The Ultimate Guide To Spotting Scopes
Our ultimate guide to spotting scopes is for people wanting to spot that whale from their balcony, spot that bird on their trip, view their shooting results on target. There are so many aspects to choosing the proper scope, and this article will ensure you don't come up short with your choice.
Spotting scopes offer more versatility over binoculars due to their ability to spot elusive birds and wild animals from a distance. Using the right adapters, these tools are also well-suited for both outdoor photography and videography - especially in wide-open spaces. Moreover, thanks to the exceptional features they offer, spotting scopes prevail over telescopes and binoculars in a range of outdoor situations.
With this guide, we will explore and explain the following topics, so you get a better understanding of how Spotting Scopes work and which models we recommend:
- Types of Spotting Scopes
- Build Quality
- Objective Lenses
- Magnification
- Focusing
- Field of View
- Minimum Focus Distance
- Eye Relief
- Exit Pupil
- Digiscoping
- The Best Spotting Scopes To Use
- Using a Spotting Scope in the Field
- Caring For Your Spotting Scope
- The Best Tripods To Use With a Spotting Scope
- Closing Thoughts on Spotting Scopes
- Spotting Scopes Glossary
Guide To Spotting Scopes on Georges Cameras TV
Nathan takes us through the ultimate guide to spotting scopes on outdoor expeditions. Spotting scopes offer more versatility over binoculars due to their ability to spot elusive birds and wild animals from a distance. Using the right adapters, these tools are also well-suited for both outdoor photography and videography - especially in wide-open spaces.
Types of Spotting Scopes
Spotting scopes are broadly classified into two categories – straight and angled. Each of them has its benefits and drawbacks.
A straight spotting scope looks more like a telephoto lens with a larger lens at the front and a smaller eyepiece at the back. The structure is due to a prism (usually a roof prism) to direct light in a straight path from the objective lens to the eyepiece. As this is the case, straight scopes require you to align your line of sight with the same level as the scope. It is a massive benefit for ground rifle shooters as they offer the following benefits.
- Intuitive to use, straight line to target
- Faster target acquisition and easier tracking
- You can keep the same tripod height when switching from binoculars to scope
- The eyepiece is more sheltered from the elements
- You can set up the scope higher
- Easier to pack
- Easy to look downwards
An angled scope usually has a 45-degree bend closest to the eyepiece. Angled scopes are more comfortable to use as you can set up your scope on a tripod at a comfortable height. You then look down into the eyepiece at a gentle angle to get a clear view. Angled scopes have to pass the light from the front objective lens and then bounce it up to the eyepiece. To achieve this and retain optical clarity, the scope uses a Poro prism to bounce the light at a 45-degree angle and into the eyepiece.
The benefits of a straight scope include
- Easier to share
- It's easier and more comfortable to look upwards
- They don't need to be mounted as highly
- A lower tripod is more stable in wind
- More comfortable for prolonged observation.
- Easier to use without a tripod
- Long-range shooters can switch from scope to rifle easily
- Better for astronomical uses
Build Quality
The most crucial thing with any scope is to obtain the best and clearest view. Build quality is a significant factor in optical quality. The scope you choose should also be durable. Look for magnesium alloy or a strong polycarbonate composite. These materials will add to the weight; however, this won't be a problem if you use a tripod.
In addition, look for spotting scopes that have weather-sealed water and fog-resistant design. Most of these will be nitrogen filled to ensure they work at low and high temperatures without producing moisture internally.
Spotting Scope Optical Construction
The presence of prisms in a spotting scope helps add to the performance. Technology such as the Porro prism optical path has glass elements offset from one another. With this, you get a greater depth of field as well as a wider field of view. The benefit of a wider field of view is you will obtain more in focus when looking through the scope. As there will be more in focus, your viewing time will increase as there is less eye strain required.
On the other hand, a roof prism (sometimes called a Dachkanten prism or Dach prism) can be found in straight scopes. These are void of a Porro prism and instead contain a reflective prism design that incorporates two faces that meet at a 90-degree angle. The unique design forms a roof shape, hence the name.
When it comes to a spotting scope, the optical design is critical. You need to check the number of elements and special ED elements in the internal lens configuration. Internal as well as external lens coatings are crucial. The former helps correct aberrations and lens flare (see image below), whereas the latter protects the lens from moisture, dust, and oil exposure. Nitrogen-filled optical tubes in the spotting scope help it deal with changing weather conditions and fog.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is the front glass lens element on any spotting scope - they are called the same thing on binoculars. The objective lens needs to be as large as possible to provide as much image clarity when viewing a scene. The role of the objective lens is to protect the internal lens elements from dust, grime, oil and damage. In waterproof and fog proof spotting scopes, the sealed objective lens prevents moisture and humidity from impacting the image quality. Most objective lenses feature a special coating to resist unwanted elements sticking to the glass.
