Are you a bird-watching enthusiast? Do you enjoy observing wildlife in their natural habitat from a remote distance? Is hunting your hobby? Or do you love astronomy? No matter what the accomplishment, a regular binocular will not give you an accurate view.
You will need a top-notch device to give you the best shot of a target that is more than half a mile away. When speaking about high-quality gear that fulfills this sole purpose, a spotting scope remains the primary tool. A spotting scope is not a complicated piece of equipment; it is easy to use and takes seconds to install.
We have prepared a buyer’s guide to help choose the perfect spotting scope that can zoom in on the target 1000 yards away. From the price factor to its pros and cons, we have jotted down all the points you will need to make the right purchase. Here is everything you need to know about the best spotting scopes for 1000 yards.
Our pick for the Top 3 recommended 1000 yards spotting scopes
- Swarovski Optik HD-ATS-80 HD Spotting Scope with 20×60 Eyepiece (Angled, 80mm)
- Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
- Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope
Best spotting scopes for 1000 yards’ reviews
Although there are a couple of options of long-range spotting scopes in the market, we have noted down our top favorites. From its critical features to the pros & cons, here is a list of the ten best-selling long-range spotting scopes for 1000 yards:
1. Gosky 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
First, let’s talk about its lens. The Gosky 20-60x 80 offers high-resolution images with its advanced fully multi-coated 80mm objective lens, eyepiece and, high-quality prism. In turn, it gives a brighter and clearer image even in poor lighting conditions.
Along with high magnification (20x to 60x) and a powerful lens, zooming in on a target from 1000 yards is super simple. It has a 45 degree angled eyepiece that is easy to adjust for more comfortable viewing.
It comes with a durable framework and shock-absorbing rubber armor that works well even in the harshest weather situation. This spotting scope is lightweight, weighing in just 2 kilograms. Another great thing about this spotting scope is the smartphone adapter that lets you take pictures and videos while observing nature from a distance.
Great for target shooting, archery, and even moon observation, the Gosky 20-60×80 is affordable and won’t leave you feeling disappointed after purchasing it.
Product Specifications: (Features to look for when purchasing)
- Magnification: 20x 60x
- Field of view: 82.9 – 48ft/ 1000 yards
- Lens: 80mm objective lens
- Prism: BAK4
- Weight: 2 kg
- Coating: Fully multi-coated lens
- Protection: Waterproof, fog proof, and shock-resistant
- Affordable
- Fully- multi-coated lens
- Perfect for any weather condition
- Smartphone adapter and carry bag included
- Unstable tripod stand
2. Orion 52205 GrandView 16-48x65mm Waterproof Zoom Spotting Scope
With the Orion 52205 GrandView, getting the perfect in-depth view over 1000 yards is not a problem. This spotting scope is versatile with a waterproof body and a high magnification range. The images appear to be bright and clear with contrast.
Like its name, the Grandview gives some of the most precise images than any other magnified-looking device. Thanks to its multi-coated 65mm objective lens, it removes any external glare giving crisp, clean images for that great outdoor experience.
It offers an excellent zoom magnification range (16x and up to 48x), making it perfect for birdwatching, wildlife viewings, scenic landmarks, or other outdoor activities. The scope’s eyepiece offers a 45-degree angle to focus on objects all around the horizon.
It is a durable spotting scope with a waterproof body and can handle any weather condition. The portable spotter comes with a carrying case with adjustable shoulder straps, easy to connect to any tripod’s stands giving a much comfortable outdoor experience.
Affordably priced spotting scope designed to give crystal clear images even at 1000 yards away, the Orion GrandView scope is perfect for any outdoor activity.
Product Specifications: (Features to look for when purchasing)
- Magnification: 16x 48x
- Field of view: 132.8 – 67.2ft/ 1000 yards
- Lens: 65mm objective lens
- Weight: 2.7 lbs
- Coating: Fully multi-coated lens
- Protection: Waterproof
- Affordable
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Perfect for any weather condition
- 16x and up to 48x zoom feature
- Carry bag with adjustable shoulder straps included
- Heavier compared to others.
3. Redfield Rampage 20-60x60mm Straight Eyepiece Spotting Scope
If you want a budget-friendly spotting scope for 1000 yards then, Redfield Rampage is your top choice. The Redfield promises premium quality for lifetime use and has more to offer than any other within this price range.
