Agree it or not – walking to see your targets or count the total scores that you’ve earned after a set of shots is the most exhausting thing of range shooting.
Listen to us, there’s a better way to save your precious time and it is getting the best spotting scopes for target shooting. You will get more time for shooting and less being a gofer. Let's start with the list below:
Here are the best spotting scopes for target shooting (May 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: CREATIVE XP HD Spotting Scope
- Runner-Up: Gosky 2019 Updated Newest Spotting Scope
- Most Durable: Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope
- Best For Short-range Target Shooting: Roxant Authentic Blackbird High Definition Spotting Scope
- Best For Long-Range Target Shooting: Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope
- Highest Magnification: Visionking Spotting Scope
| Top 6 Best Spotting Scopes For Target Shooting | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | CREATIVE XP HD Spotting Scope | Read Our Review |
Runner-Up | Gosky 2019 Updated Newest Spotting Scope | Read Our Review |
Most Durable | Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope | Read Our Review |
Best For Short-range Target Shooting | Roxant Authentic Blackbird High Definition Spotting Scope | Read Our Review |
Best For Long-Range Target Shooting | Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope | Read Our Review |
Highest Magnification | Visionking Spotting Scope | Read Our Review |
Best Overall: CREATIVE XP HD Spotting Scope
- Allow you to see bullet holes clearly from 300 yards or farther easily
- The 2 fine adjustable focus knobs are located within easy reach to use
- Include a smartphone adapter to let you take photos if needed
- Provide a sturdy tripod with a perfect size for a shooting
- The eye relief is too short for people wearing eyeglasses to feel comfortable to work with
- The thumbscrew is a bit flimsy
Whether you want to improve your target shooting or finding an innovative present for a loved one, the CREATIVE XP HD Spotting Scope is the best-overall option to consider.
Its higher magnification power and ultra-wide objective lens are key for the outstanding image clarity to let you see your bullet holes from 300 yards away. Or, you can easily adjust the image clarity due to the distance you’re shooting through the 2 fine focus knobs.
Rest assured that there will be no chronical aberrations at whichever ranges so that you can easily count the number of points.
The best thing is, this spotting scope allows for taking photos of the target or scores to track your improvement thanks to the provided smartphone adapter.
| CREATIVE XP HD Spotting Scope Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 20-60x |
Field of View (degrees) | 2.17 – 1.7 |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 114 - 90 |
Prism Material | BAK 4 |
Close Focus Distance (feet) | |
Eye Relief (mm) | 17-12mm |
Highlight Features | 20-60x80mm. Durable |
For any shooters who want to improve their performance at 300 yards or farther, the CREATIVE XP HD Spotting Scope will be the best candidate.
Runner-Up: Gosky 2019 Updated Newest Spotting Scope
- The thumbscrews and framework are built more sturdily to last longer
- Gritty yet smooth rubber armor for both comfort and grip, avoiding accidental slipping very well
- Longer eye relief, suitable for people wearing glasses
- The tripod mount threads are plastic, which feels cheap and a bit weak
The critical feature making this Gosky 2019 Updated Newest Spotting Scope stand out from previous siblings is the dynamic lens focusing system.
Aside from delivering more stable images, it is also easier to focus, giving very beautiful images within 50 to 600 yards. But if you want to get the clearest viewing, this would work best under 300 yards.
We’re also glad to realize that it is built more sturdily than the Creative-XP or other counterparts, especially in the thumbscrews and framework. Plus, the rubber armor is specifically designed with smoother yet grittier hand-feel so you can rest the heart from slipping the scope accidentally.
| Gosky 2019 Updated Newest Spotting Scope Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 20-60x |
Field of View (degrees) | 1.58 – 0.91 |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 82.9 - 48 |
Prism Material | BAK4 |
Close Focus Distance (feet) | |
Eye Relief (mm) | 17.9 - 15 |
Highlight Features | Magnification: 20x -60x; Objective lens diameter: 80mm; Eyepiece diameter: 20mm; Eye relief: 17.9-15mm; Field of View: 82.9-48 ft/1000 yards |
At farther shooting ranges, we have the Gosky 2019 Updated Newest Spotting Scope with many noteworthy upgraded features that other previous siblings don’t have.