In conjunction with the internal lens groups, the objective lens provides the necessary field of view required in the spotting scope. Wide fields of view generally need a wider objective lens to allow more of the scene captured by the scope.
By far, the most crucial role of the objective lens is to let as much light in as possible. A narrow objective lens lets in far less light than a wide objective lens. The most typical range of objective lenses in spotting scopes is around 50-60mm. However, the wider the objective lens, the more light enters the scope. As a result, the best spotting scopes feature an objective lens with an 80mm to 105mm diameter.
Magnification
The whole purpose of a spotting scope is to deliver optical magnification – something your entry-level pair of binoculars would not be able to offer.
Spotting scopes are different to telescopes as their image isn't inverted. It is a huge plus if you are using the scope for hunting and outdoor activities. You'll find the magnification range extends from 15x to 60x (and some even higher). When it comes to photography, selecting a range of 40x to 60x is ideal.
Focal length plays a crucial role in magnification. An objective lens with a longer focal length forms a bigger image. Therefore it is better to have a large objective lens combined with a higher magnification. This combination will lead to a clear image that you can view for more extended periods of time.
Focusing
Like camera lenses, spotting scopes require a focusing mechanism to ensure that your scene is in sharp focus. There are two types of focus available - variable or progressive. You can control either by adjusting the Helical or Knob focus controls.
Each of these controls has its own benefits. Where you might need finer adjustments, such as birding, use Helical focus due to its ability to rapidly change the focus. Whereas for hunting or slower animals, adjusting the Knob focus will give you more precise views than the Helical focus.
Variable focus in spotting scopes relates to lenses having multiple areas of focus. This short mid-range of focus exists around the centre of a lens (similar to glasses). When looking through a spotting scope, the user can focus the lens to suit their vision.
As spotting scopes have variable focal ranges or magnifications, they can zoom in and out to see different depths of the scene. Once you have changed the magnification, you must align the internal lenses to achieve focus - where everything in your field of view is in focus.
To achieve focus with a spotting scope, manufacturers use the eyepiece for optimal control. Many of the best spotting scopes provide a coarse and fine focusing system. The coarse steps make for quick jumps in focus, and the fine allows you to fine-tune your exact focus. The eyepiece features a focus ring that spins freely to control focus outcomes.
Once you have a spotting scope in hand, the next task is to master focusing with the spotting scope. Some spotting scopes come with focus knobs, while others come with focus rings. Some spotting scopes also feature dual focus, which gives you the flexibility to switch between fine and coarse adjustments.
The best way to master focus with a spotting scope is to get outdoors and set up your scope. Work in an environment that has wide-open areas plus objects that you can zoom in on. Select a distant object, zoom in on it and then use the focus ring to gain crisp focus.
Field of View
Field of View (FOV) is the maximum area a person can observe via an optical device or their own eyes. Different factors such as the eyepiece, diameter of the lens, the overall assembly of various components, and magnification affect the field of view a spotting scope can deliver.
For spotting scopes, the field of view measurement is in feet at 100 yards. However, angular degrees also specifies FOV. The higher the angle, the wider the field of view. To convert the mentioned angular FOV to linear FOV, all you need to do is multiply the angle by 52.5 – the resultant number will be your FOV in feet.
FOV is different from magnification - they share an inverse relation. If you increase the magnification, the field of view will automatically reduce, and vice versa. The optimal field of view people generally use is around 20-40x as it offers the best brightness for outdoor activities such as birding or hunting.
Minimum Focus Distance
Each lens has a minimum distance from which it can conveniently capture a subject. The 'minimum focusing distance' relates to this distance. If you go closer to the subject, beyond the specified minimum focus distance, you're sure to end up with blurred, hazy images. The minimum focusing distance is different for different lenses.
You would want a short minimum distance if you are viewing anything close by and want to really magnify your subject with the power of the scope. For instance, viewing birds close by your house with a lot of detail. If your scope doesn't have adequate minimum focusing distance, you will not be able to pull the bird into focus until it is further away.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between the lens of the spotting scope and the tip of the eye. At this distance, the spotting scope offers a complete view of the image produced by the scope. The eye relief value is given millimetres in the spotting scope's specifications, and an eye relief of 12-15mm is adequate. It is also important to note that anyone wearing glasses (or people who have longer eyelashes) can extend or retract the rubber eyepiece to obtain the optimal view.
