Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Gosky 12×55 High Definition Monocular Telescope
Performance and value combined.
- Optics: 9.5/10
- Build Quality: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
MSRP:
$113.33 Check price on AmazonBest on a Budget
SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope
Performs reliably without breaking the bank.
- Optics: 8/10
- Build Quality: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
MSRP:
$59.99 Check price on AmazonBest Long Range
Barska 30-90×90 Colorado Spotter Scope
It’s a robust and versatile tool.
- Optics: 9.5/10
- Build Quality: 9/10
- Value: 7/10
MSRP:
$232.99 Check price on AmazonA high power scope is essential for many outdoor activities, including professional tactical activities, hunting, or other recreational activities such as playing softball or observing wildlife.
There are two types of high power optics, riflescopes and spotting scopes. The purpose of riflescopes is pretty straightforward, but few people consider the versatility and superior power of spotting scopes.
How do you know which suits you best? We got you!
In this article, we’ll help you choose the best high power scope through our list of essential factors to consider. We have also listed our recommendations based on said considerations. Let’s get started!
Further reading: Top 5 Riflescope picks
Table of Contents
A Comparison of the Best High Power Scopes
How to Choose the Best High Power Scopes
| Features | Gosky 12×55 | SVBONY SV28 | Barska 30-90×90 Colorado | Wozel 25-75X80 | BARSKA 11-33X50 | Category Average |
| Overall Score | 4.13 | 3.45 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Ergonomics | 3.4 | 4 | 4.3 | 3 | 4 | 3.74 |
| Build Quality | 4.2 | 3 | 4.5 | 3 | 4.2 | 3.78 |
| Optics | 4.5 | 3 | 4.2 | 4 | 3.2 | 3.78 |
| Value | 4.4 | 3.8 | 3 | 4 | 4.2 | 3.88 |
There are a lot of high-power scope brands out there, and they all look pretty darn good at a glance. But not all scopes are created equal, and knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a shot that’s bang on target or one that’s… well, not. Let’s dive into what makes a scope more than just a fancy-looking tube on top of your rifle.
Ergonomics
If you’re like me and thought ergonomics was just a fancy word for comfortable office chairs, you’re in for a surprise. In the world of high-power scopes, ergonomics refers to how well the scope fits you and your shooting style. Can you make all the adjustments easily? Does the scope feel like an extension of your eye when you’re lining up a shot? If the answer is “Yeah, kinda like how my hand fits into a bag of chips,” then you’re on the right track.
How do we rate it?
Is the scope’s weight balanced, or does it make your rifle feel like you’re lugging around a medieval weapon? A top-rated scope in ergonomics should feel intuitive like it’s an extension of yourself rather than an awkward appendage.
Build Quality
Build quality is all about how rugged and ready for action your scope is. Can it handle a drop? What about water, dust, or a sudden cold snap? A high-power scope should feel like it could double as a club in a pinch and still hold zero.
How do we rate it?
Is it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof? A high rating in this category means your scope is the tank of the optics world—reliable, tough, and ready for anything Mother Nature throws at it.
Optics
Optics are the heart of any scope. This is where the magic happens—or doesn’t. You want crystal-clear images, vibrant colors, and enough light coming through that you could practically shoot by moonlight (though I wouldn’t recommend it). Look for high-quality glass, multi-coated lenses, and a generous objective lens size. It’s like choosing a TV: you want the best picture quality your money can buy, so you don’t end up squinting at the screen like it’s a text from your ex.
How do we rate it?
High marks go to scopes that offer a view so clear it feels like you’re looking through a freshly cleaned window, not a piece of equipment. Low-light performance and the ability to maintain a sharp, bright image under various conditions also score high.
Value
Value is not only about the price tag, it’s also about getting the most bang for your buck. Sure, you could drop a small fortune on a scope, but is it overkill? A good scope should fit both your budget and your needs, offering the features you’ll actually use without the fluff you won’t.
How do we rate it?
A high rating in value means the scope offers the best blend of quality and features for its price point, striking that sweet balance between cost and functionality. Think of it as the difference between a deal and a steal.
Our Reviews of the Best High Power Scopes
Best Overall: Gosky 12×55 High Definition Monocular Telescope
| Factor | Gosky 12×55 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 3.4 | 3.74 |
| Build Quality | 4.2 | 3.78 |
| Optics | 4.5 | 3.78 |
| Value | 4.4 | 3.88 |
Score: 4.13/5
With the above criteria in mind, our team has concluded that the best scope on the market is the Gosky 12×55 High Definition Monocular Telescope. Its extremely generous, light-gathering 55mm objective lens can be magnified up to 12x, giving you the best view of your adventures. That and its exceptionally long eye relief.
The Gosky Monocular Telescope is also purged with argon, so a fogproof, shockproof and waterproof performance is guaranteed. This high-power scope is also covered with rubber for enhanced durability. Additionally, the smartphone adapter enables users to capture HD images, enhancing the overall experience. However, adjusting the focus wheel accurately might take some time, and the smartphone adapter could be challenging for first-timers.
Pros
- Highly durable and waterproof
- 20mm Multi-layer eyepiece
- Comes with a smartphone adapter
- Affordable
- Lightweight (15.85 oz)
Cons
- Adjusting the focus wheel takes getting used to
What Customers Say
I mainly bought this for taking on hiking trips. To view wildlife and such. I compared the optical performance to my Pentax 12x 50mm binoculars. The resolution is very close in quality, if not equal. The magnification is as advertised. My binoculars cost about 3 times as much! Very pleased with this part. The phone attachment is a bit cumbersome to use and takes a bit too much time for my tastes. Once on works fine.
L. Crews
Best on a Budget: SVBONY SV28 25-75×70 Spotting Scope
| Factor | SVBONY SV28 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 4 | 3.74 |
| Build Quality | 3 | 3.78 |
| Optics | 3 | 3.78 |
| Value | 3.8 | 3.88 |
Score: 3.45/5
Next on our list is an excellent scope with a wide magnification range – the SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope. The SVBONY SV28 25-75×70 Spotting Scope is an affordable, entry-level option for those interested in wildlife observation, bird watching, or casual stargazing. Its variable 25-75x zoom provides versatile magnification options and its 70mm objective lens ensures decent light transmission for clear views.
This scope is very easy to set up so it’s great for beginners. The scope’s body is also coated with a non-slip finish for a firmer grip and a waterproof performance. The spotting scope comes with a phone adapter and portable desktop tripod so you can easily attach it to your mobile phone.
However, while it performs well at lower magnifications, the image quality can degrade at the higher end of its zoom range, particularly in low-light conditions.
Pros
- IP65 waterproof and fog proof
- Easy to set up
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Affordable
- Lightweight (32.12 oz)
Cons
- Low-quality case
- Not as durable as our other picks
What Customers Say
The image is small and floats around a lot through the eyepiece, but the small image is clear. The zoom and focus knobs are smooth and have the right amount of resistance. The scope feels pretty well-built. The tripod is terrible but functional. The case is cheap and it is not big enough to hold the scope and the tripod. We used the SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope while target shooting from 25-yards out to 100-yards and it functioned well for that purpose. For its very low price, it gets the job done, so I can’t complain.
Van Smith
Best Long Range: Barska 30-90×90 Colorado Spotter Scope
| Factor | Barska 30-90×90 Colorado | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 4.3 | 3.74 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 3.78 |
| Optics | 4.2 | 3.78 |
| Value | 3 | 3.88 |
Score: 4/5
The Barska 30-90×90 Colorado Spotter Scope is a robust and versatile tool designed for nature enthusiasts, hunters, and anyone in need of detailed, long-distance viewing. Key features of this scope include a powerful 30-90x zoom that allows for close-up views from afar and a large 90mm objective lens that ensures bright, clear images even in low-light conditions. The optics are fully coated to enhance light transmission and image clarity, making it an ideal companion for exploring the great outdoors or spotting your next target.
