Best Spotting Scope Under $1000

If you have been saving for a long time and you do not think you can go beyond $1000 mark, you are still on the right track. With this amount, you are assured of any best spotting scope under $1000 that performs exceptionally well, competes with the high-end optics in design, functionality, and precision, ups your hunting game by improving your marksmanship skills, among others.

The amount you will invest in an optic will be a significant determiner of how good the scope will be. What you are investing here, however, will give you more than you can ever imagine.

This is because most of the prestigious scopes that come within this price range. This means the amount is adequate for some of the best scopes that are available in the market today.

The following scopes have been selectively chosen to suit your budget and allow you to be in possession of a  good best spotting scope below $1000 that will give you the best memories for its effectiveness.

ProductMagnificationSpecial featureImagePrice
1. Vortex Optics Viper HS LR 4-16x50 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA)4-16x50mmGood eye relief[su_button url="https://amzn.to/3mL9gtU" background="#3c8922" size="10" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" icon="icon: arrow-circle-o-right"]Check Price [/su_button]
2.Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes15xlong range model[su_button url="https://amzn.to/3mHWdcy" background="#3c8922" size="10" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" icon="icon: arrow-circle-o-right"]Check Price [/su_button]
3.Sightron 10-50x 60mm LR Mil Dot Reticle Side Focus SIII Riflescope - 2514410-50x60mmClear images[su_button url="https://amzn.to/3DvHIi0" background="#3c8922" size="10" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" icon="icon: arrow-circle-o-right"]Check Price [/su_button]
4.SWFA SS 3-15×42 Riflescope3-15x42mmGood field of view[su_button url="https://amzn.to/3BnOxQZ" background="#3c8922" size="10" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" icon="icon: arrow-circle-o-right"]Check Price [/su_button]
5. Nikon 5 BDC PROSTAFF Long Range Scope4.5-18x50mmGood eye relief[su_button url="https://amzn.to/3zujoea" background="#3c8922" size="10" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" icon="icon: arrow-circle-o-right"]Check Price [/su_button]

Top 5 Best Spotting Scope Under $1000

 

1.Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes

vortex

 

 

 

 

It is widely known that you get what you pay for and at only $900, you can prove this to be true. For the best pro-level features and functionality, Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope takes the medal.

You can never go wrong with this optic for medium quarters to long range target shots. It is both extraordinarily versatile and a perfect fit for these purposes.

The turrets have clicks that are more pronounced for both windage and elevation adjustments and for wind calls, reading the mirage becomes easier.

The tracking is therefore stunning. It has adjustable parallax and it holds zero perfectly.

The reticle visibility at any magnification is excellent. With only one click, you can go back to the light intensity you desire because the illuminated reticle allows for this.

These reticles are accompanied by side focus adjustment knobs for streamlined performance whether it is early in the morning or late in the evening.

Transmission of light is incredible because the lenses are multi-coated and from edge to edge, the glass provides images that are both crisp and clear.

Even at higher magnification, the clarity is good. For example, at 15x magnification, the images are more clear, bright and pronounced.

For better connection with targets beyond 1000 yards, the 15x magnification makes it possible.

The eye relief is long and amazing and the build quality is good. It is designed from aircraft-grade aluminum material. This is an indication that it is both durable and reliable.

To enhance its performance, it is coated with Armortek to ensure the lenses are dirt-free, oil free and protects it from scratches.

The O-ring seals and argon purge on this optic make it an efficient model that is both waterproof and fog proof, not forgetting the lifetime warranty that accompanies this optic.

All these features that resemble those of the high end optics make up for the price it goes for.

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Pros

  • It is a long range model.
  • Parallax adjustments are to infinity.
  • The illuminated reticle provides enough light at dawn or dusk.
  • The glass provides clear, precise images of your target.
  • It is affordable.
  • Zeroing in is easy.
  • A lifetime warranty in case it stops working and this shows you are covered. Besides this, the customer support is amazing.
  • It has enough eye relief.
  • Has adjustments knobs for both the windage and elevation.

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Cons

  • At maximum magnification, the exit pupil is small.
  • It is heavy.

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2.Vortex Optics Viper HS LR 4-16×50 Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA)

 

 

Vortex products are known to be great in their performance wherever they are used.

You can have a go at them by choosing Vortex Optics Viper HS LR 4-16×50 Second Focal Plane Riflescope to be your shooting or hunting item.

It is worth every penny because of the great features it has.

Therefore, it qualifies on the top list as one of the best spotting scopes below $1000.

For long shots, this product performs exceptionally well. It has a solid construction, plenty of eye relief and sighting it at a range of 50 to 100 yards is quite easy.

Getting the most accurate setup for this outstanding scope is quite simple.

The turrets allow quick zeroing out in and the solid and adjustable clicks are great for rapid adjustments in one turn.

This is a simple process that can be carried out even by professionals as well as beginners.

Do not get me started on its quality. The durable materials used to make it ensure it is resilient for longer usage.

