catching enough to brighten views and eliminate blurs. The eyepiece provides an awesome watching range across 16x magnification with no loss in quality, and you get a field of view as wide as 66 metres at 8 kilometres distance, which is an impressive result for a scope with this price tag.

Another thing which we find impressive about the AmandaK 16x52 is a number of accessories that come included with the purchase. With the scope, you get a tripod to keep the eyepiece steady when viewing the wildlife, a lens cap to protect the optics, a few cleaning cloths to keep the lens clean off dust and fog, and a carrying bag to store and transport the device.

By now you should clearly see that there are very few other spotting scopes out there that can offer the same lot at the same price, which makes the AmandaK 16x52 a real bargain. However, customers love this scope not only for its package but also for its very good optics with a glare-eliminating coating that makes it perfect for enjoying clear views in any weather conditions. So if you look to buy an inexpensive monocular telescope for bird watching, camping, hiking, or for sports, the AmandaK 16x52 might be a great choice.

Review of AmandaK 16x52 Super Clear Dual Focus Monocular
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00OXPUL16

 

What Is a Spotting Scope?

If you are enthusiastic about seeing the world and discovering new beautiful places that you could not see with a naked eye, you should get a spotting scope. It is exactly what you need to take a close view of objects that are too far. All spotting scopes and monoculars have a pretty basic construction. Essentially, any scope is a small refractor telescope that is slightly more complicated than a monocular. At the same time, a spotting scope is much more powerful when it comes to magnification and, as a result, provides a better and brighter picture. Its dimensions are relatively compact and it's easy to take it with you. So if you love watching birds, wildlife or are into hunting, a spotting scope is exactly what you need. Keep reading these spotting scope reviews and get yourself a reliable companion best suited exactly for your needs.

In case you want to purchase a smaller portable optics with a lower magnification rate, we can offer you to consider this selection of monoculars.

What Features to Compare

Optics’ Specifications

The most important feature of any spotting scope is its optics; it is a priority for the right choice. There are several features you should consider. First of all, you have to look at the objective diameter. It determines the rate of the light absorption. The diameter is marked on the body right after the magnification level. The bigger the diameter is, the more ambient light it absorbs and the clearer view you get. The magnification can be adjusted as you like. Though, you must remember that the high level of magnification might cause blurring of the picture if the objective diameter is too small. In order to estimate the best ratio of magnification and the lens diameter, you should assess the exit pupil diameter, it should not be less than 1.33 mm. Otherwise, the view will be substantially distorted, in particular when you look at far away objects. Another important feature of the scope is its field of view. It is measured in feet per 1,000 yards or meters. If you intend to track the fast moving objects, you should select a scope with a wide viewing field. 

One more fundamental criterion for the optics’ assessment is its coating and the type of lens glass. There are four grades of lens’ coating: Coated (C), Fully Coated (FC), Multicoated (МС) and Fully Multicoated (FМС). The glass type can be either BaK-4 or BK-7. The BaK-4 glass is more expensive, though it boasts better view quality. The other thing you may just as well want to check is whether the chosen spotting scope is angled or straight. There isn't a drastic difference between two, yet according to professional hunters and spectators, using a straight spotting scope is more convenient if one needs to track down moving objects or target things below the feet like for example when standing on a cliff. While an angled spotting scope allows for more comfortable prolonged usage and is better adjusted at distant objects without a tripod.

Framework Durability

Definitely, every spotting scope should have a durable frame designed to resist any weather conditions. A good scope must be protected against various impacts. It should be water-resistant and shockproof since its body has to protect fragile lenses from damage if you accidentally drop it. The anti-fog protection is also important because, otherwise, you will not be able to watch objects through misty lenses.

Peculiarities and Usability

Your spotting scope can be shipped with a set of additional accessories. Many models are supplied with special tripods and adapters compatible with cameras or mobile phones allowing you to take pictures or shoot videos. The scope should also have reasonable dimensions and an appropriate weight to be portable. It's also a good bonus if a spotting scope comes with a carrying case for hassle-free transportation.

Sources:

1. How to Buy a Spotting Scope, wikiHow. 2015.

2. Todd Vorenkamp A Guide to Birding with Spotting Scopes, B&H. 2015.

3. How To Choose A Spotting Scope, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars.

4. Steven L How to Select a Spotting Scope, Optics Planet. November 26, 2013.

5. Don Sangster How to Pick a Spotting Scope Buyer's Guide, Bass Pro Shops. August 25, 2013.

6. Andrew Pedry How to Use Sniper Spotting Scopes, eHow.

9. Melissa Mainz What Is a Spotting Scope? About.

10. David Wilson How to Choose Best Spotting Scope for Birding- Beginner Should Know, Clapway. September 5, 2016.

11. Spotting Scopes Summary, Homeland Security

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Publish Date: 2018-03-29 08:23:17