Why an image stabilized spotting scope from SIG SAUER is a total game changer for mountain hunters

When you're hunting in rugged mountain terrain, flat open country, or timbered farm country, every detail matters when it comes to glassing — and few tools are more critical for success than your spotting scope when trying to judge big game animals. But glassing steep basins, open cropland, or far-off ridgelines in the mountains comes with one major challenge: keeping your spotting scope steady. That's exactly where an image stabilized spotting scope for hunting would shine. And the team at SIG SAUER just released their image stabilized spotting scope called the OSCAR6 HDX Pro, and this spotting scope can give you a huge edge.

This is glassing with a spotting scope redefined!

SIG SAUER’s new OSCAR6 HDX Pro image stabilized spotting scope

I can honestly say that no other optic has made as big of an impact in recent years as the SIG SAUER ZULU6 HDX and HDX PRO image stabilized binoculars. I’ve been using image stabilized binoculars since 2021, and now there’s no way I can go back to normal binoculars.

For years, I’ve been asked, “When is SIG going to come out with an image-stabilized spotting scope?” Today, I’m happy to announce that they have delivered!

I was fortunate enough to test the OSCAR6 HDX Pro 16-32x60mm image stabilized spotting scope this spring in the mountains of New Zealand on a backpack hunt. I feel like this was the perfect place to fully test out the image stabilization features in the rough and unforgiving mountains tahr call home.

To me, it's truly exciting that SIG is shaking things up once again with their release of an image stabilized spotting scope for hunting! I love it when companies continue to innovate.

How does the image stabilization in the spotting scope work?

SIG’s Next Generation OmniScan OIS technology that enhances image stabilization by using a digital accelerometer to optimize the level of stabilization applied based off your movement and vibration for the most advanced Optical Image Stabilization system they have ever produced.

When it comes to the glass, this spotting scope uses SIG’s HDX PRO optical system, which has enhanced light transmission and glare reduction compared to their standard HDX system. I’ve personally found the HDX PRO glass does well in low-light conditions compared to the normal HDX.

Where does an image stabilized spotting scope shine?

In the mountains, even a slight breeze, glassing in the rain, or maybe even the pressure of your face against the optic, can introduce vibrations and movement through your optic. And when you're trying to analyze fine details like antler tine length, antler mass, horn length, or body size on a far-off bedded buck or bull, that movement can mean the difference between making a stalk or wasting an entire day due to not being able to judge an animal.

You can now get a rock-solid view no matter how you have your tripod set up, and you can cut through the wind and reduce vibrations.

You can now glass in windy conditions much easier due to the stabilization feature. I’ve had several situations the past fall (before I had this spotting scope) where I had a bedded buck under 1,000 yards, and it was extremely windy. It was so windy that even with a heavy spotting scope, I couldn’t tell if the buck was just an average buck or a shooter buck due to my spotting scope shaking around in the wind. But now, if I were in that same situation, I could have just flipped the stabilization feature on and cut through that wind slightly by using the power of the Optical Image Stabilization. In really windy situations, traditional spotting scopes become nearly unusable without perfect tripod setups and zero wind.

For mountain hunters, that translates into more effective glassing, being able to use a spotting scope in the wind. 

One really interesting part about using the OSCAR6 HDX Pro image stabilized spotting was when digiscoping an animal that was moving. In the past, you’d be fully relying on having a great fluid pan head to keep up with the animal by panning side to side and up and down. Now, the footage is night and day better as everything is smoothed out while I followed a bull tahr walking through the rocks.

Using an image stabilized spotting scope handheld

YES… you heard that right. You can even glass AND digiscope while handholding the OSCAR6 HDX Pro image stabilized spotting scope.

You’re also able to make faster, more confident field-judging decisions by just grabbing the spotting scope out of your backpack and holding it with one hand to judge an animal before it slips into the timber. No longer do you have to fumble with frantically setting up your tripod. Just flip the switch, and you have the ability to judge an animal even at higher magnification handheld.

When you have your stabilized spotting scope mounted on a tripod with the integrated ARCA-SWISS plate, you can use the spotting with or without image stabilization turned on. I prefer to use it turned on as it adds to a smoother viewing experience, taking out small vibrations from wind or unstable ground from your tripod placement. Note: If you’re using the stabilization feature, there is no auto-off. So be sure to switch it back off after glassing so you don’t drain the battery.

Ultimately, you can locate and evaluate animals in tough conditions. And when you’re dealing with your one dream hunt of the year, or your everyday hunt on the weekend, or even short hunting seasons, those few extra animals you can confidently size up could easily turn your season around.

Simply put, adding an image-stabilized spotting scope from SIG SAUER to your hunting kit is like bringing the benefits of a rock-solid tripod with you, everywhere you go, without the extra weight and hassle. Stabilized spotting scopes represent the next evolution in glassing.

I should note that they are offering this stabilized spotting scope with a straight eyepiece only.

Accessories included when you buy this spotting scope:

Who should buy an image stabilized spotting scope for hunting?

If you're the kind of hunter who spends long days in the backcountry picking apart basins, analyzing distant ridgelines, and sizing up animals at extreme distances, you're bound to face a situation when having the OSCAR6 HDX Pro stabilized spotting scope will shine. 

This isn't a casual optic — it's designed for hunters who demand the absolute best performance when it matters most.

It is worth noting that this spotting scope is a little on the heavier side compared to a normal spotting scope. So, you will have to decide whether you value weight or stabilization features more, and what stabilization will give you in the field. I will say, stabilization is really nice!

Final thoughts: Is the SIG SAUER OSCAR6 HDX Pro image stabilized spotting scope worth it?

When you factor in the cost of tags, travel, scouting, and time off work, investing in purpose-built optics for hunting will make your hunt more enjoyable. A stabilized spotting scope delivers steady glassing no matter how you’re glassing or what weather you’re hunting in. This leads to more time behind your optic, increasing your odds of success on every hunt.

I've found that when it comes to Western big game hunting, success often boils down to one thing: your ability to glass effectively. Whether you're targeting high-country mule deer, rutting elk, or antelope, having the right optics can make or break your hunt. Enter the world of image stabilized optics, and specifically, SIG SAUER's OSCAR6 HDX Pro image stabilized spotting scope.

Simply put, if you're a hunter looking for every edge possible, SIG SAUER's image stabilized optics are some of the most valuable tools you can carry into the backcountry.