Best Spotting Scope for 1000 Yards: For the Long Range

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.

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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.

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#1) Kowa TSN-883 Prominar Pure Fluorite Spotting Scope

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.

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#2) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes

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.

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#3)Celestron Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope

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.

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#4) Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 82mm Angled Body

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!

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#5) Vanguard Endeavor HD Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope

​​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.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What magnification do I need for 1000 yards?

A 9x or 10x magnification range is generally used for 1000 yards. At this range, you want to be able to see your target clearly and also have a clear field of view. With lower magnifications, you may not be able to see your targets as well and could end up missing. Higher magnifications can also make it more difficult to keep track of your targets and can lead to more mistakes.

How far can you see with a 20 60×80 spotting scope?

A spotting scope with a magnification of 20-60×80 will give you a great view of objects up to 500 yards away. If the scope is equipped with a dynamic lens focusing system, you can easy zoom in on target up to ~1000 yards with great image quality.

What is FOV at 1000 yards?

The field of view (FOV) on a scope is the horizontal distance you can see when targeting a certain distance. From 1000 yards, you can expect to have a FOV of about 340 yards. However, this will change from scope to scope.

How far can you see with a spotter scope?

It depends on the quality of the scope. Premium quality scopes can see greater than 1000 yards, while lower quality scopes may only be able to see a few hundred yards. If you plan on spotting from long range, pay close attention to how much scope magnification you equipment has.

What does 20-60×60 mean on a spotting scope?

These numbers give you the scope’s magnification and objective lens size. The “20-60x” means that the long-range scope has variable magnification from 20-60x. The second “60” is the objective lens diameter in millimeters.

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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!