5x

Some people only need about 10x power to shoot with great accuracy at 1,000 yards. There are also those who require a magnification of at least 20x to make an accurate shot.

4x magnification

200 yards

For scopes with a range of 200 yards, you should choose a magnification range within 3x to 7x for fixed magnification types. For variable magnification types, the highest level should only be 9x. Getting anything higher than that will do more harm than good.

Another factor is the size of the target. If you are going to shoot a pea-sized target from a distance of a hundred yards, then magnification is a must. A 3x scope is often enough for most people. For those with eye problems, a 9x scope might be more suited.

The old 100-yard zero is perfect if your longest shooting distance isn’t much beyond that. Otherwise a 100-yard zero wastes your bullet’s trajectory potential. By 200 yards you’re already needing to compensate for bullet drop.

18-36x

Look for an objective lens of at least 60 mm in diameter to provide a bright image. If you want to do a lot of digiscoping, you’ll want your scope to deliver the brightest image possible to your camera. Look for an objective lens around 85 mm. Beware of cheap spotting scopes.

Best spotting scope for 1000 yards

1. Celestron Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope.
2. Celestron 52268 C90 Mak Spotting scope.
3. BARSKA AD12164 Blackhawk Spotting Scope.
4. Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Angled Spotting Scope.
5. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope.
6. Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope m Angled Spotting Scope.

Angled scopes have the advantage of using a lower tripod height for better stability as well as, in my opinion, being a much better setup for digiscoping. I prefer the straight scope due to faster target acquisition while spotting and stalking.

As noted above, many hunters find that shots up to 500 yards require no more than 10× magnification. It makes sense, then, that you would not mount a high-magnification scope on a rifle that lacks the range or accuracy for shots longer than 500 yards.

In the great debate of a spotting scope vs. binoculars, spotting scopes are great if you are looking for an optic device that is not only easy to transport but one that also has an outstanding magnification capability. With high power in magnification and outstanding visual results sometimes come a heftier price tag.

The 10 Best Spotting Scopes

1. Vortex Optics Razor Spotting Scope – Best Overall.
2. Vanguard Endeavour 65A Spotting Scope – Best under $500.
3. Celestron Ultima Spotting Scope – Best Value.
4. Gosky 20-60X 80 Spotting Scope.
5. Bushnell Legend Ultra Spotting Scope – Premium Choice.
6. CREATIVE XP HD Spotting Scope with Tripod.

The M22 binocular is the primary field binocular for both the Army and the Marine Corps. The 7 x 50 (7X magnification; 50 mm objective lens) measures 7.1 inches x 8.2 inches x 7.4 inches and weighs 2.7 pounds.

The 5 Best Budget Spotting Scopes

1. Celestron Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope – Best Overall. Check Latest Price.
2. Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotter Scope. Check Latest Price.
3. Gosky Budget Spotting Scope – Best Value. Check Latest Price.
4. RangeHAWK Spotting Scope. Check Latest Price.
5. BARSKA Spotting-Scopes.

Marines and Army Use Compact Leupold MK4 Spotting Scope. Leupold’s Mark 4 Tactical Spotting Scope is now the standard Scout Sniper Observation Telescope (SSOT) of the U.S. Marine Corps, the first new spotting scope the Corps has used in decades.

When looking at spotting scopes you will notice that they have a set of numbers in their name. For example it could read 20-60×60. The first 2 number mean that the spotting scope can zoom from a 20x magnification to a 60x magnification. The last number refers to the size of the lens itself.

Adjust the magnification Change the magnification of your spotting scope by simply turning the magnification adjustment ring. Increase the magnification by turning the adjustment ring in a clockwise direction. Decrease the magnification by turning the adjustment ring in a counter-clockwise direction.

A spotting scope is always represented by two sets of numbers. For example The first set of numbers refers to its magnification (or zoom). For example 20-60x means 20x to 60x variable zoom. The second number refers to the diameter of its objective lens.

Perhaps the best spotting scope for target shooting is the Gosky 20-60X 80. The ability to quickly and easily zoom onto a target cannot be overstated and this is where the Gosky 20-60X 80 excels. You’ll be able to see your shooting targets at various distances with decent optical clarity.