Simmons 20-60×60 Spotting Scope Review

Whenever you are choosing a spotting scope, the optics should be the first thing that you consider. This scope has a variable magnification of 20x through 60x, which allows you to see objects at great ranges with ease. With such a high magnification, this scope can provide you with an image that’s close to the object or target you are looking at. Between 100 yards and 300 yards at 20x to 40x magnification, you will get the best results. The scope can go further, but the results aren’t always as clear as you might like.

Some users have found that the 13 mm eye relief at 60x magnification is not very functional and that it can make the scope impractical. This is to be expected with a spotting scope in this price range. They can often be found for around $100. Those who want better quality at high magnification will have to buy a higher-end scope.

The lenses are fully multi-coated, and thanks to the 60 mm diameter objective lens, it provides excellent light-gathering capabilities. There’s no worry about glare or reflections. On bright days, you can expect to have clear images when using the scope. When you are in low light conditions, the images will not be as clear or sharp.

One of the other important factors you have to consider when you are buying a spotting scope is durability. With some of the low-priced spotting scopes on the market, this means you are giving up some of that durability. That’s not the case with the Simmons 20-60×60 spotting scope. It’s waterproof and fog-proof, which is not always available with budget scopes. It’s nice to know that the scope can handle inclement weather, so you don’t have to put it away as soon as the rainclouds start to gather.

The build quality of the scope is impressive, too. It has an armored rubber coating that helps to protect the scope if it’s dropped. This rubber coating also ensures that you can get a good grip on the scope, even if it might be slick with rain.

Of course, this does not mean that you want to drop or mistreat your scope. Do your best to keep it safe and in good shape, and it can last for a long time.

The scope is only 14” long, which means that it can pack up easily and be carried with you to the range or even out in the field. It doesn’t take up much room, and it can be a nice addition to the rest of your gear. It’s also considered lightweight, as it only weighs 27.8 ounces. This is less than two pounds, so it won’t add too much weight to what you are already carrying with you.

However, those who will be going on long treks through the woods, the fields, and the mountains on a hunting trip, or even a birding expedition will want to consider the weight. Carrying even a couple of extra pounds can start to wear and tear on the body after hours of hauling it around. In some cases, it might make more sense to use this as a range spotting scope and then to take some lightweight binoculars into the field with you.

If you don’t mind the added weight though, you will find that this scope can work quite well for hunting expeditions. This is particularly true for those who do not have to hike for a long distance.

The spotting scope comes with several accessories. This includes a soft carrying case and a hard carrying case. It’s nice that it comes with two different cases, so you can choose the option that best suits your activities with the scope. The scope also comes with covers for the lenses. You will also find a tabletop tripod included with the purchase. However, in the next section, we will be talking more about the tripod.

With all of the benefits of this low-priced spotting scope from Simmons, you might be wondering if there are any drawbacks. Unfortunately, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind before you decide to make your purchase.

For starters, it’s nice that they included a tripod. However, the tripod is low-quality and should not be used with your scope. It’s not reliable and doesn’t work as well as users would like. You should have a tripod for your scope, just not this one. Instead, spend a bit more money to find a high-quality, stable tripod that has a pan and tilt feature that’s smooth. You will be happy that you did.

Another one of the drawbacks is that it is not digiscope-compatible, although that should be obvious from a low-priced scope. This means that you will not be able to hook up your phone or a camera to the scope and take pictures. For most, this won’t be an issue. However, if you want a spotting scope that has this feature, it will cost quite a bit more.

often easier to transport. Because they don’t have an angled eyepiece, it means that finding carrying solutions for them tends to be easier. They are sleeker, but it doesn’t always mean that they are lighter. Fortunately, the Simmons 20-60×60 spotting scope does happen to be relatively lightweight, which is another point in its favor.

Straight spotting scopes also tend to be more intuitive to use. They are similar to telescopes and all you need to do is point and look, essentially. While the angled scopes are not difficult to use, they often take a bit longer to get accustomed to using. Many users also find that it is faster and easier to acquire targets when they are looking through a straight spotting scope because it is so intuitive.

Angled eyepieces do not have the same amount of protection as a straight eyepiece. The straight eyepieces are protected from the rain, snow, dust, and falling debris. Because they are in line with the rest of the scope, it also means they are less likely to be damaged when storing them or carrying them.

If you have binoculars that you want to use on the tripod that’s holding your spotting scope, you can keep it at the same height. Just change out the gear. With an angled scope, you will often have to change the height of the tripod to get the same angle. This results in wasted time.

If you have to look down, you will find that a straight spotting scope tends to be much easier than an angled scope. All you need to do with a straight scope is change up the way you are holding it or tilt the tripod. With an angled scope, it’s often difficult to look down through the eyepiece and remain comfortable.