Vanguard spotting scopes – Buying guide & Comparison
If you want the best Vanguard spotting scope, yet you don’t have a lot of time at your disposal, the following paragraph will help you out. We researched the critically acclaimed models on the market, and our unanimous conclusion is that you should consider the Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A before any other model. The extra-low dispersion material used for the lens ensures that the colors remain accurate and that there are no chromatic aberrations. The dual focus wheel is a nice touch, as it allows you to make quick adjustments when you need to follow a subject in motion, or fine tune your scope, for observing more details. The unit is 100% waterproof, and it is also fog proof, which means you can count on it, under extreme circumstances. In case the Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A is no longer available, the next product in line you should think of is the Vanguard Endeavor HD 65A.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
The Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A has its own league when it comes to reducing chromatic aberrations and fringing, image quality wise. If what you are looking for is a model capable of offering picture-perfect images, you can definitely give it a try.
For some users, this device is a bit too heavy to carry around. If you know that you are going to take long walks and will need to carry it around, then be prepared to find a solution for easier handling.
A great choice for bird-watchers and hunters, this scope features a dual-focus wheel that comes in handy at all times. Given its features and multi-coated optics, this is a model worth considering.
2nd Best
Its construction is what makes the HD 65A model stand out. The body is made of magnesium alloy, which keeps the total weight to a minimum, while the rubber armor ensures shock-resistance and the waterproof benefit.
Some reviews of this product mention that, although well designed and constructed, at increased magnifications the image loses some of its quality and crispness.
This is a reliable model you can count on, even when weather conditions are less than ideal. You will not experience any glare thanks to the built-in sun shield and enjoy good-quality images.
Also To Consider
With this model, you get more than just a spotting scope. A full kit that will make your job easier when it comes to setting up the scope and maintaining it is also included. The light transmission is also excellent and you get clear, beautiful images.
As it’s the case with other models as well, since we are talking about optics here, as the magnification increases, the image loses some of its quality. This is good to know according to some users.
You can surely consider this model if you are looking for an alternative that is both reliable and durable. The included accessories come in handy and the image’s quality is ensured by the coated lenses.
A few aspects are extremely important when you are shopping for a spotting scope, starting with a reliable brand. If you opt for a Vanguard model, you will have no regrets, as this company makes top of the line models that will not let you down. However, various models may offer different advantages, and that is why we want to offer you this guide on how to select a good Vanguard spotting scope.
Durability and overall construction
The chances are that you will want to take your spotting scope out for a run and that means that it should be durable enough to withstand extreme weather conditions. Hunters, in particular, can make good use of a spotting scope that can take some wear and tear. However, this should not come at the price of portability.
This brings us to the type of construction the spotting scope has. It is preferable that the body is made from a lightweight, yet durable material. That will grant the scope a longer lifespan, and you can rest assured that you are making a sound investment should you decide to purchase a particular model.
The lens, as well as the mechanisms inside the scope, can be affected by water infiltrations. While you may not risk dropping the scope in a puddle of water, it still needs to offer some waterproof capabilities. Even more, if the scope manages to prevent fog from affecting the lens, that is even better.
Opt for a model with an armored rubber exterior. It will be resistant to shocks, and, if it is properly sealed, it will make sure that water will not get inside.
Dual focus option
There are many situations when you want to focus the image, and a good system for doing so must be in place. You cannot have the best spotting scope from Vanguard, without such an option, and that is, without a doubt, a feature that may convince you to purchase a certain model or not.
A dual focus wheel is almost a must-have for a spotting scope that is going to be used by hunters and bird watchers. You may want to do coarse adjustments, such as when wanting to follow a moving target, but you will not have to give up on being able to do fine adjustments, when you need to bring the image closer, by zooming in.
A complete model should have both. You cannot count on a spotting scope to help you in real life conditions, if it cannot zoom in fast, or allow you to adjust the image to the highest clarity, so you can see the finest details.
