Being able to see for long ranges is one of the most useful skills for a successful hunting trip. If you have an upcoming hunt that will require long-range shooting – such as 1,000 yards of distance – it’s best to make sure you have the right spotting scope to increase your chances of hitting your target. Luckily, there are several spotting scopes for 1,000 yards to provide accuracy and clarity to make your trip an overall success. After 12 hours of testing, I determined that the Kowa TSN-883 Prominar was the best spotting scope for 1000 yards.
Keep reading to learn why a long-range spotting scope is important and to discover the best scope for 1,000 yards.
- Premium Quality Scope
- Dual-Focus Technology
- Water & Slip Resistant
- Fair Pricing For Premium Scope
- Highly Adjustable
- Great Long Distance Image Quality
- Crystal Clear Image At Long Distance
- Effective In All Light Conditions
- Includes T-adapter for Digiscoping
- Budget Friendly
- Crisp Long-Distance Image
- Still Effective In Bright Conditions
- Dual Focus Wheel Provide Maximum Adjustability
- Above Average Image Quality At Long-Range
- Good Value For Money
The Best Spotting Scope for 1,000 Yards
As with choosing any hunting gear, it’s important to do your due diligence before selecting and purchasing a rifle scope, such as the Vortex Diamondback or the Vortex Viper. Understand your needs and what you’ll use the scope for – target shooting, for example – and then do your research and check out your options.
To give you an idea of what’s out there, we’ve put together a list of the best spotting scopes for 1,000 yards that will help you hit your target quickly, smoothly, and efficiently. Here are the 5 best spotting scopes for 1,000 yards.
- Kowa TSN-883 Prominar Pure Fluorite Spotting Scope
- Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes
- Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope
- Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 82mm Angled Body
- Vanguard Endeavor HD Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope
#1) Kowa TSN-883 Prominar Pure Fluorite Spotting Scope
- Premium Quality Scope
- Dual-Focus Technology
- Water & Slip Resistant
- Higher Price Tag
- Issues With Rubber Eye Piece
First on our list of the best spotting scope for 1,000 yards is the Kowa TSN-883 Prominar Pure Fluorite Spotting Scope.
This spotting scope has an 88mm optic, fully multi-coated lens and allows you to see your view with great detail. The glass is made from pure fluorite crystal, which is a unique feature that speaks to the high quality of this rifle scope.
Another great feature is the dual-focus engineering with quick focus, which allows you to focus up to 5m from infinity smoothly and quickly. This is extremely useful at high magnification.
What is this spotting scope’s body made out of?
The Kowa TSN-883’s body is made from magnesium, which is covered with a polycarbonate material to protect the inside from water damage and allow you to keep a firm grip on the scope.
What other features does the Kowa TSN-883 include?
The Kowa TSN-883 spotting scope also features a retractable sunshade, tripod mounting, and a bayonet locking mechanism to prevent the eyepiece from falling out.
#2) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes
- Fair Pricing For Premium Scope
- Highly Adjustable
- Great Long Distance Image Quality
- Issues With Magnification Dial-In Cold Temps
- Fine Focus Dial Was Easier To Use
Vortex is known for high-quality scopes, and the Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope is no exception.
Available angled or straight, the Optics Razor combines high-end optical technology, precision, craftsmanship, and sleek functionality for ease of use and high-quality performance. The triplet apochromatic objective lens, combined with high-density, extra-low dispersion glass, provides optimal resolution, color, and sharp images.
The Vortex Razor HD is also O-ring sealed and has rubber armor and argon purged for maximum protection from water damage and great performance, even in the fog. When it comes to premium long-range spotting scopes, Vortex is always near the top of the pack.
Is this spotting scope angled or straight?
The Vortex Optics Razor HD is available in both angled or straight spotting scopes. It also features a flexible viewing angle that is easily rotated to produce high-quality images at different angles.
#3) Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope
- Crystal Clear Image At Long Distance
- Effective In All Light Conditions
- Includes T-adapter for Digiscoping
- Heavier Than Most Spotter Scopes
- Issues With Rubber Eye Shade
Next on our list, we have the Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope.
