Best spotting scopes in 2020

Each of us has at least once heard or met with devices that allow us to see a close-up image of distant objects. These can be telescopes, binoculars, and telescopes. The latter are quite often used by lovers of travel to get the most out of the beautiful views. Also, the best spotting scopes in 2020 are bought by fishermen and hunters to quickly respond to their prey. Thus, the activity becomes more productive.

The device in question can be a great gift for a loved one. However, you should choose a high-quality and reliable model that will not fail in a couple of months. To understand which telescope is best, it is recommended to study the list of the most popular and demanded models that have been tested by thousands of buyers.

All telescopes can be divided into 2 categories: with the ability to adjust the magnification of the image and with a fixed value.

Spotting scopes with adjustable magnification

If you are looking for a model for effective hunting or fishing, then it is recommended to buy a device from this category, since in the conditions of these activities you often have to change your position, as well as the object of observation. Therefore, it is necessary to have a function of zooming in and out of the picture. However, it should be borne in mind that a number of different prisms are provided in such pipes. In this regard, their cost is an order of magnitude higher than in the case of fixed models.

Nikon Prostaff 3 16-48 × 60

The first telescope to be covered in this article is made by the world famous Nikon. It has superior quality, reliability, and an impressive price tag. The design of the device in question has a straight shape. Refraction of rays is completely excluded here. As for the dimensions and weight, the length is 310 mm and the weight is 0.6 kg.

The lens diameter is 6 cm. The user can zoom in and out from 16 to 48 times. It is recommended to purchase this model for watching sports, hunting, fishing and other dynamic activities.

Pros:

• Wide viewing angle - 40 meters;
• Small weight - only 600 grams;
• The kit includes a detachable tripod with high legs for more convenient use in certain conditions;
• The inner chamber is filled with nitrogen;
• When buying a device from an authorized dealer, the user receives a 10-year warranty from the date of purchase;
• Fully sealed construction with moisture protection;
• The AR coating is made in several layers;
• In addition to the tripod, the kit includes a handy bag with a belt and snaps;
• Magnification adjustment is located on the eyepiece, which is very convenient;
• Compatible with other Nikon tripods;
• Wide choice of magnification from 16x to 48x.

Minuses:

• Quite a high cost, which varies within 30 thousand rubles.

Levenhuk Blaze 90

Next in line is a telescope called Levenhuk Blaze 90. Many users have dubbed it as the “king of approach”. It is worth noting the large diameter of the lens, which is 90 cm.This improves the clarity of the resulting image, as much more light enters the structure. As for the magnification of the approximation, this indicator can reach 90 times.

The manufacturer itself claims that the device is great for both semi-professional use and for those who like to travel. Can be used for bird watching, animal watching or fishing. Focus and magnification are adjusted by special wheels located on the eyepiece near the eye.

Pros:

• The user can adjust the magnification from 30x to 90x;
• The presence of a soft case, as well as caps for the eyepiece and lens;
• Enlightenment is done in several layers;
• When purchased from an authorized dealer, the user receives a lifetime warranty on all lenses and mechanical parts. However, it is available provided the device has not dropped to the ground;
• Focusing distance from 10 meters;
• The presence of a soft rubber eyecup, which increases the ease of use;
• The lenses do not fog up because the structure is filled with gas;
• If desired, you can separately purchase a ring that allows you to attach the tube to the camera as a lens;
• Good moisture protection and tightness. Can even be used in a shower;
• The eyepiece has a slightly curved shape, which allows the user to look from above, rather than lie in line with the tube;
• A huge lens in the lens and multiple zooming in provides the most detailed and clear picture;
• The surface of the stand is powder-coated to reduce the risk of corrosion;
• The kit includes a metal stand and a handle for easy rotation.

Minuses:

• Quite high weight - 1400 grams. If you hold such a device in your hand for a long time, then it can get tired;
• Extremely high cost from 31 thousand rubles;
• Small viewing angle from 12 to 24 meters.

Bresser National Geographic 20-60 × 60

The latest telescope with adjustable magnification, which will be discussed in this article, is called the Bresser National Geographic 20-60x60. It has a matte body and a lens diameter of 6 centimeters. The object of observation can be magnified from 20 to 60 times, which is a pretty good indicator.

It is noteworthy that this model can be used not only for observing beautiful landscapes, architecture, birds and animals, but also for astronomical observations. The model under consideration can be called a mini telescope. The high magnification makes it easy to study stars located not so far from the Earth.

It is worth noting the multiplicity adjustment wheel. As seen in the model image, it is located closer to the center where the user fixes the device with his hand. Thus, you do not need to break away from viewing to change this indicator. The lens has a hinged cover.

