Best Bird Watching
Spotting Scopes

Below are considered some of the best bird watching spotting scopes currently on the market by price range.

If you want to learn more about choosing spotting scopes for birding and their features, go to Spotting Scopes, Part I.

Most of the scopes listed below come in both angled and straight models. Its up to you and the kind of viewing you mostly do. Click here for reviewing the pros and cons of Angled or Straight bird watching spotting scopes.

Also, most scope models are available in several different objective lens sizes. It all depends on your personal needs. Click here to review objective lens sizes for bird watching spotting scopes.

Top Gun (over $2,000)

Kowa: $2,100

The Kowa TSN-883/884 Spotting Scopes are amazing bird watching spotting scopes. Crystal clear clarity is just the beginning.

Bird Watching Spotting Scopes - KOWA TSN-884

Both scopes have large 88mm Pure Fluorite Crystal objective lens crafted of fully C3 multi-coated optics. This ensures maximum light gathering, clear visual range and sharp images that traditional glass lenses can not attain in the field.

  • Prominar pure fluorite crystal lens eliminates chromatic aberration.
  • C3 Coating is a highly reflective multi-coating of dielectrics for a much higher reflectivity than with coatings of silver or optically-enhanced aluminum, offering a reflectance of 99% or higher across the entire visible spectrum.
  • Inner focus system decreases image movement when focusing.
  • Quick focus knob gives you the ability to focus from 16 feet and out to infinity in just two revolutions.
  • Large exit pupil provides bright images and ease of viewing.
  • Waterproof and fogproof (to JIS Protection Class 7) with nitrogen purging for reliable use in any weather.
  • Magnesium alloy body is rugged, and increases durability and reduces weight.
  • Eyepiece locking mechanism prevents the eyepiece from falling out or being lost.
  • Eco-glass lenses are made with an environmentally-friendly process.

Scope Cost: $2,100....

Seeing your life-bird as a crystal-clear, razor-sharp image, even in low light: Priceless!

Tip: Also, there are some great deals on eBay for the .

Mid-Priced ($1,000-$1500)

Nikon: $1,399

The Nikon Fieldscope ED 25-75x82 (angled and straight bodies available) is at the low-end of the high-performance ED-glass scope in terms of price, but still is a high-quality bird watching spotting scope and an excellent value at that.
Nikon Fieldscope 25-75x82 Angled Body ED w/Zoom Eyepiece

  • Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass for exceptional viewing in low light conditions.
  • Premium glass for the most distinct details possible.
  • Fully multi-coated optics deliver brighter images.
  • 100% waterproof for reliable in rain, sleet or snow.
  • 100% fogproof with nitrogen purging to prevent fogging on the interior of lenses.
  • Integrated sunshade blocks out annoying glare and keeps raindrops from splashing on the objective lens in an unexpected rain shower.
  • Magnesium alloy body built strong and light enough to take anywhere you travel.
  • Ultra-smooth helical focus system for easy operation in cold weather, or any other time you wear gloves.

Pentax: $1,049

The Pentax 20-60x80 PF-80ED Spotting Scope (angled or straight bodies available) is another excellent value for a bird watching spotting scope. Features include: Pentax PF-80ED-A Spotting Scope w/20-60x Zoom Eyepiece
  • Magnesium-alloy body for lightweight handling.

  • Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for optimum optical resolution.

  • Large 80mm objective lenses for bright viewing under all light conditions.

  • Special "O" ring assembly, which allows the body of the scope to be filled with nitrogen, making it fog proof and JIS Class 6 waterproof.

  • Built-in lens shade cuts excessive light and helps to prevent rain and other weather elements from interfering with viewing.

  • Extra wide focusing knob is incorporated for effortless focusing.

  • Famous Pentax Super-Multi-Coating maximizes light transmission, clarity and contrast.

  • An extendable eyecup on the XL eyepieces allows variable adjustment for up to a full 20mm of eye relief, allowing those wearing eyeglasses the same view as non-eyeglass wearers.

  • Lanthanum Crown (rare earth) glass elements.

Reviews from customers who bought the Pentax 20-60x80 PF-80ED Spotting Scope at Binoculars.com:

"This is the best scope i had seen for bird watching in the given price tag of $1000. Certainly cannot compare with sworowskii..but certainly better that bushnell and nikon sky earth series." - Abhijit Narvekar

"Pentax runs with Swaro on this one. Before I purchased this scope, I gave it a good test drive versus the Swaro. I'm not going to qualify my rating by saying that it's a good scope "for the price." Rather, this scope beats the Swaro. No qualification. Period." - Michael

Some great deals on ebay for the Pentax PF:

Budget (Under $1,000)

Pentax: $849

The Pentax PF-65ED II-A Spotting Scope w/Zoom Eyepiece(straight body also available) is in same model line as the Pentax 80ED above, but with a smaller objective lens which cuts the price a little. An excellent choice for a bird watching spotting scope, especially if you don't need the bigger lens. Features include:Pentax PF-65ED II-A Spotting Scope w/Zoom Eyepiece
  • Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass with Lanthanum Crown (rare earth) glass provides optimum optical resolution.
  • Super multi-coating maximizes light transmission, clarity and contrast.
  • Larger objective lenses provides bright viewing under all light conditions
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and nitrogen filled
  • Built-in lens shade

Tip: Make sure you get the ED II-A. This is the new model. The ED-A is still available and on the market for a slightly cheaper price, but really not worth the savings compared to the improved features of the new model.

This scope is also popular and hard to find in stock.

If you don't want to wait, here are the current auctions for the .

Sometimes you can get a good deal at ebay, especially if people are selling eyepieces and other accessories as part of the package.

Nikon: $699

The Nikon ED 50 Fieldscopeis an amazing bird watching scope for its size and price.

Even though the lens size is only 50mm, it gives extremely bright, razor sharp, true-color images that are free of flare. Birders have been impressed with this one and love that it's light and compact for on-the-go birding adventures. Features include:Nikon Fieldscope 13-30x50ED Straight Body

  • High quality eyepieces and Extra-low dispersion (ED) objective lens deliver unbelievable colors and bright, high contrast images.
  • Premium quality glass and fully multi-coated optics deliver impressive image resolution
  • 100% waterproof, nitrogen-filled, for reliable in rain, sleet or snow.
  • 100% fogproof to prevent fogging on the interior of lenses with sudden temperature changes.

Here are the current auctions for the .

We wish you all the best in your quest for the best bird watching spotting scope!

View all Bird Watching Spotting Scopes

Binoculars and Scopes Auctions

Learn how to choose the best birding spotting scopes and spotting scope features.

Bird Watching Binoculars 101 and Birding Binoculars 102

Spotting Scope 102

Best Binoculars for Bird Watching - Cornell's best picks for economy, mid-price and top-dollar binoculars.

Infrared Binoculars

Birdwatching Bliss Home Page

Cornell's Review of Birding Spotting Scopes

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