Top 10 Budget Bird Spotting Scopes 2023: Ultimate Buyers Guide

Birdwatching is a hobby enjoyed by many, and having the right equipment can make all the difference. A spotting scope is a crucial tool for birdwatchers as it allows them to see birds from a distance without disturbing them. For those on a budget, finding the right spotting scope can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 best budget bird spotting scopes for 2023.

When choosing a budget bird spotting scope, there are a few things to consider. The first is the magnification power. A higher magnification allows for a closer view of the bird, but it also makes the image shakier. The second is the size and weight of the scope. A lightweight and compact scope is easier to carry around, but it may sacrifice some image quality. Finally, the lens quality is essential. A high-quality lens will provide a clear and bright image.

We spent many hours researching and testing ten budget bird spotting scopes to identify the ones that provide the best value for the price. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birdwatcher, our list has something for everyone.

Top 10 Best Budget Bird Spotting Scopes 2023: Buyers Guide

We understand that bird watching is a delightful and peaceful activity that many people enjoy. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced bird watcher, finding a good spotting scope is essential. However, we also understand that not everyone can afford to spend a fortune on one. That’s why we have compiled a list of the top 10 best budget bird spotting scopes for 2023. Our list includes scopes that are not only affordable but also offer excellent image quality, durability, and ease of use. So, whether you are looking for a spotting scope for backyard bird watching or birding trips, we have got you covered.

Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope

Gosky Spotting Scope

We highly recommend the Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope for bird watching and wildlife observation.

Pros

  • The variable 20x to 60x magnification and dynamic lens focusing system make it easy to zoom in and get clear, crisp images of distant objects.
  • The fully multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens provides a wide field of view and increases light transmission for brighter, clearer images.
  • The nitrogen filled waterproof and fog-proof design makes this scope durable and able to withstand tough environments.

Cons

  • The eyepiece shield can be difficult to stretch out and protect the eyepiece.
  • The field of view is not as wide as expected.
  • The adjustments are not as smooth as higher-end models.

We were impressed with the clarity and sharpness of the images produced by the Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope. The BAK4 Porro prism optics deliver crisp, bright images even in low light conditions. The included smartphone digiscoping adapter allowed us to easily take photos and videos of what we observed, bringing the nature closer to us and allowing us to explore the distant world easily through the phone screen.

The tabletop full metal tripod and tripod mount provided steady observations from any angle, and the carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, and cleaning cloth made it easy to carry and maintain. Overall, the Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is an excellent budget-friendly choice for bird watching, wildlife observation, and outdoor sporting activities.

Gosky HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 80mm with Tripod and Smartphone Adapter

Gosky HD Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bird spotting scope, the Gosky HD Spotting Scope is a great option. We’ve been using it for a few weeks now and have found it to be a reliable and versatile tool for bird watching, target shooting, and hiking.

Pros

  • The variable 20x to 60x zoom magnification and dynamic lens focusing system make it easy to adjust the scope for different viewing situations.
  • The full multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens provides bright and clear images, even in low light conditions.
  • The waterproof and fog-proof design ensures that the scope can withstand tough environments and last for years.

Cons

  • The tripod that comes with the scope is not very sturdy and can wobble in windy conditions.
  • The focus can be a bit finicky at times, requiring some patience and adjustment.
  • The eyepiece shield can be a bit difficult to stretch out and use.

Overall, we would recommend the Gosky HD Spotting Scope to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option for bird watching or other outdoor activities. It comes with a variety of accessories, including a tripod, smartphone adapter, and carry case, making it a versatile and convenient tool to have in your arsenal.

Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope

Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope

We highly recommend the Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope for bird watching, hunting, and digiscoping due to its exceptional optics and versatility.

Pros

  • The quality ED objective lens provides sharp and clear images with excellent color correction.
  • The XLT lens coatings maximize light transmission for brighter images.
  • The rotating tripod mount allows for comfortable viewing angles.

Cons

  • The weight of the scope is a bit heavy at 4.5 pounds.
  • The price may be a bit steep for those on a tight budget.
  • Some users may find the zoom eyepiece a bit difficult to use.

The Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope is a fantastic investment for bird watchers, hunters, and photographers looking for high-quality optics. The ED objective lens provides true-to-life color with enhanced resolution and contrast, making it easy to spot and identify birds in their natural habitats. The XLT lens coatings ensure maximum light transmission through the optical path, resulting in brighter and clearer images.

One of the standout features of this spotting scope is its versatility. It comes with a 20-60x zoom eyepiece, but you can also use any 1.25 astronomical eyepiece for different viewing experiences. The rotating tripod mount allows you to position the eyepiece at the most comfortable viewing angle, making it easier to use for extended periods.

In addition to the scope itself, the Celestron Regal M2 80ED also includes several accessories to enhance your viewing experience, including a padded view-through case, objective cover, eyepiece cover, storage covers for the eyepiece and eyepiece port, a T-mount adapter for attaching your DSLR camera for digiscoping, a cleaning cloth, and an instruction manual.

Overall, the Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope is an excellent investment for anyone looking for high-quality optics for bird watching, hunting, and digiscoping. With its exceptional optics and versatile features, it’s a must-have for any birding enthusiast.

Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope

Gosky 20-60x80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope

We highly recommend the Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope for bird watching and other outdoor activities.

Pros

  • The dual speed focus system allows for smooth and accurate focusing, making it easy to lock onto targets quickly.
  • The variable 20x to 60x zoom magnification provides a wide field of view at lower power and allows you to zoom in on details at higher power.
  • The scope is waterproof and fog-proof, making it durable and resilient in tough environments.

Cons

  • The scope is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to carry for extended periods of time.
  • The eyepiece can be a bit difficult to adjust, which may require some practice to get used to.
  • The smartphone adapter may not fit all phone models perfectly, which can make it challenging to take photos and videos.

Overall, the Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope is an excellent choice for bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. The dual speed focus system and variable zoom magnification make it easy to get a clear view of your target, while the waterproof and fog-proof design ensures that it can withstand even the toughest environments. However, the scope’s weight and the difficulty of adjusting the eyepiece may make it less suitable for some users.

Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope

Gosky 20-60x60 HD Spotting Scope

We highly recommend the Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope for bird watching, wildlife observation, and outdoor sporting activities.

Pros

  • The adjustable 20-60x zoom magnification allows you to zoom in for more detail, making it perfect for bird watching and wildlife observation.
  • The fully multi-coated 60mm green film objective lens provides a clear and bright image even in low-light conditions.
  • The durable construction and waterproof design make it suitable for use in tough weather conditions.

Cons

  • The smartphone digiscoping adapter included is not very sturdy and may not hold larger phones securely.
  • The tripod included is not very stable and may wobble in windy conditions.
  • The eyepiece shield may be difficult to stretch out and protect the eyepiece.

We were impressed with the quality of the Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope. The adjustable zoom magnification allowed us to get a closer look at birds and wildlife, and the fully multi-coated lens provided a clear and bright image. The durable construction and waterproof design made it suitable for use in tough weather conditions.

The included smartphone digiscoping adapter allowed us to take photos and videos of what we observed, but we found it to be a bit flimsy and not very sturdy. The tripod included was not very stable and may wobble in windy conditions, so we had to be careful when using it. The eyepiece shield was a bit difficult to stretch out and protect the eyepiece, but it did provide some additional protection.

Overall, we would highly recommend the Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option for bird watching, wildlife observation, and outdoor sporting activities.

Gosky Spotting Scope

Gosky Spotting Scope

We highly recommend purchasing the Gosky Spotting Scope for birdwatching, target shooting, and outdoor activities due to its superior magnification and durable design.

Pros

  • The fully multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens, eyepiece, and quality prism inside guarantee the key elements of a spotting scope, delivering brighter, clearer, and crisp images.
  • The variable 20x to 60x magnification and dynamic lens focusing system make it easy to zoom in on targets, making it ideal for birdwatching, watching wildlife, and scenery.
  • The durable Magnalium framework and rubber armor provide tight fitting protection and shock-absorbing rubber armor for maximum protection. The eyepiece shield can be stretched out to protect the eyepiece.

