Nature observers, bird watchers and hunters love a spotting scope and consider it a remarkable instrument. This is because it allows for a more unobstructed view and seeing details of the subject clearly from a distance. Whereas they are true, most shooters and hunters are still not sure of the requirements.

A spotting scope comes in different sizes in terms of lens and magnification. Many things will affect your view of your target. Here are some of the things to look at when choosing the best spotting scope for long range target shooting.

Objective Lens

You will see images of better quality and see more details with a larger objective lens. However, it would help if you had in mind that the smaller the lens quality, the better, so you should not choose size over quality. Prism correction and external lens coating assist in enhancing light transmission and protecting the glass.

You should consider if you prefer a better quality spotting scope or a light and smaller one. The larger lens allows the scope to have better light-gathering capability, which makes the images brighter and clearer. It, however, also implies larger and heavier scopes that are costly.

Eyepiece

You will get better performance from fixed eyepieces since they offer a larger view and a clearer and brighter image as compared to zoom eyepieces. If your hunting involves photography or digiscoping, then you need to choose fixed eyepieces to get excellent image quality. Zoom eyepiece will give good hunting and shooting to locate, zoom and scan the details.

Interchangeable eyepieces give the option of changing power ranges to suit different activities. This, however, means you have to pay more only for the eyepiece.

Magnification

Ideally, the magnification range should be between twenty and sixty. An improved glass quality can give better optical performance even when the magnification is lower. Increased magnification can, on the other hand, provide disadvantages like degraded image quality, reduced brightness and decreased field of view.
The image quality reduces with increase in magnification. High altitudes and dry climates are known to favour high magnification, whereas humid, wet and low altitude climates discourage it.

Design

For range use, you can go for straight spotting scopes which are also recommended when focusing on an object on the ground. This is because it allows you to point and shoot when keeping your head down.

If you want more versatility, especially for outdoor activities, then angled spotting scopes are ideal. They are more suitable for most activities than their straight counterparts since they are easier to use for long periods. They are also perfect when others are also looking at your target with the same scope. You also do not have to adjust the position of your spotting scope from time to time after setting up