When to Use a Spotting Scope

Spotting scopes are basically telescopes optimized for mobility and daytime viewing. They offer more powerful magnification than binoculars, and so come in handy in many situations:

Hunting
Birding
Surveillance
Viewing landscape, wildlife, ships, and other distant objects
Digiscoping (taking long distance pictures with a variety of cameras)
Even some astronomy!

Straight vs. Angled Scopes

Use angled scopes when you're sharing it with a group of people. That way, you won't have to raise or lower the scope to match the height of the person using it at the time. Having an angled scope also means that you can position your tripod to be a bit less extended, which spells more stability.

View angled spotting scopes

Use a straight scope when you're looking down from high up, from a mountain for example, or if you're in a confined space, like when you're watching wildlife from your car.

View straight spotting scopes.

Spotting Scope Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your spotting scope:

1. Location location location.

Take the time to choose a spot with the right view.

2. Use support.

With such powerful magnification, even a tiny shake will blur your view.

When looking for the right tripod to pair with your scope, consider that:

A pan head will help you scan smoothly.
Adjustable legs let you get a level view even when you're on rough terrain.
To start in your search for the right tripod, check out these options.

Do you find yourself using a spotting scope from your car? Consider window mounts.

3. Be aware of the atmosphere.

On humid days, or in heat waves, or days with a lot of glare, it may be difficult to see detail at even 30x, whereas on other calmer days, 60x might provide a brilliant view. Adjust your technique to suit the atmosphere.