Best Spotting Scope Under 500 Dollars — Budget Friendly Scopes

Mark Wagner
11 min readFeb 10, 2018

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Need a great spotting scope on a tight budget?

Most of the people think the quality of a low budget scope will not be as superb as an expensive one. On the other hand, Finding a scope under 500$ is not an easy task. Whenever manufacturer tends to produce something under this budget, they simply drop down the quality.

Here, in this best spotting scope under 500 review, we pick top five spotting scope that will blow your mind with some fantastic features. Consequently, we have added the buying guide that will help you out there. So let’s start.

Top 10 Best Spotting Scope Under $500 in 2018

What is spotting scope?

By and large, a spotting scope is another type of telescope. The spotting scope is smaller than telescope as well as portable.

While the telescope is used in the night, a spotting scope is used in daytime. People often get confused with the spotting scope, binocular and telescope.

The spotting scope is ideal for travel with. The primary purpose of scope is including wildlife observation, surveillance, searching the distant object, landscape viewing as well as for bird watching.

Top 5 Best Spotting Scope under $500- Our Recommendation

If you are a bird watcher or love outdoor campaign lover, you will easily realize the importance of great scope. Every year various manufacturers come with different features and benefit. Due to the various range of production, you may not decide what is best for you.

Here are our recommended top 5 under $500 spotting scopes.

So let’s get into the selective product reviews of our top spotting scopes on the market.

1. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope — best spotting scope for hunting under $500

Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope is one of the finest optic scopes of well-reputed vortex brand. Rather than using a regular spotting scope with other extra staff, it is easier to buy a complete compact package of Vortex Diamondback spotting scope.

However, It is incredibly angled in viewing and worth to invest.

Key Specification of Vortex Spotting Scope at a Glance

  • Item Weight: 2 pounds.
  • Product length: 14 inches.
  • Focus Distance: About 20 feet.
  • Focus method: single.
  • Magnification: 20–60x
  • Exit Pupil: 3–1 mm.
  • Waterproof: yes.
  • Variability: Variable.
  • Fog-proof: Yes.
  • Focus: close.
  • Objective Lens: 60 mm.

Some Noteworthy Features and Benefits

Let’s see some of the important features and benefits of Vortex Diamondback spotting scope.

Prism Coatings

Vortex Diamondback spotting scope is so far one of the best spotting scopes out with the distinctive feature of Dielectric Prism. The prism usually made of two different prism glasses that are optically cemented all together to form a V-shaped assembly. So it will be suitable if you want to reflect it from the roof on 30° sloped.

Angled viewing

Vortex Diamondback spotting scope comes with the comfortable angled viewing. While you are using the scope, you don’t have to worry about adjusting the tripod range on so high. It is also flexible for viewing the birds as well as for any prolonged observation. Rather than straight scope, it has more stability and flexibility in 45 to 90 degree.

Straight Body

You should keep in mind buying a spotting scope is not a matter of brand, but it is a matter of different features that will bring the benefit. There are many scopes in the market can’t hold up the unusual situation and circumstances. Sometimes it is essential to look for because in a spotting scope lots of stability in a straight body. The feature of the square shape is perfect for fine detail as well as long-distance viewing.

Compact package

The Vortex Diamondback spotting scope has earned the reputation of selling the first rate spotting scope at a highly competitive price. At the same time, the best part is you don’t have to worry about the other related staff to work smoothly without any extra cost. Moreover, it offers a compact package of an Eyepiece Cap, carries case and a cover of the objective matter.

VIP warranty

The Vortex Diamondback spotting scope is offering an endless lifetime warranty. The word VIP refers Very Important Promise that gives vortex to their customer. It is also fully transferable. The company never compromise on quality. So you can easily rely on vortex optics spotting scope without any hesitation.

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Read Also: Best Binoculars Under 500 Dollars

2. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20–60 x80 (45 degrees) Spotting Scope — good spotting scope under $500

You worried spending less than 500 meant you have to pick a scope without some superb features, didn’t you? Well, you were wrong. Bushnell paved the way especially someone like you who want an excellent spotting scope on a tight budget.

In a word, you will get everything you want from an ideal scope.