With an incorrect eye relief distance, the resultant view would be distorted and inaccurate. But when the scope is at the accurate eye relief distance, the field of view through the scope would be complete, bright, and clear.
Exit Pupil
The bright circle, right in the centre of the eyepiece, is the exit pupil. The light that exits the eyepiece is measured in millimetres (mm) and is calculated by dividing the objective lens by the magnification power of the scope. Basically, all you need to know is that the larger the exit pupil is, the brighter the image will become, especially in low light conditions.
To give you an example, in low light conditions, the eye's pupil dilates to a measurement of 5mm - 7mm. Having an exit pupil of this size is ideal as it means you will see a brighter image in lower light conditions. On the other hand, a larger exit pupil isn't as beneficial during daylight hours as there is enough light to see a bright image.
Eye Piece
The eyepiece, also known as the ocular lens, is an integral part of every spotting scope. It is located near the focal point of the objective lens and helps magnify the image. Fixed magnification eyepieces are a staple in spotting scopes. These are brighter and have a higher light transmission rate, making them perfect for digiscoping. Some spotting scopes also feature interchangeable eyepieces. These offer advantages such as field of vision, flat area, among others.
These days - with higher quality optics now available on the market, there is no longer a need for carrying multiple eyepieces. You will be able to carry a single multi zoom eyepiece that is far more convenient while maintaining high image quality.
What is Digiscoping?
Digiscoping is an innovative method used in photography in the absence of high-end gear such as an expensive telephoto lens. There is a wide selection of digiscope adapters available to mount smartphones, mirrorless cameras and DSLRs to particular scopes. Nikon and ZEISS are two of the more popular brands for digiscoping due to their extensive range of adapters.
To mount the camera to the scope, it's a simple process. The adapter sandwiches between the camera body and scope. It allows the user to capture what the scopes see. We highly recommend using digiscoping for wildlife or bird photography as the results can be spectacular if you have the patience!
The Best Spotting Scopes at Georges Cameras
Now that we're well-versed with the basic terminology concerning spotting scopes, it's time to have a look at the best of the lot. Here are some hot-selling spotting scopes at Georges Cameras:
Vanguard Vesta 460A 15-50x60 Angled Scope Spotting - Includes Case & Tripod
The Vanguard Vesta 460A 15-50x60 Angled Scope Spotting is the best in the Vesta series. Its incredible features make it an excellent choice for bird-watching. The angled spotting scope features a magnification range of 15-50x. With an 11mm eye relief, this fog-and-water-proof scope has a field view of 125-57 feet.
Pros
- Weather-sealed for capturing landscapes and wildlife photography in all conditions.
- Advanced MultiGuard lens coating system to manage aberrations and flare.
- Nitrogen-filled optical tube ensures fog-proof performance in cold climates.
Cons
- The fixed eyepiece prevents the use of alternative eyepieces for comfort and magnification.
Vanguard Endeavor XF 60A 15-45x60 Angled Spotting Scope
The Vanguard Endeavor XF 60A 15-45x60 Angled Spotting Scope offers excellent optical viewing. The rigid, rugged body of the spotting scope makes it perfect for outdoor usage. Along with a magnification range of 15-45x, this scope offers a field of view spanning 69-144 feet. It has a sturdy build and an angled view, with an eye relief of 19-20mm.
Pros
- 100% water and fog proof, thanks to the nitrogen-filled scope.
- Rubber armoured magnesium body for added protection.
- Wide field of view with a 60mm front element.
Cons
- Shorter magnification range compared to others with 50x or 60x.
Kowa TSN 501-20-40x50 Angled Spotting Scope with Eyepiece
Compact and lightweight, the Kowa TSN 501-20-40x50 Angled Spotting Scope with Eyepiece from Kowa is another excellent alternative you can consider. It is angled, sturdy, and delivers a magnification of 20-40x. The field of view ranges from 131-92 feet.
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses for optical clarity and reduction in aberrations and flare.
- Nitrogen filled fog-resistant containment assures clear vision in all climates.
- Waterproof build allows the scope to function in all weather conditions.
Cons
- Limited magnification range limits the field of view at greater distances.
Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A 20-60x82 Angled Spotting Scope
Vanguard has nailed the Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A 20-60x82 Angled Spotting Scope, from an impressive magnification range to incorporating unique elements in the optical design. Its top features are the excellent eye relief of 19mm and the magnification of 20-60x - not to mention the robust and waterproof build.
Pros
- The enormous objective lens of 82mm provides more clarity due to more light entering.
- Excellent magnification range, which offers close up to telephoto.
- Weather-sealed construction for extra peace of mind and outdoor durability.
Cons
- Fixed Eyepiece
Vanguard Endeavor XF 80A 20-60x80 Angled Spotting Scope
Like other spotting scopes in the Endeavour series from Vanguard, the Vanguard Endeavor XF 80A 20-60x80 Angled Spotting Scope has impeccable features. It has a powerful objective lens of 80mm and an equally excellent magnification range of 20-60x.
Pros
- The ultra-wide objective lens provides a wider field of view and excellent light intake.
- A huge magnification range allows for greater reach while still gaining an excellent field of view.
- Rubber armoured magnesium body provides a lightweight yet durable scope that won't slip through wet fingers.
Cons
- No interchangeable eyepiece prevents swapping it out for a different comfort level or magnification.
Nikon PROSTAFF 5 Fieldscope 60-A
The Nikon PROSTAFF 5 Fieldscope 60-A is a remarkable product from Nikon. The field scope does not come with an eyepiece. We'd recommend the Nikon SEP-20-60 as it complements the field scope perfectly. Waterproof, tough, and durable, this angled scope has a decent objective lens of 60mm. Its 20-60x magnification range is also great for photography.
Pros
- Nitrogen purged: water and fog proof, which can operate in lower temperatures.
- Fully multi-coated lenses mean it performs well with reduced chromatic aberrations.
- A massive 82mm objective lens lends itself to clearer and brighter images.
Cons
- Eye-piece sold separately.
Vixen GEOMA II ED 67-S Spotting Scope with Case
The most noticeable feature of the Vixen GEOMA II ED 67-S Spotting Scope is its extra-low dispersion glass element. It has a proper eye relief of 19mm, and an impressive magnification range of 16-48x. The tough build makes this angled scope well suited for outdoor shooting.
Pros
- Lightweight fibreglass housing makes this one of the lightest scopes available.
- A large objective lens ensures optimal light capture in all settings.
- Waterproof and fog proof construction allows the scope to function in all conditions.
Cons
- Fibreglass is a less durable choice of material compared to magnesium alloy.
Nikon Monarch 20-60x82 ED Spotting Scope
The Nikon Monarch 20-60x82 ED Spotting Scope from Nikon features Field-Flattener technology, which gives it the ability to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness. The Monarch includes the MEP 20-60x eyepiece and offers a field view of 111 feet, an eye relief of 16.1 mm, and a magnification range of 20-60x.
Pros
- Optimised focusing system featuring an accessible focus ring.
- The massive objective lens makes viewing a clearer and brighter experience.
- Significant zoom range offers the ability to get closer.
Cons
- Heavier than most scopes, so you will need a sturdier tripod
Zeiss Harpia 85 body Angled Spotting Scope
Zeiss is another brand that offers great spotting scopes. One such excellent product from the brand is the Zeiss Harpia 85 body Angled Spotting Scope. The spotting scope is angled and has an objective lens of 85mm. The Zeiss Harpia 85 will require the Zeiss Victory Vario Eyepiece, which offers 22-65x.
Pros
- Sharpest out of all the listed scopes in this guide with great magnification.
- Extra-low dispersion fluoride glass helps reduce chromatic aberration resulting in a clearer image.
- It offers the ability to attach a filter to the front element to protect the lens.
- Internal and external protection with water and fog proofing thanks.
Cons
- Requires an additional eyepiece out of the box.
- Most expensive and is on the heavier end.
Using a Spotting Scope in the Field
Spotting scopes enhance vision while on the field. Some of the most popular applications of spotting scopes including:
Wildlife Photography
You can not only view wildlife from a distance but also effectively capture incredible images of wildlife on your camera with the help of a spotting scope and diascope adapter. Patience is required to capture images of wildlife, so it is important to obtain a sturdy tripod. While a hide is optional, it can provide an extra advantage when getting closer to your subjects.
We would recommend any of the Nikon or ZEISS series of scopes for wildlife photography due to their ability to add a diascope adapter. Without this, you won't be able to capture images using your camera.
Bird Photography
There's no subject as elusive as birds when it comes to photography. A little movement, and the bird will no doubt fly away! It is why you need to have a spotting scope, which allows you to capture images from a distance without scaring the birds.
