When it comes to Astronomy, there are several different types of telescopes and equipment with different uses. All of them have their own justification for being in an astronomer’s toolkit.
Today, we will review the best spotting scopes available and give you the right information so you can choose the best spotting scope based on your own preferences, needs, and of course, budget.
There are many things that you need to consider when looking at spotting scopes, but we will go through all of these to ensure you get the right spotting scope for you.
Best Spotting Scope For Astronomy
Spotting Scope Details
The following are the top recommendations based on the angled design (preferable for astronomy), specification, customer experiences, reviews, cost, and other factors:
Celestron Regal M2 100ED (Editors Choice)
The Celestron Regal M2 100ED 3 is widely considered the best choice for a variety of reasons.
It is built with Fully-Multicoated ED Objective Lenses meaning it has reduced chromatic aberration (failure to focus), higher accuracy color reproduction, and has increased resolution and contrast.
This compliments the 100mm (3.94″ Aperture) and 22 – 67x Magnification that this powerful spotting scope provides.
One of the other standout features of the Regal M2 is the Magnesium Alloy Body which is strong and durable, and lighter weight than traditional aluminum alloy housings.
It is also fully waterproof and fog-proof and has an ergonomic dual-speed focusing mechanism.
Plus a range of additional accessories are included: padded view-through case, objective cover, eyepiece cover, storage covers for the eyepiece and eyepiece port, T-mount adapter, and a cleaning cloth.
This is the standout winner and if you can afford it, this is the scope to get. It is in many ways a superb telescope in its own right.
This is the spotting scope I decided to purchase and now own (picture above) and I can only thoroughly recommend it.
✔️ Adjustable magnification, giving you a wide field of view for general viewing and detailed up-close viewing when needed.
✔️ ED Objective Lenses and XLT Coatings (Fully Multi-Coated Optics):
✔️ Strong and Durable Magnesium Alloy Framework.
✔️ Rotating Tripod mount with Detents – allows you to position the eyepiece at the most comfortable viewing angle.
- PREMIUM ED OBJECTIVE LENSES: Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass virtually eliminates chromatic aberration or color fringing, a visual defect common in binoculars. You'll enjoy razor-sharp images with outstanding, true-to-life color.
- XLT LENS COATINGS: All air-to-glass surfaces are multi-coated with Celestron’s proprietary XLT coatings – the same ones we use on our observatory-class telescopes. XLT maximizes light transmission through the optical path for brighter images.
- PERFECT VIEWING ANGLES: Use your spotting scope with the included 22-67x zoom eyepiece or any 1.25” astronomical eyepiece. Regal M2 ED’s rotating tripod mount allows you to position the eyepiece at the most comfortable viewing angle.
- FIELD-WORTHY ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: The Celestron Regal M2 100ED includes a padded view-through case, an objective cover, eyepiece cover, a T-mount adapter for attaching your DSLR camera for digiscoping, and more.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading optics brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a Celestron Limited Lifetime US Warranty & US-based expert tech support.
Orion Apex 127mm
The Orion Apex offers fantastic multi-coated optics and high power – it is ideal for astronomical observations. With a 5″ aperture, this Maksutov-Cassegrain Spotting Scope can gather a lot of light and with the 62x magnification you can uncover a lot of fantastic views.
During the night you can expect to see clear and detailed views of the Moon, planets including Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn as well as open and globular star clusters and cloudy nebulas.
Due to its higher power, this is quite a heavy spotting scope (8.6 lbs) and it does require an Alt-Azimuth Tripod (sold separately). So it is not the most portable but it is definitely the best-powered scope on the list.
You also get a 25mm Sirius Plossl 1.25″ eyepiece, 6×30 finder scope, 45-degree correct-image diagonal, soft carry case and Starry Night astronomy software.
✔️ Enables Excellent Views of the Moon, Planets, Galaxies and star Clusters.
