It’s hard to think that you are getting an entire scope for less than $100. Where a Lego set costs more than this. I bet your child has a toy that is far more expensive than this.
The thing is, not every one of us needs a super expensive scope. If a $100 scope gets the job done, why would want to spend more? I know that thought very well. I won’t force you to buy a much more expensive scope if you don’t want to. But if you want to, we got them as well.
How did they manage to make spotting scopes for that low of a budget? Let alone making them good. If they weren’t good, we wouldn’t be talking about them here. If your budget is higher than $100, make sure to check our other budget-specific reviews.
Let’s not get distracted. Moving on to the topic at hand. What can we expect from a $100? Very good question. Let’s find out.
What To Look For In A Scope Under $100?
When you are buying a scope under 100 dollars, you really can’t expect much from it. You need to keep your expectations in check. That doesn’t mean you can’t expect some good stuff.
Build Quality. All of the scopes in this budget range will be made out of plastic. Depending on the model, the material might vary. Some will have good quality plastic while others will have bad quality plastic housing with lots of squeaking all around. You should look for a scope that has decent build quality.
Lens Quality. While you won’t get beast quality lens in this price range. You will still get good lenses that get the job done. They are decent at their job and most of the time will be multi-coated. Multi-coating is not bad by any means. They won’t be as good as fully-coated lenses of course. But it still doesn’t hurt to get a good pair of lenses.
Best Spotting Scope Under $100 – Our Top List!
1. Roxant Blackbird 12-36X50mm Spotting Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 12 – 36x; Objective Lens: 50 mm; Eye Relief: Unknown; Exit Pupil: 4.1 – 1.4 mm; Linear FOV @1000 yds: 170 – 85 ft; Length: 9.3 Inches; Weight: 17.28 Oz.
Roxant Blackbird spotting scope is the first one on today’s list. This package includes a foldable tripod, carrying case and lens cap, and a 45-degree angled 36 x magnification eyepiece.
The angled eyepiece is good for digiscoping and long-term hunting. Roxant used a BaK4 prism inside the scope. BaK4 is an inexpensive good set of prism for binoculars and spotting scopes.
There is no official rating of the inside of the scope. So, if I were you, I would keep it away from cold. You can use it under light rain. It is waterproof. But not entirely fogproof.
The lenses are fully multi-coated. Fully multi-coated lenses with a BaK4 prism make a good combination. The objective lens is also a huge 50mm. With that big of a lens, you get a field of view for days.
The scope is, however, made out of plastic. There is a rubber armor coating around it to protect it from drops. I don’t expect an aluminum build at this range.
It’s the best spotting scope under 100 to start digiscoping or birdwatching with. It’s not expensive, built fairly well, and performs well under broad daylight. What more do you need in that price tag?
- Features a 45 degree angled eyepiece makes viewing more comfortable that extends and retracts to accommodate eyeglasses.
2. Emarth 20-60X60 AE Angled Spotting Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 20 – 60x; Objective Lens: 60 mm; Eye Relief: 19.5 – 18 mm; Exit Pupil: 3.25 – 1.1 mm; Angular FOV: 2.35 – 1.2°; Length: 16.9 Inches; Weight: 81.6 Oz.
Emarth looks a lot like Vortex spotting scopes. But we are not here to compare looks. Emarth is a 20-60×60 spotting scope. That means the angled eyepiece has a maximum of 60x magnification. With that high magnification, you can hunt or shoot from miles away.
Once again we see the presence of BaK4 prism. The glasses involved in the scope and prism are fully multi-coated. Enhancing their capabilities and making the scope overall a better one. Unlike Roxant, Emarth mentions the inside of their scope is nitrogen-purged. That means, not only the scope is waterproof. It’s also completely fogproof.
In case you didn’t notice, there is a focus wheel right above the mounting plate. Using that you can utilize the dual focus function. You can focus on an object and what’s behind that with the help of that knob.
The included tripod is one of the best I have seen in a cheap spotting scope. The versatility of that tripod is quite high. It isn’t cheaply made either.