This is the ultimate angled spotting scope for great all-around spotting. With a 100mm large objective lens and 45-degree viewing angle, you can see through this scope clearly up to 600 yards on even the lowest magnification.
It’s important to note that this scope is bigger and heavier than the average spotting scope. But if you’re willing to support the extra weight, the performance is worth it.
The dual focus of this spotting scope allows you to correct any distortion caused by atmospheric pressure. Not to mention it has multi-coated lenses & pristine glass quality to ensure that it produces crystal clear images.
Does this scope come with a tripod?
The Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope does not come with a tripod, although it has a stabilizing bar that gives a more secure feel. However, this angled scope needs a heavyweight stable base to work at its best.
#4) Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 82mm Angled Body
- Budget Friendly
- Crisp Long-Distance Image
- Still Effective In Bright Conditions
- Not 100% Waterproof
- Very Sensitive To Motion
Next, we have the Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 82mm Angled Body.
This is a great mid-range scope option for anyone seeking quality but not wanting to break the bank for a spotting scope. With an 82mm optic lens, this angled scope provides a great balance of size and brightness, as it is more lightweight and compact than other similar spotting scopes.
The built-in sliding sunshade eliminates glare in bright conditions and keeps dust, rain, and other particles off the objective lens to keep your view clear.
Is this a good spotting scope for eyeglass wearers?
Yes! This Nikon spotting scope features a turn-and-slide eyecup to offer some eye relief for those who wear additional lenses.
Is this digiscope compatible?
The Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope has a digiscope-ready design, so you have the option to capture images using an optional accessory digital camera bracket. Be sure to read our post on did nikon stop making scopes to learn more about their detailed production process!
#5) Vanguard Endeavor HD Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope
- Dual Focus Wheel Provide Maximum Adjustability
- Above Average Image Quality At Long-Range
- Good Value For Money
- Issues With Fine Adjustment Knob
- Not Compatible With Lunar Filters
The last contender for the title of the best spotting scope for 1,000 yards is the Vanguard Endeavor HD Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope.
While it is one of the most affordable spotting scopes that you can opt for, the Vanguard Endeavor still delivers quality results. This spotting scope brings up the quality of your view with extra-low dispersion glass for minimal fringing. It also allows for accurate color rendition. The dual-focus wheel allows for both coarse and fine adjustment, and the detachable angle eyepiece features a soft rubber eyecup for comfort and eye relief.
What’s more is that this spotting scope is equipped with phase-coated BaK4 prism, and it also features a rubber-armored magnesium body with a built-in sunshield. Additionally, it has fully multi-coated lenses for an all-around great long-distance scope option.
How heavy is this spotting scope?
While this isn’t the most lightweight spotting scope on the market, it is manageable and comfortable for long use.
How good is this spotting scope for hitting targets?
The Vanguard Endeavor is suitable for multiple activities for outdoor enthusiasts who partake in activities such as birdwatching and wildlife viewing. It is an affordable option for long-range shooting.
Why You Need a Long Range Spotting Scope for 1,000 Yards
Being able to accurately shoot a target that’s up to 1,000 yards away opens you up to several opportunities. Not only does it give you more time to strategize without the need to first get closer, but you also decrease your chances of startling your target with your movements.
There are several elements that contribute to being able to shoot a long-distance target; that includes, of course, the quality of your rifle. However, a spotting scope may play a bigger role in your shooting than your rifle does. No matter how good your rifle is, if it doesn’t allow for the accuracy you need to make long-range shots, it eventually becomes useless.
Furthermore, your spotting scope doesn’t only have to be used for shooting. It can be utilized for many applications and a variety of outdoor activities, like bird watching or target shooting outside.
One thing to note: Despite how it might be advertised, a spotting scope for 1,000 yards won’t always allow you to see up to that range. This is because there are several different other elements that contribute to your line of view and shot, such as the terrain and visibility during the day.
