Spotting Scopes & Telescopes
Our range of state-of-the-art telescopes provides clear and quality images. Choose either a straight or angled model from industry experts Kowa, Swarovski, Leica and Viking Optical.
We stock the best spotting scopes and telescopes in the industry; designed and tested for easy use and to a high calibre for both beginners and experts.
Whether you prefer a straight telescope to follow fast-moving objects or an angled model for maximum comfort when observing for long periods of time – we have a range of new, used or ex-demo products to suit your needs.
Viking Optical Shop
We price match against any genuine UK supplier
Free Same day dispatch on orders placed before 3pm*
over £50
Avocet 50mm compact telescope with 8-24x eyepiece & case
Harrier 65mm ED telescope with 16-48x eyepiece & case
Harrier 80mm ED telescope with 20-60x eyepiece & case
Hilkinson Natureline 50 Telescope
Hilkinson Natureline 80 Telescope
Kowa 663M Prominar with a 30x and 20x eyepeice and 1.6 extender – Used
Kowa TSN-55A Prominar Scope
Kowa TSN-55S Prominar Scope
KOWA TSN-663 SPOTTING SCOPE KIT BF24
Kowa TSN-66A Prominar Scope kit
- TSN-66A PROMINAR angled spotting scope
- TE-11WZ II 25-60x wide zoom eyepiece
Kowa TSN-66S Prominar Scope kit
- TSN-66S PROMINAR angled spotting scope
- TE-11WZ II 25-60x wide zoom eyepiece
Kowa TSN-82SV Kit
Kowa TSN-88A Prominar Angled Spotting Scope with TE-11WZ II WA Zoom eyepiece
Kowa TSN-88S Prominar Angled Spotting Scope with TE-11WZ II WA Zoom eyepiece
KOWA TSN-99A PROMINAR 30-70X ANGLED ZOOM KIT
KOWA TSN-99S PROMINAR 30-70X STRAIGHT ZOOM KIT
Leica APO-Televid 65 angled view spotting scope + 25-50X zoom eyepiece
Opticron MM3 50ED Straight Scope – Used
Swarovski 115mm Objective – 30-70x
115mm objective module
The 115-mm objective module raises the bar with the largest lenses on the market. This gives you a crucial benefit, particularly at dawn and dusk. Now you can see things others miss.Swarovski AT80 HD scope with 20-60x zoom & 30x WW eyepieces – USED
Swarovski ATC 17-40×56 Spotting Scope
Swarovski ATC 17-40×56 Spotting Scope – Burnt Orange
Swarovski ATS 80 HD Telescope with 20-60x – Used
Swarovski STC 17-40×56 Spotting Scope
What is the best telescope for beginners?
We have numerous good quality telescopes for sale that are easy to use at any level. The specifications vary but generally fit loosely into three size categories: 50mm objective lenses with a typical zoom magnification range of around 12x-36x, 60mm or 65mm with a zoom range 15x-45x, and 80mm+ with zoom range 20x-60x.
What should I look for when buying a telescope?
Image quality and any other criteria such as size, weight, and budget. There is no substitute for trying out to find the perfect fit.
What do I need to know before buying a telescope?
Other than the three size categories listed above, it's worth bearing in mind that to get the best possible viewing from a telescope, some form of extra support will be necessary (ideally a tripod) as the high magnification is impossible to hand hold.
Should I buy a telescope or binoculars?
With its higher magnification, a telescope is very useful for more distant observation but due to the narrow field of view that makes finding closer and more fleeting subjects difficult, nature enthusiasts would recommend binoculars to have enough magnification for most of your wildlife encounters, as well as being the more popular choice the majority of the time.
What is the difference between spotting scopes and telescopes?
Everything about a telescope is designed to maximise your long-range viewing of space and the night sky. It has a large optical tube for more light gathering, intense magnification capabilities for viewing things millions of lightyears away and an angled viewing lens for comfort. However, all this makes it quite a heavy and large object, which means it’s not very portable and is almost impossible for terrestrial viewing.
For terrestrial viewing, such as nature observation, this is where spotting scopes shine. The magnification is much lower and will not work well at night however the image quality due to the precision glass elements is much higher. This means that you can get exceptional close-up views of nature from great distances. Although these spotting scopes are optimised for terrestrial observation, they will offer fantastic views of the moon. Spotting scopes can be configured in have straight or angled viewing depending on your needs, However, if you want to view more of the night sky and astronomy as spotting scope is not for you.