Are you preparing for the next back country hunting trip and looking for the best spotting scope for backcountry hunting? You are in the right place. This post sheds light on the best spotting scopes for backcountry hunting available on the market today.
A spotting scope is a valuable item to have for backcountry hunting. It offers far more magnification than what binoculars or riflescopes provide. With the high optical power, you will be able to scan the horizon in search of game and get clear sight pictures of your targets at any distance.
If you are looking to spice up your next backcountry hunting trip, it is wise that you invest in a quality spotting scope for hunting. But with so many options available on the market, finding a product that meets your hunting style and specific needs can be difficult. To help, we have a list of the best spotting scopes for backcountry hunting and a detailed buying guide to help you choose right.
Without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
Best Spotting Scopes for Backcountry Hunting
1) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope
Our top pick is the Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope. This angled spotting scope comes with everything that you need to get the most out of your backcountry hunting trip. It’s lightweight and packable for convenient portability and features a variable 11-33x magnification suitable for spotting game at manageable distances.
The scope is built ready for hunting. It is toughly made to handle anything that comes its way. Besides, it comes with a rubber armor that cushions it from shock and impacts while providing you with a secure, non-slip grip. To add on that, the external lenses have a special Armortek coating that offers protection from dirt and scratches, and it is fully waterproof and fog proof so you can go hunting even in bad weather conditions.
Another good thing about the spotting scope is that it’s eyeglass friendly. The adjustable eyecup folds up and down to accommodate all users with or without eyeglasses. Besides that, it boasts ED glass which provides great resolution and color fidelity and XR plus anti-reflective lens coatings that yield excellent brightness and clear sight pictures when hunting in low light conditions.
Features
- Variable 11-33x magnification
- Compact, light and portable
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- Premium ED glass
- Armortek lens coating
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Durable rubber armor
- Adjustable eyecup
- Focus wheel with micro and macro adjustment
- Angled design
2) Leupold GR 15-30x50mm Gold Ring Compact Spotting Scope
Typically, backcountry hunting involves packing a lot of gear for the trip. With the Leupold GR 15-30x50mm Gold Ring spotting scope, you don’t have to worry about it taking much of your valuable space. It has a very compact design so it won’t take much of your space. It is also lightweight for easy carrying and well-constructed to provide superior ruggedness.
This spotting scope has a maximum magnification of 30x. This way, you will be able to spot game easily at any distance. It offers a decent filed of view for simple game spotting and a long eye relief for comfortable glassing. It’s 100% waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability and has scratch-resistant lenses for extra protection.
Even at the highest magnification setting, this spotter provides bright and clear sight pictures. Once you fire, the wide field of view will help keep track of the shot animal with ease. It also comes with a Twilight Max HD Light Management System that gives you up to 30 minutes of additional glassing light when you are hunting in low light conditions. To top it all, you can mount the scope on a tripod and free you hands for a more comfortable hunting experience.
Features
- Carbon fiber housing
- Advanced optical system
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Compact and lightweight
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Variable 15-30x magnification
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Fold-down rubber eyecup
- 1/4-20 Thread Tripod adapter
3) Sig Sauer SOO82001 Oscar8 Spotting Scope
Backcountry hunting is not an easy task, but having the right gear makes it simpler. The Sig Sauer SOO82001 Oscar8 Spotting Scope is built to make your backcountry hunting experience more fun and memorable. Its simple to use and comes with an angled eyepiece for a more comfortable glassing experience especially during long hunting sessions.
The scope provides crisp sight pictures at every magnification setting. It boasts high-quality ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses which provide bright, clear and sharp as razor images from dawn to dusk. Moreover, it’s ergonomically designed for easy handling and comes with a durable rubber armor that shields it from shock, impacts and weather elements.
For added convenience, the spotting scope has a manageable weight for easy portability. It also comes with a fast focus adjustment and a variable power eyepiece that is very comfortable on the eye. Overall, it’s an excellent scope that will help you get the most out of your backcountry hunting trip.