The Redfield Rampage is a powerful spotting scope with a large aperture. With its fully multi-coated objective lens, one can expect superior image quality. Using BAK4 glass instead of BK7, these lenses offer high clarity and resolution.
Thanks to its polycarbonate body, it is super light and more robust than other scopes. Along with being bulletproof, it can withstand any weather conditions.
This affordable spotting scope has a lot to offer in quality with its top-notch materials and outstanding functionality. It is a straight-scope and lightweight makes it perfect for hunters and target shooters.
Product Specifications: (Features to look for when purchasing)
- Magnification: 20x 60x
- Field of view: 51 – 114ft/1000 yards
- Lens: 90mm objective lens
- Prism: BAK4
- Weight: 4.62 lbs (74 oz)
- Coating: Fully multi-coated lens
- Protection: Waterproof
- Affordable
- Fully- multi-coated lens
- Retractable lens shade
- Lightweight – polycarbonate body
- Adaptable Tripod mount with soft case included
- Weatherproof
- Low quality at max power
4. Nikon Monarch FIELDSCOPE 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60
Nikon has created a strong reputation in the optics industry, from Nikon’s top-selling binoculars, rangefinders to rifle scopes. In the line of a top-notch spotting scope for 1000 yards, the Nikon Monarch FIELD SCOPE is a contender.
With its superior optical technology, providing crystal clear images from a significant distance is not a tough job for this scope. Whether used for target shooting, mountain hunting, scouting, backpacking, birdwatching, or digiscoping, this spotting scope is an excellent choice.
Let’s talk about magnification power. It’s 20-60x zoom included in the 82ED models makes zooming in for more detailed viewing simple even if the target object is 1000 yards away. The fully multi-coated lens and prism surfaces provide brighter images with good contrast. The lens system on this scope is another critical feature. With its new field flattener, images are consistently sharp across a larger field of view even if the target moves fast.
Its nitrogen-filled body is both waterproof and fog proof and can stand extreme weather conditions in terms of durability. Its straight body design makes it easy to set up and mount. It comes with a padded protected case with a comfortable shoulder carry-on option.
One of the best-selling Nikon’s spotting scope, the Nikon Monarch FIELD SCOPE, falls in the mid-range, offers high performance, perfect for any outdoor experience.
Product Specifications: (Features to look for when purchasing)
- Magnification: 20-60x (82mm)
- Field of view: 111ft/1000 yards
- Lens: 82mm
- Prism: BAK4
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- Coating: Fully multi-coated lens
- Protection: Waterproof, fog proof
- ully-coated lens and quality prism
- Superior optics performance with field flattener focusing system
- Nitrogen-filled body, the waterproof eyepiece
- Padded protective case with carrying straps included
- Weatherproof
- Lifetime repair/replacement warranty
- Loose-fitting, plastic ocular lens cap
5. Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope
The Celestron-Ultima 80 Angled spotting scope is great for outdoor enthusiasts. This spotting scope provides quality images with its 20x60x magnification and large objective lens. If you’re looking for a good spotting scope for the money, this scope is a great deal.
The Celestron-Ultima 80 is the ultimate spotting scope for 1000 yards. Its fully multi-coated 80 mm lens and high-quality prism glass made from BAK4 delivers 75% brighter images than a regular 60mm scope.
Along with anti-reflective features, it has an excellent zooming range of 20x60x to give sharper images. The angled spotting scope is perfect for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Moreover, the body of the scope is waterproof and fog proof, ready for any weather situation.
The scope comes with a carrying case, a tripod mounting plate, and a zoom eyepiece. It is ready to use with no additional components required. This long-range spotting scope is affordable and ideal for any terrestrial or celestial observations.
Product Specifications: (Features to look for when purchasing)
- Magnification: 20-60x
- Field of view: 105ft/1000 yards
- Lens: 80mm
- Prism: BAK4
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
- Coating: Fully multi-coated lens
- Protection: Waterproof, fog proof
- Affordable
- Fully- multi-coated lens and quality prism for brighter images.
- Waterproof and fog proof body
- 2-year warranty
- Easy to use, carry bag and tripod mount included
- The quality of images degrades at high magnification
- Large in size
6. Swarovski Optik HD-ATS-80 HD Spotting Scope
If one were to talk about a high-quality scope for 1000 yards that delivers crystal clear images and excels both on performance and design, Swarovski takes the lead. Being the market leader, Swarovski has set the standards for being the premium spotting scope. With its HD objective lens, high magnification power, low-light performance, and long-distance viewing, this scope feels smooth.