Cons

  • The tripod that comes with it is very poor quality, shaky, and hard to get a good steady shot.
  • The focus knob may break off after the warranty period.
  • The original picture is in a circle, so the camera must be zoomed in to get a full-screen picture.

The Gosky Spotting Scope is a high-quality product that is perfect for birdwatching and outdoor activities. The fully multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens, eyepiece, and quality prism inside guarantee brighter, clearer, and crisp images. The variable 20x to 60x magnification and dynamic lens focusing system make it easy to zoom in on targets, making it ideal for birdwatching, watching wildlife, and scenery. The durable Magnalium framework and rubber armor provide tight fitting protection and shock-absorbing rubber armor for maximum protection. The eyepiece shield can be stretched out to protect the eyepiece.

The tripod that comes with it is poor quality, shaky, and hard to get a good steady shot. The focus knob may break off after the warranty period, so it is important to handle the product with care. The original picture is in a circle, so the camera must be zoomed in to get a full-screen picture. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Gosky Spotting Scope is an excellent product that is well worth the investment.

Gosky Newest 20-60×80 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope

Gosky Newest 20-60x80 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope

We highly recommend the Gosky Newest 20-60×80 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope for any birdwatching enthusiast looking for a budget-friendly option with great features.

Pros

  • The dual-speed focusing wheels allow for smooth and accurate focusing, making it easier to spot birds in the wild.
  • The fully multi-coated 80mm objective lens provides a bright and clear image, even in low-light conditions.
  • The variable 20x to 60x zoom magnification allows for a wide field of view at lower power and zooming in on details at higher power.

Cons

  • The scope is a bit heavy, weighing in at 3.4 pounds, making it less portable.
  • The eyepiece may create a pin cushioning effect at 30x magnification.
  • The scope requires a steady tripod for long-range viewing.

We were impressed with the Gosky Newest 20-60×80 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope. The upgraded high configuration lens provides better, brighter, and clearer optics, making it easier to spot birds in the wild. The scope is nitrogen-filled, waterproof, and fog-proof, making it durable and able to withstand tough environments. The dual-speed focusing wheels allow for smooth and accurate focusing, and the variable 20x to 60x zoom magnification provides a wide field of view at lower power and the ability to zoom in on details at higher power.

One downside is that the scope is a bit heavy, weighing in at 3.4 pounds, making it less portable than some other options. Additionally, the eyepiece may create a pin cushioning effect at 30x magnification, which can be a bit distracting. Finally, the scope requires a steady tripod for long-range viewing, which can be an additional expense.

Overall, the Gosky Newest 20-60×80 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope is a great budget-friendly option for birdwatchers looking for a high-quality spotting scope with great features.

Gosky New 20-60×60 Spotting Scopes

Gosky Spotting Scopes

We highly recommend the Gosky New 20-60×60 Spotting Scopes for bird watching, hunting, and outdoor activities due to its powerful magnification, fully multi-coated lens, durable construction, and waterproof design.

Pros

  • The adjustable powerful 20-60x zoom magnification allows you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail.
  • The fully multi-coated 60mm green film objective lens delivers bright, clear, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions.
  • The durable framework and high-quality rubber armor provide non-slip grip, shock-proof grip and durable external protection, which enables the scope to withstand the toughest weather conditions.

Cons

  • The iPhone adapter is a hassle and can be difficult to use.
  • The zoom can be hard to rotate and turns the whole optic so the whole iPhone holder moves.
  • When zoomed in, the image loses brightness, contrast, and clarity.

We were impressed with the Gosky Spotting Scopes’ powerful magnification and fully multi-coated lens, which allowed us to observe birds and wildlife with great detail. The durable construction and waterproof design made it ideal for use in all weather conditions. However, the iPhone adapter can be frustrating to use, and the image quality can suffer when zoomed in. Overall, we believe the Gosky Spotting Scopes is a great budget-friendly option for bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope

Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope

If you’re looking for a budget spotting scope that delivers sharp and bright images, then Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope is a perfect choice.