Features
- High-quality ED glass
- Variable power eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Angled eyepiece
- Lightweight design
- Fast focus adjustment
- Durable, non-slip rubber armor
- Large 80mm aperture
- 27-55x magnification
4) Maven S. 1S 25-50 X 80mm FL Spotting Scope
As one of the best spotting scopes for backcountry hunting, the Maven S. 1S FL spotting scope delivers excellent low light performance and high-quality images which you need to make your hunting trip a success. It comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty so you can rest assured that it is a quality product.
The scope boasts a large 80mm aperture that gathers more light and a variable 25-50x zoom to bring the distant targets closer. With the high magnification power, you’ll be able to spot even the smallest game regardless of how far they are. Even better, the large aperture design provides a wide and fully usable field of view that helps you monitor moving games easily.
The S.1 is built ready for every hunt. It has an extremely durable magnesium and polymer frame that stands up to anything thrown at it. Thanks to the integrated eyepiece, you don’t have to worry about any internal fog points that might hinder your views. To top it all, it’s lightweight and packable so you can take it anywhere you go.
Features
- 17mm eye relief
- 80mm fluorite (FL) objective lens
- 25-50x zoom
- Integrated eyepiece
- Durable construction
- Lightweight and portable
- Wide field of view
- Unconditional lifetime warranty
5) NightForce TS-80 SP102 20-60x80mm Angled Spotting Scope
A quality spotting scope such as the NightForce TS-80 is an essential tool for any avid hunter. It will help you identify animals at extreme distances and make your hunting trip more rewarding.
Featuring a large 80mm objective lens, this scope provides unparalleled low light performance. The APO fluorite glass provides excellent color contrast as well as bright and clear images. Better yet, the lens features a water-repellent lens coating which sheds any water without leaving any residue behind. It also repels dirt and smudges to keep your views clean and clear.
When it comes to construction, the spotting scope is crafted from aluminum which enhance durability while keeping weight at a minimum. It’s also waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability and shockproof for greater durability. Overall, this is a high-quality spotting scope for backcountry hunting and it legendary image quality that is hard to find in other scopes in its class.
Features
- Hydrophobic lens coating
- APO Fluorite glass
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Rugged aluminum body
- 80mm objective lens
- 20-60x magnification
- Large and smooth to operate focus ring
- Retractable sunshade
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Angled eyepiece design
6) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope
The Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope is one of the best spotting scopes for backcountry hunting for the money. So if you are on a budget, you should try it out. Even though it is cost-effective, it does not compromise its quality. It is designed with high-end features to give you the best hunting experience.
This spotting scope is made with beginners in mind. It’s simple to use and comes with a manageable weight for easy portability. Furthermore, it offers ample magnification for long-range hunting and a wide field of view for easy target identification.
With the HD glass and high-quality lens coatings, the scope provides better light transmission for brighter images even in low light conditions. And that’s not all. It is argon purged to provide better thermal stability and fully waterproof so you can use it in any weather condition. For added convenience, it’s compatible with regular camera tripods for comfortable glassing and has an integrated sunshade that minimizes glare when you are hunting under direct sunlight.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Durable, non-slip rubber armor
- Tripod mountable
- Extendable sunshade
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Rotating tripod mounting ring
- HD glass
- Lifetime warranty
- Lightweight composite chassis
7) BARSKA Colorado Waterproof Spotting Scope
Here is another top-quality spotting scope for the budget buyers. The BARSKA Colorado Spotting Scope features a versatile 20-60x magnification that brings distant targets up to 60times closer and a wide field of view for easy target spotting. It’s lightweight for convenient portability and compact for easy packability.
This scope is well-made to provide long-lasting durability. It has a solid construction that withstands harsh field conditions and a straight body design for comfortable glassing. It’s fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather performance and has a shockproof design for extra durability. The scope also comes with quality optics to bring you bright and clear sight pictures from dawn till dusk.
Features
- Durable construction
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 60mm objective
- Compact and lightweight
- Fully coated optics
- Straight-body eyepiece
- Wide 20-60x magnification range
- Integrated tripod mount
- Tabletop for steady viewing
8) Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scope
Vortex is a big name in the world of optics. It makes excellent quality optical instruments and the Diamondback HD Spotting Scope is no different. This scope has the horsepower that you need for long-range hunting. It provides clear views even at the highest magnification setting as well as excellent optical performance in low light conditions.