Made for giving a luxurious feel during hunting, birding, or wildlife watching, getting minute details from a far distance is a breeze. This top-of-the-class spotting scope comes with an 80mm objective lens with an extraordinary focal length (460mm), making it unique from any other spotting scope.
Thanks to its HD lens, color fringing and sunlight glare are minimum. Whether viewing images at dusk or dawn, the Swarovski HD ATS 80 works at its best, giving you nothing but sharp and brighter images even in low light. Due to its high magnification feature (20x-60x), long-distance focusing is easy even if the target is 1000 yards away. One can expect sharp images with high contrast at all times.
With its stunning sleek design, the forest green-colored Swarovski HD ATS 80 is a beautiful scope to own. It is lightweight, and the rubber armoring on this scope makes it scratch-free, dust resistant, and weatherproof. A bit over the price, the Swarovski HD ATS 80 is guaranteed to provide stunning images over years to come.
Product Specifications: (Features to look for when purchasing)
- Magnification: 20-60x
- Field of view: 108ft/1000 yards
- Lens: 80mm
- Prism: BAK4
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Coating: HD fluoride lens
- Protection: Waterproof, fog proof
- Excellent light transmission and low-light performance even in low lighting
- HD lens for brighter images.
- Waterproof and fog proof body
- Angled design
- Ready to use, tripod included
- Expensive
7. Celestron 52268 C90 Mak Spotting scope
If price is a factor in selecting the best spotting scope for 1000 yards, then the Celestron 52268 C90 Mak is the proper scope for you. Great for hunting, outdoor camping, birdwatching, wildlife observations; no matter the distance, you will get that perfect view.
The Celestron 52286 C90 Mak optics are amongst the best in the market under this price range. It comes with a large multi-coated objective lens, a 45 viewing angle, and a 32mm eyepiece to give clear images over a large field.
It has a good magnification power and a focusing distance of 15 feet which is great for closing in on your target from a far distance. The portable design and lightweight feature make the Celestron 52286 C90 an easy tool to carry on any expedition. Furthermore, the scope offers a built-in T adapter, a durable carry case, and a firm tripod stand.
With no compromise on the viewing quality, the Celestron 52286 C90 Mak is an impressive scope that is quite budget-friendly. This spotting scope technically falls under the best spotting scope for 1000 yards under $300. The Celestron series offers a range of the best low-priced spotting scopes in the market. Be a guest and purchase this super affordable spotting scope.
Product Specifications: (Features to look for when purchasing)
- Magnification: 39x
- Field of view: 68ft/1000 yards
- Lens: 60mm objective lens
- Prism: BAK4
- Weight: 2.33 lbs
- Coating: Fully multi-coated lens
- Protection: Waterproof, bulletproof
- Easily affordable with quality performance
- Fully- multi-coated lens
- Lightweight – portable and compact
- Additional accessories- Tripod stand carry case included
- Built-in T adapter
- Not compatible under harsh weather conditions
8. Vanguard Endeavor HD Spotting Scope
Looking for the right spotting scope for 1000 yards can be a difficult choice. Especially if it’s your first purchase and budget is a significant concern. Scopes that offer high performance are typically in the higher price range, but not this one.
The Vanguard Endeavor HD spotting scope is good value for the money. It offers high-end optics materials with great features and costs much less than the grand spotting scope offering the same features.
The first impression is important, and the Vanguard Endeavor HD nails it. The scope has an 82mm objective lens, fully multi-coated, and a high-quality prism with ED glass to deliver excellent viewing results. One can expect sharp and bright images with its 20x zooming power that can go up to 40x, providing accurate details; beyond that, images tend to blur. Fine focusing on faraway objects is relatively easy, thanks to the dual focus controls.
With its sleek design, the scope is well built and compact. It has a magnesium alloy body with a high-quality finish made for long-lasting use. It is an angled spotting scope for more comfortable upward viewing.
In terms of price, the Vanguard Endeavor HD is affordable compared to other scopes in the market. This scope brings high-quality optics and performance with an outstanding design perfect for birders and outdoor enthusiasts.
