Are you in the market for a new spotting scope? Have you been looking online recently for the best budget spotting scope for target shooting but haven’t been able to find one that fits all of your needs? Well, don’t worry because we are here to help.
In this article, we are going to review 3 of the best spotting scopes for target shooting. We’re going to list out the pros and cons of each recommended pick. Don’t worry about wasting your money on a scope that isn’t going to fit your needs.
You might be reading this article in peak hunting season or you might be thinking ahead. Either way, you are going to want to have the best equipment to practice your target shooting. Our recommended picks will be listed on their Amazon pages so you can view specifications, reviews, and FAQs.
If you want to search even further, we got a couple more recommendations. A good start would be online forums where information is exchanged and you can get spotting scopes second-hand. Plus, you can search on Facebook for groups. Here are some forums we’d recommend:
- Optics Talk Forum
- Rok Slide
- BirdForum
Disclosure: Sooke Outdoors, as an Amazon Associate, earns commissions on qualified purchases. This informative review article may contain affiliate links. Commission and earnings support our work. This means we may receive a commission if you purchase items from links embedded in the articles.
Overview
If you are looking for something new then you will find lots of great online stores that are able to offer you new spotting scopes for less than you’d find in a store. If you are unsure about buying online and want to know more about the products before paying out then it’s worth checking Amazon for customer reviews.
In these reviews, our staff and other verified purchasers will let you know EXACTLY what we think about the product. You can even search the customer reviews for specific questions such as “what is a budget spotting scope for target shooting?” or “best spotting scope for a beginner?”. But, for this review, we’ll main discuss our recommendations and opinions.
The BARSKA 15-40×50 Colorado Spotting Scope
We love the 15-40×50 Colorado Spotting Scope for many reasons. It’s a spotting scope that’s lightweight and great for birding and target shooting. It has multi-coated glass with a premium BK-7 Porro prism that delivers rich images. It doesn’t matter if you’re zoomed all the way in or out, it’s going to deliver a rich full image.
It comes with a large 50mm objective lens with a shock-absorbing rubber body. It comes with a decent mini tripod that is portable. If you’re a rough trekker, then this spotting scope is for you.
- Fully coated optics with porro prism system
- Large 50mm objective lens
- Shock absorbing rubber armor
- Come with table tripod and soft carrying case
- The highest clarity range is at 150 yards. Beyond 150 yards, the image will naturally start to become blurry.
Rampage 20-60×80 Spotting Scope and Kit by Redfield
The Rampage 20-60×80 Spotting Scope and Kit by Redfield is a great all-in-one option for people looking for a good target shooting scope. It comes with a pretty tripod and carrying case if you are a person on the go. The Rampage scope has a multi-coated optical path.
The Rampage spotting scope is also extremely lightweight due to the nitrogen-filled polycarbonate housing. Not only is it light but it’s also durable under weather conditions. It also has anti-slip technology embedded in the design.
It uses a BAK4 prism glass with an 80mm objective lens to maximize brightness without sacrificing image quality. The Rampage spotting scope has a 20-60x magnification range with a 14-ft close-range focus. In my opinion, this scope is great for intermediate to long-range scopes.
- 20x-60x Magnification offering a wide range of applications
- Wide 80mm objective lens and fully multi-coated optics provide great light transmission
- Tough polycarbonate body
- Comes with a tripod, view-thru case with strap, soft storage case, eyepiece cover, and objective lens cover
- Professional-grade BAK4 prism
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
Even if it’s the 3rd choice on the list, don’t be fooled by the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope. I found the image quality to be decent in comparison to the other 2 above. The scope has a full image and brightness quality. Plus, you can bring it virtually anywhere as you please. It has multi-coated optics and works very well at night. Plus, it’s waterproof and fog-proof.
With its shock-absorbing rubber-armored body, it’s pretty durable. Bushnell also gives you the option to adjust the magnification from 12 to 36x with its a 50-mm objective lens for maximum image clarity. Lastly, the spotting scope comes with an okay compact tripod. Plus, unlike the others, you get a car window mount, a premium hard case, and a scope glove. FYI: it also has a lifetime warranty by Bushnell.
- Porro-prism design featuring premium fully multi-coated optics
- 100% waterproof rubber Armor construction
- Compact tripod with window mount included
- Both a premium waterproof hard-side case and a compact soft-side case are included
- 18 to 48x magnification and a close focus of 25 feet
The BARSKA 15-40×50 Colorado Spotting Scope
Looking for a spotting scope that isn’t going to break the bank? Then the Barska Colorado Spotting Scope is for you! We think this is the best budgeting spotting scope for target shooting that you’ll find on the market today. This pocket-sized spotting scope can be taken anywhere and isn’t going to weigh you down. Easy to travel with and with a good range, it’ll be a great addition for the amateur spotter.
Pros
- The 15X zoom level is very easy to use and focus
- It’s a good scope for the money but it is difficult to focus fast
- It is lightweight and fairly easy to find things with low magnification
- One thing I really, really like about the Rampage, is its user-friendly features.
