How to use a spotting scope for birding?

When you are thinking about birding or photography, nothing can replace the features of a spotting scope. The highly close view with every detail is the principal reason to choose this device. If you want to enjoy the incredible magnification power, you have to peak a spotting scope. 

To boast the birding skill, you need to know how to use a spotting scope for birding. This article will help you by providing every detail of using a spotting scope. Most birders like to stick with the binos. But here, we will also let you know the importance of using a spotting scope. 

Who needs spotting scopes?

As a birder, hunter, campaigner, survivor, or stager, you may have a question in your mind, “Do I need a spotting scope?”. Yes, you need it. To see the long-distance view, the gadget works amazingly. It will allow you to identify the objects without disturbing them. Some outdoor professionals like to compare the spotting scope with binocular. 

The first fact is the distance of your target. Is it far away from your existence or not? Do you need to move frequently to follow your target? Want to follow a moving object? If the target is far away from you and wants to use this device for shooting, then you can choose a spotting scope. But to follow fast-moving objects from a bit of distance, you can use a binocular. The best facility for using a spotting scope is to get every detail of your objects.  

How to use a spotting scope for birding?

Birding is an adventurous profession sometimes. Especially when you select the shorebirds or the waterfowl for birding, in that case, spotting scope is a helpful tool to have a close view with full details. So this fantastic quality will boost your birding job. 

To manage all the features of a spotting scope, you need to know how to use a spotting scope. Here all the mechanisms are used as a telescope has, just like a bit of version of a telescope. But the device can be effortless to use after knowing the detailed instruction to control it for birding or other professions. 

Know the position

Your first step is to find the target area. Fix the borderline where the birds’ position is. However, the task is a little bit crucial for hunting or photography. When the target is in a small space, you can automatically fix the position of your spotting scope. Beginners may be confused about it. No worries, it’s an easy task to set the scope’s direction.

Adjust yourself

After fixing the scope’s position, you need to adjust yourself with the height of the spotting scope. For better performance, you can set the spotting scope on a chair or with a tripod. Make sure that it is not wobbling. If you need to stay here for a long time, you should select the body position you prefer most. You can also manage a mat to shield from dust or heat, or cold.  

Straight Vs. Angled

The scopes have two different configuration viewing styles. One is the straight view and angle view. Now the question is there enough distance? No, the difference is sporadic. The straight view scope has a direct light pathway through the body. 

The angle view scope has a 45 degree light pathway to view the objects. So, there is no vital difference to make an obstacle to view your object. But the beginners like to allow the straight view sporting scopes where the angle viewing scope offers you more comfort. For a taller person, the angled spotting scope is harder for his knees. 

The eyepiece

The magnification capacity depends on the eyepiece configuration. Some eyepieces may have a fixed image magnifier, and the others may have to adjust magnifying power. But the arrangement can go up down between 20x to 60x. As much as you have the high magnifying power, the viewing field will be smaller. So it will be difficult to find the targeted area. When you make it larger, you will find the bird details. 

Measure the distance

When the distance between the target and you is smaller, it is elementary to adjust the range. More distance means more movement and little distance means minimizing the movement rate. So short distance will also save your energy and maintaining patience.  

Scope stabilization

A shaky scope can be the important reason to fail to complete your target. Hunting or photography both need a stable focus if you don’t want to miss the chance. An unstable scope will never able to capture the right moment or shoot the bird. Once you misplace the focus point, you have to set up the spotting scope again. So make it stable from the first time. 

Magnification setup

Every product has limited manufacturing features. Before you buy the scope, you have to check the magnifying power. Does it have enough magnifying power as you want? Then buy it. Now you have to mount the scope with the tripod and use the rotation part to move the scope magnifier smoothly. That will work like a camera set up on a tripod. Now fix the focus by using the functionalities to generate a crystal clear view. 


To know the proper using formula, you have to know that how to maintain it. As it is an expensive tool, you have to be more careful to support it. Do not allow the humidity and store the device in a dry place. Before purchasing a product, make sure the product is durable with a high-quality magnifier and other features.

Final Verdict

However, when you discover that how wonderful the gadget is, you will never like to manage the worldview without it. People using the spotting scope for the first time may start watching with a reaction. Like why they didn’t get this device before. 

The manufacturing features of a spotting scope are good enough to attract users. Hope that our instruction guide, “How to use a spotting scope for birding,” will help you enjoy the features and satisfy your learning crave.

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