5 Best Spotting Scopes Under $500 Review In 2023
Having the best scope experience will ultimately depend on your budget. If you are willing to stretch to the 500 range, you will find awesome spotting scopes.
We have put together a sensitive list of the best spotting scopes under $500. They all have impressive specs and are built for every need. They are a great choice if you are serious about your scoping activities.
The following are the 5 BEST Spotting Scopes Under 500!
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best for hunting
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Vanguard Endeavor HD Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope
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Impressive optic specs
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Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope
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Excellent for birding
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Celestron TrailSeeker 80-45 Degree Spotting Scope
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Built for target shooting
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Redfield Rampage 20-60x80mm Angled Spotting Scope
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For mid-range
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Bushnell Trophy XLT 15-45 x 50mm Spotting Scope
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Best Spotting Scopes Under 500 Reviews 2023
This is one of Vanguard’s best spotting scope under $500. It is built to deliver the best optical experience with an accurate color rendition and the elimination of color fringing. This is thanks to the extra-dispersion glass.
The best light transmission is ensured by the many layers of coating. Also featuring BaK-4 roof prism to ensure that you get the clearest image possible.
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Extra-Low Dispersion Glass
This spotting scope is built with extra-dispersion glass. This ensures a pretty accurate color rendition and gets rid of color fringing. You get the best quality when it comes to viewing.
Layers of Coating
The best light transmission is ensured by the many layers of coating. Also featuring BaK-4 roof prism to ensure that you get the clearest image possible. As you can see, there is a lot of effort put into the optics of this scope.
Objective Lens
To this, you must add the rather large diameter objective lens, which allows a better light reception. This also ensures that you get a high-definition image. In this way, you can better control your field of view and the amount of light your scope captures.
Durability
This scope is also thought for heavy duty. Its rubber-armored magnesium body ensures high durability and protection. You can bring it with you to the toughest of tasks.
Waterproof and Fog-proof
This includes being 100% waterproof and fog-proof. This means that you can use your scope under any wet conditions.
If you are already a Vortex optical product customer, you already know how superb they are when it comes to quality, warranties, and customer service.
This compact 60-mm lens scope is a compact one and a favorite. Do not let the small size fool you; this one has some awesome specs in it.
The Diamondback has a variable magnification of 20-60x. Other impressive optic features include dielectric prism coatings and fully multi-coated lenses. We are talking about a tremendous amount of power here.
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Compact Size
This compact 60-mm lens scope is a compact one and a favorite. Do not let the small size fool you; this one has some awesome specs in it. It has a great performance and is a heavyweight performer.
Variable Magnification
The Diamondback has a variable magnification of 20-60x. It is pretty convenient as it adds versatility to the types of activities you can engage in with it.
Dielectric Prism Coating
Other impressive optic features include dielectric prism coatings and fully multi-coated lenses. We are talking about a tremendous amount of power here.
Completely Waterproof and Fog-proof
Other features to look into this scope include adjustable eyecup twists, a super easy to use focus wheel. Thanks to O-rings and nitrogen purge, this scope is completely waterproof and fog-proof.
Comfortable Use
Vortex has given some emphasis to comfortable use. You will soon notice that the lenses include a retractable, built-in sunshade. It also offers adjustable eyecup twists and an easy-to-use focus wheel.
Birdwatchers need a spotting scope that allows them to see birds with spectacular color. High-end scopes do this in a marvelous way. But if you can stretch only a little above a $200-mark, then you definitively need to take a look at the Celestron TrailSeeker. Let’s start by saying that it is rubber armored so you can see it is built for durability.
The image is pretty good and with all colors present. That, of course, if you do not look for birds during sunrise and sunset. This spotting scope has an 80-mm diameter objective lens, which means it captures a large amount of light. It also has a field of view of 105-52 ft/1000 yards.
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Rubber-armored
Let’s start by saying that it is rubber armored so you can see it is built for durability. This helps increase its performance to a long-lasting product.
A Great Viewing
The image is pretty good and with all colors present. That, of course, if you do not look for birds during sunrise and sunset. This spotting scope has an 80-mm diameter objective lens, which means it captures a large amount of light. It also has a field of view of 105-52 ft/1000 yards.