Most Durable: Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope
- Full multi-coating to hold up well different weather conditions and last longer
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor to withstand light drops and bumps well while giving more stable images
- The tripod is made of metal, not plastic, for more durable hand-feel and functions.
- It’s a bit struggling to attach your smartphone to the digiscoping adapter
The Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope has all the features you’d expect for a durable product that can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.
Some classic examples are the fully multi-coatings for 100% waterproof, fog-proof design, the shock-absorbing rubber armor, and the high-end magnalium framework. Also thanks to this perfect combo, it offers very crisp images and clear, bright viewing at 150 yards.
An ultra-durable tripod is also this Gosky scope’s forte.
Instead of plastic, it is crafted from heavy-duty metal to stand more firmly on different terrains as well as weather conditions. The black zippered case is very well-made, by the way.
| Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 20x to 60x |
Field of View (degrees) | 2.23 – 1.9 |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 117 - 57 |
Prism Material | BAK4 |
Close Focus Distance (feet) | 18/6 |
Eye Relief (mm) | 17-13.5mm |
Highlight Features | its sealing property ensures the living waterproof function |
If you usually practice shooting in tough weather conditions, an ultra-durable spotting scope is exactly what to equip with your weapon. With some intensive testing, we proudly suggest to you this Gosky.
Best For Short-range Target Shooting: Roxant Authentic Blackbird High Definition Spotting Scope
- Feature 12-36x magnification power to work best within 22 to 100 yards of distance
- Give brighter images than the higher magnification scopes
- The tripod is quite flimsy
- Focus rings are not as soft and smooth as other counterparts
To sight in a gun at 50 to 100 yards away, we would say the Roxant Authentic Blackbird High Definition Spotting Scope is unbeatable.
It features a magnification power within 12x to 36x with 50mm of eyepiece diameter.
With this construction, sure, it isn’t capable of spotting bullet points or targets at such a long way as the three scopes above but why must it when you only need to use for short indoor ranges? This is also a good choice for birdwatching from your backyard or feeders.
We also believe that keeping the magnification power limited helps you get brighter images and clearer views at low-light conditions.
| Roxant Authentic Blackbird High Definition Spotting Scope Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 12-36x |
Field of View (degrees) | 2.97 – 1.49 |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 156 - 78 |
Prism Material | BAK4 |
Close Focus Distance (feet) | 26 |
Eye Relief (mm) | |
Highlight Features | 12-36x50; Field of view: 52-26M / 1000M / Dimensions: 232x135x78 mm / MIN. FOCAL LENGTH: 8m |
The Roxant Authentic Blackbird HD Spotting Scope is ideal for those shooters whose primary purpose is just to spot where their rifle hits at under 100 yards.
Best For Long-Range Target Shooting: Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope
- Ultra-big objective lens diameter for better images and viewing
- Thanks to the premium HD glasses with XR coating, it increases light transmission whereas limiting glare efficiently.
- Expensive
For good shooters, you will need a superior spotting scope that can help you see the teeny tiny dots from farther distances. We’re here to introduce you the Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope.
While featuring high magnification power as other good scopes in our list, it highlights an ultra-large objective lens diameter – up to 85mm.
The glasses themselves are crafted 100% from premium high definition kind, topped with XR coating for not only crystal clear image at farther distances but also more light transmission and less glare down.
| Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 16-48x |
Field of View (degrees) | 2.7-1.6 degrees |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 138 - 84 |
Prism Material | Porro |
Close Focus Distance (feet) | 26.2 |
Eye Relief (mm) | 16.7-17 mm |
Highlight Features | 14 x 7.5 x 5.2 inches; XRPlus Fully Multi-Coated; Viper 30mm Rings (Set of 2) Low (.87 Inch / 22.09 mm) |
If hitting targets at everywhere from 100 yards to 1200 yards is your goal, the Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope will never let you down.
Highest Magnification: Visionking Spotting Scope
- Deliver up to 90x of magnification power for ultra-clear images at the longer way
- Feature better optics than the Celestron -> bang for bucks
- Bigger and bulkier, a bit cumbersome to carry along
- Tripod is wimpy and unstable
We love this Visionking spotting scope for how high magnification power it features at this price level. As a result, it delivers super-clear images at any range with no fuzziness or foggy stuff to the field of view.