✔️ Short Time to Cool Down to Ambient Temperature
✔️ Quick and Easy Setup
✔️ Near Perfect Diffraction Patterns
❌ Only 1.25″ eyepieces fit
- Compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope provides great views during day or night
- 102mm (4") aperture and 1300mm focal length telescope provides fantastic celestial views of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects, as well as terrestrial views of wildlife and scenery
- A telescope small enough to store on a bookshelf but with the power of traditional scopes five times its size!
- Includes a 25mm Sirius Plossl 1.25" eyepiece, 6x26 correct-image finder scope, 45-degree correct-image diagonal, soft carry case, Starry Night software, and more!
- Does not include tripod or mount - either can be purchased separately
Celestron C90 Mak
The Celestron C90 Mak is one of the more affordable spotting scopes. It offers great magnification that you can scale to your choice and preference (between 20-60x).
It is compact and portable, weighing only 4.6 lbs which is half the amount of some of the other scopes cited here on the list.
The feature that stands out the most is the built-in T-Adapter that enables you to attach a DSLR Camera effortlessly. Unfortunately not all spotting scopes offer this luxury.
You also get a 32mm eyepiece, 45° Erect Image Diagonal and 8×21 Erect Image Finderscope, and a backpack included.
You can trust the Celestron C90 Mak for clear views with its multi-coated optics, and get all this at a really reasonable and affordable price over at Amazon.
✔️ Versatile Mounting Options
✔️ Upgradeable with 1.25” eyepieces
✔️ Multiple Accessories Included (Nylon Backpack Carrying Case, a 32mm plossl eyepiece (39x view), a 45° erecting diagonal, and an 8X21 Finderscope)
✔️ Budget Friendly
- 90MM MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN SPOTTING SCOPE: Compact and lightweight, the C90 is an ideal choice for bird watching, nature observation, target shooting, and digiscoping.
- BRIGHT, SHARP VIEWS OF DISTANT TARGETS: Ideal for spotting small land-based targets at great distances or viewing astronomical objects at night.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design folds the scope's light path, resulting in a scope that is much smaller than others of a similar focal length. Take it with you anywhere.
- USE IT AS A TELEPHOTO LENS: The C90 is designed with photography in mind; it's fully camera adaptable. To take professional quality shots, just attach the correct optional T- Adapter and T-Ring for your camera to the back of the scope.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 32mm eyepiece, 45° erect image diagonal, 8x21 erect image finderscope, nylon backpack for storage and transport.
Gosky 20-60×80
Regardless of whether you have heard of them, Gosky has become quite a well-regarded brand in the astronomy optics world.
Much like Celestron they are providing high-quality optics at a price that should cost hundreds more than what they actually charge.
The BAK4 prisms in the Gosky 20-60×80 are fully multi-coated ensuring maximum light transmission for brighter and clear views.
Using the variable 20x-60x magnification system is also effortless as there is an easy-to-use dynamic lens focusing system which is ideal for quickly honing in on new objects that come across your sites.
This spotting scope is also fully Nitrogen filled which means it is entirely waterproof and fog-proof. The framework is durable and the Rubber Armor provides a non-slip grip, shock-proof grip make it very comfortable and easy to work with.
✔️ Smartphone adapter included; great for Astrophotography where you can take photos and videos of what you have observed
✔️ Eyepiece shield can be moved to protect the eyepiece
✔️ Fully Multi-Coated, Nitrogen-Purged (Water and Fog-Proof)
✔️ Budget Friendly
❌ Tripod included is small (Tabletop only) – will likely need purchase a larger Tripod anyway
- 【POWERFUL MAGNIFICATION】: Adjustable powerful 20-60x zoom magnification allows you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail. Perfect for bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, astronomical observation etc
- - 【FULLY MULTI-COATED LENS】: Fully multi-coated 60mm green film objective lens provides a field of view at 50-110ft/1000 yards. The quality BAK4 Porro prism optics increases light transmission, delivers bright, clear, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions. 45 degree angled eyepiece provides more comfortable viewing
- - 【DURABLE CONSTRUCTION】: 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. The eyepiece shield can be stretched out to protect the eyepiece
- - 【WATERPROOF DESIGN】: O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust and debris from penetrating the scope for reliable performance in all environments. Nitrogen gas purging delivers further waterproof performance
- - 【FULL RANGE OF ACCESSORIES】: A smartphone digiscoping adapter included enables you to take photos and videos of what you have observed. Bring nature closer to you and you can explore the distant world easily through the phone screen. A tripod provides you with more stable observation from any angle. A carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, cleaning cloth make it more convenient to carry and maintain
Celestron 100mm Ultima Zoom
Another Celestron to make the list, the 100mm Ultima Zoom is in many ways the budget-friendly equivalent to the M2 Regal discussed above.
