Best Mid Range Spotting Scope

You want to be specific when scouting the market for the best mid-range spotting scope. Look for a scope you can use on the range or in the field for hunting your next trophy or to spot that endangered bird that no one has seen in a decade.

You’re not looking for a scope that can see a thousand yards; you are looking for something in the range where you can actually see your target well enough to take that photo or hit. So in this review, we will be looking at some of the best value and best mid-range spotting scopes out on the market.

Our Pick: Blackhawk 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a lightweight close to mid-range spotting scope, then look no further. Backed with by Barska, the Blackhawk20-60×60 Waterproof Straight Spotting Scope is a tough little one: 100% waterproof, fog proof, and built with durable shock-absorbing armor. Weighing just under three pounds and about 15 inches long, this mid-range spotting scope is great for use at the shooting range, birding, or for those warm summer nights spent stargazing or watching meteor showers.

This scope comes with multi-coated optics, a 60mm objective lens, and a variable magnification range between 20x and 60x that lets you find your target and zoom in quickly. This angled scope comes with hard and soft carrying cases, extendable sun shade, a Panhead-level tripod, and a lifetime warranty.

Runner-Up: Firefield Spotting Scope Kit FF11018K 20-60x60SE

Coming with a large extendable and collapsible tripod that’s perfect for the shooting range or for spotting birds in the park, the Firefield Spotting Scope 20-60 x 60 SE comes with a hard metal carrying case that holds both the scope and tripod, as well as a soft nylon carrying case, too. Both cases come with shoulder straps and comfortably hold the scope and tripod, allowing you to use either case out in the field, without having to worry about carrying the tripod by hand.

This scope has a sleek and highly practical design that builds off of previous models, providing you a scope that is one of the most technologically advanced models in its category, truly making it one of the best mid range spotting optics available.

With a built-in sun shade, this scope is nitrogen purged, comes with Bak-4 prism, and has a clearly marked focus knob with adjustable focus of 20x, 40x, and 60x. The focus knob is easy to locate and while firm, adjusts smoothly but with no concerns of overshooting your intended setting.

Budget Pick: Alpen 20×50 Mini Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a lightweight scope that is not only affordable, but will get the job done, look no further. Whether you’re at the shooting range or trekking through the bush and checking on herd numbers, then this is the best mid-range spotting scope for you.

The ALPEN 20×50 Mini Spotting Scope is a remarkable 7.5 inches long, making it fit comfortably in your hand and takes up precious little space in your range bag. It also weighs only 10 ounces, meaning it won’t weigh you down. This makes those hikes out on the range or through the forest to check on game or track down your target that much easier, as you won’t be weighed down with heavy equipment.

This mighty little scope still gets the job done though, and is made for the field, as it comes with multi-coated optics and is nitrogen filled, making it waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant. It also comes with a table-top stand and soft nylon carrying case.

Also Great: Celestron Ultima 80mm Zoom 45 Degree Spotting Scope

While this is the priciest mid-range spotting scope in this list, that slight higher price comes with extra features and small touches. This definitely makes this scope one to consider when looking for the best mid range spotting scopes available.

The Celestron Ultima 80mm Spotting Scope comes with a multi-layer anti-reflecting coating on not just the objective lens but on the zoom eyepiece and BAK-4 prisms as well. This produces sharp, clear images all the way to its 60x magnification. This is a great scope for birding that lets you zoom in quickly and easily.

The rubber eyepiece is removable, allowing you to attach a camera and bring back picture proof of the trophy bucks living in your backyard, with plenty of time before the season starts to make your hunting friends jealous they can’t hunt on your land. This scope may only come with a soft carrying case. However, its case is padded and comes with zippers on both ends, allowing you to leave it on while in use.

What is the Best Mid Range Spotting Scope?

There’s much to consider when choosing the best mid-range spotting scope for your needs. At first glance, there may seem to be little differences between the scopes other than price, but features, size, and weight can vary greatly. If you plan on using your mid-range spotting scope out in the field for birding, taking photos, or a spotting game, a lightweight scope and portable tripod are important features that really make a difference in your experience.

But, a heavier scope doesn’t matter much at the shooting range, where you only have to set it up, put it in place, and haul it back out to your vehicle at the end of the day. Spotting scopes are also great for sporting events, giving you a better view of every shot or tackle than even the refs have. Mid-range spotting scopes are very versatile, so it is crucial to consider what you’ll be using your scope for to know what features are essential for you and then consider price ranges.

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Sources and Official Brand Websites:

Barska | Firefield | Celestron | All About Birds