Best Spotting Scope Under 500: If you love the outdoors, you probably already know the value of a good spotting scope. In this article, we have reviewed some of the top-rated spotting scopes to help you find the Best Spotting Scopes Under 500.
If you are in a hurry:
Vortex Diamondback is the Best Spotting Scope Under $500.
Now, let us move to our in-depth reviews.
Best Spotting Scope Under 500 Reviews
Here is our list of the 6 Best Spotting Scope:
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vortex Optics Diamondback
Vortex stands behind its products and makes tools that are recognized as being quality. This is an excellent spotting scope from the Diamondback family which delivers high-quality images. This is an angled spotting scope, so it does take a bit of getting used to the angled eyepiece. But it’s extremely well-made and durable.
Vortex Optics Diamondback is easy to use with a central focus and magnification wheel that is built right into the eyepiece. So whether you are planning on using it for hunting or birdwatching, this one is set up right for it. The tripod mount swivels, so it is comfortable and it’s easy to put this one into a position that makes it easy to use. Vortex Diamondback 20-60×80 is without a doubt a top spotting scope as per our reviews.
Pros
- Superior images by quality optics
- Durable lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Built like a tank
- Good, wide, eye relief
Cons
- Nothing really
Barska Blackhawk Spotting Scope
In terms of keeping a great lens together, you can lump this one in the same group as the Bushnell Legend. This Barska Blackhawk Spotter 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is another great one for that wonderful objective lens, but there is also the multi-coated optics that makes this one a winner.
This one is also built like a tank. It’s ready to take on the outdoors as soon as you are.
You will be especially impressed with the wide zoom lens which can draw in light from wherever it can be found, giving you better images of whatever game you are looking at, especially in the pre-dawn hours or in low light. The lens system is also double-coated which will help you to minimize glare as well as reflection. Perhaps best of all is the angle at which the lens is fitted, making it more comfortable to use, regardless of the position of the user.
Pros
- A good field of vision
- Clear images
- Fog and waterproof
- Good lens for comfortable viewing
- Well made optics
Cons
- Some users have reported blurry images at high magnification.
Alpen 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
Alpen 20-60×80 is a top-rated spotting scope. It is getting rave reviews at not only conferences but also in many national publications. It is very well designed. Despite being in a lower price range, its performance is superior to many higher-priced models. Whether you are hunting or just taking in the outdoors, the Alpen 20-60×80 is a joy to use. The optics are excellent. The scope itself is well made and will last a lifetime with proper care.
You might get a lot of arguments when it comes to people who like this scope as opposed to those who do not. This scope comes with a great tripod. The tripod, which is usually considered the also-ran, is made of well-constructed aluminum that works well with the scope so you won’t end up straining your neck after a day of use.
Pros
- Excellent optics
- Great value for money
- Lower price range
- Superior images than more expensive scopes
- Waterproof and fog proof
Cons
- The housing seems to be solid but looks like plastic.
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD
Bushnell has been popular for outdoor optics for years. They make a lot of different types of products, most notably some excellent scopes, including this one, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60 x80. This spotting scope features a huge 80mm objective lens, which means that it will gather up light like crazy, leading you to be able to see so much more when you use it.
The eye relief is very shallow with this one, so if you wear glasses, you’re not going to be in for much of a treat, but this is still a superior scope. It weighs in at just over five pounds, so if you plan on doing any walking, better find another that’s lighter. It does have dual focus control, so in terms of use, they don’t come much easier.
Pros
- Nice wide objective lens
- Gathers a clear image
- Fog and waterproof
- Made by one of the finest lens makers anywhere
- Dual focus controls mean this one is easy to use
Cons
- At just over five pounds, this one is a little heavy
- Shallow eye relief
Vanguard Endeavor HD
Vanguard Endeavor HD 20-60×82 has great optics that will give you the most vivid colors and accurate images available. You can use this spotting scope to watch all of those memorable moments. With this one, you can be sure of accurate light transmission. It’s waterproof and fog proof too. Whatever you need to see, this Vanguard scope will deliver.
The quality of the image is difficult to surpass, and for good reason. The scope can bring the entire clean image straight to you. This one is also easy to use and adjust, making it ideal for use in the field where conditions are not always conducive to comfort and convenience. The objective lens is very good about bringing in light, which makes it easier to hunt in the later evenings or early mornings.
Pros
- Excellent dispersion glass
- Good light transmission too for better, clearer images
- Waterproof and fog proof
- A good field of vision
- Keeps colors true and accurate
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with optics quality and ease of focus
Vanguard Endeavor XF
The Endeavor XF 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is another excellent product for all of the reasons that make certain scopes superior to others. Not only does it have a great prism that delivers great images but also has an objective lens that is better than most. The combination is unbeatable so you get a clearer image along with a lens that gives you a wider field of vision.
If you plan on using the Vanguard over medium or long distances, you will be especially pleased with the functionality. It is suitable for all weather conditions and easy to use too. It has a nice and comfortable eyepiece and mount that makes it easy to adjust for use in virtually any position.
Pros
- Nice comfortable positioning
- Good optics which deliver clear images
- Waterproof and fog proof
- A good field of vision
Cons
- Nothing really
How to Buy a Spotting Scope for Under $500
If you are a hunter, you already know that there are many reasons to have a good spotting scope with you besides being able to hit your target. After all, to hit a target, you have to be able to see it, which could be a bit of an ask of your rifle scope.
A spotting scope is also an excellent tool for your hunting partner who might be helping you set up a shot to hit the game you are after.
There is a good chance that you have used binoculars to find your game. This is great, as far as it goes, but it won’t take long to determine that unless you are using a good spotting scope, you are shortchanging yourself in what you can achieve. This makes spotting scopes a very useful tool.
The biggest problem, however, whether you are a seasoned hunter or not, is selecting a spotting scope with the best features and for a good price.
We will discuss some of the important spotting scope features in this section.
Magnification
Magnification power is the most important consideration when choosing a spotting scope. Needless to say that spotting scopes are available in a wide variety of magnifications, but all of these are greater than binoculars.
Lens Size
The objective lens size of your spotting scope is another important consideration before you buy. Generally speaking, the larger the lens size you buy, the more you will be able to see clearly and brighter. On the other hand, the larger the lens, the heavier it will be to carry.
Angled or Straight Scope
Scopes come in two varieties: angled or straight. With an angled spotting scope, you will be looking into an angled eyepiece. On the other hand, with a straight scope, you will be simply looking forward. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
These are just a few things you need to consider when selecting a spotting scope. There are others, including the budget, size, and much more. What follows is a more thorough exploration of these issues and more.
Conclusion
Again, here is our list of the 6 Best Spotting Scopes Under $500:
- Vortex Optics Diamondback
- Barska Blackhawk Spotting Scope
- Alpen 20-60×80 Spotting Scope
- Bushnell Legend Ultra HD
- Vanguard Endeavor HD
- Vanguard Endeavor XF
It’s good to say that there are a lot of incredible spotting scope makers out there. But with spotting scopes costing as much as $2000 you end up paying for lots of bells and whistles. The solution is to spend some time researching what features are important to you.
As you can see there are a myriad of options available if you are looking for a spotting scope under 500. While it might create some confusion, it provides an awesome variety of excellent products. Most of these spotting scopes are very competitively priced so regardless of what you are looking for, you will be able to find it.
We hope you like our pick of the spotting scopes. If you would like us to review any other spotting scope under 500, then please let us know via comments. We will try to include that in our next update.
Last Updated on January 5, 2024 by Victor Mays
