Spotting game at a distance is one of the biggest advantages a hunter can have, but not everyone wants to spend a small fortune on high-end glass. The good news? There are several budget-friendly spotting scopes that offer real-world performance for scouting, glassing, and even checking targets at the range. Whether you’re sitting on a ridge for elk, glassing for deer across a food plot, or spotting prairie dogs at 300 yards, the right spotting scope can make all the difference—without breaking the bank. Here are the best budget spotting scopes for hunting in 2025, what features matter, and how to pick the right model for your hunts.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60×85
- Best Under $250: Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60×65
- Best Compact: Gosky 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Budget Spotting Scope for Hunting
- Magnification: Look for 15-45x or 20-60x zoom. Higher magnification is tempting, but above 60x is often unusable due to mirage, shake, and fading light—especially in budget models.
- Objective Lens Size: 60–85mm is ideal. Larger objectives gather more light, but add weight. For most hunters, 65mm is a sweet spot for size and brightness.
- Glass Quality: Fully multi-coated lenses offer brighter, clearer views. HD or ED glass is rare under $400, but makes a real difference for detail.
- Field of View: A wider view helps you spot game faster, especially at low zoom and in open country.
- Eye Relief: 14mm or more is best if you wear glasses or plan on long glassing sessions.
- Waterproof & Fogproof: O-ring seals and nitrogen purging are essential for real hunting conditions—mornings, rain, or snow.
- Build Quality & Weight: A solid, rubber-armored body helps your scope survive the field. Lighter models are best for backpack hunts or run-and-gun style glassing.
- Warranty: Reputable brands back even their budget models with strong warranties. Look for at least a 1-year warranty, ideally a lifetime promise.
Detailed Product Reviews
Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60×85
Who it’s for: Hunters who want the best budget-friendly scope with impressive glass, warranty, and real field durability.
- HD optical system—crisp images even in low light
- 20-60x zoom with wide, bright field of view
- Angled eyepiece for comfortable glassing on the tripod
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and rubber-armored body
- Vortex VIP Lifetime Warranty
Pros:
- Remarkably clear glass for the price
- Tracks and focuses smoothly
- Outstanding warranty and customer service
Cons:
- Larger and heavier than most compact scopes
- Above $350 at most retailers
Final Verdict: The best “buy once, use for years” scope under $400—field-proven and tough enough for serious hunters. See price and reviews.
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60×65
Who it’s for: Hunters who need a real-world, affordable spotter for glassing game or checking targets.
- 20-60x variable zoom with clear, multi-coated optics
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- 65mm objective balances light gathering and portability
- Rubber-armored housing for field toughness
- Includes tripod and soft case
Pros:
- Very good glass at this price
- Light enough for backpack hunts
- Includes accessories—ready to go out of the box
Cons:
- Eye relief is tight at max zoom
- Not as bright as pricier models at dusk
Final Verdict: Best spotting scope for hunting under $250—dependable, sharp, and easy to use. Check price.
Gosky 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Who it’s for: Hunters and shooters who want a big, bright spotter with digiscoping capability for a modest price.
- 80mm objective lens for extra light and detail
- Variable 20-60x zoom
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog-resistant
- Includes digiscoping adapter for smartphones
- Includes tripod and carrying case
Pros:
- Excellent value for a large-objective scope
- Good field performance up to about 45x zoom
- Great for recording hunts or scouting sessions
Cons:
- Not as clear as Vortex or Bushnell at full zoom
- Bulkier than most “packable” spotters
Final Verdict: A top pick for hunters who want to glass and record with one tool—excellent value in the $150–$200 range. See reviews.
Celestron Ultima 80 20-60×80
Who it’s for: Spot-and-stalk or target shooters needing a proven, reliable spotter with crisp images at a good price.
- 20-60x zoom and large 80mm objective
- Multi-coated optics for good color and contrast
- Waterproof and fogproof with rugged housing
- Includes soft carrying case
Pros:
- Sharp images for target shooting, scouting, or birding
- Big, bright view at low to medium zoom
- Reliable, with strong user ratings
Cons:
- Eye relief is short at high power
- Tripod quality varies—may want to upgrade
Final Verdict: A consistent performer—great clarity for the price, perfect for the range or the field. See current price.
CREATIVE XP HD 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Who it’s for: Hunters looking for an affordable, rugged spotter for field use and digiscoping with a smartphone.
- HD glass with multi-coatings for clear images
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Includes tripod, phone adapter, and carrying case
- Long eye relief (17-12mm)—good for eyeglass wearers
Pros:
- Great image quality at low and mid-zoom
- Useful for both hunting and wildlife photography
- Strong user feedback for durability
Cons:
- Noticeable blur at max zoom in low light
- Heavier than some compact options
Final Verdict: A tough, affordable scope that’s great for field glassing and shooting photos through your spotter. Check price.
SVBONY SV28 25-75×70 Spotting Scope
Who it’s for: New hunters, youth, or anyone needing a budget starter spotter for under $100.
- Variable 25-75x zoom, 70mm objective lens
- Water-resistant, rubber-armored body
- Includes tripod and phone adapter
- Lightweight for hiking or packing
Pros:
- Super affordable for first-time buyers
- Good clarity up to about 40x
- Great for casual range or short scouting trips
Cons:
- Not as rugged or clear as pricier models
- Blurry at highest zoom
Final Verdict: The best “first spotting scope” if you want to try glassing on a true budget. See price.
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Objective | Weight | Key Features | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Diamondback HD | 20-60x | 85mm | 4.8 lbs | HD glass, VIP warranty, rugged | Check Price |
| Bushnell Trophy Xtreme | 20-60x | 65mm | 3.7 lbs | Waterproof, fogproof, accessories | Check Price |
| Gosky 20-60×80 | 20-60x | 80mm | 4.4 lbs | Digiscoping, tripod, case | Check Price |
| Celestron Ultima 80 | 20-60x | 80mm | 4.6 lbs | Multi-coated, waterproof | Check Price |
| CREATIVE XP HD | 20-60x | 80mm | 3.8 lbs | HD glass, phone adapter, tripod | Check Price |
| SVBONY SV28 | 25-75x | 70mm | 3.1 lbs | Very affordable, phone adapter | Check Price |
FAQ
Is a spotting scope worth it for hunting?
Absolutely. A spotting scope lets you scout animals at much greater distances, judge antlers or horns, and watch animals undisturbed. It’s also great for checking shot placement at the range.
What magnification do I need for hunting?
20-60x is the standard for most hunting needs. Use 20-30x for wider views and glassing, then zoom in to 40x or 60x for judging detail.
Are cheap spotting scopes good enough?
Budget scopes under $400 today can be surprisingly good—just don’t expect premium performance at max zoom or in very low light. Stick to reputable brands and realistic expectations for sharpness at full power.
What’s the best way to stabilize a spotting scope?
Always use a solid tripod. Even budget scopes benefit from a stable base, and it’s essential for clear, shake-free viewing at higher magnifications.
Can I digiscope with a budget spotting scope?
Yes! Many scopes now include smartphone adapters. For best results, use the lowest magnification, center the camera carefully, and expect some vignetting or image quality drop at max zoom.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Today’s best budget spotting scopes for hunting offer clear glass, rugged builds, and practical features—without the sticker shock. From the rock-solid Vortex Diamondback HD to the value-packed Bushnell Trophy Xtreme and all-in-one Gosky and CREATIVE XP models, there’s an option here for every hunter and every budget. Ready to spot more game and make your hunts more successful? Click any link above to check today’s best prices and gear up for your next glassing adventure!