Pros:

• The lower surface of the legs of the stand is rubberized, which reduces the risk of slipping on a horizontal surface;
• When buying from an authorized dealer, you get a 5-year warranty;
• Magnification adjustment from 20 to 60 times;
• Convenient case with straps for easy transportation;
• The lens is not located at the edge of the tube, but with a recess inward. Thus, a visor is formed that protects from the sun;
• High-quality image due to full coating, as well as green lens coating;
• The presence of a handle for easy turning;
• Metal tripod included.

Minuses:

• Focusing on the subject is available only from 12 meters;
• The image vibrates too much at the maximum magnification. For such viewing it is necessary to use a stand;
• The field of view per kilometer at a minimum approach of only 29 meters;
• If the temperature changes abruptly, the lenses may fog up. There is no nitrogen or other gases inside the structure;
• Large weight - 1500 grams.

Fixed magnification telescopes

It's time to consider the telescopes, the magnification ratio in which remains unchanged.No additional devices will help to qualitatively enlarge the picture with such models. Such devices are more intended for amateur use, travel, and so on. Quite often they are given as a gift. It should be noted that their cost is much lower than in the case of the previous category.

Veber 20 × 50 ST8201

First of all, we will consider the most budgetary model, the cost of which is only 2,400 rubles. The body length is 220 mm. At the same time, the design itself has a curved appearance for more convenient use, because this shape fits perfectly into the hand. The lens diameter is 5 cm. This is quite an impressive figure considering the cost of the model.

The set includes a small stand with three legs. This option is perfect as a gift for a child or teenager. However, some people use it for fishing, hunting, sports and so on.

Pros:

• Compact dimensions. Only 22 centimeters long;
• The kit includes a case for easy transportation;
• The magnification level makes it possible to observe not only ground and air objects, but also space bodies close to the Earth. For example, behind the Moon or Mars;
• Objective diameter 5 cm;
• Attractive cost of 2,400 rubles;
• Small weight - only 400 grams;
• Matte body that does not collect dirt and prints on its surface;
• The kit includes a convenient stand and a mount for it;
• 20x magnification can be suitable for semi-professional hunting, fishing, etc.
• If the weather is too sunny, you can use the included visor attachment;
• At a distance of one kilometer from the object, the field of view is 56 meters;
• The minimum focusing distance starts at 8 meters;

Minuses:

• The lens coating does not have a multilayer structure, as in analogs;
• The warranty period is only 1 year. This is not enough for such a group of products;
• The stand mount is made entirely of plastic and is very flimsy.

Bresser "Captain's" 12x30

The following spotting scope is distinguished by its vintage design. It is great as a gift. This is a true classic in the segment of optics. The straight body design includes three sliding inserts that increase the length of the pipe. They are gilded. The manufacturer tried to repeat as accurately as possible the products that were popular in the 19th century. And he did it quite well.

In terms of specifications, the lens diameter is only 3 centimeters. The image is magnified 12 times. It is worth noting the convenient shape of the eyepiece, which fits the eye perfectly. When assembled, the tube is only 14 cm long. Thus, it can even be carried in a pocket.

Pros:

• Vintage design. An excellent choice for a gift;
• Small weight of about 300 grams;
• Acceptable price starting from 3 thousand rubles;
• The kit includes a convenient case, as well as a cloth for cleaning the eyepiece and lens;
• The glass coating has an antireflection format. Thus, the user gets a clear image at the exit;
• Metal body;
• The ability to adjust the length of the pipe;
• Cloth pipe surface;
• Reliable assembly by a German company using quality materials.

Minuses:

• Low rate of magnification. Only 12 times;
• Small lens diameter;
• The field of view is only 2 degrees;
• In some cases, you will have to come closer;
• Lack of moisture protection on the case. Therefore, it cannot be used in the rain;
• Fingerprints and dirt remain on the gold finish. You will have to often wipe its surface;
• There is no stand and the possibility of using it;
• When unfolded, the length is 34 cm, which is quite a high figure. It will be inconvenient to use in confined spaces.

Recommendations for choosing a telescope

Not all buyers understand the factors that need to be paid attention first of all when choosing the right model.First, the most important indicator is the quality of the optics. Lenses should have an antireflection coating, have a multilayer structure, and good magnification. It is not recommended to buy models with a plastic case. Because of this, image quality suffers.

There is a simple optics test to help you determine which tube is best. Take several telescopes and set the same magnification on them. After that, select one object outside the window with some text and look at it from each device. Pay attention to both the readability of this text and the difference in approximation. As a rule, Chinese counterfeits often have a multiplicity factor that is too high.