ZeroTech Thrive 20-60×85 Spotting Scope Review

The newest release from Australian optics company ZeroTech is the Thrive 20-60x85mm spotting scope. ZeroTech released a MIL reticle spotter last year, but the new Thrive 20-60×85 comes in as a more budget friendly option. Aside from the lower price point, the new spotting scope is also a little more friendly for hunting, with a lower weight? And higher magnification range.

There is a fair bit of competition in the price bracket but getting hands on with the Thrive gave me the opportunity to see how it stacks up.  

	Spotting Scope	Price (AUD)	Weight (g)	Magnification Range
	ZeroTech Thrive	$699	1,900	20-60x85mm
	Nikon ProStaff 5	$799	790	16-48x60mm
	Vortex Crossfire	$635	1,540	20-60x80mm
	Bushnell Trophy Extreme	$549	1,105	20-60x65mm

ZeroTech @ PrecisionRifle

• ZeroTech Trace Advanced 20-60×80 Spotting Scope Review
• ZeroTech Trace Advanced 5-30×56 YouTube Review
• NEW ZeroTech Thrive HD Micro Reflex Sight
• ZeroTech Trace Advanced 4-24×50 TREMOR3 Review

I use spotting scopes for a few different applications. Spotting impacts on targets at range and helping to spot game when hunting. I prefer upto 60x magnification to spot holes in paper targets and I also look for durability as spotters arnt small scopes and end up bouncing around a lot in my range bag or hunting pack. Operating at the lower end of the budget scale you also want to maximise the quality you can get at the price point.

I have owned a few spotting scopes with the same 20-60x magnification, so I feel comfortable with its capabilities. I find the lower 20x magnification is great for wide angle viewing and then winding all the way up to 60x for a more detailed focus on targets. On the lower magnification level, the field of view is great for scanning landscapes and spotting game and as you dial up the magnification, this brings in the more detailed view. Especially important for hunters looking to look at the fine details or even shooters spotting impacts at longer distances.

Design & Construction

The first thing I want in a spotting scope is an ability to work when I need it most. For hunting this translates to durability and most of all being weatherproof. The latter is covered through the ‘IPX5’ waterproof rating which defends against rain, snow, and humidity. This level of weatherproofing means the ZT spotter can operate through various conditions, from heavy rain to the dense humidity that the tropical conditions here in Queensland often serves up.

Just like the turrets on a rifle scope, I am picky about the focus ring on a spotting scope. The feel is a big factor to the overall experience with the scope. Luckily the Thrive is responsive and has an easy to use focus wheel that is a satisfying part of the scope. The minimum focus distance of 12 meters is super close and I think more of a feature aimed at bird watchers who might find themselves in a position where they need to focus on a nearby subject.

The Thrive’s optical performance is where the value in this spotting scope shines. The objective lens does its job nicely and allows great light transmission with its large 85mm lens. This is a major feature for hunting in low light conditions at dawn or dusk. This is where cheaper spotting scopes struggle to maintain clarity. Having used the Bushnell Trophy and Vortex Crossfire spotters, the extra few dollars is well worth it here for much better glass. The spotter has fully broadband multi-coated (FBMC) lenses, and that helps provide the high contrast image seen through the Thrive. The contrast rich visuals seen through the Thrive are especially helpful in environments with challenging lighting but the spotter has been held up well.

There is a good amount of eye relief which allows for room to find a comfortable viewing spot, especially for glasses wearers who need the extra eye relief. The field of view at 1000 meters ranges from 33 meters at 20x to 16 meters at 60x, which allows you to observe moving targets while maintaining a broad view of their surroundings, crucial for spotting game or tracking down range.

Packing for my hunting trips in New Zealand I am extremely weight conscious. Often hiking into a remote spot for 6 or so hours I try reducing weight wherever I can. I do however allow myself one exception, the spotting scope. Sitting on the valley floor for hours at a time, I want my optics to do the walking for me and spotting game though the scope saves me any unnecessary trips up the mountain. 

Weighing just under 1.9 kg, the Thrive is both sturdy and manageable, lending itself well to extended trips without being too cumbersome in the pack. Its built in Arca tripod adapter helps with setup. Enabling it to mount securely on an Arca compatible tripod head. This along with the standard 1/4×20 thread, makes sure it can be used with most tripods. The included soft carry case also offers added protection. This case protects the scope during transport and provides ongoing protection while its in use. I mostly use covers on my spotting scopes when their in my pack on a hunting trip, that’s the most likely time its going to get knocked around.

Summing Up

I’m continually impressed with the price and performance that ZeroTech deliver. I find myself a little proud to be Australian every time this company releases a new optic that performs well. ZeroTech have established themselves as a serious player in the optics world and their momentum is great to see. For me ZeroTech know how to deliver the balance of quality and affordability. One of the best parts to ZeroTech is their fully transferable lifetime warranty. This is similar to Vortex’s warranty and reflects ZeroTech’s confidence in their products. It’s also nice to know that you have lifelong support for the gear should an issue come about.

Overall the ZeroTech Thrive spotting scope is a high quality piece of kit that comes in at an accessible price point. The spotter delivers some excellent features and aside from the versatile magnification range and warranty, the glass is the stand out feature. Backed by ZeroTech’s lifetime warranty, its a smart investment for users needing a reliable, all weather spotting scope.

ZeroTech Thrive 20-60×85

Check Price ZeroTech 🇦🇺

Check Price ZeroTech 🇺🇸

Specifications