Featuring an angled eyepiece design, the scope provides comfortable viewing angles when shooting targets uphill or downhill. The adjustable eyecup twists up and down to accommodate eyeglass wearers, while the built-in sunshade minimizes glare and protects the objective lens from rain, snow and other weather elements.
Since moisture is one of the greatest optic’s enemies, this scope is sealed with O-rings to prevent entry of water, dirt and more. It is argon purged to prevent internal lens fogging caused by rapid temperature change and has an Armortek coating that protects the external lens from scratches and dirt. In addition to everything else, this product boasts a non-slip rubber armor that enhances durability by cushioning it from shock, accidental falls and impact.
Features
- Angled eyepiece design
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Tripod adaptable
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Wide 20-60x magnification
- Long eye relief
- Adjustable eyecup
- Durable rubber armor
- Retractable sunshade
See Also
Best Spotting Scopes for Backcountry Hunting Buying Guide
Whether you are in the market for your first spotting scope for backcountry hunting or an upgrade to your old and worn-out model, the following are some of the important factors you should consider in order to make the correct buying decision.
Magnification
The whole point of getting a spotting scope is so you see further where binoculars and riflescopes can’t reach. When out in the field hunting, you’ll want to have clear detail of your targets so you can make an accurate shot. For backcountry hunting, a spotting scope with 30x to 40x power range will sufficient. But you can go as high as 60x for extreme long-range hunting.
Aperture
Aperture is also referred as the objective lens. This is the part of the spotting scope that’s responsible for collecting light inside. The bigger the aperture, the more light it lets into the scope. This translates to bright and clear sight pictures and a wider field of view as well.
However, larger is not always better. It makes the scope more bulky and expensive. Make sure that you find the perfect balance between the size of the aperture and weight depending on your hunting needs.
Price
The price of spotting scopes varies greatly. As you look for the best spotting scope for backcountry hunting, it’s important that you set a budget and stick to it. High-end models are more durable and reliable, but they have a higher price tag. If you can afford, it’s best to go with such a model. But if you are on a budget, there are plenty of quality yet budget-friendly models you can choose from.
Durability
The durability of a spotting scope largely depends on the quality of materials used to make it. Go for a spotting scope that’s durably made as it will give your great performance and many years of use. Look for a scope that has a rubber armor as it increases its durability. It will be good if you also consider getting a model that’s fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof.
Size and Weight
If you are buying a spotting scope primarily for backcountry hunting, make sure that its compact and lightweight. You’ll be packing other gear for your hunting trip, so you’ll want a product that doesn’t occupy so much space. Also look for the lightest spotting scope possible so you’ll have a comfortable time carrying it from place to place.
Why a Spotting Scope for Backcountry Hunting
- Easier target identification in any lighting condition
- Better low light performance
- Wider field of view which is essential for easy spotting of small game and fast moving targets
- Long-distance precision shooting
- Easier shot placement which saves you time and ammo while in the field
- Wide magnification range for greater versatility
FAQs
- What makes a spotting scope good for hunting?
Spotting scopes offer multiple benefits when hunting. First, a spotting scope provides a wide magnification for long range hunting and a wide field of view for easy target spotting. It will also help you scan distant terrain more effectively compared with binoculars, riflescopes and other less powerful optics.
- What is the best spotting scope magnification for hunting?
It depends on the hunting distance and your preference. Most spotting scopes for hunting have a 30x to 40x power magnification. This is ideal for hunting in different distances and environments. But you can go as high as 60x or more is you want to reach extra-long distances.
- What do numbers on a spotting scope mean?
The numbers found in a spotting scope after the model’s name represent magnification power and the size of the objective lens. For instance, a scope labelled 20-60×60 has a variable magnification of 20-60x and an objective lens that’s 60mm in diameter.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has given you the information you need know about the best spotting scopes for backcountry hunting and you are now able to make the correct buying decision. Get to know what features you need in spotting scope for backcountry hunting then use our guide to get a scope that works best for your specific hunting needs.