Spotting Scopes

Spotting Scopes

Some spotters prefer an angled scope as it’s more comfortable to use on a tripods for extended periods. Others prefer straight scopes as they find the design more intuitive, and the form factor is overall slimmer, making the scope easier to transport. Some manufacturers also offer modular scopes, allowing the user to swap out a straight eyepiece for a more angled one, depending on the situation.

When shopping for spotting scopes for wildlife photography, there are a number of key specs to keep in mind. Just as with binoculars and monoculars, a spotting scope will have an objective lens of a specific size, measured in millimetres (mm). The objective lens is the one that’s the furthest from the user’s eye, and it determines how much light the scope lets in. The larger the lens, the brighter and clearer the resulting image. The trade-off is that a larger objective lens makes the scope bulkier and heavier, as well as adding to the cost. Different scopes also offer different magnification ranges. A key advantage of a spotting scope is its ability to zoom in and out, so ideally you want a nice and broad magnification range to ensure you can view a variety of different subjects. How much magnification you need will naturally depend on the kinds of subjects you’re looking for – some birds and animals are more reclusive than others, after all.

Many scopes will use high-grade glass elements that have been treated with advanced optical coatings – just like photographic lenses. This ensures optimal light transmission, with minimal flare caused by internal reflections, resulting in a clear and sharp final image in the eyepiece. Scopes are typically constructed from strong but lightweight materials such as polycarbonates, and will generally have a standard tripod mount.

A reliable spotting scope can be an invaluable companion for a wildlife photographer. With flexible magnification, high-grade optics and a strong but lightweight build, a good scope can allow you to effectively scan the landscape for your photo subjects, ensuring you can consistently position yourself in the right place to get the shot.

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