How to Choose the Best Spotting Scope Under 500?

The best spotting scope under 500 might be hard to find because of the vast options available. However, if you are aware of the vital information and some top choices, things will be a lot easier and faster. Here, I will help you find the right product that will match your budget from 500 and below.

Introduction

Whether you are a hunter, target shooter, bird watcher, nature enthusiast, or involved in an activity in which an improved vision is highly valuable, a spotting scope could impress you. $500 is a seriously large chunk of bucks; hence you need to do some hollowing before giving out this cash. And, this is where we could help!

Any outdoor adventure can be entertaining and enjoyable when you have the gears with you which could help you create beautiful images and memories. This is where spotting scopes enter the scene. It provides travellers and nature buffs with the best vision of objects and animals that are far away with them.

Getting the best spotting scope under 500 should not be trouble anymore. Here, we will provide you with some critical information that plays an essential role in your buying decision.

Product Comparison Table

For the top picks of the best products, here is a table of comparison:

There are definitely plenty of things you need to consider before buying. These include:

Spotting Scope Design

There are basically two design types for a spotting scope – straight through a spotting scope and angled spotting scope. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

• Straight through spotting scope – can be used as you would a pair of binoculars. It is generally ideal for those who love hunting since it will allow you to stalk your primary target easily. Also, this scope design suits best when you're looking down at an object from a higher location.
• Angled spotting scope – the eyepiece lens is usually lopsided at an angle. This allows you to look down on it while pointing at the primary target ahead of you. What makes angled spotting scope an ideal design is that it makes you more relaxed while using it.

Field of View

How far can your spotting scope let you view birds, scenery, and other intricate things? Usually, the field of view is measured in linear feet (100 yards) or angular degrees. If magnification is higher, the field of view is lessened. 1°/52.2 ft. to 3°/157 ft. is the typical range for a scope.

When checking the field of view a spotting scope offers, do not overlook the eyepiece size. Some eyepieces provide a more comprehensive field of view, though other eyepieces with long eye relief commonly have a slighter field of view.

The Kind of Focusing It Uses

The main purpose of a spotting scope is to give better image quality. Although the images it delivers are not as reliable than a telescope, it proves to be an ideal companion for viewing natural objects.

The scope has three main types of focusing mechanisms, namely the:

• Rack and pinion provide a fairly and smooth, quick focusing. It can be commonly found on astrophysical telescopes.
• Helical is very ideal if you want to see moving objects and want to shift the near to far focus a bit quickly.
• Knob delivers a better detail - a must-have if you want a more accurate focusing.

Each has a unique feature, so the ideal one merely depends on how you will use the scope.

Glass Quality

You need to look for a scope built with quality glasses for a clear and quality image. Most of the best-selling lenses are constructed with fluorite-coated, extra-low or high-density glass for optimum performance.

Magnification Power

In order to understand magnification, you should also know the meaning of numbers on the spotting scope. On a scope, you'll find two sets of number; an example is the numbers 20-60x60.

20-60 – refers to the zoom. Hence, this means the target under observations seems to be 20 to 60 times closer.

60 – refers to the scope's diameter. It is measured in mm. In this case, the diameter is 60mm.

Light Gathering Capacity

When it comes to determining the light gathering capacity of a spotting scope, you should look at the objective lens. The bigger the objective lens is, the more light goes into the scope – which means, crisp, brighter images.

However, the bigger lens also means heavier to carry, so a not good option for those whose carrying heavy objects is not on their travel list. You may choose a portable one, or get a tripod stand for the scope.

Eye Relief

This one is for glass wearers. Eye relief helps minimize eye strain when using the spotting scope. It is crucial to pay attention to the appropriate length, so you'll be able to get the best view. Commonly, the suitable distance is 12 to 15mm.

Other Considerations

Does the spotting scope come with a carrying case or other accessories? Is it durable enough? Is it built weatherproof and fogproof? How about its process of set up and use? Look if the scope has a knob or grip barrel for focusing.

Bear in mind to consider these factors once you are out to purchase the best spotting scope under your limited budget.

FAQs

Q: What is spotting scope best to use for?