However, given its size and sturdy build, the scope can be quite heavy and less portable, which might be a drawback for those who need to carry it over long distances.
Pros
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Wide objective lens
- Fully coated optics
- Comes with a soft carrying case
- Comes with a flip-down lens cover
Cons
- Heaviest among our picks (76.8 oz)
- Expensive
What Customers Say
Great spooting scope! Works like a champ! A little wobbly but good enough for doing the job! Highly recomend it if your looking for a great scope!
Manny B.
Wozel 25-75X80 Spotting Scope
| Factor | Wozel 25-75X80 Spotting Scope | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 3 | 3.74 |
| Build Quality | 3 | 3.78 |
| Optics | 4 | 3.78 |
| Value | 4 | 3.88 |
Score: 3.5/5
The Wozel 25-75X80 Spotting Scope is a versatile and powerful optical tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts who require precision viewing at a distance. Whether you’re into bird watching, hunting, or simply enjoying panoramic views of nature, this spotting scope offers a range of features that cater to a variety of outdoor activities. With an 80mm objective lens, it provides excellent light-gathering capabilities, so you’ll get brighter and clearer images, even in lower light conditions. What we like most about this spotting scope is the angled design that facilitates comfortable viewing, especially when observing for extended periods.
Pros
- Angled body design
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Fully coated optics
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy (69 oz)
- Tripod needs improvement
What Customers Say
The scope feels well-made and solid, and the focus and magnification knobs are tight and operate smoothly. The built-in lens hood is nice and the rubber lens caps fit well. I want the image to be slightly brighter, but it works well for bird watching and target shooting. The areas I would improve are the tripod ( not as solid as I would like) and the attachment for a phone.
NOLAMAnnc
Celestron Ultima 80
| Factor | Celestron Ultima 80 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 4 | 3.74 |
| Build Quality | 4.2 | 3.78 |
| Optics | 3.2 | 3.78 |
| Value | 4.2 | 3.88 |
Score: 3.9/5
The Celestron Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope is a well-regarded instrument among outdoor enthusiasts, birders, and amateur astronomers, offering a robust set of features that provide excellent value. It delivers sharp, clear images across a variety of distances, thanks to its quality optics and large objective lens. Its angled view and adjustable eyepiece make for comfortable viewing, reducing neck strain during prolonged use.
This spotting scope combines versatility with powerful optical performance, so it’s a popular choice for those seeking quality observation tools without venturing into the realm of professional pricing. However, the size and weight of the Ultima 80 may make it less convenient for those who need to travel light or hike to remote observation spots.
Pros
- Angled body design
- Waterproof
- Multi-coated optics
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy (59.6 oz)
What Customers Say
I’m using this primarily for birdwatching. If you haven’t tried it for birdwatching, a scope is much better than binoculars once you have found your subject. The key factor being a higher magnification with no shaking. Your tripod has a lot to do with that so make sure it’s pretty steady and the right height. The scope yields nice sharp images at 20 power, but as you increase power on the zoom eyepice, the image does degrade a bit, some refocusing will be necessary. The blue fringing becomes quite noticeable at 60 power. Still reasonably sharp. Focus helps, but the fringing is purely because it does not have the ED glass. Those scopes will cost about three times more. For the money, this is a wonderful value.
Lek
Final Thoughts: High Power Scopes
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the game, understanding how the above features stack up against one another helps you make an informed decision. Choosing the best high-power scope is all about knowing what matters to you and what you’re willing to invest. It’s a blend of personal preference, practicality, and, let’s be honest, a bit of wanting to show off to your buddies. So take your time, do your homework, and pick a scope that’ll make every shot count. Happy shooting!
If these scopes don’t meet your stick requirements or budget check out all the best spotting scopes under $500.
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Last update on 2024-05-03 / Images from Amazon Product API
