How do spotting scopes work? The use of a spotting scope during a hunt is often unclear to hunters, although it is actually quite simple. This spotting scope guide will teach you how to use a spotting scope for shooting, how to set it up and give you some great advice on how to pick a spotting scope if you’re in the market to buy one.
Nothing compares to getting an extremely close look at a unique object in its natural habitat. Binoculars can get you close, but you need a spotting scope to confirm the thing’s identity for your life list or to look it in the eye. Spotting scopes offer great magnification in a typically straightforward, portable, and robust design suitable for fieldwork.
How to use a spotting scope
If you’re completely unfamiliar with spotting scopes, you must seek advice on how to use and set up one. It could be a good time to bring out your user guide. In any case, begin with the tripod.
Keep in mind that these are basic directions for the spotting scopes and tripods that are most frequently used. If your spotting scope is slightly different, consult your user manual or contact the manufacturer.
Adjust the scope up on the tripod
After extending the tripod legs to the proper height, lock the leg levers back into position by unlocking or unclipping them. If your tripod can do so, you should adjust the leg extenders to the proper height for each leg if you’re on rough or uneven terrain.
If you need more weight to keep the tripod in place, think about it. If your tripod has a hook hanging from the bottom in the middle, you can fasten a scope bag to increase weight. Exit the case and grab your spotting scope. You can choose to leave the stay-on cover on if it is there.
A mounting plate or tripod adapter that may be detached from the tripod’s mounting platform may already be attached to the tripod. Attach the adapter or plate onto the scope with the wingnut or other tripod-specific tightening tool. Before hitting the range or going on a hunt, make sure you go through this step, as you might need a coin or a specialized tool.
Set the tripod on the scope. You may only need to move the plate into the mounting platform with quick-release systems until it clicks into position. If the tripod has a lock, secure it. If you need to remove the scope immediately, most quick-release systems contain a button you can press. Just keep in mind to unlock it first if you have locked it in place.
If the tripod’s neck extension or center column extension needs to be unlocked to gain more height, do so. Once you have the required height, lock the extension back to keep the tripod in place.
Tilt the scope
You must unlock the tilt and pan locks before using the scope to tilt and pan. Use the tripod’s sliders or locks to accomplish this. The locking mechanism is sometimes included in the handle of more recent tripods. If the handle has that capability, you can tighten it by untwisting it while rotating it counterclockwise to lock it in place.
Always remember not to tilt or shift the spotting scope along with it. Always move the pan with the handle.
Getting the scope ready for use
If your scope has a stay-on cover, take it off, unzip it, or draw it down to reveal the eyepiece, objective lens, and focus settings. The spotting scope should be free of any caps that could still be attached.
Finding targets
Start at a low magnification to focus your image for sharpness and a broad field of view. The focus adjustments must be moved and adjusted to achieve a sharp, clear vision.
If you wear glasses, you should twist or fold the eyecups down until your eyes are sufficiently relieved. If your spotting scope has a retractable sunshade at the end of the objective lens, you should extend it if the sun is not directly behind you and is at an angle to your scope.
If you haven’t previously, use your binoculars to search the area for targets while using the pan handle to see the landscape. After locating your targets at low magnification, use the zoom ring to increase the power until you have the ideal vision. Refocus using the focus adjustments as necessary to get a sharp, distinct image.
Note: To acquire the greatest field of view when finding targets, initially start with the lowest magnification. Your field of vision will be restricted when you broaden your power range.
Taking care of spotting scopes
Spotting scopes are intricate systems; therefore, regular maintenance is essential. It is critical to carry, store, and clean equipment properly. The cleaning should be done carefully using a particular cloth, brush, compressed air, or solution.
Never touch the lenses; always wipe them from the center outward.
Never look at the sun directly to avoid damaging your eyes.
Factors to consider while selecting spotting scope
Magnification Power (typically vary from 15x to 60x for medium-range telescopes)
Zoom Lenses (With a single, easy adjustment, zoom lenses can raise the magnification power from 20x to as high as 60x.)
Glass Quality (made with extra-low dispersion, high density, or fluorite-coated glass)
Light-Gathering Capacity (usually between 50 and 100 mm)
Eyepiece Placement (viewing above the horizon is made easier by the 45-degree eyepiece.)
Eye Relief (For most people wearing glasses, 12–15 mm of eye relief is sufficient.)
Wrapping Up
Popular optical devices that magnify distant things are spotting scopes. Spotting scopes are among the most potent devices, making them excellent for long distance viewing and a variety of applications, even though users can pick from a wide range of telescopes, monoculars, scopes, and binoculars. Scopes can be used for various activities, including astronomy, spying, shooting, and hunting.