Product Specifications: (Features to look for when purchasing)
- Magnification: 20x 60x
- Field of view: 110ft/ 1000 yards
- Lens: 82mm objective lens
- Prism: BAK4
- Weight: 1.8 kg
- Coating: Fully multi-coated lens
- Protection: Waterproof, fog proof
- Fair price
- High-quality optics performance
- Fully multi-coated lens
- ED glass minimizes color fringing
- Nitrogen-filled body- waterproof and fog-proof design
- Heavy
- Waterproof not certified
9. Bushnell Trophy X-treme Spotting Scope
The Bushnell Trophy X-treme Spotting Scope falls in one of the best spotting scopes for hunting. It is one of the top-notch spotting scope offering quality optics performance within a budget.
From its fully multi-coated lens, premium quality prism, and high magnification power, one can expect breathtaking images over long distances. Let’s get into the depth of its optics performance. First of all, the large objective lens of 65mm-fully multi-coated, which means brighter, crystal clear images with minimum color fringing. Secondly, the premium quality prism has a BAK4 glass, giving nothing but high-quality images over 1000 yards away. Lastly, the magnification on this scope ranges from 20x to 60x, making it perfect for long-range shooting.
The Bushnell Trophy X-treme Spotting Scope has rubber armor, making it waterproof, shock resistant, dust and fog proof. It is a straight viewing scope, perfect for shooting and hunting activities. The scope is lightweight, easy to use, and includes a hard case and a compact tripod stand.
Not only does it come under budget, but it also offers some outstanding features better than other scopes. Get the perfect close-up shot of your target, 1000 yards away, with this powerful scope.
Product Specifications: (Features to look for when purchasing)
- Magnification: 20x 60x
- Field of view: 35 – 105ft/ 1000 yards
- Lens: 65mm objective lens
- Prism: BAK4
- Weight: 1 kg
- Coating: Fully multi-coated lens
- Protection: Waterproof, fog proof, dust and shock-resistant
- Fully multi-coated lens
- High optics performance giving HD images
- Waterproof and fog-proof design
- Lightweight, perfect for shooting and hunting
- Poor quality tripod stand
10. Celestron Regal M2 65ED 1000-yard Spotting Scope
The last one in the list of good spotting scopes for 1000 yards is the Celestron Regal M2 scope. This scope for 1000 yards is an excellent choice for those with a limited budget. Not only is it an affordable scope, but it also serves to perform at top-notch quality. Perfect for birding, wildlife watching, long-distance viewing even celestial observations. Whether used during daytime or night, one can expect sharp images regardless of the distance with this impressive scope.
Let’s talk about the specs on this spotting scope; the upgraded Celestron Regal M2 offers a lot. The lens on this scope is made from a low dispersion glass and a fully multi-layered coating to give brighter images even in poor light conditions. The 65mm objective lens and a zoom range of 16x-48x are excellent for shooting over long distances. However, the quality tends to fall beyond that 1000 yards range. It also offers a dual focus for a more detailed viewing of the target.
The Celestron Regal M2 has a magnesium body, making it waterproof, and the nitrogen-filled aspect prevents it from fogging. The scope additionally comes with a T- adapter to capture images while observing. Along with that, it also offers a carrying case to take the scope wherever you wish to go.
Enjoy observing in the wild; the Celestron Regal M2 is an affordable scope with no compromise on the quality of the images.
Product Specifications: (Features to look for when purchasing)
-
- Magnification: 16x 48x
- Field of view: 68 – 131ft/ 1000 yards
- Lens: 65mm objective lens
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Coating: Fully multi-coated lens
- Protection: Waterproof and Fogproof
- Affordable
- Fully Multi-coated lens
- Dual focus, ED objective lens for brighter images even in low light
- 16x and up to 48x zoom feature
- Includes a T adapter for easy DSLR setup
- Quality falls beyond 1000 yards
What to look for when buying a spotting scope for 1000 yards?
Buying the right long-range spotting scope for 1000 yards can be a tough decision, especially when it is your first purchase. Several factors need to align with the scope to get that perfect view. Factors such as magnification feature, the field of view, optics quality, protection, coating, weight, and length of the scope are essential.
- Magnification: The scope’s magnification is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a spotting scope with a long-distance view. It forms the primary image but still needs some fine-tuning to get it right. The quality of the lens and coating plays hand in hand.
For a long-distance view, select something with higher magnification to get a better image quality. A zooming power of 30x or more is just about right to see the target within the 1000 yards range.
