Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Image-stabilized binoculars have been around for a few years, but stabilized spotting scopes? That’s brand new territory—and I’ve been waiting a long time for this tech to hit the hunting market. I recently got my hands on the two hottest models: the SIG Sauer Oscar 6 HDX Pro and the Kite Optics APC Stabilized 60 ED.
After testing both side-by-side in the field, I can confidently say this: they’re both game-changers. However, they take slightly different approaches, and depending on how and where you hunt, one may fit your needs better.
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Table of contents
Why Image Stabilization Changes Everything
Let’s start with the obvious. These scopes allow you to glass at high magnification—handheld—without a tripod. That’s not a gimmick. At 32x and 35x magnification, I was able to pick apart terrain, ID game, and even call impacts over a mile away, all while holding the spotter in my hands. That simply wasn’t possible with traditional optics.
And even when mounted on a tripod, stabilization helps clean up the little vibrations you get from wind, bumping the legs, or using a lightweight carbon tripod.
SIG Sauer Oscar 6 HDX Pro
- Magnification: 16–32x
- Objective Lens: 60mm HDX ED glass
- Power: 2 AA batteries (50 hours)
- Weight: Similar to Kite (~47 oz)
- Price: $1,999 MSRP
- Warranty: Full lifetime warranty (including electronics)
- Stabilization Software: Built and programmed by SIG in the U.S.
SIG’s version of stabilized optics uses an internal gyroscope to counteract movement in real time. The housing is fully armored in tan rubber, and it just looks cool. Controls are intuitive—focus ring up front, zoom at the eyepiece, stabilization toggle switch right where you need it.
SIG includes an Arca-Swiss plate built into the base (as all spotters should nowadays), and the battery compartment is easily accessible in the field. I love that it takes common AA batteries—easy to carry and swap.
Performance: Stabilization at 32x is rock solid. The image is clean, crisp, and surprisingly detailed. SIG’s proprietary stabilization software (required by ITAR to be developed stateside) is no joke. I could track cows over a mile away and confidently glass for bears without ever touching a tripod.
Kite Optics APC Stabilized 60 ED
- Magnification: 17–35x
- Objective Lens: 60mm ED glass
- Power: Internal rechargeable battery (30 hours)
- Weight: 47.5 oz
- Price: $2,399 MSRP
- Warranty: 30 years on optics / 5 years on electronics
- Charging: USB-C
The Kite offers a slightly higher top-end magnification (35x), but in practice, I couldn’t visually detect any difference between it and the SIG at 32x. The focus and zoom controls feel similar. The image stabilization toggle is nearly identical in operation.
Biggest difference? Power system. Kite uses an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery. That’s convenient for home or vehicle charging, but in the field, if it dies, you’re done until you can plug it in. That’s the tradeoff for not having a bulky battery compartment.
Performance: Stabilization works just as well as the SIG. I was handholding the scope and watching the details of cattle over a mile away. As with SIG, the benefit isn’t just handheld use—on a tripod, it cancels out wind and minor shakes, allowing you to run lighter tripods without sacrificing clarity.
Field Notes: What I Learned
- Stabilization Works Extremely Well
Both spotters perform incredibly well stabilized. You’ll immediately notice how shaky it feels when the stabilization is off—and how incredibly smooth it becomes once turned on. Whether handholding or using a tripod, the effect is dramatic. - Minimal Optical Differences
Side by side, it’s honestly hard to distinguish a winner in terms of glass quality. Both scopes are sharp, and both resolve fine details well. If there’s a difference, it’s marginal. - Tiny Tradeoff for Stabilization
At full power with stabilization on, I felt like there might be the tiniest loss in sharpness—but it’s hard to tell if that’s real or just perception. Regardless, the added clarity from a stable image far outweighs any possible loss. - Power Options Matter
I personally prefer SIG’s AA battery system. I can carry spares and swap in seconds. The Kite’s rechargeable setup is clean and modern—but if you’re deep in the backcountry with no way to recharge, it could be a limitation. - Use With or Without Tripod
Even if the batteries die, both scopes still work as traditional spotters. And with stabilization engaged on a tripod, you get cleaner footage—especially helpful for filming or calling shots during long-range shooting.
READ MORE HERE: Vortex Razor HD 27-60X85 Spotting Scope Review
Final Verdict: Which Stabilizing Spotting Scope Should You Buy?
You honestly can’t go wrong with either. The SIG Oscar 6 HDX Pro is more budget-friendly and field-friendly thanks to the AA batteries and full electronic warranty. The Kite APC 60 ED offers USB-C charging and a sleeker profile, but comes at a premium and with a more limited electronic warranty.
My Pick? If I had to choose one stabilized spotting scope for serious backcountry use, I’d lean toward the SIG—that battery flexibility and full warranty win me over. But if you’re more of a day-hunter or truck-based glasser, the Kite will absolutely get the job done with class.
Bottom Line: Image-stabilized spotting scopes are here, and they’re awesome. Either of these will let you glass farther, steadier, and more comfortably—tripod optional.
Learn More:
- SIG Oscar 6 HDX Pro (check dealers) (Wasn’t on the website yet when this article was published)
- Kite APC Stabilized 60 ED
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I’m a U.S. Air Force veteran, an avid hunter and fisherman, and a passionate videographer and photographer. I have the privilege of being the videographer for GunsAmerica, where I get to combine my love for firearms, videography and the outdoors into one incredible career.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me on the range competing in USPSA pistol matches and 2-Gun, or out in the field chasing the next great hunt or fishing spot.