This scope is good for both digiscoping and hunting. For regular birdwatching, you don’t need to buy a phone mount. But if you are into digiscoping, you need to buy a universal phone mount separately.
The package provides an insane value. Even the sales number on Amazon speaks volumes of their capabilities. It’s a best affordable spotting scope I must say.
- ✅【Durable Construction】High-quality rubber armor provides non-slip grip, shock-proof grip and durable external protection. Built-in retractable sunshade reduces glare, come with tripod allows rotation of the eyepiece to a sideways position,...
3. Barska 20-60X60 Straight Spotting Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 20 – 60x; Objective Lens: 60 mm; Eye Relief: 14.5 – 11.2 mm; Exit Pupil: 3 – 1 mm; Linear FOV @1000 yds: 106.5 – 46.9; Close Focus: 26 ft; Prism: Bak-4.
Barska 20-60×60 is the first straight eyepiece scope on today’s list. Barska is not a new name in the game. They have been making quality products for years now. This spotting scope from Barska is one of the best spotting scopes under 100.
The plastic build does not have any rubber armor coating around it. But it does have a matte black finish. You guys know I am weak towards matte black. Anyway, even though the build is plastic. Barska managed to make the scope 100% water and fogproof.
This is not a huge scope. For a 60x scope, this is fairly compact and lightweight. The focus control of the scope is on the right side of the scope’s body. The magnification ring is on the eyepiece itself.
For easier transport, Barska includes a soft carrying case. The tripod is not the best but not the worst either. It’s somewhere in between. It’s okay if you don’t try any fancy angles with it. Other than this, for the scope, I don’t have any complaints.
The fully multi-coated lenses gather enough light for a good session of birding and hunting. It’s a good scope and deserves all the love it’s getting.
- Includes pan-head tripod and soft carrying case
4. Huicocy 20-60X60mm Spotting Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 20 – 60x; Objective Lens: 60 mm; Eye Relief: 16 – 13 mm; Exit Pupil: 4 – 1.3 mm; Linear FOV @1000 yds: 131 – 66 ft; Focusing Method: Central Focus; Weight: 600G.
A lot of these cheap spotting scopes are from emerging brands. Even though Huicocy has been making spotting scopes for over 15 years. I don’t know how many of you heard of them. Huicocy 20-60×60 is an angled spotting scope.
The body of the scope is made out of plastic. But it does have a rubber armor coating all over it. The plastic build is not cheap or bad. The build is strong enough to hold together after some drops. This scope is also water and fogproof.
The lenses of this scope are fully multi-coated. Without fully multi-coating, you won’t get the full potential of a scope. That’s why I am okay with manufacturers going cheap on body materials.
If the lens of a spotting scope is not good, how are you supposed to use that?
This scope comes with a free tripod and a phone mount. If you were looking for the best budget-spotting scope! This is what you came for. You don’t need to buy a phone mount separately. For such a low price Huicocy is providing an excellent spotting scope. A well-rounded package.
- ANTI-SKID RUBBER ARMORED STRUCTURE – The high-quality rubber armor structure provides an effective non-slip grip. The main barrel has a large “smooth glide” texture focusing ring in addition to the non-slip comfort molded grip; retractable eyepieces...
5. Celestron 52322 12-36X60 Spotting Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 12 – 36x; Objective Lens: 60 mm; Eye Relief: 18 – 14 mm; Exit Pupil: Unknown; Linear FOV @1000 yds: 157 – 84; Eyecap: Padded; Lens Coatings: Fully Coated.
Celestron is a legendary spotting scope maker. They have been making scopes for decades. Their prisms are so good that even NASA used them many times.
Celestron Landscout is the ultimate budget offering from them. Let’s be real, Celestron always made sure their scope prices are low priced. Ladnscout costs just $75.
For $75 you are getting a fully decked-out spotting scope. The whole scope has a rubber armor coating over it. The mounting plate is also different than the others. Landscout has a 360° rotating mounting belt.
