When you embark on an Alaska hunting trip, be ready to witness some of the most spectacular hunting fields. Here, you will be in awe of breathtaking views of the towering mountains, elusive wildlife and distant glaciers that are hard to find in any other place on the part. And to ensure that you don’t miss out on the targets you will be hunting, the best spotting scope for Alaska hunting is an essential item to have.
Spotting scopes are versatile and powerful sighting tools. No matter the brand, these optics make a steadfast companion for Alaska hunting. From capturing the targets with ease at extended ranges, to helping you see each game in detail, a spotting scope will make your hunting excursion successful and memorable.
Best Spotting Scopes for Alaska Hunting
In the following guide, we will take you through the very best spotting scopes for Alaska hunting available on the market. These sighting tools combine cutting-edge features, high-quality optics as well as smooth and accurate focusing to hone your hunting skills and ensure that you make the most out of your hunting expeditions.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump right in.
1) Zeiss Conquest Gavia Spotting Scope
Zeiss Conquest Gavia Spotting Scope is by far the best spotting scope for Alaska hunting. It is designed and engineered with a versatile 30-60x zoom range to help you find game with ease in any environment, and observe the natural world without any disturbance or disruption.
The powerful zoom is complemented by a large objective lens which provides clear and vibrant sight pictures in any light settings. Furthermore, all the optics feature an anti-reflective coating to fight glare and light transmission.
For comfortable viewing in all positions, the spotting scope has its eyepiece set at 45-degrees. This alleviates fatigue on both the eyes and the neck particularly during lengthy glassing sessions. Other than that, it has a tripod collar that you use to rotate it into different viewing angles.
Another highlight of this spotting is its built for the road less travelled. It has a compact, lightweight housing that is tough as nail. The body is made from durable magnesium alloy and is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof. An extendable sunshade is also included to keep sun, rain and snow off the objective.
Features
- Large textured focusing collar
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Durable magnesium alloy body
- Angled eyepiece configuration
- Extendable sunshade
- Rotating tripod collar
- Roof prism optical path
- Fully multi-coated HD lens system
- Broad 30-60x magnification power
Pros
- Crisp clear glass
- Durable and heavy-duty construction
- Easy to use
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- Pricey but worth it
2) Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80mm Spotter Scope
Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80mm Spotter Scope is a top-notch optic that offers the ultimate balance of value and performance. It is designed with ease of use in mind and has a lightweight design for easy carrying in the field.
The selling point of this spotting scope is optical finesse. It employs UHD glass elements that work in tandem with high-quality BaK-4 prisms to produce bright, clear and color accurate image views. On top of that, the optics are fully multi-coated to transfer as much light as possible and enhance low light performance.
In addition to the superb optical performance, the spotting scope is built to last. It is crafted with a magnesium chassis base to increase strength, toughness and durability. Over and above that, the knobs are well designed to be easy to twist and adjust during use.
For all weather use, the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80mm Spotter Scope is purged with high grade Argon gas which has lower thermal conductivity compared to nitrogen gas. This results to better fog proof capabilities across different temperatures. The scope is also sealed to prevent entry of moisture, dust and any other dirt inside the optics.
Features
- UHD glass lenses
- 20-60x magnification range
- Advanced fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and argon purged
- High-quality BaK-4 prisms
- 80mm objective lens
- Twist-up eyecup
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Reasonably lightweight
- Bright and clear optics
- Versatile
Cons
- Picture quality past 40x is vague
3) Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 Angled Spotting Scope
Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 Angled Spotting Scope is another high-end optical tool that is perfect for Alaska hunting. It is designed with the most sophisticated optical technology in a compact and ultra-sleek design.
The optical performance of this sighting tool is a force to reckon. It boasts premium HD glass elements which deliver brilliant, razor-sharp and true-to-life views. Furthermore, the advanced optical elements eliminate aberrations, an extremely important attribute when finding and evaluating game in low light.
Vortex has a reputation of making ruggedized optics and this spotting scope is not any different. It is built with an aluminum framework which is rubber armored to provide better shock absorption. In addition, the optical tube is O-ring sealed and purged with dry argon gas to be fully waterproof and fog proof respectively.
