Spotting scope is an optical instrument used to view distant objects primarily on land - therefore optimized for terrestrial observations. Most
spotting scopes are look and work just like small
telescopes with refractor, Maksutov, or catadioptric optical design. Normally
spotting scopes have 50mm to 80mm
objective lens and
magnification anywhere from 15x to 60x, but there are more powerful spotting scopes with higher
magnification and larger
objective lens to
90mm and up.
Spotting scope coated optics
Coatings on lens surfaces reduce light loss and glare due to reflection, resulting in a brighter, higher-contrast image with reduced eyestrain. Many spotting scopes are coated with a microscopic film of magnesium fluoride. More coating leads to better light transmission. ED (Extra Low Dispersion Glass) in our best spotting scopes provides exceptional color correction and razor sharp images for serious nature and bird watchers, and it virtually eliminates chromatic aberration usually seen during planetary and lunar viewing - perfect for astronomical and terrestrial observations as well! High Quality spotting scopes feature the best coating available. HD (High Definition) spotting scope glass helps to eradicate the slightest chromatic zonal aberrations and contributes to a more faithful color image and normally recommended for digiscoping. For digital photography applications with your spotting scope consider HD or ED glass or fluorite lens systems for ultimate sharpness and correct color reproduction.
| Spotting Scopes - TYPES OF COATING |
- Coated Spotting Scopes - A single layer on at least one lens.
- Fully-Coated Spotting Scopes - A single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces.
- Multi-Coated Spotting Scopes - Multiple layers on at least one lens and all surfaces are coated at least once.
- Fully Multi-Coated Spotting Scopes - Multiple layers on all air-to-glass surfaces.
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Spotting Scopes - Exit Pupil
The exit pupil refers to the size of the column of light that exits a spotting scope. The larger the exit pupil, the brighter the image. The higher the magnification on your spotting scope, the smaller the exit pupil and the dimmer the image that you see through your scope. To determine the size, divide the objective lens diameter by the power (a 15x45 model has an exit pupil, or useable light, of 3mm).
Spotting Scopes - Eye Relief
The distance a spotting scope can be held away from the eye and still present the full field of view. Extended or long eye relief reduces eyestrain and is ideal for eyeglass wearers.
Spotting Scopes - Field of View (F.O.V.)
Field of view of a Spotting scope is the side-to-side measurement of the circular viewing field or subject area. It is defined by the width in feet or meters of the area visible at 1000 yards or meters. A wide field of view is better for following fast-moving action or scanning for wildlife. Generally, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view.
Spotting Scopes - Size, Weight, Mounting
Size and weight are not optical characteristics of a spotting scope, but if you spend a lot of time in the field hunting or birdwatching, you will appreciate a compact, light weight spotting scope that is easy to carry around.
For any high power observations (normally optical magnification 12x and up), we usually recommend a quality tripod to hold the spotting scopes steady! Most if not all of the spotting scopes we offer come with a built-in 1/4"-20 thread tripod adapter that allows them to be mounted onto any standard camera tripod that we have plenty of.
Spotting Scopes - FOLDED LIGHT PATH
A combination optical configuration using lenses and mirrors to create a total scope length much shorter than the total focal length of the system. This provides a compact design yielding long focal length performance.
Spotting Scopes - Spotting scope magnification (Power)
Spotting scopes are often referred to by two numbers separated by an "x". For example: 15-45x60 or 15-45x60mm. The first number is the power or magnification of the spotting scope. With a 15-45x60 variable power spotting scope, the object being viewed appears to be 15-45 times closer than you would see it with the unaided eye. For long range observations, in addition to power, make sure to look for larger objective lens so enough light is coming through to support highly magnified image.
Spotting Scopes - Near or Close Focus
The closest you can be to an object and maintain visual clarity. For birdwatching you normally want close focus. For target shooting and hunting close focus in normally less important.
Spotting Scopes - Objective Lens Size (Aperture)
The second number in the formula: (15-45x60) is the diameter of the objective or front lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light that enters the spotting scope, and the brighter the image. For low light conditions (hunting, late night / early morning observations) a larger spotting scope will give you a brighter picture given that the quality and design of the scope is the same.
Spotting Scopes - Prism Glass
Most optical prisms are made from borosilicate (BK-7) glass or barium crown (BAK-4) glass. BAK-4 is higher quality glass yielding brighter images and high edge sharpness.
| Spotting Scopes - PRISM SYSTEMS |
| The prism system turns what would be an upside-down image right-side up. Spotting Scopes - Roof Prism System - The prisms overlap closely, allowing the objective lenses to line up directly with the eyepiece. The result is a slim, streamlined shape in which the lenses and prisms that magnify and correct the image are in a straight line. Spotting Scopes - Porro Prism System - The objective or front lens is offset from the eyepiece. Porro prisms provide greater depth perception and generally offer a wider field of view. |
Spotting Scopes - Additional Information
For Spotting Scopes Reviews please see our our Spotting Scope Forum. To help you narrow down the choice, we listed our Best Spotting Scopes in our Spotting scope Best Sellers and Staff Picks section
Major Spotting Scopes manufacturers