You can use the scope at any angle after attaching the included tripod. That’s right, you will get a free tripod with this scope. It’s a trend among them I guess.
The lenses of this scope are fully multi-coated. The focus dial knob is located on the left side of the scope. The included tripod is quite good. I didn’t expect it to be this good. But I am glad that it was. You just add a phone mount, and this becomes an unbeatable package at this price.
- 12-36x Zoom Eyepiece: Adjustable magnification
6. Gosky 20-60X60mm HD Spotting Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 20 – 60x; Objective Lens: 60 mm; Eye Relief: 16 – 13 mm; Exit Pupil: 4 – 1.3 mm; Linear FOV @1000 yds: 110 – 50 ft; Focus Method: Central Focus; Weight: 750G.
Gosky is not a new name in the industry. If you have read our past best spotting scope reviews, you know we already featured quite a few products from Gosky.
This time Gosky is offering a budget of 60x for you guys to grab. This 20-60x spotting scope comes with a 60mm objective lens. Inside the scope, you will find a BaK4 prism. But hey, don’t go on and operate on a freaking scope now.
I am just telling you this for your information. Anyway, the BaK4 prism glass and other lenses are fully multi-coated.
Gosky will give you a tripod and a phone mount for free. It’s a complete package for beginner digiscoper. You can easily rotate the scope on the tripod. The belt is rotatable. The sunshade is also retractable.
The 20-60x eyepiece provides all the magnification you may ever need. With the help of fully multi-coated lenses and a BaK4 prism, you will take excellent pictures.
I am genuinely impressed by this under 100$ spotting scope. It’s honestly baffling to me how is this so cheap. If the body was made out of more durable thermoplastic or even aluminum I am sure Gosky could sell this for $250 or more.
- - 【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...
7. Amcrest 20-60X60mm Spotting Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 20 – 60x; Objective Lens: 60 mm; Eye Relief: Unknown; Exit Pupil: 3.2 – 1.1 mm; Linear FOV @1000 yds: 36 – 19m; Close Focus: 23 ft; Twilight Factor: 30.
Amcrest Spotting Scope is mainly targeted towards target shooters. I don’t understand why they are targeting that niche. I mean they include a free universal phone mount. With that, you can digiscope for days. But sadly no tripods here.
The weight of this is not that much. You can easily carry it around.
I still suggest slapping a tripod around that bad boy. Instead of the more popular Bak4 Prism, Amcrest went for BK7 Prism. That one is good too.
It’s a good thing Amcrest used fully multi-coated lenses. Otherwise, it wouldn’t perform half as good as it does. The field of view is also quite wide. That’s why I was telling you guys, this is an excellent choice for birding and digiscoping.
I can understand why they wanted to grab the target shooter’s attention. The range on this spotter is insane. It will help you spot the target from miles away. That’s a great advantage for any target shooter. There isn’t any reticle on this spotting scope, but you have your riflescope for that.
- Fully Multi Coated Lens and features BK7 Porro Prism for a higher refractive index rate, and brighter edges in the field of view to deliver quality images, experience rich depth of field and enhanced quality with the Porro Prism System.
8. FEEMIC 20-60X60 Waterproof Spotting Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 20 – 60x; Objective Lens: 60 mm; Eyepiece Diameter: 24 mm; Exit Pupil: Unknown; Linear FOV @1000 yds: 47 – 23.5 mm; Focusing Method: Central Focus; Prism: Bak4.
Upgrade 20-60×60 is a spotting scope from a brand called Feemic. Like most other scopes on the list today, this one also uses the BaK4 prism.
This is the upgraded version of the original Feemic 20-60×60 spotting scope. That’s why they even included Upgrade in their name.
There are many upgrades available on this one over the previous one. Such as the dual focus system. Yes, you get a knob that has two moving rings. Using each you can focus more efficiently and faster.
The eyepiece and eye relief are also adjustable. On top of that, the sunshade is extendable. The inside of the scope is I believe nitrogen purged. Even in a slight cold, I didn’t notice any fogging issues.