Field of view: Without the proper scope, it is easy to lose sight of the target at a long distance. The field of view in scope is an essential factor, which means the size of the landscape in the scope’s sight. A scope with a field of view between 130 to 170 feet is ideal for a 1000 yards’ distance.
Lens quality: The quality of the objective lens in scope is crucial. High magnification with a low-grade lens can result in poor-quality images. For 1000 yards’ distance, lenses that have a low-dispersion glass are a good option. The photos are clear with high contrast and sharper colors. Also, the scope’s prism quality should be as good as the lens. Glass with BAK4 is a top choice. However, BK7 is another less expensive material. The superior the glass quality, the higher the scope’s price range.
Weight & Length: If you’re considering getting a spotting scope for hunting, hiking, target shooting, the lightweight scope is helpful. The weight of the scope does not matter if used for stationary purposes. However, if you’re looking for a much powerful scope, the length will likely be larger to fit a larger lens. Depending on the need, the length of the scope may vary.
Coating: The loss of sight due to light reflection, especially at a long distance, can affect image quality. One way to reduce this problem is by coating the lens. Scopes with multiple coatings, mirror coatings, scratch-proof, weather repellent coatings help provide better imagery; however, this means more costs. Consider a scope with a multi-layer coated lens to get clear images.
Protection: Another factor to consider is how well is the scope’s protection from environmental conditions. Consider getting a waterproof scope and fog proof. It is essential, especially in damp conditions to prevent water from seeping into the scope and affecting the ability to see at a longer distance.
What magnification do I need for 1000 yards?
A tricky question to ask when selecting a spotting scope is, ‘What magnification range is suitable for 1000 yards?
Let’s look deeper into the magnification aspect.
Magnification is an important deciding factor, mainly when aiming for small objects at long distances. Depending on the usability of the scope, the magnification range differs. For example, some people prefer zoom while others prefer fixed. A fixed magnification is excellent for shooting at small distances while shooting in groups requires a more magnification range.
In selecting the right scope for 1000 yards, a magnification range of 18x to 25x is ideal. However, the range may vary and is a matter of preference. Some prefer a lower magnification, even below 10x, to minimize mirage from becoming more noticeable. A higher magnification scope tends to do that. In comparison, others prefer magnification closer to 25x to get a better wider field of view. The selection hangs in the middle of the budget and field of view.
A scope with a 1x per 100 yards is a game-changer. For more detailed viewing or clearer images on long-range shots, a magnification of 16x is great. Also, this range is preferable for better shootings at groups at 200 yards or more. On the other hand, a magnification of 24x will give a narrower field of view. With a narrow field of view, it is much more difficult to look for your target. To be on the safe side, a scope that provides a magnification range up to 40x will cover most of the needs of the scope.
What’s the Best Spotting Scope for Target Shooting?
For target shooting, binoculars or rifle scopes can’t give you the finest details when shooting at long ranges. You will need the help of a spotting scope to get the job done right.
The quality of images at a longer distance depends on several factors, including the quality of optics and environmental conditions. Heat, humidity, fog, dust can affect the light hence affecting the images. The longer the distance, the better the quality of the spotting scope matters, especially when it comes to target shooting.
Getting an accurate view is crucial, and only the best spotting scope can resolve that. Selecting a 1000 – yard spotting scope for target shooting can be tricky, especially with the price being an essential factor.
The best target shooting spotting scopes 100 yards over is the Gosky 20-60×80 spotting scope, a budget-friendly optics providing outstanding performance. The Redfield Rampage 20-60x60mm Straight Eyepiece Spotting Scope & Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope are both great, quality-wise, for 200 yards over. The top line in providing quality images over 500 yards is the Swarovski Optik HD-ATS-80 HD Spotting Scope, with stunning optics performance great for target shooting.
Conclusion- Best spotting scope for 1000 yards
Whether you enjoy hunting, target shooting, birding, wildlife watching, a spotting scope must make the viewing experience worthwhile. It might be tough to select the best spotting scope considering the budget and whether it ticks off all the boxes. Nevertheless, a range of spotting scopes offers good value for money and provides top-quality performance. With the above guidelines, we hope to make the purchase process a bit simpler.
You may also like:
- Top 10 Best Binoculars Under $200
- Beginners Guide to buy best family tents for bad weather
- 10 Best Backpacking Axe Reviews