The images you can capture when using a spotting scope will appear with a more 3D look. The unique look is all thanks to the focal length compression. It's a very desired look for bird watchers and wildlife photographers. Ideally, you want to have the bird in focus with the background as far away from the bird as possible. By doing this, you increase the depth of field, which creates a more pleasing image.
Scouting Landscapes & Outdoor Recreation
If nothing else, you can always use the spotting scope to scout landscapes! It is a valuable piece of equipment for when you step out for adventurous activities. Secondly, if you are situated near the ocean or forest, setting a spotting scope on a balcony is ideal for viewing the world. We recommend a magnification range that extends to 50x or 60x.
Caring for Your Spotting Scope
Maintenance and Cleaning
You need to maintain the spotting scope just like you would tend to the lenses of your camera. Keeping the glass scratch-free and clean is essential to maintain visibility. Some of the top products you would require are – a cleaning spray, pre-moistened cleaning cloth, lens cleaning blower, or you could also invest in a complete cleaning kit.
Storing and Transporting
Spotting scopes suit most outdoor photography shoots. Therefore, it is essential to take care of the spotting scopes and keep them safe and secure while travelling via road or air.
You can always invest in cases and protective bags to protect the spotting scope from damage during travel. Some of the products we recommend for all scopes include Lowepro Flipside AW II or the beautifully made Gitzo 30 Litre Adventure Backpack. Alternatively, if you plan on purchasing a ZEISS scope, there are Stay On Cases available, which include:
- ZEISS Stay On Case For Conquest Gavia 85
- ZEISS Stay-On Carrying Case for 85mm Victory Harpia Spotting Scope
- ZEISS Stay-On Carrying Case for 95mm Victory Harpia Spotting Scope
The Best Tripod For Spotting Scope
Most photographers overlook the importance of a spotting scope tripod simply because they feel it's not essential. However, when you use a spotting scope with a tripod, you get a much sharper, clearer, and more stable view of the subject. So, it ultimately makes sense to invest in one. Some of the best tripod picks are:
Manfrotto 290 XTRA tripod with 128RC 2-Way Head
The Manfrotto, 290 XTRA tripod with 128RC 2-Way Head, offers excellent shooting flexibility, thanks to its four leg angle positions. In addition, it features a fluid head, which has a fast and secure quick-release plate. The flexible head makes it easier to attach and shoot with a spotting scope.
Top Three Features
- 3 Leg Sections offering a maximum height of 169.5cm
- 2-way pan-tilt head
- Total weight of 2.5kgs
Manfrotto 190X tripod with 500AH 2-Way Head
With a payload capacity of 2.4kg, the Manfrotto 190X tripod with 500AH 2-Way Head also has a sturdy fluid head that can easily accommodate a spotting scope. Ideal for landscape and wildlife spotting, the fluid head allows ultra-smooth panning to spot and track subjects.
Top Three Features
- 3 Leg Sections offering a maximum height of 173.3cm
- 2-way pan-tilt fluid head
- Total weight of 3.2kgs
Gitzo Gimbal Fluid Head and Gitzo Mountaineer Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Both Gitzo Gimbal Fluid Head plus the Gitzo Mountaineer Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod perfectly complement each other. The flexibility of the fluid head and the sturdiness of the lightweight tripod are just what you require while shooting with your spotting scope.
Top Three Features
- 4 Leg Sections offering a maximum height of 178cm
- Gimbal fluid head
- Total weight of 3.3kgs
Manfrotto Support Camera Car Window Kit
Manfrotto has really thought this product through. Many hunters and bird watchers use their vehicle as a mobile hide to get close to game or birds. The car window kit includes a vice-like tool to clap over a window. On top of this sits a tilt head which can cater for a large spotting scope.
Top Three Features
- Window vice
- Tilt head
- Total weight of 450g
Accessories For Scopes
Digiscoping Adapters
As we mentioned previously, scopes can operate for digiscoping by way of an adapter. Attaching a smartphone or camera to a scope is easy. All you need is the correct adapter for the specific scope...