It provides a 22-66x varied magnification and zoom giving you utmost flexibility on what and how you want to observe.
This is the largest aperture scope in the Ultima line, compared to the lower and less astronomy-friendly 60/80 versions. This refractor includes fully multi-coated optics and is housed in a portable and durable nitrogen purged framework design.
The Ultima series was designed to perform well in a range of viewing situations, it is completely waterproof so you can feel at ease even when using in the most extremes weather.
✔️ Sight Tube enables quick retargeting to ensure you never miss a view
✔️ Extra accessories included: Extend plate, zoom eyepiece with integrated T-adapter, carrying case, eyepiece lens cap, eyepiece port cover, eyepiece carrying case, eyepiece pouch, lens cloth.
✔️ Fully Multi-Coated, Nitrogen-Purged (Water and Fog-Proof)
❌ Coarse focus control – difficult to get the right focus
- ULTIMA ANGLED ZOOM SPOTTING SCOPE: This versatile all-around spotting scope with a 100mm objective lens, 22-66x zoom, and a 45° viewing angle is the ideal choice for any outdoor enthusiast. It's perfect for observing nature and long-distance viewing.
- INCLUDES ESSENTIALS FOR BETTER VIEWING: The Celestron Ultima 100 comes complete 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.
- MULTI-COATED OPTICS: Every lens surface is coated multiple times with anti-reflective coatings to improve color and contrast and maximize brightness. You'll enjoy brighter and sharper images, even when ambient lighting conditions are dim.
- SHARP ZOOM EYEPIECE FUNCTION: The large focus dial allows you to bring your subject into razor-sharp focus before it moves away. The powerful 22-66x zoom eyepiece helps you zero in for detailed views of distant subjects in seconds.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading optics brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a Celestron Limited Lifetime US Warranty & US-based expert tech support.
What Are Spotting Scopes?
Spotting Scopes are essentially small and portable telescopes. They were designed with extra optics which allow you to observe with an erect image.
They are primarily used for terrestrial (land) observations and for endeavors like scenic observing, bird-watching, and hunting but prove to be excellent astronomical devices for observing the night sky.
As such a range of astronomical equipment manufactures, like Celestron and Orion, have released their own models that are more practical for sky-viewing.
Spotting Scopes are designed to provide a range, sensitivity, and power that outperform regular binoculars and inferior telescopes.
There are two distinct types of spotting scope to consider: Angled and Straight.
Straight Spotting Scopes are typically easier to use and are primarily sought after by beginners and those looking for terrestrial (land) observations.
Angled Spotting Scopes are better suited for astronomy due to the fact that they automatically point skyward. They are also easier to mount.
The spotting scopes covered in this article will therefore primarily be angled, however, some of the models offer a straight equivalent.
Spotting Scopes are very practical and affordable, which is why they have exploded in popularity of late. Beyond these, they provide great optics in an easily transportable and lightweight form.
As such, you’ll often see recommendations to purchase a spotting scope over a finderscope or even binoculars.
How much light and resolution a spotting scope can provide is dictated by the diameter of the objective lens (although typical models range between 50-80 mm (2/3.1″). The larger the objective, the more light collected and resolution provided, but the larger the scope and final cost.
Spotting scopes also come with an interchangeable eyepiece that can either be altered or swapped so that you can observe at different magnifications; some even provide a single variable “zoom”.
Certain designs will also include an attachment so that you can mount the scope on a tripod, others may have a central knob for focus control.