- It has a twist-up and down eyecup. Never got stuck when it was in use for me.
Cons
- The 40X will be difficult to use for most people.
- A lot of its construction is plastic
- When you screw in the scope mount, the threads feel like plastic
Product Features
- Lens coated with Porro prism coatings for extra protection.
- Lightweight at only 450 grams.
- Pocket size measuring 9.5 inches in length.
- Suitable for a variety of uses including target shooting and bird spotting.
What Others Say
People that have bought this product say that overall they bought this spotting scope as a backup or secondary scope for when they are out and about. Users say this scope is ideal for short distances and perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to carry lots of additional equipment around with them.
- Fully coated optics with porro prism system
- Large 50mm objective lens
- Shock absorbing rubber armor
- Come with table tripod and soft carrying case
- The highest clarity range is at 150 yards. Beyond 150 yards, the image will naturally start to become blurry.
The Redfield Rampage 20-60x80mm Angled Spotting Scope
The Redfield Spotting Scope is on the other end of the spectrum when compared to the Barska Spotting Scope. Heavier, sturdier, and with a lot more power, this scope is for anyone who is looking to upgrade their equipment or wants to improve their skills when it comes to shooting or bird watching. The Redfield Rampage Xtreme has up to 60x magnification for better vision further afield and the angled aspect of the scope makes prolonged usage more comfortable.
Pros
- Clear optics, lightweight, and easy to use
- Great price point and item for what I would consider an entry-level spotting scope
- Build quality is more than sufficient
- Prisms and glass produce a crisp, clear image in most lighting
- Clarity is had throughout the entire scope of magnification (all the way from 20x-60x).
- While it is a “full size” scope its weight is totally doable while hunting.
- Great lens covers.
Cons
- Little prism affects the horizon and edges of paper targets. Neither distracting nor overbearing.
- A bit of ghosting at full magnification 60x viewing of a white paper target at 100 yards or so. Not a big deal breaker.
- The tripod is adequate for table-top scoping but other than that, I wouldn’t bring it out to the field.
Product Features
- 80mm lens is coated to prevent glare and improve sight.
- Polycarbonate body makes a super tough and durable scope.
- BAK4 prism lens for a clearer picture.
- Weighing less than 3kgs, this scope is lighter than some others on the market.
- Less than 16 inches long so won’t take up too much space in your kit bag.
- The nitrogen-filled body makes this scope fog proof.
What Others Are Saying
Most customers have bought this scope as an upgrade to their existing spotting scope. They say that the stronger, clearer picture you get from the Redfield Xtreme scope is an amazing product for the price you pay. Overall this spotting scope is a really good value for money.
- 20x-60x Magnification offering a wide range of applications
- Wide 80mm objective lens and fully multi-coated optics provide great light transmission
- Tough polycarbonate body
- Comes with a tripod, view-thru case with strap, soft storage case, eyepiece cover, and objective lens cover
- Professional-grade BAK4 prism
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
The Bushnell spotting scopes are renowned for their quality products. They have built a brand that is now well known in the shooting community and the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope is yet another one of their products that does them proud. This scope has a mid-range price point but with some great product features for the price tag.
Pros
- Clarity is sufficient for 100 yd range in good lighting conditions, but if you go beyond 45x it’s pushing it
- You can see bullet holes better than a high-end 9x riflescope
- The case and bag are also a very nice feature
- It’s extremely accurate
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- The small tripod needs to be a bit more sturdy. It causes the main scope to shake a bit.
Product Features
- Porro Prism coated the lens with up to 48x magnification and a close focus of only 25 feet.
- Waterproof Armor body makes it not only durable but also suitable for all-weather use.
- Ergonomically designed for comfort.
- Weighing in at 900 grams and measuring 18 inches long, this scope is one of the larger on the market.
What Others Are Saying
Unsurprisingly this spotting scope has great reviews from people who own and have used this product. Mainly given high ratings by people who use it to shoot, they say this is one of the most comfortable scopes they have used, especially when combined with the Bushnell Tripod. Overall, while this scope is the largest of our top 3, it is very reasonably priced for the amount of spotting scope you get.
- Porro-prism design featuring premium fully multi-coated optics
- 100% waterproof rubber Armor construction
- Compact tripod with window mount included
- Both a premium waterproof hard-side case and a compact soft-side case are included
- 18 to 48x magnification and a close focus of 25 feet
In Conclusion
So as you can see, these three spotting scopes will help you to become more accurate, improve your skills and hopefully accomplish your target goals. The best budget spotting scope for target shooting is the scope that fits your exact requirements, you just need to be clear on what these requirements are so that you don’t waste your money buying technology that you don’t need. Remember to check out those customer reviews before you buy, it will help you to get a more unbiased view of each scope and how it has helped others.
If you like my personal opinion on the best target shooting spotting scope, it would have to be the BARSKA 15-40×50 Colorado Spotting Scope. I found the image quality to be the best out of the three. Plus, it’s the only one I still use to this day. Plus, the other staff members still use it as well. Hopefully, you found this article helpful. Good luck in your search for your next spotting scope!