In comparison to Celestron, we would assert that the optics of this scope are much better
We also appreciate the smooth return.
It’s perfect for sighting in, even in cloudy weather conditions. And the universal standard thumb screws are versatile and durable enough to pair with both camcorders and cameras. Such great value for money.
| Visionking Spotting Scope Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 30-90x |
Field of View (degrees) | 1.5 - 0.77 |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 78.75 – 40.25 |
Prism Material | Bak4 |
Close Focus Distance (feet) | 32.8 |
Eye Relief (mm) | 17.8 - 14.8 |
Highlight Features | Power: 30x-90x; Objective: 90mm |
For those who want to significant leverage in magnification power, the Visionking spotting scope might be what you’re after.
How To Choose The Best Spotting Scopes For Target Shooting?
Shooting Range
- The shooting range is the critical element to help you figure out the suitable magnification power and objective lens diameter more easily. For examples:
Magnification Power | Objective Lens Diameter (mm) | Extra features | |
300 yards | 20-60x | 80 | You should look for glasses featured with Extra-low Dispersion (ED), Flouride (FD) or High Definition (HD) |
200 yards | 15-60x | 60-80 | - |
100 yards | 15-40x | 50 | As normally, scopes don’t focus on close-up targets, you should also consider the close focus distance. |
- If you want to find bullet holes at 500 yards away or even farther, it’s best to choose the highest magnification power and largest objective lens diameter available on the market.
- The farther the distance, the more you should consider some extra features.
- Such as the dust, wind, heat, and especially, chromatic aberration.
Tripods
- If the shooting range is just within 100 yards and under, a tripod might not be too essential.
- However, at higher ranges, you should know that the delivered images will be shakier, which requires to either mount the scope stably on a firm base or get a good tripod.
Other Accessories
- A good case: To protect your scope while transporting. There are two main types – the soft case & the hard case. The hard ones will give higher protection while the softer is more flexible for storage.
- Sunshades: To limit light entering your optic when the sunlight is too harsh. This accessory elps avoid blasting your images and retracting from the objective lens.
- Rubberized armor: To keep your scope from scratching and small knocks
Which Brands Make The Best Spotting Scopes For Target Shooting?
Creative-XP
- Founded as a family-owned company specializing in optics products in the USA. Creative-XP has now been one of the renowned American brands for not only the premium performance products but also the personalized US-Based customer service.
Gosky
- In Gosky, what you will get from their spotting scopes is not only high quality and good customer services but also the most cost-effective price ranges so that you can confidently pick on without breaking the bank.
Vortex Optics
- Established in 2004, Vortex has had over 15 years’ expertise in making optical equipment for different outdoor activities and especially, law enforcement.
Visionking
- A bit different from other counterparts, this is a long-standing Chinese brand – since 1999 – specializing in optical instruments. Currently, its marketing networks have been widely expanded through different developed countries, such as North America and Europe.
FAQs
How much magnification does a spotting scope need?
Averagely is 15x to 60x.
But this feature will be also dependent on your purpose of use.
For example, if you want to use it for birdwatching, a 20-60x scope is ideal but for short shooting range, you should lower the magnification power down to 15-45x.
How does a spotter scope work?
When you want to identify an animal going in a huge herb, using a spotting scope is essential. It features a certain amount of magnification power to help you figure out easily that animal from other look-alike members.
Spotting Scopes vs Telescopes - which is better?
For observing celestial objects, a telescope is better but if you want to see an object in detail at a shorter range, it’s ideal to have a spotting scope.
Do you really need a spotting scope?
No, you don’t.
A spotting scope is particularly not necessary for targets at too short ranges where naked eyes can easily see them. However, for a longer way, like 100 yards and farther, it’s more and more essential.
Is a spotting scope better than binoculars?
Each tool has its own strengths and weakness so it depends on your needs and preference to determine which is better.
Normally, a spotting scope is better in terms of magnification power for outstanding visual results while binoculars have advantages on compact sizes and cheaper price points.
Conclusion
It’s hard for a shooter, especially a beginner, to shell out thousands of dollars on a premium spotting scope. So we hope the detailed buying guide above has dropped you much useful information to pick the best spotting scope for target shooting without breaking your bank.
