A spotting scope is one good piece of equipment to make your hunting easy and better. But the sad part is that it comes at a very expensive price. This is the reason you should look very deep before going for the one. You get what you pay for but the good news is some options are under 500 hundred but brings more value than that. So, to find you the best spotting scope under 500 we have to dig into that.
We know the struggle of being on a budget but still planning to go on the hunting trip with amazing Equipements. Say no more we have compiled this list to give you the best spotting scope under 500. You need to look at certain things before buying one. That is why we have also come up with detailed features of each and also the buying guide in this spotting scope review
We know by the end of this article; you will be able to identify the best one for you. So, dive, to know.
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Buying guide for the best spotting scope under 500:
If you know what you are looking for and what features make it the best spotting scope under 500 then it will make the choosing process very easy. That is why you should look at the buying guide first. Here’s our list of what to look for in a spotting scope.
Prime optics
To get the best option possible the prime optics such as the eye relief, exit pupil, and the diameter of the lens should be kept in mind. The markings on the scope determine the quality of the scope. So, keep in mind that.
Shape
The shape of the scope is another very important factor to always keep in mind. The shape will be able to tell about the functionality. There are two options on this are the angled scope and the straight scope. Angle scope is more flexible for looking at different heights whereas the straight scope can only look at the same height. So choose between straight or angled spotting scope carefully.
Weatherproof
This is the factor that is repeated on every hunting equipment because you don’t know when you will be facing any harsh or rainy weather. So, it is good to go prepared. Invest in a weatherproof scope so you don’t have to worry.
Zoom option
Zoom options on the scopes come in two options to choose from. One is the fixed zoom system and the other is the variable. Choose the variable one to get more options and flexibility in seeing.
Durable
As the scope isn’t a very cheap buying, so get a durable and long-lasting one while you are spending. The optical lenses should be of great quality as well as the prism. Both the internal and external durability should be checked properly.
Out top picks for best spotting scope under 500
1. Vanguard Endeavour HD 82A
Key features:
- Durable
- Good image quality
- ED Glass
- Lightweight
- Sunshade
The Vanguard Endeavour HD 82A is the best budget-friendly spotting scope you can find. It has an astonishing FOV Range which is quite more than other options you will have. The spotting scope is perfect for wildlife observing as well as spotting preys.
The excellent brightness of 4.1 is one of the most expensive features of this scope. It is an angled spotting scope that comes with a good range of zoom. The angled zoom gives it more functionality as compared to a fixed one.
The ED glass brings more durability to the table. The scope also comes with an impressive eye relief combining with a sunshade. However, it is not the best one if we look at the quality while zooming in. Other than that, it is a perfect mid-range scope that is also easy to carry.
2. Vortex Optics Diamondback
Key features:
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry
- Best quality image
- Durable
- Good magnification and FOV range
The Vortex Optics Diamondback is a superstar in the game of spotting scopes. It is an under 500 scope that performs like a 2000 scope. This scope has a very wide magnification and FOV range to give the best results possible. It is one of the most powerful spotting scope.
This is the option to go for if you don’t want to compromise on the image quality result because of the FOV range as well as the eye relief. Another most impressive feature is the 100% customization you can do to it. You can completely adjust the eyecup, sunshade, and focus, etc.
Despite being durable and features equipped it is a very lightweight option that comes with a bag and makes it easy to carry. The downside is that it doesn’t come with a tripod stand like the others. But overall, this is a scope we highly recommend you go for.
3. Celestron Regal M2 65ED
Key features:
- Made-up of magnesium-alloy body
- It comes with ED objective lens
- A bit heavy in size
- Easy to use
- It has XLT coating done to it
The Celestron Regal M2 650ED is another option you can rely on. With the most amazing feature at this price, we can say that it is a combination of both price and performance. This durable scope is made of a high-quality magnesium-allot body which makes it very long-lasting.
The standout feature of this scope is the ED objective lens. Which comes as a surprise looking at the price. The ED lens will produce the most amazing quality of pictures without any color aberration. The Celestron Regal is one of the most popular brands.
The Celestron Regal M2 65ED gives a very bright image as compared to other scopes due to the XLT coating done to it. Made from magnesium-alloy this scope is quite heavy and can be a problem while carrying. It is undoubtedly one of the best spotting scope under 500$.
4. Celestron ultima 100 angled spotting scope
Key features:
- It comes with a T mount adapter
- Wide magnification
- Fully waterproof
- The optical coating is multiply done
- Durable
If you want to look at objects clearly that are far away this is the option to go for. The Celestron Ultima 100 is our best long-distant spotting scope. The scope is a very durable option so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged.
This scope is a fully waterproof option so that you can use it in any weather conditions which makes it the best hunting spotting scope. It has a magnification range of up to 66x which is a lot more impressive than others. The Celestron Ultima 100 also has an 18mm eye relief.
The scope comes with a mount adapter to work with all types of cameras. The multiple coating of the optical makes it more efficient. The FOV however isn’t very wide which proves to be a downside to it. But still, the results are dynamic and this scope is worth buying.