How to Choose the Best Spotting Scope for 1,000 Yards
There is a variety of spotting scopes for 1,000 yards available on the market, but they don’t all come equal. Each rifle scope has different features that may prove to be more helpful for your hunting needs than others.
That being said, the best spotting scopes for a 1,000-yard range have several features in common. Some of these features include:
Quality of the Glass
Optics are the most important features to consider when choosing the best spotting scope for 1,000 yards. A big part of the optics of a scope is the quality of the glass.
When it comes to scopes, there are three different types of glass:
- Entry-level
- Mid-range
- High-end
Even though it might be tempting to get a scope made out of lower-quality glass from China at a lower price point, you might not end up with the results you want in terms of performance.
The three characteristics that define the quality of the glass are clarity, brightness, and color. Your glass should be a combination of all three for top performance.
Field of View (FOV)
We can’t discuss the best spotting scope for 1,000 yards without mentioning the field of view, which is the size of the area you can see through the lens. It’s always better to go for a lens with a side field of view, especially for long-range shooting. A small FOV can make it hard to keep a faraway target within your view, especially if the target is on the move.
Magnification
Naturally, high magnification is another key feature of the best spotting scope for 1,000 yards. Although it isn’t the most important aspect, it is a must for any long-range shooting.
Spotting scope magnification ranges from 30x magnification to 60x magnification. However, for the most part, 30x magnification is good enough for clear sight up to 1,000 yards.
It’s important to note that magnification and FOV go hand in hand. You’ll most likely need to compromise between high magnification and a large field of view.
The Body
The lens is the most important part of a quality spotting scope for 1,000 yards, but it’s important to choose one that has a durable body and is also lightweight. Materials such as magnesium and aluminum are great options.
You also need to determine whether to get an angled scope or a straight scope. Angled scopes have an eyepiece at a 45-degree angle, while straight scopes’ eyepieces are directly in line with the front optic lens. Bird watchers tend to use angled scopes as they’re easier to look up in the sky and to track birds flying in the air.
Luckily, most of the best spotting scopes have both configurations, but some of them only have one. In general, angled spotting scopes are better than straight ones as they’re more comfortable to use for extended periods of time. However, it’s best to get one with both options for added flexibility.
What’s The Difference Between Angled & Straight Spotting Scopes?
The main difference between angled and straight spotting scopes lies in the design and orientation of the eyepiece. Angled spotting scopes have an eyepiece that is set at an angle (45 degrees) to the body of the scope. Straight spotting scopes are a straight line and the eyepiece is in line with the scope’s body.
Here is a list of some major differences between straight vs angled spotting scopes.
- Angled spotting scopes are more ergonomic
- Angled scopes don’t require repeated tripod adjustments.
- Angled scopes are better for viewing animals/objects at different elevations
- Straight spotting scopes are better for quick target acquisition
Why Are Angled Scopes Better For Long Range Spotting?
Angled scopes are better for long-range spotting (1,000 yards) due to their ergonomic design. Spotting game from 1,00 yards and up requires time and patience. Hunters will not be able to quickly align and spot game from long distances in seconds. The angled eyepiece allows users to comfortably adjust the viewing angle without needing to adjust the tripod height significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification do I need for 1000 yards?
How far can you see with a 20 60x80 spotting scope?
What is FOV at 1000 yards?
How far can you see with a spotter scope?
What does 20-60x60 mean on a spotting scope?
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best spotting scope for 1,000 yards may seem like a difficult task, especially with the large selection out there. There are also brands that claim their scopes can handle 1,000 yards, but they don’t deliver.
However, if you do your research, finding the right spotting scope may end up being an easier mission than you first thought. Whether you plan on strictly using your spotting scope for hunting or you also want to use it for other outdoor activities such as bird watching, once you find the right scope, you can plan to keep it for the long run. If you want a reliable long-range spotting scope to create high-quality images, Kowa TSN-883 Prominar is your best option!
- Premium Quality Scope
- Dual-Focus Technology
- Water & Slip Resistant
- Higher Price Tag
- Issues With Rubber Eye Piece
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