For backcountry hunting, compact spotting scopes like the new Viper^® HD 11-33x50 deliver an ideal balance between field of view for locating game, and to zoom in for a more detailed look.

When talk turns to spotting scopes, debate about design—angled vs straight—gets a lot of attention. Straight is more packable and easier to get behind when glassing from a vehicle. Angled is more comfortable for prolonged glassing sessions from a seated position while also allowing for the use of a lighter tripod that sits lower to the ground (resulting in more stability).

But there are other crucial factors to consider, especially for backcountry hunting: image quality, durability, the unique hunting conditions you’ll encounter, and how the interplay between magnification and field of view can impact success locating game.

AN INVERSE RELATIONSHIP

Determining whether high magnification or a wide field of view is more important in a spotting scope depends on several factors and personal preferences. Both features offer distinct advantages and tradeoffs, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and the environment in which you'll be using the scope.

HIGH MAGNIFICATION

Advantages:

• Allows you to observe distant targets with greater detail.
• Enhances your ability to identify game or study trophy potential.
• Useful for long-range shooting or spotting small targets.

Tradeoffs:

• Narrower field of view. High magnification reduces field of view, which can make it more challenging to locate targets or scan large areas quickly.
• Decreased brightness. All else being equal, higher magnification can lead to a dimmer image, especially in low-light conditions.
• Increased image instability. Higher magnification amplifies hand movements and vibrations, making a tripod essential for maintaining a steady image.

WIDE FIELD OF VIEW

Advantages:

• Enables you to scan larger areas quickly, improving your ability to spot game.
• Useful for tracking moving targets or observing wildlife behavior.
• Provides a broader situational awareness, particularly in dense or varied terrain.

Tradeoffs:

• Limited detail at long distances. With a wider field of view, the level of detail for distant targets may be reduced compared to high magnification.
• Less precise identification. A wider field of view might make it more challenging to discern fine details or identify small game from a distance.

FINDING A GOOD BALANCE

To make the best decision, consider the typical conditions you'll encounter. If you often hunt in open areas with long distances between you and your targets, higher magnification may be advantageous for spotting and identifying game. On the other hand, if you hunt in areas with broken, dense forests or need to scan a large area quickly, a wider field of view can be more valuable.

Ideally, finding a spotting scope that strikes a good balance between magnification and field of view is optimal. The Vortex® lineup of spotting scopes offers variable zoom ranges for any type of hunting, allowing you to adjust magnification as needed. Additionally, advancements in optical technology have led to scopes with improved field of view even at higher magnifications.

Ultimately, it's recommended your visit your local Vortex® dealer to try out different models, seek recommendations from experienced hunters, or consult with knowledgeable optics experts to find the right balance that suits your specific hunting requirements.

It’s our hope you can learn and laugh along with the expert voices we feature on this blog. We want to be clear that the opinions you see featured here are just that: opinions. The content belongs to the authors and is not necessarily the opinion of Vortex Optics.

To learn more about what you’ve read, please like, follow, and otherwise support our authors.