5. KOWA TSN-601
Key features:
- It comes with a 10-year warranty
- Water and fog proof
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Made up of polycarbonate material
The KOWA TSN-601 is a Japanese brand scope. This scope is one of the best budget-friendly scopes out in the market. It comes with an interchangeable eyepiece system to give more range options with a premium quality image.
This scope is made up of polycarbonate material which makes it a very lightweight option and easy to carry anywhere you want. Durability is not an issue with this scope. It also comes with a jaw-dropping 10 years warranty.
The scope is also fog and waterproof option to give you the best results without any worry about the weather conditions. The bad thing about this is that it only is the body of the scope, you have to buy the eyepiece separately. This makes the list of the best spotting scope for the money.
6. Goski Dual Focusing spotting scope
Key features:
- Dual lens system
- Coaxial focusing system
- Weatherproof option
- Durable
- Comes with an adjustment collar
Goski spotting scope is one of the best cheap spotting scopes on this list. It comes with a dual-lens system which makes the experience more premium and gives high-quality results. One lens fast focuses the object while the other lens fine focuses it.
This scope is made up of fine material which makes it weatherproof as well as non-slip due to the rubber armor in it. The coaxial focusing system gives the best results possible. The Goski also comes with a smartphone digiscoping adapter.
The goski will last you a very long time. The scope comes with a 20x-60x zooming range. The impressive eye relief also adds to the efficiency of the product. The downside is that it doesn’t come with a warranty but it does last a very long time which makes it one of the best rifle scope under 500.
7. Celestron C5
Key features:
- Telescope design
- Large in size
- XLT Coating
- Long-range
- Good low light results
The Celestron C5 lies a bit above the 500 mark but it isn’t extra expensive also. Looking at the large size of this scope. This gigantic scope can be used for many purposes and it looks like a telescope too.
There are many reviews of it working fantastic under low light and giving the best results possible. It is a very versatile scope. This scope is also said to work perfectly under long-range too. Users have said to
The XLT optical coating to this scope makes the lightening and brightening of it better. Now moving to the disadvantages of it the first one is the very large size which can be hard to carry. It is also not the most durable one. But it is the best long range rifle scope under 500.
8. BARSKA Blackhawk spotting scope
Key features:
- It comes with a multi-coated lens
- Weatherproof option
- 360 rotating collars
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- The scope has a sunshade
The BARSKA Blackhawk spotting scope is one of the best affordable spotting scopes to keep an eye on. Looking at the price of this unit it works better. The scope comes with a multi-coated lens to give the best results. Along with the multi-coated lens, it also has a BAK-4 Prism.
This scope is a weatherproof option to give you the best performance despite the weather conditions. It comes with rubber armor. The 360 rotating collar gives the best and all-around view easily. It is the best spotting scope for digiscoping.
The BARSKA Blackhawk also comes with a sunshade to reduce glare and gives the best results with the best colors. Another very impressive thing is that it comes with a life-long warranty to give the buyer peace of mind. This is one of the best cheap spotting scope you can buy. We highly recommend it.
9. Creative XP Spotting Scope
Key features:
- Lifetime warranty
- It has a 2-focus knob
- Feature of Bluetooth capturing
- Easy to use
- BAK4-prism
We are closing our list of the best spotting scopes for hunting with the Creative XP spotting scope which is one of the highly-rated scopes on amazon. The impressive 2 focus knob adds to the functionality of this scope. One does the fine focus while the other get a crisp image.
The Bluetooth capturing facility makes it very convenient and like no other. You can capture the picture with the help of the remote without touching the phone. It is very easy to use and carry which makes it portable as well. It is the best spotting scope for under 300$.
The BAK4-Prism makes the quality of the image clearer and sharper. These top rated spotting scopes are water and fog-proof option and can also stay in water for 60 mins. On the other hand, it is said to not be the best with a tripod. Otherwise, it is the best value spotting scope.
FAQs about best spotting scope under 500
What is a spotting scope used for?
Spotting scopes are used to give more magnification and to see distant objects easily. They are used for hunting, wildlife, recording, birding, camping, etc.
How to choose a spotting scope?
Ans: to choose a spotting scope for hunting that will be worth the money there are several things to keep in mind like the zoom range, price, shape, prime optics, durability, etc.
What is the best spotting scope for the money?
In our opinion vortex optics, diamondback is the best spotting scope for the money. It comes with all the necessary features that a good spotting scope should have. However, there are other options also added to the list that can meet your needs and are the best budget spotting scope.
How far can you see with a spotting scope?
Ans: the range entirely depends on the spotting scope you are using. Some scopes have a range of 100-200 yards whereas some have more than that. An average distance is between 50-150 yards of an affordable scope. Whereas a long-range spotting scope will have a range up to 300 yards.
Conclusion
So here you have it, the best spotting scope under 500 to give you the best results you are looking for. This spotting scopes review consisted of all top-rated and the best performer keeping in view the price range.
We hope now you will easily be able to identify the one for you. Good luck with your next hunt.
Leave a comment below if you still have a question or a suggestion.