Spotting Scopes for Range Use

August 6, 2020 by dustin

At the Range
-Spotting Scopes-

Why a Spotting Scope

Precision shooting or a desire to extend your effective range, it’s almost synonymous with shooting steel. A quality spotting optic is one of the last pieces of range equipment on everyone’s list, however it should quite honestly be one of the first. Especially when shooting with a buddy. The ability to spot hit and misses and make accurate wind and elevation corrections saves ammo by making every shot count. 

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Suggested Spotting Scopes

Talos
20-60x80

Entry

A lightweight composite chassis paired with Silver Coated prism and Fully Multi-Coated lenses.  Performs well outside its price point compared to competitors in this category.

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Ares G2 UHD
15-45x65

Compact

One of the most versatile spotting scopes in Athlon’s lineup. UHD extra-low dispersion lenses and a compact chassis with an optional ranging reticle eyepiece. 

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Cronus UHD
20-60x86

Hi-Res

An apochromatic lens system further increases contrast, sharpness and color definition. Ideal for extreme distances, heavy mirage, or difficult to locate targets. 

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Writers Choice Pan/tilt: The Adventure from Benro USA 

Writers Choice Ball Head: The ProMax from Field Optics Research 

Get a Good Tripod

Get the most out of a spotting scope by using a stable tripod. When looking for a small puff of dust from a near-miss or identifying where the target was hit, a stable tripod will help the spotter make accurate calls. A sturdy tripod will eliminate the spotting scope from shaking in the wind. 

When looking for a tripod, there are two main options for the head (head the tripod mounts). A ball head and a fluid head. There are pros and cons to both.

Pan/Tilt Head: A pan/tilt head is limited to several axis movements. (top image). This style of head is typically easier for a novice to use, and quickly find their target through the spotting scope. 

Ball Head: This style of head (bottom image) will have an infinite range of motion in terms of panning and tilting, not limited to 2 or 3 axis of adjustment. these are more compact, albiet a little harder to align than a pan/tilt head. 

With either of these options, keep weight ratings and attachment systems in mind. A common trend is to mount an Arca rail system to a firearm to mount the rifle to the tripod, further extending its use when shooting from unconventional positions. 

Straight Vs. Angled Eyepiece

 There are two common configurations for spotting scopes that are used regularly for birding. A straight eyepiece is one that directs the light path straight back towards the user. An angled eyepiece directs the light path up at an angle. Most angled eyepieces are at a 45 degree angle. There is no right or wrong answer here. Much like a pan/tilt head vs. a ball head, many shooters have their own preference for roughly the same reasons. However, shooters usually find that a straight eyepiece can be easier to track and locate targets while an angled eyepiece provides more comfort for the user. The angled eyepiece is also a better option if multiple people are using the same spotting scope as there is less adjustment of the tripod required.

Ranging Reticles

Several models of spotting scopes utilize a ranging reticle to help accurately identify elevation and wind corrections. These can also be used to determine the distance of a target by estimating the target size against a MIL-based reticle. The Athlon Optics Cronus Tactical UHD and Ares G2 UHD 15-45×65 (optional eyepiece) also feature a graduated ranging system for torso sized targets. 

Cronus Tactical UHD
Cronus Tactical 7-42x60 ED Spotting Scope
Ares G2 and Cronus Tactical utilize a ranging reticle system.

Athlon Optic's Complete Spotting Scope Line-up

Talos

Entry

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Argos
HD

Value

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Ares G2
UHD

Versatility

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Cronus
UHD

Hi-Res

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Cronus Tactical

Ranging

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