And that’s not all. The Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 spotting scope has an angled eyepiece design to enhance glassing comfort. It also features a smooth helical focus dial and multi-position eyecup that twist up to ensure ample eye relief.
Features
- XR Plus anti-reflective lens coatings
- Smooth helical focus
- Locking collar
- Built-in sunshade
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Multi-layer prism coatings
- Armortek lens coating
- High-end optical technology
- Angled eyepiece design
- Twist-up multi-position eyecup
Pros
- Warranty
- Stunning picture quality
- Reasonably lightweight
- Rock-solid construction
Cons
- Not very sharp at 60x
4) Maven CS.1 15-45X65mm Spotting Scope
Next up, we have the Maven CS.1 15-45X65mm Spotting Scope. This spotting scope has an angled eyepiece configuration and a ton of other high-end features that deliver unmatched performance in all fields.
For starters, it utilizes Schmidt-Pechan prism optical system which provides brilliant views of the targets in all lighting and weather conditions. Furthermore, it has fully multi-coated lenses to ensure reliable performance, even in low light.
When it comes to construction quality, the spotting scope has a durable yet lightweight polymer frame that is rigid enough to hold up to any abuse. On top of that, it has scratch resistant lens coatings and reliable waterproof and fog proof protection for unimpeded field use.
With all these handy features, the Maven CS.1 15-45X65mm Spotting Scope makes a perfect companion for every avid hunter who wants to see every detail of their subjects at any distance.
Features
- Durable and well-balanced polymer frame
- Angled eyepiece
- Schmidt-Pechan prisms
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 15-45x total magnification
- Extra-low dispersion glass elements
- Rotating collar/tripod foot
- 65mm objective lens
Pros
- Tripod ready
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Solid build
- Excellent color reproduction
Cons
- Plastic protective lens caps
5) Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x85mm
Burris Signature HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope, marks our fifth pick of the best spotting scope for Alaska hunting. Built with multi-functionality in mind, this spotting scope is here to take your glassing to the next high level.
It has a broad 20-60x magnification range to help you evaluate your subjects without any strain from any distance. The massive 85mm objective lens makes the magnification useful even at the highest settings while providing a large field of view. Over and above that, the spotting scope is built with HD lenses and an apochromatic lens system to deliver bright and accurate sight pictures.
The exceptional optical clarity marries with the rugged die-cast magnesium body to make the spotting scope ideal for use in any environment. You can subject it to the harshest levels of abrasions and it will still perform for ages. Besides, the optical tube is fully waterproof, fog proof and dust proof to be usable in all weather conditions.
The other essential features also included are a built-in sunshade and an eyecup that adjusts to accommodate eyeglass wearers.
Features
- Armored, die-cast magnesium body
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Adjustable eyecup
- HD glass elements
- Index-matched lenses
- Built-in sunshade
- Coarse and fine focusing adjustment
- Angled eyepiece
- Rotating tripod mount
- 20-60x total magnification
Pros
- Warranty
- Multiple accessories included
- Phenomenal picture quality
- Lightweight, portable design
- Solid and reliable construction
Cons
- Expensive
6) Bushnell Spotting Scope Engage DX 20-60×80
Alaska hunting calls for a spotting scope with powerful magnification without the bulk. This and more are what you get from the Bushnell Spotting Scope Engage DX. It offers excellent performance with the high-powered 20-60x magnification and oversized 80mm objective lens.
Bushnell designed this spotting scope to be able to stand up to the toughest outdoor environments. It has a durable aluminum chassis that guarantees unparalleled longevity. The chassis is also rubber armored for extra protection from shock and rough handling.
Well, that’s not all. The optical performance of this optic is as superb as its rugged construction. It boasts dielectric-coated BaK4 prisms for high contrast and resolution. On top of that, the lenses feature a hydrophobic lens coating that bonds molecularly on the glass lens to repel water, oil, dirt and dust.
