Choosing a spotting scope for your long range target shooting has always been a struggle to you since you purchased many products but you were disappointed every time because of the low quality. Well, long range target shooting, usually above 1000 yards needs a very convenient scope and high quality optics to meet your requirements otherwise you won’t be able to see those tiny bullet holes you’re looking for.
In this article, I will try to help you know better about long range spotting scope and how you can get the best quality on them but first of all, let me introduce you to the best product in the market recommended by our experts.
Kowa TSN-880
This one-of-a-kind spotting scope is absolutely the best thanks to its breath-taking features and the astonishing optical performance they give.
It has an angled body and an 88mm wide objective lens, the best fit for perfect brightness, as well as a combination of creativity and innovation.
This high-end product comes with a pure Fluorite crystal front lens for ultimate results with zero chromatic aberrations; it literally makes you see the 1000 yards away bullet holes crystal clear.
The large 88mm objective lens doesn’t only guarantee perfect brightness but it also enhances light transmission and blocks it from dispersion with its multi coatings.
The Kowa TSN-880 is absolutely the dream spotting scope for long range target shooters and it also works very well in birding and wildlife observing.
PROS:
- The 88mm pure Fluorite crystal lens which provides a combo of great brightness and high definition
- Magnesium body constructed of strong polycarbonate materials allows lighter weight and more protection
- Water and fog proof
- Tripod adaptability
- Dual focus mechanism which makes the focus easier even in quick conditions
CONS:
- Big size which makes it not easily portable (weighs 1550 grams and longs 345mm)
- Eyepiece not included and only adaptable with Kowa eyepieces
- Tripod not included.
Despite its very expensive price, this product still presents an excellent quality versus price ration considering the high quality optics used on it. You will be lucky if you give it a try.
Why would one want such a spotting scope?
Long range spotting scopes cost a lot of money, and I don’t think that it’s for nothing, it’s for one and only reason, these spotting scopes are perfectly useful in the field and they are functional in many activities.
Generally, birders don’t have to purchase such a spotting scope because a relatively cheaper scope will fulfil their needs but long range shooters who are obsessed with perfection are highly demanding, that’s why manufacturers have engineered this flawless device, to give them the best optical performance at a long range.
What different types there are?
There is a wide range of spotting scopes and different types designed for various activities but the main difference is still focused on the body, angled or straight.
Straight VS angled spotting scopes
When it comes to long range spotting scopes, straight ones are usually suitable as a rifle scope because they are easily adaptable on a rifle and provide a great vision at your target, while angled scopes are best for checking results, I mean after shooting, an angled scope fixed on a tripod will give you the best vision at your hits.
What features to look for?
1000 yard spotting scopes need a lot of high quality features which you need to know so you can effectively use your device. Generally, you will face issues with such long distance viewing; therefore you will need some features to handle this.
Lens size
This parameter defines the clarity and brightness of the viewing, for this purpose, you will need an extremely wide objective lens to get the best clarity at tough conditions especially huge magnification. It is best recommended to go for an 80 to 100mm wide objective lens.
What things to be aware of?
At this level, spotting scopes are perfectly engineered but need other combined items to work well; I will try to mention some of the most important things to be aware of.
Separated Eyepiece – these high-end spotting scopes are not like other budget or mid-range devices which include eyepieces, eyecups and many additional accessories, these here are purchased separately because the eyepiece is also important when it comes to optical performance and magnification, so don’t expect to receive an eyepiece with the scope and purchase one which fits your needs. I recommend a 30X fixed eyepiece for perfect focus and a 20 to 60X for variable magnification.
Tripod necessity – stability is a key element to make this thing work, so if you want perfection, go for a tripod to make your scope steady and get the best results.
Size – spotting scopes with such features must be extremely heavy, then, unless your scope will be fixed on a tripod, you will need to choose one with a compact size for easier portability.
Now, after gathering all these pieces of information, it is necessary to check the best products and for this purpose, I made a list of reviews that combine the most rated 1000 yard spotting scopes.
Pentax PF-100ED
Pentax has never stopped amazing clients with its innovation and came out with a supremely built long range spotting scope, the PF-100ED with its extremely wide 100mm front lens. It literally left me in shock when I heard that a 100mm lens exists and on a Pentax product.
This straight scope breaks all records with top quality material carefully put together to make the best 1000 yard spotting scope available.
Unfortunately, this product is no longer in production, but you can purchase it anyway from many sellers, you will be lucky if you get one of this kind.
PROS:
- Exceptionally large 100mm objective lens for best clarity at rough weather conditions
- Extra-low dispersion optics guarantee best contrast and colour conservation
- Magnesium-based construction for protection
- Front lens cap for protection against rain and dust
- Water and fog proof
CONS:
- Uncomfortable size (weighs 1550 grams and is 400mm long) so it would be better to purchase a special case for it.
- Eyepiece and tripod not included
Pentax PF-80ED
Always with Pentax products, but a lower quality spotting scope, the PF-80ED, this product is similar to the previous one but it only has an 80mm wide objective lens which means more limited use and less brightness.
This device is also convenient for long range target shooting and can provide astonishing optical performance thanks to its top-notch characteristics.
PROS:
- Extra-low dispersion glass that enhance light transmission and improve contrast
- Multicoated lenses that block reflective light and give ultimate resolution
- Durability guaranteed with the strong material used for its construction including magnesium
- Water and fog proof
- Comes with a lifetime warranty by Pentax
CONS:
- Uncomfortable size (1400 grams and 400mm)
- Eyepiece and tripod not included
Bushnell Elite 20-60x 80mm
This spotting scope is relatively cheaper than the Pentax but it still gives mesmerizing results, I mean Bushnell has a great reputation in the field of scopes and this product here is absolutely worth the compliment.
The 80mm wide front lens provides crisp images and optics used on this one reduces chromatic aberrations.
The Elite 20-60X 80mm has a straight body with a 20 to 60X magnification eyepiece included therefore, the quality versus price on this one is the best.
PROS:
- Includes 20 to 60X 45° eyepiece
- BaK-4 porro prisms and fully multicoated optics for light enhancement and blocking reflection
- Extra-low Dispersion glass for crisp sharp images
- Rubber armoured for protection against shocks
- Water and fog proof
CONS:
- Very heavy (1900 grams) and long (450mm)
- Tripod not included
Kowa TSN-82SV
Coming back to the Kowa products, let me present the TSN-82SV which has great aspects but not exactly as our recommended one.
Anyway, this angled spotting scope has an 82mm wide objective lens and consists of the same optics used on the Kowa TSN-880 which makes it a stunning product for long range target shooting and hunting.
PROS:
- Multicoated optics that guarantee an amazing resolution
- Unique design (wider base for hand holding)
- 360° rotating base which allows user to see from different angles
- Sliding sunshade to protect the lens from rain, dust and errant light.
CONS:
- Uncomfortable size (1500 grams and 385mm)
- Eyepiece and tripod not included.
As a conclusion, it is important to mention that these products are suitable for professional use n long range target shooting and other activities as well as for beginners who would like to discover the stunning optical performance guaranteed by these devices.
Personally, I think that getting a good 1000 yard spotting scope requires a good amount of money; therefore, you will need to spend a lot if you are expecting high quality and all what is left for me is to wish you good luck.