Spotting Scopes That Go the Distance

An 80 mm objective will absorb more light than a smaller one, but most are also heavy. On the other hand, the fully multi-coated, Korean-made Burris Landmark 20x-60x-80 mm weighs just 42 ounces and won’t drain your wallet. ($350; 970-356-1670; www.burrisoptics.com)

Playing upon the popularity of its excellent EDG binoculars, Nikon used the same coating and ED glass to produce its 16x48-65 mm EDG Fieldscope. The result is very outstanding brightness and clarity all the way to the edge of its field of view. ($2,699; 800-645-6687; www.nikonhunting.com)

Vortex touts the ability of the “ArmorTek” coating on its 20x-60x eyepiece and 85 mm objective to prevent scratches and repel oil and water. It’s Japanese-made lenses are fully multi-coated and the tube is argon-purged. ($2,000; 800-426-0048; www.vortexoptics.com)

A “Dual Speed Focus” system on the Zeiss Victory Diascope T* FL 20x-60x-85 mm allows you to make large or fine adjustments with a single focus wheel—that’s a huge innovation. Oh, and its German glass ain’t bad either. ($3,000; 800-441-3005; www.zeiss.com/sports)

The Swarovski ATM-HD (80 mm with 30x, 20x-60x and 25x-50x eyepieces) has “Swarodur” and “Swarotop” coatings that improve transmission of light and color. The difference is obvious at high magnification. If you’re a serious Western hunter, sell your truck and buy one. ($3,569; 800-426-3089; www.swarovskioptik.com)

Bushnell’s Legend Ultra HD 15x45-60 mm offers Bak-4 prisms, extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses. And at a mere 40 ounces, it’s clear Bushnell’s improved its ability to reduce bulk. Made in China. ($519; 800-423-3537; www.bushnell.com)

Leupold ships the Chinese-made Kenai spotter in an aluminum travel case that makes for an immediate positive impression. Multi-coated lenses and Bak-4 prisms boost clarity and, at least to our eyes, this is one of the market’s most aesthetically appealing scopes. Eyepieces are available in 25x-60x or 30x with an 80 mm objective. ($1,000; 800-538-7653; www.leupold.com)