In addition to all these benefits, the Bushnell Spotting Scope Engage DX Spotting scope features a large focus knob for easy focusing.
Features
- Rugged aluminum chassis
- Rubber armored body
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Dielectric-coated BaK4 prisms
- EXO barrier lens coating
- Angled eyepiece configuration
- 20-60x magnification range
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rugged construction
- Ease of use
- Great low light visibility
Cons
- Moderate viewing quality
7) Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope
Lastly in our list of the best spotting scope for Alaska hunting is Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope. This spotting scope has a 45-degree angled eyepiece and rotatable eyepiece to enhance glassing comfort, with or without eye wear.
Optically, the scope has 80mm objective lens that ensures high light gathering ability in all light settings. The large aperture design coupled with the ultra-high-definition optics guarantee bright, clear and contrast-rich sight pictures from sunrise till sunset.
When it comes to construction, this spotting scope has a durable Magnalium framework which enhances durability. It is rubber armored to provide non-slip, shockproof grip as well as a hard-wearing external protection. On top of that, it is fully waterproof and fog proof for use in all weather conditions.
For extra-value, this spotting scope comes with a new design smartphone Digiscoping adapter for Digiscoping. It is also designed with coaxial two-speed focusing wheels that allow smooth and accurate focusing.
Features
- Angled eyepiece
- Variable 20x to 60x zoom magnification
- Coaxial two-speed focusing wheels
- Durable Magnalium framework
- Fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Retractable sunshade
- Smartphone Digiscoping adapter
- Ultra high-definition optics
- Quality rubber armor
Pros
- Versatile
- Clear optics
- Good value for money
- Solid build
- Easy to use
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
Related
- 8 Best Spotting Scope under $500
- 8 Best Spotting Scopes for Backcountry Hunting
- 7 Best Spotting Scope for Yellowstone
Criteria for Choosing the Best Spotting Scope for Alaska Hunting
Below are the key things you should keep in mind when buying a spotting scope for Alaska hunting.
Build Quality
Alaska weather is always unpredictable. It is therefore important to get a spotting scope that is crafted to handle the harshest abuse. The housing should be sturdy and tough enough to hold up to the highest levels of abrasion, even with repeated use.
Furthermore, the best spotting scope for Alaska hunting should have waterproof and fog proof features that guarantee unimpeded field use.
Optics Quality
The optical quality of a spotting scope can make or break your hunting experience. Go for spotting scopes that employs the best-quality glass elements, preferably ED or HD. Such elements maximize resolution and optical clarity in all settings. Fully-coated optics are also desirable to enhance light transmission.
Portability
Portability is another important thing to consider when shopping for the best spotting scope for Alaska hunting. We recommend that you go for a spotting scope that is compact and lightweight to ensure convenient portability together with the other hunting gear you will be carrying.
Eyepiece Design
Spotting scopes come in straight or angled eyepiece design. Models with angled eyepiece designed are preferred for Alaska hunting because they are more comfortable on the eye and neck during long glassing periods. Furthermore, a spotting scope with angled eyepiece configuration enables easy Digiscoping.
Price
The other important thing to consider is price. Spotting scopes vary broadly in terms of cost depending on the brand and nature of construction. Set a budget and then look for a spotting scope that aligns with that budget and your needs as well.
FAQs
- Should I choose an angled or straight spotting scope?
For Alaska cruises, we recommend an angled spotting scope over a straight one. Spotting scopes with angled eyepiece design tend to be more comfortable on both the neck and eye during use. Additionally, they are ideal for group sharing and Digiscoping as well.
- Is a spotting scope worthy it for Alaska hunting?
Absolutely. Spotting scopes are great for Alaska hunting just like binoculars and rifle scopes. They provide better views of targets at extended ranges where binoculars would be hard to reach. Besides, a spotting scope mounted on a tripod makes it easy to track and monitor game in any situation.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article on the best spotting scope for Alaska hunting has been informative. Each spotting scope we have mentioned above comes with all the features you will need to make your hunting trip to the Alaska a success. Factor in your hunting needs and habit, and use our guide to find the model that best fits your needs.