The lenses are fully multi-coated. That’s good. You can take good-quality pictures in broad daylight. Another cool fact about this spotting scope is, I believe this is the only white spotting scope on today’s list. If you like how they look and the skin texture. Then I am sure you will fall in love with this one.
- 【High Quality Material】 The shock-absorbing rubber armor for maximum protection. Optical ANTI-SHAKE design allows you to observe clear images more stably. Nitrogen-filled WATERPROOF and ANTI-FOG, O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust and debris from...
9. Kalawen 20-60X60 HD Spotting Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 20 – 60x; Objective Lens: 60 mm; Eyepiece Diameter: 20 mm; Exit Pupil: Unknown; Linear FOV @1000 yds: 120 – 57 ft; Prism: Bak4; Best For: Target Shooting.
It’s like the theme of today’s post. If you don’t have 20-60×60 we are not featuring you. Just kidding, the first one on the list wasn’t a 60x scope.
Anyway, this scope from Kalawen also uses the Bak4 prism to capture pictures. With the help of fully multi-coated HD glasses, Kalawen produces some of the best pictures in this range.
The contrast and color accuracy are on point. It will be a good choice for hunting, birding, and digiscoping.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a penny extra to get into digiscoping. Kalawen will give you a universal phone mount and a tripod for free with this scope.
When you magnify at 60x the corners of the eyepiece tend to show a bit of distortion. That’s expected. The broad field of view is not affected by that at all. For 60$, you shouldn’t expect more to be honest.
- 🏆【High Quality Material】 The shock-absorbing advanced rubber armor provides maximum protection while being extremely lightweight. Nitrogen-filled waterproof, optical anti-shake and anti-fog design, easily respond to various humid environments.
10. Barska Colorado 20-60X60 Spotting Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 20 – 60x; Objective Lens: 60 mm; Eye Relief: 18.1 – 15.2 mm; Exit Pupil: 3 – 1 mm; Linear FOV @1000 yds: 91 – 45 ft; Close Focus: 7m; Weight: 30 Oz.
The last scope on today’s list is from Barska. Barska Colorado is the second straight eyepiece scope on today’s list. If you are looking for a cheap straight eyepiece spotting scope. This is probably the one you were waiting for.
The eyepiece is capable of magnifying at 60x zoom. More than enough for any kind of activity. The plastic body has a rubber armor coating all over it. It makes the body more durable and scratch-resistant.
Instead of using the common BaK4 prism, Barska went for the BK7 prism. This is the second scope that is using the BK7 prism today. The prism glasses and the lenses are fully multi-coated.
For steady viewing and easy carrying, Barska provides a soft carrying case and a tripod. The tripod seemed quite sturdy. It held the scope just fine. But you can’t bend it to any angle you wish.
For Less than $80, I am content with what Barska provided me.
- Includes pan-head tripod, carrying case and neckstrap. Limited Lifetime Warranty
Frequently ASKED Questions
Why Are They So Cheap?
That’s a very good question. I won’t go into the details of how the company acquires its material and how the build process goes. But what I can mention is they cut costs in many places. The most obvious place to cut corners is the focus wheel and build quality.
Are Spotting Scope Under $100 Worth It?
They get the job done and won’t break after a couple of times of usage. In my book, that counts as worth it for $100. Jokes aside, they are more than decent. They magnify a lot and are pretty clear as well. I know it’s quite hard to believe. But they use an actual prism inside the scope. As $100 Scope! Man, they are more than worth it.
Can You Do Digiscoping With a $100 Spotting Scope?
Yes, you can certainly do that. But they won’t be super good at capturing those. If digiscoping is your main priority, then you should increase the budget a bit and get something even better.
best spotting scope under £100: Conclusion
It gave me a hard time to find them. But I am glad I did that. I learned a lot about so many scopes by reviewing them. I hope you did too. If you have any further questions left, don’t forget to ask them in the comments.
Like always, thanks for reading. Till next time keep chasing.
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