Multi-Coated Lenses
With multi-coated lenses and proprietary XLT, you get a crisp HD image thanks to a great light transmission. These are the same coatings used in observatory class telescopes.
Great Performance
You get a great performance in a compact design that is easy to carry. The dual focus speed allows you to spot the bird and then refine.
Waterproof and Fog-Proof
The TrailSeeker is filled with nitrogen gas and sealed. This makes it completely waterproof and fog-proof. So, get into rainy conditions with all the confidence.
The Rampage is backed up by Redfield, which is a company that has been producing quality spotting scopes for many years. This scope has a decent size and goes from 20-60x magnification. This, combined with an 80-mm objective lens allows you to reach targets at 200 yards.
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You get a clear and consistent picture thanks to its high-quality lenses. This includes fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality prisms. So, you get a clear and bright picture which allows you to spot a target with a great image at 200 yards.
Clearer Viewing
This scope has a decent size and goes from 20-60x magnification. This, combined with an 80-mm objective lens allows you to reach targets at 200 yards.
Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
You get a clear and consistent picture thanks to its high-quality lenses. This includes fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality prisms. So, you get a clear and bright picture which allows you to spot a target with a great image at 200 yards.
For Tough Jobs
When it comes to the exterior, this scope is a tough one. The Redfield Rampage includes a tripod and a retractable sunshade for the objective lens.
Angled Viewing
The eyepiece is twisted at a 45-degree angle for greater comfort. With a twist-up rubber eyecup, viewing is as comfortable as it gets.
Rubber Armoring
To complete the plethora of specs in the Bushnell Trophy, its polycarbonate housing is rubber armored to guarantee durability and performance. This makes it highly durable and heavy-duty. Ridges on the armor make it slip-resistant.
When it comes to the exterior, this scope is a tough one. Its polycarbonate housing is rubber armored to guarantee durability and performance. The Redfield Rampage includes a tripod and a retractable sunshade for the objective lens.
Bushnell is a benchmark when it comes to range spotting scopes. The Trophy XLT is a perfect choice for a mid-range spotting scope. We will start by pointing out that it is 100% waterproof and fog-proof.
This durable spotting scope comes with fully multi-coated lenses and premium Bak-4 porro prism.
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This provides images that are crisp, clear, and with great contrast. The lead-free glasses on this scope ensure quality performance at all times.
Clearer Viewing
This scope has a decent size and goes from 20-60x magnification. This, combined with an 80-mm objective lens allows you to reach targets at 200 yards.
Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
You get a clear and consistent picture thanks to its high-quality lenses. This includes fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality prisms. So, you get a clear and bright picture which allows you to spot a target with a great image at 200 yards.
For Tough Jobs
When it comes to the exterior, this scope is a tough one. The Redfield Rampage includes a tripod and a retractable sunshade for the objective lens.
Angled Viewing
The eyepiece is twisted at a 45-degree angle for greater comfort. With a twist-up rubber eyecup, viewing is as comfortable as it gets.
Rubber Armoring
To complete the plethora of specs in the Bushnell Trophy, its polycarbonate housing is rubber armored to guarantee durability and performance. This makes it highly durable and heavy-duty. Ridges on the armor make it slip-resistant.
It is sturdy and durable; designed to last a lifetime. Its rubber armor construction along with the waterproof and fog-proof feature makes it suitable for harsh conditions. If you are looking for the best mid-range spotting scopes, you must give these ones a try.
Buyer's Guide
| Model | Weight | Length | Warranty | Eye piece system | Our Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Endeavor Spotting Scope | 3.2 lb | 14.8 in | Lifetime | 45-degree angled | 4.9 |
| Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope | 2.1 lb | 14 in | Lifetime | 45-degree angled | 4.7 |
| Celestron TrailSeeker Spotting Scope | 3.4 lb | 19.9 in | Lifetime | 45-degree angled | 4.7 |
| Redfield Rampage Angled Spotting Scope | 2.7 lb | 15 in | Lifetime | 45-degree angled | 4.9 |
| Bushnell Trophy XLT Spotting Scope | 1.65 lb | 19 in | Lifetime | Straight | 4.6 |
We have covered the most important uses you could give to a spotting scope. From hunting to birding, to target shooting, there is a spotting scope out there for you. But, as usual, there is a massive amount of choices out there and the job to find the perfect one can be daunting.