Key Specification of Bushnell Spotting Scope at a Glance

  • Product Dimensions: 16.5 H x 4.5 W x 8.9 D inches
  • Weight: 5.07 pounds.
  • Product length: 16.5 inches.
  • Focus Distance: About 35 feet.
  • Focus method: dual focus
  • Magnification: 20–60x.
  • Exit Pupil: 4–1.3 mm.
  • Waterproof: yes.
  • Variability: Variable.
  • Glass: BaK-4
  • Objective Lens: 80 mm.
  • Field of view: 1000 yard

Some Noteworthy Features and Benefits

Let’s see some of the important features and benefits of Bushnell Legend Ultra HD (45 degrees) Spotting Scope

Fully Waterproof/Fog proof

Though this feature is not mandatory, it is a significant added advantage in securing the spotting scope. On the other hand, it is also fog proof. As you will use the scope on nature, you may have to face the fog and water in the different geographical area. So it will be suitable for any types of environment.

End Prime LD glass

The next feature we like to mention is its excellent magnification through prime low dispersion glass. It is also known as ED. The functionality is similar to prism coating, but it captures single point. So you will able to take a clear, crisp image by the scope.

Angled 45 degree

Being 45 degree angled viewing, it is convenient and nothing to worry about adjusting the tripod range on so high. In a word, it is suitable for the people of different height. So as the capability of adjusting you can use it on looking up the sky or hill or maybe a steep cliff.

Dual focus

More than anything, Bushnell Legend Spotting Scope comes with dual focus and 2-speed that can capture every detail of the image and high-quality picture. On the other hand, you can capture any bird watching, hunting, and campaign through a dual focus scope.

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3. Celestron Regal M2 65ED Spotting Scope

Celestron Regal M2 65ED Spotting Scope comes with such feature that is far better from the mediocre. Even you are investing an affordable range; you still receive some amazing benefit from this scope.

Moreover, we ensure your every penny will worth it.

Key Specification of Celestron Spotting Scope at a Glance

  • Product Dimensions: 13.2 H x 4.6 W x 3.8 D inches
  • Weight: 4.5 pounds.
  • Product length: 16.5 inches.
  • Focus Distance: About 5 m.
  • Focus method: dual focus
  • Magnification: 20–60x.
  • Exit Pupil: 4–1.3 mm.
  • Variability: Variable.
  • Glass: BaK-4
  • Objective Lens: 65 mm.
  • Field of view: 1000 yard

Some Noteworthy Features and Benefits

Let’s see some of the important features and benefits of Celestron Regal M2 Spotting Scope.

XLT Coatings

Being multi-coated optics, the scope covers with multiple layers of lens surface that makes it both harder and durable. Meanwhile, gives protection against the reflection from the outer surface.

Standard magnification

The next noticeable feature we would like to mention is refractor 80mm which is very light as well as gives 77% finest viewing than any 60 mm scope. Moreover, you will get a standard image on a tight budget through this scope.

Limited warranty

More than anything, Celestron gives a limited lifetime warranty on the scope. So if it doesn’t meet up your expectation, then have a chance thinks twice. On the other hand, the company never compromise on quality.

ED Objective glass

An advanced achromatic objective lens is used in this spotting scope which makes it far better from the rest of the other spotting scope in the market. An excellent magnification through prime low dispersion glass also refers to ED.

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4. Vanguard Endeavor HD 65A Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope

Looking for a long-range spotting scope on a tight budget?

Vanguard Endeavor HD Spotting Scope is perhaps one of the finest picks for that hunter or beginner who is looking a top class scope at an affordable price point. There are many scopes in the market can’t hold up the unusual situation and circumstances.

Moreover, vanguard is remarkable for manufacturing top class scope.

Key Specification of Vanguard Endeavor Spotting Scope at a Glance

  • Product Dimensions: 14.7 H x 6.2 W x 4.5 D inches
  • Weight: 1.8 kg
  • Product length: 16.5 inches.
  • Focus Distance: About 5 m.
  • Focus method: central focus
  • Magnification: 15–45x
  • Exit Pupil: 2.7–1.3 mm.
  • Waterproof: Yes.
  • Glass: BaK-4 Prism
  • Objective Lens: 65 mm.
  • Field of view: 1000 yard

Some Noteworthy Features and Benefits

Let’s see some of the important features and benefits of Vanguard Endeavor Spotting Scope.

Premium ED

The detachable angled body is made from a 45-degree angle that makes it comfortable for upward viewing. Hence, the Ed (Extra-low Dispersion glass) is perfect for minimal fringing and color rendition.

Lifetime warranty-Premium

What could be better than a premium warranty? Especially if it is a lifetime, Thanks to its Premium Lifetime Warranty! The Vanguard is extremely confident about their quality. If ever it damages or broken they will replace or repair the scope.

