Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled Review

First Thoughts on the Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled

Spotting scopes are vital tools, yet the market teems with options promising the world but often delivering mediocre results. The Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled enters this crowded arena with a hefty price tag and the promise of exceptional optical clarity. It needs to prove its worth. The Burris name carries weight, and I’m eager to see if this spotting scope lives up to the brand’s reputation, especially considering its apochromatic lens system designed to eliminate color fringing.

My years in the field, observing everything from distant wildlife to evaluating shot groupings, have exposed me to a wide array of optics. The Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled aims to provide edge-to-edge resolution at any magnification, and I needed a scope that could deliver that level of detail in demanding conditions. I was tired of squinting through scopes that lost clarity at higher magnifications, especially when trying to identify game animals at dawn or dusk.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the weight – substantial, lending a sense of quality and robustness. The rubberized armor felt grippy and durable. The focus knob moved smoothly, and the adjustable eyecup was a welcome feature for someone who often wears glasses.

I considered the Vortex Razor HD and the Leupold Mark 4 spotting scopes before settling on the Burris. The Burris promised superior color correction thanks to its HD lenses and apochromatic design, and the included Bluetooth remote piqued my interest. It also felt slightly more rugged in hand.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The price commands respect, and the features sound impressive on paper. The true test, however, lies in the field, where performance under pressure dictates whether this investment is truly justified.

Real-World Testing: Putting Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled was at a high-altitude shooting range, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. The conditions were challenging: bright sunlight, swirling winds, and a significant temperature drop as the sun began to set. I used it to observe bullet impacts on targets at 500 and 800 yards.

The scope performed admirably. The image remained crisp and clear even at 60x magnification, and the color fidelity was impressive. Even with mirage present, I could discern bullet holes with relative ease. The adjustable eyecup proved its worth, allowing me to comfortably use the scope with my shooting glasses.

The only slight hiccup was the learning curve with the focus knob. While smooth, the fine focus adjustment was sensitive, requiring a delicate touch to achieve optimal clarity at long distances.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, spanning multiple hunting trips and range sessions, the Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled continues to impress. It has endured everything from drizzly mornings in the Pacific Northwest to dusty afternoons in the Arizona desert. The built-in sunshade has been invaluable in reducing glare, and the angled eyepiece is a godsend when glassing from prone positions.

Durability has been excellent. Despite a few minor bumps and scrapes, the rubberized armor has held up well. The lenses remain pristine, and the focus mechanism operates as smoothly as the day I unboxed it. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a lens cloth and occasional wipe-down of the exterior.

Compared to my previous spotting scope, a mid-range Bushnell, the Burris is a significant upgrade in every aspect. The optical clarity is vastly superior, the build quality is more robust, and the overall user experience is far more refined. It’s a tool that inspires confidence in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled

Specifications

The Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled boasts a range of impressive specifications that contribute to its overall performance:

• Magnification: 20-60x. This provides a versatile range, suitable for both wide-field observation and detailed close-ups.
• Objective: 85mm. A larger objective lens gathers more light, resulting in brighter images, especially in low-light conditions.
• Field of View: 117 – 60 ft @ 100 yds. This wider field of view facilitates target acquisition and tracking.
• Eye Relief: 20 – 18mm. Ample eye relief ensures comfortable viewing, even for eyeglass wearers.
• Length: 15.30″. A relatively compact length enhances portability.
• Weight: 67.20 oz. The weight, while substantial, reflects the robust build quality.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the user’s ability to see clearly and comfortably in various conditions. The larger objective and magnification range provides versatility, while the eye relief ensures comfortable extended viewing sessions.

Performance & Functionality

The Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled excels in its primary function: providing a clear, bright, and detailed view of distant objects. The HD lenses and apochromatic lens system deliver exceptional color fidelity and sharpness. Even at maximum magnification, the image remains remarkably clear, with minimal distortion or chromatic aberration.

The strength of this scope lies in its optical clarity. The fine focus adjustment, while sensitive, allows for precise focusing, ensuring optimal image quality. One minor weakness is the Bluetooth remote. While a neat feature, it feels somewhat unnecessary and doesn’t always connect reliably.

It exceeds expectations. The optical performance rivals that of scopes costing significantly more.

Design & Ergonomics

The Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The rubberized armor provides a secure grip and protects the scope from bumps and scratches. The angled eyepiece is a welcome ergonomic feature, allowing for comfortable viewing from various positions.

The scope is undeniably user-friendly, although the fine focus adjustment requires a bit of practice. The rotating tripod mount allows for easy adjustment of the viewing angle.

Durability & Maintenance

This is a tool built to last. The robust construction and high-quality materials inspire confidence. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe the lenses with a lens cloth as needed and occasionally clean the exterior with a damp cloth.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled comes with the following accessories:

• Lens caps.
• A soft carrying case.
• Bluetooth enabled remote.

The scope is compatible with standard tripod mounts. Customization options are limited, but the scope is designed to function optimally in its stock configuration.

Pros and Cons of Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled

Who Should Buy Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled?

The Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled is perfect for serious hunters, competitive shooters, and avid birdwatchers who demand exceptional optical performance and rugged durability. It’s also well-suited for law enforcement and military personnel requiring a reliable observation tool.

Those on a tight budget or who only occasionally use a spotting scope might find this product overkill.

A high-quality tripod is a must-have accessory to fully utilize the scope’s capabilities.

Conclusion on Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled

The Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x 85mm Angled is a top-tier optic that delivers exceptional performance in demanding conditions. While the price is undeniably steep, the optical clarity, robust construction, and thoughtful features justify the investment for serious users. The Bluetooth remote feels like a gimmick, but the core functionality of the scope is outstanding.

The price is justified for users who demand the very best in optical performance and durability.

I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a high-end spotting scope that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. If you need a spotting scope that can clearly see at long ranges, this is it. Step up your glassing game and experience the difference that the Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope can make.