When you have vamped your budget, your chances of getting a decent spotting scope are increased as well. You can get better specs like BaK-4 porro prisms which are great at delivering clear HD images.
You are in luck as we have broken down all the considerations you must have when you are looking for a decent spotting scope with a price tag of less than $500.
What To Look For In A Spotting Scope
- Weather-proof. Most binoculars (if not all) in the range of $200-$350 are waterproof and fog-proof. For your budget, you should not settle for one that is not purged and is sealed with O-rings.
- BaK-4 prims. This type of glass is the best at passing on light through the scope. It reduces chromatic aberration and provides a crisp image. Usually, BaK-7 glass spotting scopes (or binoculars) are sold in cheaper stores. This is because they are not as good for transmitting light as the 4s are.
- Prime optics. You can get as far as having fully multi-coated lenses to provide a really clear image at large points. If possible, test the spotting scope, and if it could be done in a poor light area, even better. When it comes to range shooting, you should be able to get sharp images at 200 yards from you.
- Durability. If you are going to be making a considerable investment, you should take care of it. You are entitled to a fully shock-protected spotting scope. These usually cover a magnesium or polycarbonate housing.
How to choose a spotting scope for hunting under $500
For hunting, you are looking for a scope that will only give you the magnification you require for the type of hunting you are doing. Never too much but also never to short. For instance, some scopes can go as far as 80x, which brings them closer to a telescope.
Learn more about the differences between a telescope and a binocular.
But this magnification is not what you need for hunting necessarily. Even if you did, it would probably not be covered by your budget. A 40-45x magnification is great for most types of hunting. The best part is that you can get a great spotting scope at less than $500.
No need to say this but, hunting is a tough activity that requires the work from the best. Fortunately, you can ensure a durable product that is able to withstand harsh weather and drastic changes.
How to choose a spotting scope for birding under $500
Remember that, for bird-watching, you want a scope that offers clear image and does not compromise the colors. Also, make sure it has a large field of view. Birds tend to move a lot and they will not wait for you to get a good shot at them.
Some really good scopes include a dual focus system that allows you to get a cleaner image of a bird once you have spotted them. Pretty useful if you are digiscoping. For your budget, you can get a quality scope with ED glass and diamagnetic prisms that avoid chromatic aberration.
How to choose a spotting scope for target shooting under $500
Target shooting is a very fun activity that many enthusiasts enjoy. If you go for a cheap spotting scope, you will be looking at some blurs once you hit the 100-yard mark. But if you have decided to push it up a little bit to our proposed budget, you can get some beauties.
Scopes around that price are usually good enough to reach 200 yards with clarity. Some of them might allow a 300-yard mark, but the image is probably blurry and bad optical things begin to happen when you push a scope to its limit.
But the range is not all there is about target shooting. It is also important that you get a decent amount of power. This is because you need to spot bullet holes on a target sometimes so a good magnification is essential.
Conclusion
You have read how a spotting scope under 500 can still get you amazing specs. If you have a small budget less then 500 then check out the best rated budget spotting scope review article.
As with all optics, having a clear idea of what it is that you need makes the search easier. Do you need a scope for hunting, or maybe only for hiking? This will probably not be the same you use for birding.
With a budget of less than $500, you can get an affordable scope. If you’re interested in more articles check out best rated spotting scope reviews. Keep in mind purchasing a spotting scope that includes a tripod, which most of them are really low quality, so we recommend you check out the top best rated spotting scope tripod review.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
|
Best for hunting
|
Vanguard Endeavor HD Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope
|
Check Latest Price |
|
Impressive optic specs
|
Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope
|
Check Latest Price |
|
Excellent for birding
|
Celestron TrailSeeker 80-45 Degree Spotting Scope
|
Check Latest Price |
|
Built for target shooting
|
Redfield Rampage 20-60x80mm Angled Spotting Scope
|
Check Latest Price |
|
For mid-range
|
Bushnell Trophy XLT 15-45 x 50mm Spotting Scope
|
Check Latest Price |