For Smartphones:
- Vanguard VEO PA-65 Smart Phone Adapter with Bluetooth Remote
- ZEISS iPhone Apple 6/6s Exolens Bracket
- ZEISS Exolens Bracket For Apple iPhone 7
- ZEISS Exolens Bracket For Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge
- ZEISS Diascope Vario-Okular 15-56x 20-60x Smartphone Adapter
- ZEISS Diascope Vario-Okular 15-56x 20-75x Smartphone Adapter
For Cameras:
- ZEISS Camera Adapter For SLR
- Nikon 24x/30x Wide DS Eyepiece for Attaching a COOLPIX Camera
- Nikon 40x/50x Wide DS Eyepiece for Attaching a COOLPIX Camera
- Nikon 60x/75x Wide DS Eyepiece for Attaching a COOLPIX Camera
Spotting Scope Eyepieces
When you see a scope listed for sale, they don't always include an eyepiece. It is the case for many Nikon Prostaff scopes, so you will need an additional eyepiece to complete the kit. Below are some of the more popular items to choose from:
Prostaff Eyepieces
- Nikon SEP-25 Dedicated Eyepiece for Nikon PROSTAFF 5 Fieldscope
- Nikon SEP-38W Dedicated Eyepiece for Nikon PROSTAFF 5 Fieldscope
- Nikon SEP-20-60 Dedicated Eyepiece for Nikon PROSTAFF 5 Fieldscope
Final Thoughts
Now that we've walked you through everything you need to know about spotting scopes, it's time for you to pick one that best suits your requirements. Remember, magnification, lens design, build quality, weather-proof features are essential aspects to look out for.
So, if you ask us, we'd give brownie points to the Vanguard Endeavour XF 60A or the Nikon PROSTAFF 5 Fieldscope. And yes, these and all other products are available in Georges stores or on their online store at Georges Cameras. So what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite spotting scope right away and get out into the field!
Glossary of Terms to Buy The Best Spotting Scope
Here's the list of the primary and most widely used spotting scope terms that you'll find handy if you wish to purchase one for yourself:
What is an Objective Lens?
An objective lens is the front glass lens on any spotting scope represented in mm for its diameter. It helps determine an optical device's performance (microscope, telescope, binoculars, or spotting scope). Objective lenses are classified based on many factors such as magnification, purpose and the ability to correct aberrations.
How to Read Magnification on a Scope?
Typically, on any spotting scope, you'd find inscribed numbers in this format: 20 – 60 x 80mm. Here's a simple way to read this – the first number (20, in this case) tells us the minimum magnification level of the spotting scope. The number right beside it (60) indicates the maximum magnification. Finally, the last number (80mm) indicates the diameter of the objective lens in mm.
How to Adjust Your Scopes Focus?
Every spotting scope has a focus knob or focus ring on its barrel. To adjust your scope's focus, all you have to do is turn this ring (or knob) as applicable.
What if Field of View?
Field of View, abbreviated as FOV, is the maximum observable area a person can see via an optical device or their own eyes. Field of View gives more excellent coverage of the area instead of just a single focusing point.
What Does The Minimum Focus Distance Mean?
The minimum focus distance of every lens is the minimum distance from which you can capture the subject. If you go beyond this distance and closer to the subject, the lens will not focus properly.
Why is Eye Relief Important?
Eye relief is the distance between the lens of the spotting scope and the tip of the eye. At this distance, the spotting scope offers a complete view of the image produced by the scope.
Therefore, the higher the magnification, the lower will be the eye relief value of the spotting scope.
What is the Exit Pupil?
If you hold your spotting scope at a distance of around 30cm from your eyes, you can easily spot a bright circle right in the centre of the eyepiece. The bright circle is nothing but the exit pupil.
The larger the diameter of the exit pupil, the brighter will be your field of view.
What is a Scope Eyepiece?
The 'scope eyepiece' is the part of the scope that is home to the ocular lens. Spotting scopes are mainly used for photography and feature fixed magnification eyepieces.
Why Are Scope Lenses in Groups?
Every lens features a set of individual or group glass elements. The latter is a lot more effective, as a group of glass elements is adept at controlling optical defects. The higher the number of factors in a group, the better will be the resultant view quality.
What is the Importance of Coated Lens in Scopes?
Spotting scopes usually feature a large number of lenses inside them. Lens coating becomes an essential aspect as, without this, every lens could lose up to 5% of the light passing through it. It would hamper the view quality.
The Importance of Prisms in Angled Scopes
The whole purpose of a prism is to redirect light at a designated angle. Prisms can alter the direction of light by internal reflection, making them an essential element in angled scopes.
What is Digiscoping?
In this technique, the photographer places the digital camera's lens to the spotting scope's eyepiece. The setup of two gadgets captures photographs. Digiscoping is the perfect technique for those who do not have telephoto lenses and expensive cameras handy.