For watching
distant birds ...

The first optics a birder needs is a good binocular. For more distant birds, you will really enjoy a spotting scope.

We especially like this tiny 13-30x Nikon Fieldscope. Its zoom lens lets you go from 13 power (which gives youmore than double what your binocular sees) to 30 power

Yet this scope weighs only a pound. Easy to carry anywhere, even in your airplane carry-on bag. And the optical quality is outstanding.

For watching
distant birds ...

The first optics a birder needs is a good binocular. If you then want to see birds far away, such as at a wetland, grassland, or the ocean, you will really enjoy a spotting scope.

If you want a top quality scope but at a moderate price, we recommend the Vortex Razor.

When we tested it for a review, we found it the equal of scopes costing two or three times a much.

For watching
distant birds ...

The Vortex Viper HD 80mm scope is a real breakthrough in high quality at a lower price.

We were really amazed at the great optical quality of this scope when we compared it side-by-side with much more expensive models.

Our strong favorite is the angled version.

A scope you can always have with you

Have you ever been out birding and wished you brought your scope? Because sometimes your 8x or 10x binoculars can't quite make out a bird's identification.

Meet the new Celestron Hummingbird ED Micro Spotting Scope.

It'll fit in a loose pocket.

The 7-power version is easy to hand hold.

There's an option that includes a tiny tabletop tripod.

MORE ABOUT THE TINY SCOPE

Outstanding value in an affordable scope

We've looked through and tested a lot of 80mm lower-priced spotting scopes, and the same one always comes up Number One in optical quality.

It's the Alpen 788, for under $500 (in 2017). Sharp and bright way beyond its price range.

Comes with a tabletop tripod, so you can use it right away even if you don't have your full-length tripod yet.

Best Birding Scope

We think the new ATX Modular scope design from Swarovski is the place to start if you want a scope with the highest optical quality and the best ergonomics.

Assemble your ideal scope from modular components.

Three Modular objectives: 65mm (top), 85mm (middle), or 95mm (bottom)

Two eyepiece modules:
angled (top) or
straight-through (lower)

See our hands-on review: