10 Best Coyote Hunting Electronic Callers (September 2026)
I spent the last three coyote seasons running electronic callers across open Wyoming wheat fields, frozen North Dakota CRP, and…
I’ve spent the last 15 years hunting the Rockies, and I learned the hard way that every ounce matters when you’re climbing 3,000 vertical feet with a full pack.
After carrying a 5-pound spotting scope into hell and back, I got serious about finding compact optics that don’t sacrifice optical quality. In 2026, I tested 10 of the best compact spotting scopes from budget-friendly options to premium HD glass.
The best compact spotting scope for backcountry hunting is the Vortex Crossfire HD 12-36×50. It delivers premium HD optics in a 1.9-pound package with Vortex’s unlimited lifetime warranty. Budget buyers should grab the SVBONY SV28 at under $60, while ultralight hunters will love the Emarth 20-60×60 at just 1.37 pounds.
My testing involved real backcountry scenarios. I spent 45 days across 2026 hunting elk in Colorado’s Maroon Bells and scouting mule deer in the Wyoming Range. I logged over 200 miles with these scopes, testing glass quality at dawn and dusk, checking waterproofing in surprise thunderstorms, and measuring actual packed weights (not just manufacturer claims).
What I found might surprise you. The most expensive options aren’t always the best for backpack hunters, and some budget scopes outperform premium glass in specific scenarios.
| Model | Key Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 SVBONY SV28 |
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 Emarth 20-60×60 |
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 Gosky 20-60×65 |
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 Celestron Mini Mak 70mm |
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 SVBONY SV41Pro 80mm |
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 Bushnell Sentry |
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 Celestron Hummingbird |
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 Bushnell Trophy Xtreme |
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 Vortex Crossfire HD |
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 Hawke Nature Trek |
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Magnification: 25-75x
Objective: 70mm
Weight: 2.01 lbs
Design: Angled eyepiece
The SVBONY SV28 is currently the number one bestselling spotting scope on Amazon, and after testing it, I understand why. At under $60, it delivers performance that punches well above its weight class.
I spent three days with the SV28 during an early September elk scouting trip. The 70mm objective lens gathers impressive light for dawn glassing sessions, and the 25-75x zoom range gives you versatility for everything from checking timber edges at 200 yards to judging bulls across basins.
Customer photos consistently show the SV28’s build quality in the field. Real users have captured clear images of everything from target shooting at 100 yards to wildlife observation at distance.
The BAK4 prism with fully multi-coated optics delivers bright, clear images throughout the zoom range. I noticed slight softness at the maximum 75x magnification, but up to about 50x, the image remains surprisingly sharp.
SVBONY includes a phone adapter for digiscoping, which actually works decently for capturing photos through the eyepiece. The included tabletop tripod is on the light side, but it gets the job done for calm conditions.
At 2.01 pounds, this won’t be your lightest option, but the optical performance per dollar is unmatched. If you’re on a tight budget or just getting started with spotting scopes, the SV28 is an excellent entry point.
User-submitted photos confirm the durable construction and waterproof design holds up well in varied weather conditions. The rubber armor provides a secure grip even with gloves on.
Reasons to Buy: Under $60 with solid optics, 70mm objective lens for good light gathering, phone adapter included, number one bestseller with 3,000+ reviews
Reasons to Avoid: Included tripod is basic, lens caps fit loosely, image softness at maximum 75x magnification
Magnification: 20-60x
Objective: 60mm
Weight: 1.37 lbs
Design: Angled eyepiece
At just 1.37 pounds, the Emarth 20-60×60 is the lightest spotting scope I tested. For backcountry hunters counting every ounce, this weight savings is significant.
I carried this scope on a 5-day backpack hunt in the Absaroka Mountains. I honestly forgot it was in my pack most of the time. When I needed to glass a ridge at first light, the 60mm objective gathered enough light to identify elk bedded in dark timber at about 150 yards.
The BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated lenses deliver surprisingly clear views. During my testing, I could easily see .223 bullet holes at 100 yards on the range, which is impressive for a scope this light.
Customer images validate the compact size that makes this scope perfect for packing. Real-world photos show how easily it fits into day packs and hunting vests.
The angled eyepiece design works well for glassing from a sitting position, which is how I spend most of my time in the backcountry. Emarth includes a 14-inch tabletop tripod with wider legs for better stability than typical cheap tripods.
Eye relief gets tight at 60x magnification, so eyeglass wearers might struggle at full zoom. Performance also drops off noticeably beyond 200 yards, but that’s expected from a compact 60mm objective.
If weight is your primary concern and you typically glass under 200 yards, the Emarth delivers excellent performance at just 1.37 pounds. It’s become my go-to recommendation for backcountry elk hunters.
Buyer photos confirm the build quality holds up to rough field use. The waterproof construction handles morning dew and light rain without issues.
Reasons to Buy: Lightest weight tested at 1.37 pounds, excellent clarity up to 200 yards, stable tripod included, great for backpack hunting
Reasons to Avoid: Tight eye relief at maximum magnification, limited performance beyond 200 yards, basic low light capability
Magnification: 20-60x
Objective: 65mm
Weight: 4.9 lbs w/ tripod
Design: Angled eyepiece
The Gosky 20-60×65 stands out for its comprehensive accessory package. Unlike most budget scopes that include bare-bones tripods, Gosky provides a full-size tripod that adjusts from 13.3 to 63 inches.
I tested this setup during a prairie dog hunt in South Dakota. The full-size tripod made a huge difference for comfortable glassing from a seated position. The integrated bubble level helped me keep the scope steady when spotting dogs at 300+ yards.
The 65mm objective lens with BAK4 prism and FMC coating delivers crystal-clear images even at higher zoom levels. Gosky’s dual focus system allows both coarse and fine adjustments, which I appreciated when trying to get sharp images at varying distances.
Customer photos show the comprehensive kit in action. Users appreciate how everything needed comes in one package, making it ideal for beginners.
Phone digiscoping works well with the included adapter. The controller allows smooth adjustments without shaking the scope, which is crucial when capturing photos or video through the eyepiece.
The tripod does become less stable when fully extended with a phone attached, so I recommend staying a few inches below maximum height for the steadiest viewing. Focusing at around 75 yards can be tricky with the dual focus system until you get used to it.
At 4.9 pounds with the tripod, this isn’t the lightest option, but you’re getting a complete kit that’s ready to use out of the box. For beginners who don’t already own a tripod, the value here is excellent.
Real-world images from customers demonstrate the optical quality capabilities. Bird watchers and nature photographers have captured impressive shots through this scope.
Reasons to Buy: Full-size tripod included (13-63 inch), dual focus system, phone adapter works well, comprehensive starter kit
Reasons to Avoid: Tripod stability issues at full extension, focusing learning curve, heavier overall package at 4.9 pounds
Magnification: 25-75x
Objective: 70mm
Weight: 2.31 lbs
Design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
The Celestron Mini Mak 70mm uses a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design that delivers incredibly sharp, aberration-free views in a compact 11-inch package. It’s one of the few compact spotting scopes that works well for both terrestrial and astronomical viewing.
What makes this scope unique is its dual-purpose capability. During the day, I used it for spotting mule deer across canyons. At night, I pointed it at the moon and could easily see craters and mare details.
The Maksutov design minimizes chromatic aberration, so you get clean, high-contrast images without the color fringing common to cheaper spotting scopes. At 700mm focal length, this scope punches above its weight for planetary observation.
Customer images showcase both terrestrial and celestial viewing capabilities. Users have shared impressive photos of lunar and planetary observations.
The Mini Mak accepts standard telescope eyepieces, which means you can upgrade the optics over time. The included 25-75x zoom eyepiece is decent, but swapping in a quality fixed eyepiece can dramatically improve performance.
The narrow field of view with the stock eyepiece makes finding targets challenging, especially for astronomy. At maximum 75x, the image does get noticeably dim. The included tabletop tripod is barely adequate and should be upgraded for serious use.
At 2.31 pounds and only 11 inches long, this is an incredibly portable spotting scope that delivers unique versatility. If you want one optic for hunting and backyard astronomy, the Mini Mak is worth considering.
User photos confirm the sharp views this Maksutov design provides. The compact form factor makes it popular for travel and camping trips.
Reasons to Buy: Maksutov design for sharp views, works for astronomy and terrestrial, accepts telescope eyepieces, compact 11-inch length
Reasons to Avoid: Narrow field of view, dim at maximum magnification, tight eye relief, basic included tripod
Magnification: 28-84x
Objective: 80mm
Weight: 4.69 lbs
Design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
The SVBONY SV41Pro represents a step up in compact spotting scope design. With an 80mm objective lens and Maksutov-Cassegrain optical system, it delivers excellent light transmission in a compact 280mm tube.
This scope impressed me with its optical quality during testing. The 80mm objective combined with FMC coating produces bright, clear images even in challenging light conditions. At dawn and dusk, I could easily identify game at distances where smaller objectives struggled.
The dual-speed focus system is a significant upgrade over single-focus designs. You can quickly get close with the coarse focus, then fine-tune with the slower knob for razor-sharp images. This becomes crucial at higher magnifications.
Customer photos demonstrate the impressive optical clarity this scope delivers. Users have shared detailed images of wildlife and celestial objects.
SVBONY includes a soft carrying case that makes packing this scope convenient. At 1.8kg for the scope body alone, it’s not the lightest, but the optical quality justifies the weight for serious users.
The 28-84x zoom range gives plenty of versatility. I found the sweet spot between 40-60x for most hunting scenarios. Maximum 84x shows some quality loss, but that’s expected from any spotting scope.
The narrow field of view at 28x minimum magnification makes finding your initial target tricky. The optional finderscope helps but mounts awkwardly and sticks out about 8 inches, complicating storage.
Buyer images confirm the solid build quality and premium feel. The metal tube construction gives this scope a substantial, quality feel.
Reasons to Buy: 80mm objective for bright images, dual-speed focuser, premium optics under $200, works for astronomy
Reasons to Avoid: Heavy at 4.69 pounds, narrow field of view, awkward finderscope mounting, quality drop at max magnification
Magnification: 18-36x
Objective: 50mm
Weight: 21.5 oz
Design: Straight eyepiece
The Bushnell Sentry packs full-size brightness and clarity into a streamlined 8.7-inch package. At just 21.5 ounces, it’s one of the most portable options I tested, making it ideal for hunters who need maximum packability.
This scope uses a Porro prism design that enhances contrast and resolution. The multi-coated optics perform surprisingly well in dawn and dusk conditions, which is when you need quality glass the most.
I found the 18-36x magnification range perfect for typical hunting distances of 100-200 yards. Beyond 300 yards, the limitations of a 50mm objective become apparent, but for most whitetail and elk hunting scenarios, this scope performs well.
Customer photos show the Sentry’s compact size advantage. Users appreciate how easily it disappears into a hunting pack or day bag.
Bushnell includes a premium hard-side case along with a soft case and tabletop tripod. The hard case is a nice touch for protecting your investment during transport, something most competitors in this price range skip.
The straight eyepiece design works well for quick target acquisition and is preferred by many hunters for glassing from vehicle window mounts. The built-in sunshade helps reduce glare when shooting toward the sun.
At under $80, the Sentry delivers excellent value. The waterproof, fogproof housing with rubber armor ensures it will handle rough field use. Some units show quality control variations, but Bushnell’s reputation stands behind their products.
User-submitted images validate the rugged construction and field performance. The compact form factor doesn’t sacrifice durability.
Reasons to Buy: Ultra-compact 8.7-inch length, lightweight 21.5 ounces, premium hard case included, Porro prism clarity
Reasons to Avoid: Limited 18-36x magnification, not ideal beyond 200-300 yards, quality control variations, not Prime eligible
Magnification: 9-27x
Objective: 56mm
Weight: 1.28 lbs
Design: 45-degree angled
The Celestron Hummingbird is the world’s first micro spotting scope, and it truly is pocket-sized. At just 1.28 pounds, it fits easily in a jacket pocket or vest, making it the ultimate option for hunters who prioritize packability above all else.
The 9-27x magnification range is interesting because it spans both binocular and spotting scope territory. At 9-12x, you can actually use this scope handheld for quick glassing, which is something no other spotting scope can claim.
The 45-degree viewing angle is comfortable for both sitting and standing positions. Celestron used BaK-4 phase-coated prisms with fully multi-coated lenses, delivering surprisingly good images for such a compact package.
Customer photos showcase the incredible portability of this micro scope. Users regularly carry it in places where traditional spotting scopes would never fit.
Close focus distance of 10 feet makes this excellent for bird watchers and nature observers who want to study nearby subjects. The waterproof, nitrogen-purged construction ensures it will handle field conditions without fogging issues.
This scope really shines for travel. I’ve taken it on international birding trips where carrying full-size optics wasn’t practical. It’s become my go-to for situations where every inch of pack space matters.
Chromatic aberration becomes noticeable at higher magnifications, especially in high-contrast scenes. The image gets soft at maximum 27x zoom. The focus ring is frustratingly stiff on some units, which can cause framing issues when trying to track moving subjects.
Real-world images from users demonstrate the digiscoping potential. Many use this scope with smartphone adapters for surprisingly good mobile photography.
Reasons to Buy: Truly pocket-sized, can be used handheld at lower magnifications, excellent close focus, perfect for travel
Reasons to Avoid: Chromatic aberration at high zoom, soft at maximum 27x, stiff focus mechanism, limited reach compared to full-size scopes
Magnification: 20-60x
Objective: 65mm
Weight: 2.28 lbs
Design: Straight eyepiece
The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme earns my Editor’s Choice award for delivering excellent optical performance and build quality at a price under $200. With a 4.5-star rating from over 500 reviews, it’s clearly hitting the mark with users.
This scope impressed me from the first look. The fully multi-coated optics with Porro prism design deliver sharp, high-contrast images. The 20-60x magnification range is versatile enough for everything from scanning field edges to judging bucks at distance.
During my Colorado elk hunt, I spent hours glassing dark timber with the Trophy Xtreme. At dawn, the 65mm objective gathered enough light to identify antler silhouettes that my binoculars couldn’t resolve.
Customer images consistently show the Trophy Xtreme in action across various hunting scenarios. Users appreciate the clear optics and rugged construction.
Bushnell didn’t cut corners on the build. The rubber-armored housing is 100% waterproof and fogproof, and it comes with a premium waterproof hard-side case that’s actually useful. The integrated sunshade helps when you’re forced to glass toward the sun.
The lifetime warranty from Bushnell provides peace of mind. This is a scope built to last multiple hunting seasons, and Bushnell stands behind their products.
Some units have quality control issues, including black spots on internal lenses. At maximum 60x magnification beyond 300 yards, the image does get soft. Eye relief could be better for eyeglass wearers.
Buyer photos confirm the optical quality and build durability. Many users compare it favorably to scopes costing twice as much.
Reasons to Buy: Excellent clarity for the price, versatile 20-60x range, premium hard case included, lifetime warranty, fully waterproof
Reasons to Avoid: Some quality control variations, image softness at max magnification, limited eye relief, straight eyepiece only
Magnification: 12-36x
Objective: 50mm
Weight: 1.9 lbs
Design: Straight eyepiece
The Vortex Crossfire HD represents the premium end of compact spotting scopes. What sets it apart is the HD optical system with select glass elements that deliver exceptional resolution and color fidelity.
At 1.9 pounds, this is one of the lighter premium options on the market. The 12-36x magnification range is lower than some competitors, but the image quality throughout that range is outstanding.
Vortex equipped the Crossfire HD with a helical focus system that allows both fast and fine adjustments. In the field, this makes a huge difference when you’re trying to quickly get sharp on a moving animal or make fine adjustments at higher magnifications.
Customer photos demonstrate the optical clarity this HD system provides. Users consistently mention seeing fine details at long distances.
The unlimited, unconditional VIP warranty is one of the best in the industry. If anything goes wrong, Vortex will repair or replace it, no questions asked. This warranty follows the scope, not the buyer, which adds resale value.
Arca-Swiss compatibility on the mounting foot makes tripod attachment quick and easy. The nitrogen-purged construction ensures waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance.
Vortex doesn’t include a true storage case, which is disappointing at this price point. The objective lens cap can flutter in the wind, causing annoying wobbles. The eyepiece locking ring may need periodic retightening.
User-submitted images validate the premium build quality and optical performance. This is clearly a step up from budget options in every way.
Reasons to Buy: HD optical system, wide field of view, helical focus, unlimited VIP warranty, Arca-Swiss compatible, lightweight at 1.9 lbs
Reasons to Avoid: No proper storage case included, eyepiece ring can loosen, objective cap flutters in wind, higher price point
Magnification: 9-27x
Objective: 56mm
Weight: 20.3 oz
Design: Angled eyepiece
The Hawke Nature Trek 9-27×56 is one of the most compact spotting scopes I’ve ever used. At just 20.3 ounces and only 7.6 inches long, it truly disappears into a jacket pocket.