Pros

  • The multi-coated optics provide brighter and sharper images, even in low light conditions.
  • The 20-60x zoom eyepiece allows you to zero in on distant subjects in seconds.
  • The scope comes with a soft carrying case, an extended tripod mounting plate, a zoom eyepiece with an integrated T-adapter for digiscoping, an eyepiece pouch, a lens cloth, and more.

Cons

  • The focus wheel is a bit stiff and takes some effort to adjust.
  • The scope is relatively heavy, making it difficult to carry around for extended periods.
  • The eye relief is not very generous, which can be an issue for eyeglass wearers.

We took the Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope on a birdwatching trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The multi-coated optics provided bright and sharp images, even in low light conditions. The 20-60x zoom eyepiece allowed us to zoom in on distant subjects quickly and easily.

The scope comes with a soft carrying case, an extended tripod mounting plate, a zoom eyepiece with an integrated T-adapter for digiscoping, an eyepiece pouch, and a lens cloth, making it a complete package for birdwatching enthusiasts.

However, we did find the focus wheel to be a bit stiff, which made it challenging to adjust the focus quickly. Additionally, the scope is relatively heavy, making it difficult to carry around for extended periods.

Overall, the Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope is an excellent budget option for birdwatching and wildlife observation. It delivers bright and sharp images and comes with all the essential accessories you need to get started.

Gosky Spotting Scope 20-60x 82mm Scopes

Gosky Spotting Scope 20-60x 82mm Scopes

We highly recommend purchasing the Gosky Spotting Scope for bird watching and hunting due to its exceptional optical system and comfortable build.

Pros

  • HD optical system delivers exceptional resolution, color fidelity, and light transmission.
  • Variable 20x-60x zoom magnification allows for a wide field of view and zooming in on details.
  • Rubber armor and rotating ring provide a durable and comfortable build.

Cons

  • The phone mount can be difficult to set up.
  • The image can darken at 60x magnification, making it harder to see.
  • The tripod may not be sturdy enough for phone mounting.

The Gosky Spotting Scope has been a great addition to our bird watching gear. The HD optical system delivers clear and bright images with outstanding color fidelity. The variable zoom magnification allows us to easily switch between a wide field of view and zooming in on details. The rubber armor and rotating ring provide a comfortable and durable build, making it easy to handle and adjust.

However, the phone mount can be difficult to set up and the image can darken at 60x magnification, making it harder to see. Additionally, the tripod may not be sturdy enough for phone mounting. Overall, we highly recommend the Gosky Spotting Scope for bird watching and hunting enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly option with exceptional optics and comfortable build.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a budget bird spotting scope, there are a few important factors to consider. In this buying guide, we will go over the key features you should look for to ensure you get the best product for your needs.

Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter

The magnification and objective lens diameter are two of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bird spotting scope. The magnification determines how close you can get to the bird, while the objective lens diameter determines how much light enters the scope.

When it comes to magnification, we recommend a range of 20x to 60x for bird watching. This will allow you to see birds up close without sacrificing image quality. As for the objective lens diameter, we recommend a minimum of 60mm. This will ensure that enough light enters the scope to provide clear images even in low light conditions.

Field of View and Eye Relief

The field of view and eye relief are also important factors to consider when choosing a budget bird spotting scope. The field of view determines how much of the surrounding area you can see through the scope, while the eye relief determines how far away from the eyepiece you need to be to see the entire image.

For bird watching, we recommend a field of view of at least 100 feet at 1000 yards. This will allow you to see a wide area and track birds as they move. As for eye relief, we recommend a minimum of 14mm. This will ensure that you can comfortably use the scope for extended periods without straining your eyes.

Durability and Portability

Finally, it’s important to consider the durability and portability of the bird spotting scope. Look for scopes that are made from high-quality materials and are waterproof and fog proof. This will ensure that the scope can withstand harsh weather conditions and last for years to come.

In terms of portability, look for scopes that are lightweight and compact. This will make it easier to carry the scope with you on bird watching trips and hikes.

Overall, when choosing a budget bird spotting scope, it’s important to consider the magnification, objective lens diameter, field of view, eye relief, durability, and portability. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a scope that meets your needs and provides clear, high-quality images of the birds you’re watching.

Leave a Comment

1