Top 10 Best Spotting Scopes 2023

These Hawke Endurance ED Spotting Scopes are a brilliant companion for all those who love getting a closer look at nature. With impressive optics due to the ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses, you can expect clear, bright images with minimal chromatic aberration. The eyecup twists out to offer relief for both glasses wearers and non-glasses wearers alike. Durable, fully waterproof and fog proof, this scope is great for all weather, and can be used with a tripod for stabilising. Plus there is a lifetime guarantee on the scope, giving piece of mind that if there were any issues with the visual quality, they can be resolved. All round an excellent option of spotting scope, at a good price for the quality you receive.

Our favourite Spotting Scope to use and top pick for Best Buy is the Viking Swallow ED. Available with an 80mm objective lens or with 65mm the Swallow ED’s strike the perfect balance between price and performance. Equipped with high-quality ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses, the Swallow ED Spotting Scope has the specification of even pricier models. The dual-focus wheel works like a dream, smooth and precise and the quality of the image is impressive. We tested during daytime and at dusk and this was head and shoulders above everything within it’s price range. Nitrogen-filled and fully waterproof, they are supplied with a rain cover so suitable for rainy outings. If you’re looking for the Best Spotting Scope but not prepared to break into 4-figures for the top-of-the-range models then this isn’t going to disappoint.

The Hawke Vantage scopes are a fantastic piece of equipment that comes with all the kit that a beginner would need. Including a hard carry case, which provides brilliant protection, and it's own mini tripod. Fully waterproof and fog proof, we found these scopes performed well in all weathers. Plus with the fully multi-coated lenses, the images and colours are great quality. While a little heavy in it's case, at this price point, these are our top entry level pick.

Avalon have made a name for themselves as an optics brand that offers affordable quality and their Spotting Scope delivers just that. The beauty of the Venture Spotting Scope is the magnificent 80mm objective lens, which allows for wonderfully bright viewing and performs excellently in low light. The topics are fully multicoated and the clarity of images was impressive. If you’re looking for decent quality then this is a perfect choice.

The Hawke Nature-Trek 16-48x65 Angled Spotting Scope is a surprising compact and lightweight model, ideal for those looking to use the scope on the go. As with all Hawke optic products, these are waterproof and fog proof. The lenses are fully multi-coated and offer clean and bright images. These made our top 10 as they are a great mid-range scope, in a convenient size, with included soft cover, what more can you need at this pricepoint.

A great mid-priced spotting scope ideally suited for birding. The Celestron Trailseeker has a wide 100mm objective lens and allows for a rapid focus which can be handy for tracking birds on the move. This Spotting Scope features an angled design (though a straight option is also available) and contains multi-coated optics, which aids light transmission for a clearer image. And the larger objective lens allows more light making it an ideal choice for all light conditions. We found the focus dial to be very smooth and easy to adjust. The Celestron Trailseeker is also nitrogen filled so fully waterproof and fog-proof. Conveniently portable and weighing in at under 2kg is pretty impressive for 100mm Spotting Scope of this size and spec and comes with it’s own carry case. All in all, this is a a really well made Spotting Scope that offers reliable performance at a reasonable price!

We were so impressed with the performance of the Nature-Trek Spotting Scopes and their great value for money, that 3 have been included in our top picks. This 20-60x80 angled scope has a larger objective lens and offers brighter and more detailed observations. Although it's a little heavier, this is still a relatively lightweight option.

We absolutely adored using the Celestron Hummingbird, which Celestron have christened the world’s first Micro Spotting Scope. Obviously the compact size make it an ideal choice for travel and due to its diminutive size and weight it can be used comfortably handheld (though can also be used with a monopod or tripod). And its small size belies the quality of optics on offer with all air-to-glass surfaces fully multi-coated with high transmission optical coatings. There is even an ED version available at a higher cost and the image quality is excellent. One of the areas this Micro Spotting Scope excelled is with its close focus of 10 feet allowing you magnificently clear view of nearby subjects. Built to a high standard and nitrogen purged, the Hummingbird is fully waterproof and comes with Celestron’s Lifetime Guarantee.