If you are like many people, you probably enjoy hunting, bird watching, and other similar activities, but you may not be sure how to best select the spotting scope for your needs. Selecting the best spotting scope starts with understanding the purpose of a spotting scope, meaning why a scope is needed. This is especially true if you are a beginner at hunting, bird watching, or the other activities that require scopes. A spotting scope is basically a miniature telescope, that can usually be carried around. The purpose of this type of scope is to view objects, such as birds or deer.
A spotting scope can be categorized into two separate areas, which are as follows:
Refractive scopes, meaning a pair of prisms will refract and then correct the object.
Scopes made with mirrors and lenses, also known as catadioptric.
Once you understand a little about spotting scopes, you can learn how to best select the spotting scope for your needs.
One of the first things you need to consider when shopping for a spotting scope is the styles of scopes available. While there are three main styles of how scopes are created, two are more popular than the third. These styles are as follows:
Straight through Scopes are spotting scopes that are basically straight, meaning where you view (the eye piece) is level with the rest of the scope.
Angled Scopes are spotting scopes that with an angle, meaning the viewing piece is higher than the rest of the scope, usually at a 45-degree angle.
Last, and probably the least used spotting scope, is one created to mount on the shoulder.
It is important to consider what you will be using the spotting scope for. Generally, bird watchers use a 20X or 25X, meaning how much power the scope has. Any scope with a higher power will pull you closer to the image you are viewing.
Second, budget should be a contributing factor. While you can find scopes that are budget friendly, it may be wise to invest in a quality scope that costs a little more than to buy a cheap scope. It all depends on your needs.
One last thing to consider is if you want to take pictures with your spotting scope and if the scope should be weatherproof. If so, you should consider scopes that allow cameras to be attached and that are waterproof. Click here to start your search for your spotting scope. 