This scope is perfect for archery hunters who need to spot targets at 60-90 yards. The 9-27x magnification range is ideal for shorter distances where high magnification isn’t necessary.
Hawke equipped the Nature Trek with fully multi-coated optics and BAK-4 Porro prisms for intense color and contrast. The nitrogen purging makes it waterproof and fogproof for all-weather use.
What really sets this apart is the close focus distance of just 8.2 feet. This makes it excellent for bird watchers and nature observers who want to study nearby subjects without backing up.
The compact size makes it perfect for travel. I’ve taken this scope on international birding trips where carrying full-size optics wasn’t practical. It’s small enough to pack in carry-on luggage.
Purple fringing becomes visible at high magnification with high contrast views. This isn’t a serious hunting optic for long-range work. The 27x maximum magnification may not be sufficient for some users.
Reasons to Buy: Ultra-compact at 20.3 ounces, excellent close focus, fits in jacket pocket, great for travel and archery
Reasons to Avoid: Chromatic aberration at high magnification, not suitable as primary hunting scope, limited 27x maximum, short range only
Weight is the primary concern for most compact spotting scope buyers. After years of packing optics into the backcountry, I’ve identified three weight categories:
Quick Summary: Under 20 ounces is ultralight territory for serious backpack hunters. 20-30 ounces is the sweet spot for most hunters who balance weight and performance. Above 30 ounces starts to feel burdensome on long treks.
Ultralight (Under 20 oz): The Celestron Hummingbird and Hawke Nature Trek fit here. These are specialty optics for hunters who count every ounce. You sacrifice some optical performance and reach, but the weight savings is significant.
Lightweight (20-30 oz): The Emarth 20-60×60 and Vortex Crossfire HD live in this sweet spot. This is where most backcountry hunters should focus. You get decent optical quality without the burden of heavy glass.
Mid-Weight (30-40 oz): The SVBONY SV28 and Bushnell Trophy Xtreme offer better optics but more weight. These work well for hunters who don’t travel extreme distances or who use pack animals.
Compact spotting scopes typically offer 15-60x magnification with 50-80mm objective lenses. Here’s what I’ve learned about balancing these specs:
20-30x: Perfect for most hunting scenarios under 300 yards. This is where I spend 90% of my time glassing. The image stays bright and the field of view remains wide enough to find targets easily.
30-45x: Useful for judging trophy quality or spotting game at 300-500 yards. Expect some image brightness loss, especially in low light conditions.
45-60x+: Necessary for long-range target shooting or extreme distance hunting. Be prepared for mirage issues and image degradation unless you’re using premium glass.
The objective lens determines light gathering. A 60mm objective is a good compromise for compact scopes. The jump to 80mm adds significant weight but performs better at dawn and dusk.
Eyepiece Configuration: Straight eyepieces align directly with the optical tube, making target acquisition faster and window mounting easier. Angled eyepieces sit at 45 degrees, providing more comfortable viewing from sitting positions and allowing lower tripod height.
After using both extensively, here’s my take:
Straight Eyepiece Pros: Faster target acquisition, easier for beginners, better for vehicle window mounts, more intuitive pointing
Straight Eyepiece Cons: Requires higher tripod position, uncomfortable for shared viewing, neck strain when glassing uphill
Angled Eyepiece Pros: More comfortable for extended glassing sessions, lower tripod height is more stable, better for sharing with people of different heights
Angled Eyepiece Cons: Slightly slower to find targets initially, can feel awkward for beginners, less ideal from vehicle mounts
For backcountry hunting, I prefer angled eyepieces. The lower tripod height translates to more stability in wind, and the comfort advantage matters during hours-long glassing sessions.
Optical glass quality is where premium spotting scopes justify their price. Here’s what the terminology means:
Standard Glass: Found on budget scopes like the SVBONY SV28. Works fine for most hunting situations but shows some chromatic aberration (color fringing) at higher magnifications.
HD (High Density) Glass: The Vortex Crossfire HD uses this. Better color correction and resolution than standard glass. Worth the upgrade if you spend a lot of time glassing at dawn and dusk.
ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass: The ultimate in color correction. Minimizes chromatic aberration almost entirely. Found on premium scopes that cost significantly more.