It has a durable matte black finish that is highly anodized to give it a beautiful look.

The exterior lenses are protected by the hard Armortek coatings such that scratches have no effect on them.

The reticle is simple, yet not so busy. The lenses are multi-coated to gather enough light for greater performance at dawn or dusk.

From edge to edge, the optics are clear at all magnifications.

The field of view is large enough for fast acquisition of target at longer distances.

This means at 4x zoom range, you will capture the image of your target quite well.

Worried that diverse weather conditions will not allow you to hunt or shoot? Well, you need to clear your doubts away because Vortex Optics Viper HS LR 4-16×50 Second Focal Plane Riflescope is purged with Argon to allow excellent performance in the presence of light rains or fog.

The manufacturers of this product provide a lifetime transferable warranty.

Here, as long as you are in possession of the scope, you are covered against unforeseen damages that may occur. Passing it on will not affect the coverage.

You will find it to be by far the best for the long range potential.

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Pros

  • The glass is both clear and bright.
  • Turrets are easy to move.
  • The eye-relief is generous.
  • In yardage, parallax is quite accurate.
  • It comes with a limited transferable warranty.
  • Waterproof and fog proof model.

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Cons

  • It is heavy.
  • Has a stiff power ring

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3.Sightron 10-50x 60mm LR Mil Dot Reticle Side Focus SIII Riflescope – 25144

 

 

 

 

If this is your first $900 scope, you will find it to be worth that price. Sightron 10-50x 60mm LR Mil Dot Reticle Side Focus SIII Riflescope – 25144 is one of the optics you will get to enjoy the benefits it comes with. It is an optic that has kept up with all the other top scopes.

The ease of use and the modern features it has makes it more popular for shooting and hunting.

The high precision and accuracy you get to experience when you are aiming and taking a shot at a hundred yards away is always excellent.

The Mil-Dot reticle allows in enough light for clear and bright images.

The eye relief is long to allow you to capture more clear images. It has a fast target acquisition so that you will not miss the target that is on the run.

The target knobs are resettable and it has a side focus system. The knobs for windage elevation are also resettable. In addition, the objective lens can be adjusted.

The field of view is great and at 1000yards and below, aiming at your target is both simple and precise. This is made possible because of the professional 50x magnification the scope has.

The lenses are to be admired for their clarity. The image you get to look at is always bright, clear and crisp.

The stunning color accuracy, edge-to-edge sharpness and the great resolution make this scope outshine other products.

This means even without having to break your bank, you get to enjoy what you paid for.

The quality of this product is high and sleek. It has been designed from the best materials for the best possible performance.

This makes it both sturdy and reliable. It is both waterproof and fog proof.

When you use it well, missing your target will be unheard of. It is a scope worth investing in.

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Pros

  • It has a brilliant glow to provide a high level of brightness and clarity.
  • Spot on and repeatable adjustments.
  • Its quality is high for better performance.
  • It offers great parallax adjustments.
  • It has an excellent field of view.
  • It also holds up to recoil really well.
  • It is easy to use.
  • Its crosshairs are very sharp.

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Cons

  • Expensive

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4.SWFA SS 3-15×42 Riflescope

 

 

 

This is another best spotting scope below $1000.If you want a scope that has features that resemble those beyond its cost, then SWFA SS 3-15×42 Riflescope is fit for this.

If you compare it with others that have a similar price range to it, this optic stays on top of the competition.

The great features it has are meant for its great performance and functionality.

This scope does not lose its zero because of the presence of stiff turrets that are repeatable.

The clicks are both audible and tactile and the magnification ring is stiff.

The Mil-Quad reticle is great for accurate ranging and sizing of your target at a variety of light conditions and known distances.  

The eye piece has been designed for fast acquisition of the target.

This means that you can still aim and make an accurate shot at the game that is on the run. Its tracking is quite accurate.

This is a product that is worth more than it goes for in price.

The glass quality is high and fully multi coated to provide the clarity that is so much needed.

The scope is of high quality because it is made from the best materials. It is therefore sturdy, durable and reliable.

The black matte finish makes it look beautiful and protects it from scratches. Such features ensure that it looks new at all times.

If you have a product that you are assured of a longer use, never hesitate to go for it. SWFA SS 3-15×42 Riflescope is one of those that will exceed your expectations in their performance.

The coating is excellent and the O-ring seals make it a better waterproof, fog proof, and shock proof model.

It can be adjusted for both windage and elevation. This means in any environment you are in, you can still make a customized shot.

The process is easy such that even beginners can easily do it.

Its warranty is good and the customer services given are top-notch. This is a long-range optic that provides you with so much more than it costs.

 

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Pros

  • The field of view is good.
  • It has a precise lens placement.
  • It allows for both elevation and windage adjustment.
  • Suitable for both medium and long range shooting.
  • The product is affordable.

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Cons

  • Parallax distance markers are inaccurate.
  • It is heavy.

