Picture

Trusted Ad Partner

REVIEW: WULF Nova 20–60×80 Dual Focus Spotting Scope​

20 October 2025
By James Hamilton
​
WULF is a relatively young but ambitious optics brand that has quickly made a name for itself among outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers seeking high-performance gear without breaking the bank.

Their products often feature thoughtful touches, such as dual-focus systems, fully multi-coated lenses, and durable metal bodies, which have helped them establish a strong presence in the budget and mid-range market.

Recently, I was sent their new Nova spotting scope to test and review. The weather hasn’t been great lately, but we are in the midst of autumn, so here’s how the scope held up to the elements…
​
What's in the box?

  • WULF Nova 20–60×80 Dual Focus spotting scope
  • Protective objective lens cap
  • Protective eyepiece/focus cap
  • Soft carry pouch or padded case
  • Tripod mounting adapter
  • Lens cleaning cloth
  • ​Instruction / quick-start guide
​
Optical Performance: Brightness, Clarity & Colour
​
The WULF Nova delivers impressively bright images for an 80 mm objective, thanks to well-coated optics that help increase light transmission in moderate light. The dual focus system (coarse + fine focus) gives you good control over sharpness, especially at higher magnifications.
  • Colour rendition is neutral to slightly warm, which works well for general use (birdwatching, nature views, landscape survey).
  • Edge-to-edge sharpness is decent, though there is slight drop-off near the field edge at the highest magnification (60×).
  • Contrast holds up well even when light is fading, though in very low light (twilight, dense shade) the image can start to dim — as expected for many 80 mm scopes.
  • The dual focus allows fine-tuning when you’re viewing distant, detailed subjects (e.g. plumage detail, texture).

Magnification, Field of View & Comfort

​The zoom works smoothly, and the dual focus system excels here: coarse focus moves fast across the full range, while fine focus allows precise adjustments. This is particularly helpful for moving subjects or switching distances quickly. Close-focus distance is approximately 5–6 m, ideal for nearby wildlife or flora.

​🤩 Dual Focus Feature:
A standout feature of this scope is the dual focus system, which is rare at this price point. The coarse focus lets you quickly bring your subject into view, while the fine focus allows precise sharpening, which is especially important at higher magnifications or when observing small details such as bird plumage. This feature is uncommon in budget scopes and greatly enhances overall usability.
​
  • Magnification range: 20× to 60× — a useful zoom span for both moderate and distant viewing.
  • Field of view (at 20×) is broad enough to locate subjects without too much panning; at 60× it narrows considerably (as common with zoom scopes).
  • The dual focus design means you have a coarser dial to quickly get close, then a fine focus ring to sharpen. This is particularly helpful with moving targets or for dialing in detail.
  • The eyepiece is relatively comfortable, though eye relief could be a bit more generous (depending on whether you wear glasses).
  • Zooming is smooth though can feel a bit stiff at extremes; the focus rings have good grip and feel responsive under field conditions.

Build Quality: Tough But Lightweight

The WULF Nova feels solid for a budget scope. The textured, rubberised body provides grip, and the scope is waterproof and nitrogen-purged, so fogging is not an issue. The tripod foot is sturdy, ensuring stability even at maximum magnification, though a solid tripod is recommended for best performance.​

  • The body is robust, with a mix of metal and high-quality plastics to strike a balance between strength and weight.
  • The exterior finish is textured and grippy, giving confidence when handling in damp or sloppy conditions.
  • It’s waterproof and nitrogen-purged, so internal fogging is not a major concern in mist, rain, or rapid temperature changes.
  • The lens barrels are well-sealed, and the eyepiece coupling is snug, so dust and moisture ingress are minimised.
  • ​The mounting foot is solid and stable, giving a reliable interface with a tripod (though a sturdy tripod is recommended for high magnifications).

In the Field: Birdwatching Experience

During prolonged outings (dawn or dusk, mixed light), I tested the WULF Nova 20–60×80 in conditions including woodland edges, wetlands, and open fields. Here’s how it fared:
  • Tracking moving birds or wildlife is manageable at mid-magnification; at 60× stability and minor vibrations become more noticeable, so a steady tripod (and occasional bracing) is essential.
  • The dual focus comes in handy when shifting between subjects, you can coarse-focus quickly and then fine-tune.
  • For landscape observations or scanning large vistas, lower magnification (20–30×) offers a comfortable, expansive view without too much shake.
  • The scope also handled mid-range subjects (say 200–300 m) with good detail and definition.
  • ​In tougher lighting (early morning, dusk), the brightness is acceptable but not exceptional, still usable, but the image darkens sooner than some premium scopes.

Pros
  • Versatile zoom range (20–60×) for both moderate and long-range viewing.
  • Dual focus gives precision control.
  • Good optical performance: clarity, contrast, acceptable sharpness.
  • Waterproof, fog-proof, durable build.
  • ​Solid tripod interface.

Cons
  • At highest magnification, image brightness and sharpness drop slightly
  • Field-of-view is narrow at 60×, making it harder to locate or track fast subjects
  • Eye relief could be better (especially for glasses wearers)
  • Requires a stable tripod at higher magnification (hand-held use is limited)
  • ​Slight stiffness in zoom extremes

​Verdict

The WULF Nova 20–60×80 Dual Focus Spotting Scope offers a strong balance between versatility and performance for its class. For birdwatchers, nature observers, or general outdoor users who want a great value scope that can do both medium and long distances without switching optics, it’s a solid option. Its dual focus mechanism adds finesse when observing smaller details, and its durable, weather-sealed construction ensures it doesn’t shy from real-world use.

It may not match the absolute top-tier optics in extremely low light or at extreme zooms, but for its price of less than £200 it’s a very capable and dependable tool. If you pair it with a good tripod and use it at moderate magnification when light is marginal, you’ll get a lot of value out of it.
​
★★★★★★★★ 8/10

Testing scores
  • Design: ★★★★★★★ 7/10
  • Performance: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
  • Durability: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
  • Weight: ★★★★★★★ 7/10
  • Value: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10

📦 Buy now: www.eliteoptical.co.uk
🏷 Price: £199.99 
OTHER POPULAR STORIES TO READ:​