Don’t forget about lens quality and image performance
A high-quality model will always be made from the most durable materials, but let’s not forget about the glass used for the lens and image performance as a whole. The Vanguard spotting scope reviews point out that a reliable model should have the lens made of glass that can reduce chromatic aberrations and overall render a high-quality image.</p>
You should also pick a lens that is large enough to ensure that the field of view is at least decent. The more landscape you can see through the lens, the better it will be for what you have in mind.
5 Best Vanguard Spotting Scopes (Reviews) in 2024
With so many products available for sale, you may want to shop around for a bit before deciding on a single one. We want to lend you a hand, and offer you a list of the most popular models at the moment.
Contents
1. Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope
All the reviews of Vanguard spotting scopes speak highly of this particular model. The Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A is in a league of its own when it comes to reducing chromatic aberrations and fringing, image quality wise. If you are looking for a model capable of rendering picture perfect image, you can count on this one.
Another excellent benefit offered by this model is the dual focus wheel. Are you following a bird that just flew away? Use the wheel to follow the bird quickly. Bird watchers are very much in love with this feature, but hunters are also happy to have it when they need to follow moving prey.
On the other hand, you can fine-tune the scope to notice more details. Such things are important when you’re looking for a top of the line spotting scope. The fully multi-coated optics are another great plus that must be mentioned here.
Buy from Amazon.com
2. Vanguard Endeavor HD Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope
The high quality of the materials used in the making of this particular model highly recommend it. The extra-low dispersion glass used for the lens ensures that color rendition will be superior, and you will experience only minimal fringing, at most. However, this is not the only reason why you should count on this model as an excellent buy.
The body of the scope is made from magnesium alloy, which keeps the total weight of the device to a minimum. At the same time, the rubber armor applied on the exterior ensures that the scope will be resistant to shocks and also completely waterproof. You cannot get any better than this when it comes to fog protection, either.
All in all, this is a reliable model you can count on, even when weather conditions are less than ideal. Even in sunny weather, you will not experience any glare, because the built-in sun shield will keep it away.
Buy from Amazon.com
3. Vanguard Endeavor XF 80A Angled Spotting Scope with Zoom Eyepiece
You get more than just a spotting scope when you purchase this particular model. You get a full kit that will make your job easier when it comes to setting up the scope and maintaining it in tip-top shape.
The spotting scope comes along with a cleaning kit for the lens, and an adaptor that will let you mount a digital camera on the device so you can use it when taking shots of wildlife at great distances.
If you ever think about using the scope in low light conditions, you will not be disappointed at all with its capabilities. The light transmission is excellent and you will get a crisp, clear image that will allow you to spot the game you want to hunt, or the wildlife you want to observe.
The lenses are coated with multiple layers and they use a BAK4 roof prism. The model comes with a built-in sun shield, thus eliminating glare.
Buy from Amazon.com
4. Vanguard High Plains 560
You can truly depend on the high quality lenses of this spotting scope for observing game and wildlife, as you want. The BAK4 roof prism contributes to the superior performance this model has. The fully multi-coated optics deals well with light transmission and overall, delivers image clarity, exactly how you want it to be.
The scope comes with fold-down eyecups for maximum convenience and a rotating cuff that you can use to adjust the eyepiece. The large focus wheel comes in handy, too and you will be pleased to see how easy it is to operate when you want to bring the image closer and observe fine details.
You will get a full kit with your purchase. You will receive, besides the spotting scope, a tripod, a hard case, a cleaning kit for the glass, and a soft bag. You cannot ask for anything more to start using the spotting scope right out of the box.
Buy from Amazon.com
5. Vanguard Endeavor HD 65A Angled Spotting Scope with Zoom Eyepiece
Whether you need to use your spotting scope as a tool for observing wildlife, or, even better, you want to use it for astrophotography, you will be pleased to learn that this particular model does everything you have in mind. You only need to attach a digital camera to it, using the digiscoping adapter provided, and start star gazing.
The zoom power varies between 20x and 60x, which means that you will be able to cover a lot of space with the scope. The 82mm lens will also allow you to cover as much field of view as you want, so you can rest assured that the possibilities offered are outstanding.
The glass used for the lens is extra-low dispersion glass, a good option if you want to eliminate chromatic aberrations. The angled eyepiece can be detached, and you may also be happy for the generous eye relief.