Why Use A Spotting Scope for Astronomy?
Spotting scopes are typically used and often designed for terrestrial observations and for use during the day, but when you consider the design of the glass in a spotting scope it’s very similar to that of a Refractor telescope.
For a lot of reasons, a spotting scope can be a good investment if you are looking to stargaze and peruse in basic astronomy. The benefit is that you can use your spotting scope for terrestrial viewing too! (like bird watching)
A spotting scope with the right specification will enable you to observe planets like Mars, Saturn, Jupiter (and its larger moons), as well as galaxies, open clusters, and objects like Mizar and the Pleiades.
However, it’s important to consider that if astronomy is your ultimate goal, you’re going to require a spotting scope with certain specifications.
There are a lot of spotting scopes on the market that will be inferior for astronomy; and primarily useful for terrestrial observations.
The options included in the list below meet such specification criteria. Due to their relative weight and size, the maximum spotting scope power you can expect to find will equal a 4-5″ Aperture regular telescope (Newtonian/Dobsonian, etc).
If you are looking for more power, in the 6″-8″ Aperture + range, then I’ve actually documented comprehensive buyers guide of the best telescopes for viewing planets and galaxies that are currently available; comparing specification, outlining what all the specification means and so on.
That being said if you are looking for a scope that you can use for multiple purposes; be it astronomy, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery etc, a spotting scope is the most versatile option and what you will be looking to get.
What To Expect From Spotting Scopes
By now you will have a good idea of the features and the characteristics of spotting scopes.
Spotting Scopes mostly provide a simple, portable design that is easy to use and budget-friendly.
They are great for beginners, and a good alternative to more complicated, yet powerful telescopes so they act as a good entry point to astronomical observations.
They may come in at a slightly higher price point to astronomical binoculars but can afford more power and get you used to the design and feel of a telescope. Here is a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of Spotting Scopes:
Benefits of Spotting Scopes
- Lightweight compact design with little to no maintenance,
- Collimation and alignment of optics is not required,
- Provide more contrast than Reflector Telescopes,
- Ideal for casual observations of the Planets, Moon, Galaxies, and Terrestrial viewing.
Disadvantages of Spotting Scopes
- A higher cost than astronomical binoculars,
- Inferior in power to 6/8″ Aperture Telescopes and above,
- May require a Tripod due to weight.
How to Choose A Spotting Scope
There are certain elements of the specification that you will want to take a look at to ensure you get the best spotting scope for you:
Magnification:
When looking at different spotting scopes it’s important to first consider the magnification it provides.
A lot of spotting scope product titles will have reference to its magnification power in its name. If you see numbers like 20x60mm or 20-60×80 the magnification is being referenced. The magnification is always the first number before the x.
If the number is a single number like the 20 then this indicated it has a fixed magnification. If the number is a range, like 20-60×80 the scope will have variable magnification. All other specifications being the same, a variable scope provides you with more options.
When it comes to deciding on the magnification power you require, consider that for astronomy you will likely need as much as you can get.
If you did want to use it for terrestrial observations as well then you may be able to get away with, or it may suit you, to have a lower-powered spotting scope. I suggest 60x+ for astronomy if I use a fixed power.
Objective Lens
The size of the objective lens dictates how much light the spotting scope is able to collect. With all types of viewing devices – more light = better. It also means that the scope will be able to work better in low light conditions, such as during the night.
The second number in the examples I have provided above refers to the actual size of the objective lens.
A scope with a larger objective lens also has a larger field of view. This means you will be able to see a broader image which is always preferable.
When it comes to the objective lenses you want the largest you can possibly afford but you also want to make sure that the lens is made of high-quality material.
Lens Coatings
Spotting scopes lenses generally come with a type of special coating. These are added to the lenses to limit light glare and improve the amount of light the scope can collect.
It follows that the better scopes improve your ability to see, even in low-light conditions, compared to just using your eyes.