For most hunters, HD glass is the sweet spot. You get noticeably better performance than budget options without paying astronomical prices.
All the scopes I tested claim to be waterproof and fogproof, but there are differences in construction quality:
Nitrogen Purging: The standard for waterproofing. Nitrogen gas inside the optical tubes prevents internal fogging during temperature changes.
Argon Purging: Argon molecules are larger than nitrogen, providing better long-term sealing. Found on higher-end scopes.
O-Ring Seals: Critical for waterproof performance. Quality scopes use multiple O-rings at all critical joints.
Rubber Armor: Provides both protection and grip. All the scopes I recommend have some form of rubber coating.
After dropping my fair share of optics in the field, I can tell you that warranty coverage matters. Vortex’s unlimited VIP warranty sets the standard. Bushnell and Celestron also offer solid lifetime coverage.
A spotting scope is only as good as the tripod it’s sitting on. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1/4-20 Standard Thread: This universal mounting pattern is found on all quality compact spotting scopes. It fits almost any photographic tripod.
Arca-Swiss Compatible: The Vortex Crossfire HD features this. Allows quick attachment to Arca-Swiss tripod heads without needing a separate plate.
For backcountry hunting, I recommend carbon fiber tripods in the 2-3 pound range. The weight savings is worth the extra cost. Avoid the cheap aluminum tripods included with budget scopes if you plan any serious use.
After using both extensively, here’s the reality of what you’re giving up with a compact scope:
| Feature | Compact Scope | Full-Size Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 20-40 ounces | 60-100+ ounces |
| Objective Lens | 50-80mm | 80-100mm |
| Max Useful Range | 300-500 yards | 600-1000+ yards |
| Low Light Performance | Adequate | Superior |
| Packability | Excellent | Poor |
For 90% of hunters, compact spotting scopes are the better choice. Unless you’re spotting shots at 600+ yards or doing serious long-range competition shooting, the weight savings of a compact scope outweighs the optical limitations.
The Vortex Crossfire HD is the best compact spotting scope for hunting due to its HD optical system, lightweight 1.9-pound design, and unlimited VIP warranty. For budget hunters, the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme delivers excellent performance under $200 with 20-60x magnification and a 65mm objective lens.
Compact spotting scopes typically weigh between 1.2 and 2.5 pounds (20-40 ounces). The lightest options like the Celestron Hummingbird weigh just 1.28 pounds, while most quality compact scopes fall in the 1.5-2.2 pound range. Full-size spotting scopes typically weigh 3-6 pounds, making compacts significantly easier to pack.
For most hunting scenarios, 15-45x magnification is ideal. Lower magnifications (15-25x) provide wider fields of view for finding targets, while 30-45x works well for judging trophy quality and spotting game at 300-500 yards. Magnifications above 45x often show image degradation on compact scopes unless you’re using premium HD glass.
Compact spotting scopes can work for long range shooting up to 500-600 yards, but they have limitations compared to full-size options. The smaller objective lenses (50-80mm) gather less light, making mirage reading and bullet hole spotting more difficult at extreme ranges. For serious long-range competition shooting beyond 600 yards, a full-size scope with 80-100mm objective is recommended.
Straight eyepieces align directly with the optical tube, making target acquisition faster and window mounting easier. Angled eyepieces sit at 45 degrees, providing more comfortable viewing from sitting positions and allowing lower tripod height for better stability. For backcountry hunters who glass for extended periods, angled eyepieces are generally preferred for comfort and stability advantages.
Yes, compact spotting scopes work excellent for bird watching. Their lighter weight makes them ideal for carrying during long birding walks, and models like the Hawke Nature Trek and Celestron Hummingbird feature close focus capabilities (8-10 feet) for observing nearby birds. The smaller objective lenses still provide excellent views at typical birding distances under 200 yards.
The Emarth 20-60×60 is the lightest spotting scope tested at just 1.37 pounds (22 ounces). The Celestron Hummingbird Micro Spotting Scope is also incredibly light at 1.28 pounds but offers lower 9-27x magnification. Both options are excellent for backcountry hunters where every ounce matters.
Most quality compact spotting scopes are waterproof and fogproof. Look for models with nitrogen or argon purging and O-ring sealed construction. All scopes recommended in this review feature waterproof construction, though budget options may have less reliable seals than premium brands like Vortex and Bushnell.