MultiGuard coating

Being Bak4 phase-coated prism, it gives quality crisp and fine image. Furthermore, it is fully multi-coated. It’s one of the unique features of this model from Vanguard scope series. On the other hand, it got a wide range of magnification 15 to 45x, 82 mm objective lens. On the other hand, it can cover over 1000 yard.

O-Ring Seal

The next noticeable feature we would like to mention this Vanguard spotting scope is waterproof. In the meantime, the gas purging wipes out all the chances of fogging and intact the moisture. Moreover, this model is perfect for all rush weather and environment and ensures superb quality performance.

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5. Redfield Rampage 20–60x80mm Angled Spotting Scope

500$ under budget, but still such a superb scope that will meet your entire requirement as an ideal scope. One of the few spotting scope that works fantastic, and with some amazing benefit on a tight budget.

Key Specification of Redfield Rampage Spotting Scope at a Glance

  • Product Dimensions: 16.8 H x 5.6 W x 8.5 D inches
  • Weight: 6.5 pound
  • Product length: 16.6 inches.
  • Focus Distance: About 14 foot
  • Focus method: central focus
  • Magnification: 20–60x
  • Exit Pupil: 4–1.3 mm.
  • Waterproof: Yes.
  • Glass: BaK-4 Prism
  • Objective Lens: 80 mm.
  • Field of view: 1000 yard

Some Noteworthy Features and Benefits

Let’s see some of the important features and benefits of Redfield Rampage Spotting Scope.

Powerful optics

Being BaK-4 Prism, it is suitable for all outdoor activity like watching the wildlife and hunting. The Rampage scope is superb quality functionality as well as reliable. On the other hand, 80 mm objective lens and with 1000 yard of Field of view provides a wonderful clear image.

Rubber Armored shape

Rubber Armored shape features make it perfect for a mounting shoot. At the same time, a nitrogen-filled makes this scope ready to endure as well as incredibly lightweight. As a result, this feature makes it easy to carry item.

Durable

More than anything, Redfield comes with a durable scope at a reasonable range. It’s a very travel-friendly scope with twist-up eyecup and Retractable lens shade. Moreover, this one is perfect to watch the wildlife and hunting.

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Read Related Article: Best Spotting Scope Under 200

Best spotting scope under 500 dollars- Buying guide

Whenever you have decided that you will take that one makes sure that have must have or core features on it. In this part, we will discuss how to choose a great spotting scope even it is under 500$. So let’s have a look-

Feature to look for

  • Magnification: The first feature you should consider is its magnification. While you are deciding to buy a spotting scope, the first thing to consider is its magnification power. Make sure you pick the right spotting scope either fixed-length or may be single zoom eyepiece.
  • Objective lens: keep in mind buying a spotting scope is not a matter of brand, but it is a matter of different features that will bring the benefit. Moreover, Great spotting scope has the lenses are provided ED glass, HD (high density) with fluorite-coated.
  • Focusing: The right focusing mechanism is one the most needed features of a spotting scope. Meanwhile, to ensure that your spotting scope got excellent focusing mechanism.
  • Eyepiece: Another consideration in selecting the spotting scope, it has eyepiece placement. At the same time, in bird watching 45-degree angled eyepiece is needed. So choose the right eyepiece placement and eye relief. However, eye relief of 12–15 mm is accurate for a quality image.
  • Warranty: The fact that these spotting scopes are expensive and you have to put a decent amount of money to buy it. So put your penny on something worthy and get a good warranty. So that means the company will take care of it under a certain period.

Other features you need to consider

Though we cover up what feature is the core that should have on your scope, there is still some key feature to pay attention.

  • Is it straight or angled?
  • Does it easy to handle?
  • What about warranty?
  • Does it require extra accessories like carrying case or tripod?

Our Recommendation

Every spotting scope in our top list has entered for their excellent benefits and value it offers. Are you looking a scope for a professional quality?

Meanwhile, we highly recommended Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope for its excellent optics with classic, elegant design.

On the other hand, Vortex is so far one of the finest spotting scope manufacturers on the market today.

Read Related Article: Best Spotting Scope for the Money

Final Verdict

Hopefully, the best spotting scope under $500 review will be helpful for you for your next buy. To wrap up this article, we could say there are varieties of high-quality scope out there on this low budget. In summary, we selected top 5 scopes for you according to their awesome benefit, features, and specification.

Furthermore, they are great in functionality as well as superb quality at an affordable range, and you don’t have to worry about the quality.

Originally published at besthuntingbinocular.com on February 10, 2018.

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