Roxant Blackbird 12-36x50 Spotting Scope Review (Top Selling & Quality)

Roxant Blackbird 12-36x50 Spotting Scope on Tripod Side On — Image Credit - Roxant

Viewing Configuration: Angled
Magnification: 12-36X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: No
Eyepiece included: Yes
Objective Diameter: 50 mm
Close Focus Distance: 26 feet
Length: 9.13 in
Weight: 17.28 ounces
Field of View: 170-85 feet/1093 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: Unknown/4.1-1.4 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully multi-coated
Glass: BaK-4
Focus System: Center/Single
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Unknown
Digiscope adaptable: No

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Sightseeing, Wildlife Observation, Tactical Use (Surveillance)

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Roxant Blackbird Spotting Scope Review

As the first spotting scope for the company, the Blackbird is a successful product. It was released in 2017, but it's hogging all the attention as a new spotter for the 2018 market.

The Roxant spotting scope isn't a high-end optic, but it doesn't claim to be either. However, despite its low price of under $100, it certainly does live up to the claims as a spotter above par for an entry-level unit that's easy and simple to use for the beginner or recreational user.

Roxant Blackbird Accessories — Image Credit - Roxant

As an ideal, compact spotter, it has a power range from 12-36x with an aperture of 50mm. As expected, it's also tripod adaptable, and it comes with an included foldable tripod. As a side note, there's plenty more freebies thrown into the purchase, just so you know.

For a budget spotting scope, it has some impressive features worthy of bragging about. With Bak-4 prism glass, fully multi-coated optics, and military-grade glass, ultimate light transmission is guaranteed to provide bright and crystal clear image quality.

It also features twist-up eye cups that's a nice change from fold down ones seen on cheaper optics, and a built-in, extendable sunshade is more than just a nice touch. We can't forget to mention the wide field of view that users will appreciate, especially for watching targets that are on the move.

The features that impressed buyers the most is the well-built construction, crisp and clear image quality, compact size, and of course, the low price. Buyers tend to agonize over the decision and buying process (does this sound like you?), but they assert their worries were assuaged when it came to the Blackbird.

While there weren't any recurring complaints of any legitimate issues, there were buyers here and there that had concerns about one thing or another. It was eye relief for one glasses-wearer and a loose tripod connection for another. Despite that, for a scope that's new with the following it has, it's a safe buy for big performance!

Pros:

Price
Military-grade glass
BaK-4 prism glass
Compact/lightweight
Twist up eyecups

Cons:

Not waterproof

Roxant Blackbird 12-36X50 Q&A:

Why isn't the Roxant Blackbird Spotting Scope Waterproof?

We're not entirely sure that it is or isn't. However, we've been unable to verify its waterproof and fogproof integrity. We assume with the rubber armored body that it's rain-resistant and durable for use in less than ideal weather conditions, but until we know for sure, we'll assume it isn't fully waterproof or submersible - not that you'll be intentionally dunking it in a pool of water anytime soon.

If we learn otherwise, we'll update the review to reflect accurate waterproof integrity.

What is Military-grade glass?

There aren't many spotting scopes in the market that can tout this feature. In fact, the Blackbird is the only spotting scope we could find that openly markets their scope with military-grade glass to date. While Roxant is vague with the definition of what "military-grade glass" means, we assume it to mean something as simple as tough, strong, and clear glass.

Quality glass is determined by many variables and factors, and for the price of the Blackbird, it might not cut the mustard the way we judge quality. However, it's still a bragging right if it really is "military-grade."

Is this Blackbird 12-36x50 a good Spotting Scope for the Range?

The Blackbird is a great spotting scope for target shooting at the range. Its clarity from edge to edge of the field of view is true all the way to max power, and buyers have confirmed its capability to acquire usable detail for groupings at 200 yards. The tabletop tripod comes with rubber feet for stability that you can depend on at the range.

Why is the Blackbird Compact Spotting Scope the only Product for Roxant?

They may yet have another spotter to add to their product line in the future, but for right now, they've focused on a compact design to cater to the versatile needs of spotter users. It's highly portable with its 9 inches in length and 1 pound weight.

The other factor is that budget spotters tend to be unusable at max power because it lacks the glass quality and optical build to provide definitive clarity at such high power. Roxant keeps their claims where quality proves to be true. Sometimes low power is better, especially when definition is the goal if you want to spend less than 100 bucks!

What are the Included Blackbird Accessories?

The spotting scope comes with a portable, foldable, handled tabletop tripod. It also comes with a carry case, lens cap, and lens cleaning cloth.

Where is the Focus Knob on the Blackbird?

There is no focus knob on the Blackbird. Instead, the spotter features a focus ring or collar on the body of the scope. Roxant calls it the "Smooth Glide" focus ring that's heavily textured for positive grip just like the power ring. According to users, both features are smooth to use and easy to focus and change magnification with enough resistance for proper function.

Noteworthy Features:

Compact and lightweight spotter for portability conveniences
Multi-purpose spotting scope ideal for versatile use
Fully-armored body with no-slip grips
Special features: extendable sunshade and twist-up eyecups
Better than expected glass quality for a budget scope

Our Verdict on the Roxant Blackbird Spotting Scope

The scoop on the scope is, the Roxant Blackbird 12-36x50 spotter is pretty much a risk-free buy. Buyers have rated this spotting scope so high because it functions as advertised. For a budget scope under $100, it sure has exceeded the expectations of most users.

It's impressed the buying crowd, and it's impressed us too.

For a very similar alternative, you might want to consider the Celestron LandScout 10-30x50 spotting scope. It's right in the same budget range, and has almost identical optical and size specs.

But, there's always the option to spend a little bit more for better. The Vortex Razor 11-33x50 spotting scope will be your jump up in quality and brand recognition. How much of a jump up in quality? You'll have to read the full review for that!

All in all, the Blackbird spotting scope has impressed us all. For such a small thing, it sure has full performance and efficiency in the field. Along with the low cost, it's no wonder it's a popular option for many in the buying market. The trend confirms it - you won't be disappointed!

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