There are four main types of coating:
- Coated (least expensive, lowest quality)
- Fully Coated,
- Multi-Coated,
- Fully Multi-Coated (most expensive, best quality_
Spotting scopes should have coated lenses as standard, but the better models and options will come with multi or fully multi-coated lenses.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the amount of space that you can leave between your eye and the eyepiece and still get a fill field of view.
It is typically considered that an Eye relief any lower than 15mm is harder to use at an angle as you’ll struggle to get your head into the right position.
Another thing to consider is if you wear glasses. You’ll need a higher Eye Relief to be able to observe comfortably and effectively.
Which Spotting Scope Should You Choose?
Spotting Scopes are quite varied when it comes to power and design, with a real range in cost, optic quality, and durability.
Overall, the Celestron Regal M2 is our top recommendation out of the best spotting scopes for astronomy. It is designed with the highest quality components, is very comfortable and easy to use, and provides the best quality optics for reduced chromatic aberration and increased visibility. The Orion Apex is a closer runner-up, thanks to its large aperture and magnification.
The Gosky 20-60×80 is the best budget option. You get fully multi-coated optics and a tabletop tripod included in your purchase. For the best overall value, we recommend the Celestron C90 Mak, offering an erect image system in a compact and portable design.
These are all great options for observing the wonders of the universe. Before buying, be sure to consider any extras that you may need, such as a tripod or any additional eyepieces.
Hey, my name is Jeremy. I’m a passionate and seasoned astronomer who loves nothing more than observing the night sky. I also love researching, learning, and writing all things Space and the Universe. I created Astronomy Scope to share my knowledge, experience, suggestions, and recommendations of what I have learned along the way while helping anyone to get into and maximize their enjoyment of the hobby.
What about the Celestron Trailseeker 80?
It uses the same XLT coating of the Regar M2 80 and share the same sunshade.
The only difference between the Regar and Trailseeker is the ED glass used in the Regar series.
I’m between the Ultima 80 and the Trailseeker 80.
Does the Trailseeker 80 worth the extra cost?
The Trailseeker is another very good option and you righly point out gives you some of the advantages of the m2. Id say if you can afford it, buy the Trailseeker.
Should i prefer the 100mm version over the 80mm one?
Is the difference between the 80mm and the 100mm that great on a clear night?
I know the 60mm and the 80mm give quite different results (the 80mm better results of cource), but does the 80mm and the 100mm share the same difference level (like the 60mm and the 80mm)?
The price difference is quite large and i’m not a professional astronomer.
On a clear night i’d like to be able to spot the Venus, the Mars, the Saturn (and its ring(s)) and of course the Jupiter (and maybe some of its moons). Presuming that we have a clear night will the 80mm cover these goals?
Thanks for your time!
Yes the 100mm is definitely worth the extra spend over the 80mm if you can afford it.
Its provides quite a substantial light-gathering ability in low-light conditions.
You should be ok with the 80mm on a very clear night but the 100mm will be superior. If you consider it as a long term investment its not actually that much more.
I bought the Celestron TrailSeeker 100.
Thanks for your help on my previous comments. Turns out to be great for astronomy! (It has great optics and the dual focus knob provides a lot of comfort. Maybe you should give it a try with a review sometime in the future).
The scope has a focal length of 540mm and objective lens diameter 100mm.
The zoom eyepiece that Celestron provides with the scope is a 8mm-24mm which provides 22-67 magnification respectively.
I want to push my scope to its limits so i’m thinking of buying a nice eyepiece to achieve greater magnification. I think 120x is the maximum usable limit for the 100mm diameter objective lens. So i found an Explore Scientific 4.5mm LER eyepiece from their 82 series (with 82 degree – ultra wide – apparent field of view) which will provide exactly 120x magnification with this scope (if i have done the maths right). Using it will provide me 0.67 degrees true field of view (if i have done the maths right again) and has an eye relief of 16mm.
Are those numbers acceptable for this spotting scope/telescope?
Do you have anything better to suggest me?
Thanks for your time!
Hello Christopher. Great choice and pleased you’ve managed to find the right spotting scope for you.
I believe that is the correct maths, and have heard reports that this is a good eyepiece. I suggest you go ahead!
All the best!