A: The spotting scope can be used in numerous outdoor activities, like bird watching, target shooting, digiscoping, hunting, and outdoor sports deeds.

Q: How much magnification power a low-cost spotting scope has?

A: It usually has 70x magnification power. It varies from one spotting scope to another, so choose one that best suit to your preferences.

Q: Can I attach a video camera to my spotting scope?

A: Yes, you can simply attach a video camera to your spotting scope the same manner with a digital camera.

Reviews of the Best Spotting Scope Under 500

Consider their reviews of the best products to help you come up with the right decision. Here we go!

1. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60 X 80 Spotting Scope – Best Product for Durability and Being Compact

In the market for a durable spotting scope that won't disappoint your wallet and expectation? Then, the Bushnell Legend Ultra 20-60 X 80 is ideal for you! Its compactness and lightweight is perfect for long hikes. This means you can enjoy watching what your eyes please to see as long as you want!

Weighing less than 2.3 pounds and measuring 10.5 inches, this is one of the most compact spotting scopes on the market. The fully multi-coated optics and ED glass provide bright, clear, and high-quality images, even in the most unfavorable conditions. Fog proof and waterproof, this product is built to last.

Though, the warranty of Bushnell 30-60 X 80 doesn't cover a good deal.

Want to make the most of your $500 for a high spotting scope? I highly recommend the Konus 7122. This one will provide you with 20 to 60mm zoom and 100mm multi-coated objective lens.

What's the most impressive thing about Konus 7122 is its wide viewing angle - it is made easier with 45° angled eyepiece. Simple to assemble and use, the multi-coated optics is such an excellent help especially if you're enjoying some evening bird watching or hunting as it helps increase the brightness.

Although, some complaint about the product's quite large size and soft carry case. But, you'll surely appreciate the value offered by Konus 7122.

3. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scopes – Best Product for Versatility

Looking for a general spotting scope that has excellent features, budget-friendly, and can be used for a wide verity of activities? Consider what Vortex Optics Diamondback can offer for your overall spotting scope experience.

The Vortex Optics Diamondback has a slight difference to the Razor Vortex. However, this product features 60mm objective lens - which is vast enough for you to watch anything clearly. Rest assured you will only see clear, bright images, thanks to its Dielectric prism coatings. No matter what the weather condition is, you can use this scope anytime you want since it is frog proof and waterproof.

While its prices to be a worthwhile investment, the Vortex Optics Diamondback may not offer you visible images at the highest magnification.

4. Barska Blackhawk Spotter - Best Product for Portability and Value

While one of the low budget spotting scopes available in the market, its quality viewing experience is next to none. The Barska Blackhawk Spotter has a variety of features you'll inevitably fall in love with.

Barska Blackhawk Spotter boasts a large objective lens and multi-coated optics, which is highly capable of giving passable visuals. It has variable zoom magnifications as well as shock absorbing, sight tube, and a glare-lessening extendable sunshade that guarantee a fun, clear, and high-quality viewing experience all day long. Despite its cheap price point, the Barska Blackhawk Spotter are ideally built in lightweight and robust body with rubber armouring.

On the contrary side, you may encounter some quality control problems using this product and the eye relief it offers for glasses wearers are only minimal.

5. Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope – Best Product for Warranty

For a spotting scope with a premium lifetime warranty, the Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A is such a great option. It can be your best buddy for hiking, travelling, hunting, bird watching, and so on.

Even if this one is affordable, its viewing capacity is like that of luxurious target shooting scopes. It features 82mm objective lens and 20-60x magnification for an optimal viewing experience. The BAK4 roof prism eliminated glare from the sun, and the ED glasses are multi-guard coated. This allows for crisp, clear images.

However, you may find it somewhat too heavy to carry.

Final Verdict

So, there you have it, our top five picks for the best spotting scope under 500. What's your favorite so far? If you're going to ask us, of course, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60 X 80 Spotting Scope. Why? Let its excellent features prove why it is worth your 500 dollars. The quality construction, performance, and versatility will surely get you awe.

Did you like our reviews of the best spotting scope under 500? Leave us a comment below! Don't forget to share it with your friends, too!