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5. Nikon 5 BDC PROSTAFF Long Range Scope

 

 

 

 

Nikon 5 BDC PROSTAFF Long Range Scope cannot miss on the top 5 best spotting scopes below $1000. It will completely blow you away by its features and great functionality and for this, a large number of people prefer to others.

The manufacturers of this product have put in more work to it to ensure people get what they are looking for and more.

If you have always desired to own a scope that provides you with a clear field of view, choosing this optic will be the best decision you will ever make.

It has all of this and allows you to make adjustments on the reticle to get the precision you require. The presence of Zero-Rest turrets that are spring-loaded and instant is just an icing on the cake.

This mil-dot reticle allows you to engage your target at different yardages without any trouble.

The optical system is bright enough for effectiveness and the 4x zoom ratio eye piece has been designed for high acquisition of target.

At dawn or dusk, transmission of light is at maximum because the optics are fully multicoated to allow light to pass through in such conditions.

As if that is not enough, the optic is easy to mount on your rifle and use. The picture quality is always excellent and taking a shot is therefore made easier.

The quality of the optic is everything to go by. The strong aircraft aluminum material that has been used in its construction ensures it is study enough to withstand the test of time.

Here, you have a long lasting product that will make your hunting days better.

The purges and O-ring seals make it a more worthwhile, waterproof and fog proof model. Water and fog do not block you from doing what you love the most.

All these features show how the scope is stunning at that price range.

The art of shooting and hunting is better perfected when you have Nikon 5 BDC PROSTAFF Long Range Scope at such times.

 

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Pros

  • The optic comes with a generous eye relief.
  • The lenses are very clear.
  • In low light settings, the optic works perfectly.
  • It takes adjustments quite well.
  • Mounting and using it is quite easy.
  • The reticles have been designed for fast acquisition of the target.
  • The quality of the images produced is always clear, crisp and bright.
  • It keeps its zero.
  • It is easy to sight in.

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Cons

  • Expensive

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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Spotting Scope Below $1000

If you are investing a 4-figure amount to buy an optic, then you are looking into a product that is of the highest quality and with exceptional features that will perform effectively when you are shooting or hunting.

These are the vital aspects you should ensure the best spotting scope under $1000 you are investing in has before you buy it.

Size

You should avoid scopes that are heavy at all costs. Transporting such a scope will be overwhelming.

When you want to change positions, it will be difficult too because of its weight.

Lighter scopes are more imperative because of the ease of use and you will not find trouble moving it from one place to another.

Quality warranty

No matter how great an optic is at its performance when disaster strikes and it gets damaged, it becomes useless in one way or another.

You cannot buy a scope that you are not sure of its warrant policy. The products with longer lifetime warranties are the best to choose from. You will be sure that the optic you have bought is covered against unforeseen damages.

Scopes that come with a lifetime, transferable warranties are the best to choose from.

As long as you are in possession of it, you will be sorted. Interestingly, when another person becomes its new owner, the scope will still be covered.

Lenses

One of the most essential features that should never be overlooked is the lens.

Long range scopes should have high-quality glass because this is what makes them worthwhile.

A quality glass provides clarity that you need in order to aim and make excellent shots.

Devoid of this, you will never enjoy shooting or hunting.

Whether the magnification is high or low, the lens should be able to allow in light so that you can get a clear, crisp image of the target. More details are on the guide for the best long eye relief scope.

A glass that is both sharp and clear provides convenience in mirage reading.

At dawn or dusk, you can still get a clear picture of your target, aim and be accurate in taking the shot.

When choosing a scope, such a glass is what you should expect in that price range. Anything less than this is not worth considering.

Quality

The materials used for the construction of the scope are a significant determiner of how efficient and precise it will be in its performance.

For a long range scope, the materials should be both sturdy and of high quality. This way, the scope will be strong in its use and long-lasting.

Some of the best scopes are made from aircraft level aluminum since it is more durable.

This enhances the performance of the scope and it is an assurance that you will not have to keep going back to the market to replace your optic.

Lightweight optics are great in their performance.

Focal Plane

Additionally, it is important that you consider the focal of the riflescope that you want. It contributes greatly to the target accuracy when using the scope.

There are two types of focal planes; the front focal plane and the second focal plane.

When magnification is increased, the decrease that results due to this makes the reticle change the dimension when you are using the front focal-plane optic.

On the other hand, a similar size is kept by the reticle when the second focal plane optic is used.

When you use front focal plane optics, you are assured of precision because there are no alterations that occur.

 

Conclusion

Whether you will be using this tactical equipment for shooting or hunting, it is important that you put all these factors into consideration.

The best spotting scope below $1000 that has stunning modern features and performs effectively will make your shooting or hunting days to be more enjoyable.

Each of the products described here is worth considering when buying a scope.

You can still do extensive research on each of them if the information provided here is not enough.

It will help you have a better grasp of the top scope you want to buy.

When you invest such a substantial amount on an optic, the least you can do is to choose the one you will always enjoy using.

This article helps you do this by providing you with all the essential details that you will need.

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