Significantly more powerful than the average pair of binoculars, spotting scopes can be used for a variety of outdoor activities and tactical purposes. Most associate spotting scopes with those seen in military movies featuring sniper-style rifle scenes, where the shooter is often accompanied by a spotter using a scope specifically designed for locating an enemy or target. These scopes are more powerful than the scopes mounted on the rifles themselves. They are typically mounted to a fixed object or used in conjunction with a tripod for maximum effectiveness and accuracy, crucial elements for both tactical and long-range hunting purposes. Most spotting scopes will feature variable power eyepieces and include a series of numbers, the first of which identifies the magnification range and the last representing the size of the objective lens. Depending on the model, spotting scopes can be water and element-proof, include protective cases, and come with tripods specifically designed for the scope.
