Hitting a target that is 500 yards away is not an easy task. It is hard to hard to know where to place the shot let alone spot given the distance. However, with the best spotting scope for 500 yards you will broaden your vision and acquire your target easily and accurately.
In this post, we are going to take you through a number of the best spotting scopes for 500 yards that are available on the market today. These scopes are quality, functional and ideal for both hunting and tactical shooting. They are also easy to use so you will have the best and most pleasant time in the hunting field or shooting range
We also have a comprehensive buying guide to help you make the correct buying decision. But first, lets start by looking at the attributes that make the best spotting scope for 500 yards.
What Makes a Great Spotting Scope for 500 Yards
A great spotting scope for 500 yards is made up of a number of features. To start us off, it must have high-quality glass. This is to ensure that you receive bright, clear, color accurate and sharp images even in low light settings. High-quality glass also guarantees that you get good image views even at the highest magnification.
The best spotting scope for 500 yards offers a wide field of view for simple and fast target identification. It also has a comfortable eye piece and a long eye relief for snug observation even if you wear eyeglasses. Construction-wise, the scope should be crafted from high-quality materials to ensure long-term durability. Lastly, a great spotting scope for this range is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to offer reliable performance season after season.
7 Best Spotting Scope for 500 Yards
Let’s now dive into the best spotting scope for 500 yards available on the market today.
1) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes
The Razor HD 27-60×85 Angled spotting scope is arguably the best spotting scope for 500 yards available on the market today. It employs top-tier optical technology to provide exceptional precision and functionality. Even with the high-end cost, the scope offers unparalleled performance which makes it worth every penny.
It features Triplet Apochromatic lens and extra-low dispersion glass which deliver high resolution and outstanding color fidelity. Besides, the indexed-matched lenses are multi-coated with an XR Plus anti-reflective coating to reduce light loss through reflection and increase light transmission. With this, you are guaranteed of bright, clear and tack-sharp sight pictures, even in critical low light settings.
This angled spotting scope is made with ease of use in mind. It features a locking collar that you can use to rotate it into different viewing angles until you achieve the most comfortable viewing angle. It also has a built-in sunshade for glare protection, an adjustable eye cup which provides ample eye relief and a smooth helical focus for fine focusing.
Furthermore, this optic is built to be virtually indestructible. It is made from high quality materials for long-term durability. It is also covered with a shock-absorbing rubber armor for added protection, and has an Armortek coating to protect the lenses from oil, dirt and dust which cause scratches. Above all, the scope is sealed and purged with argon to deliver a lifetime of fog roof and waterproof performance.
Features
- Triplet Apochromatic lens
- Angled eyepiece design
- Smooth helical focus
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Multi-position eyecup
- Armortek lens coating
- Multi-layer prism coating
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Premium ED glass
Pros
- Flexible viewing angle
- Long eye relief
- Solid construction
- Excellent image quality
- Smooth magnification
Cons
- More expensive
- Slightly heavy
2) Bushnell Trophy XLT 20-60x 65mm Spotting Scope
When it comes to durability and versatility, you can hardly go wrong with this Trophy XLT 20-60x 65mm Spotting Scope from Bushnell. It is built tough to handle extreme conditions. It is also ideal for a wide selection of long distance applications among them hunting and target shooting.
The scope features a variable magnification from 20x to 60x. At every zoom range, it offers exceptional image clarity and brightness thanks to the quality optics and the large 65mm objective lens. Besides, the optics are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission and deliver bright and sharp images from sunrise till sunset.
Weighing about 2.7kg, the scope has a manageable weight for ease of portability. It also has a compact size for convenient packability as it measures 13.4 inches only. Furthermore, it has a rugged, rubber-armored housing which is 100% waterproof and fog proof for all weather reliability. This scope also includes a premium hard case for secure storage and transportation, and compact tripod so you don’t have to buy a tripod separately.
Features
- High-quality construction
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 100% waterproof
- Rugged, rubber-armored housing
- Compact in size
- Stunning HD clarity
- Porro prism design
Pros
- Tripod and hard case included
- Lightweight
- Great image quality
- Durable
Cons
- Small exit pupil
3) BARSKA Colorado Waterproof Spotting Scope
If you are in the market for the best spotting scope for 500 yards for the money, this Colorado Waterproof Spotting Scope suits you. It offers a wide selection of nice and quality features and you don’t have to spend a fortune on it.
Firstly, it features a powerful and broad 20-60x magnification which allows for simple targeting at varying ranges. Better yet, it is made with hunters in mind. It comes in a straight body design which aids in quick target acquisition. It is also shockproof to stand up to rough field handling and fully waterproof and fog resistant so you can hunt with confidence in any weather condition. Besides, it is compact in size and lightweight for convenient portability.
Another stupendous feature about it is the tremendous optical performance it offers from dawn to dusk. It comes with a 60mm objective lens which ensures ample light gathering and fully coated optics which deliver bright and crisp clear views even in low light settings. Also included is a tabletop tripod that aids with steady and comfortable viewing in any situation.
Features
- Durable aluminum construction
- Fully coated optics
- 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Wide and versatile 20-60x magnification
- Straight body eyepiece design
- Large 60mm objective lens
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Generous eye relief
- Exemplary wide field of view
- Low cost
Cons
- Not very durable
4) Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope
This Celestron Regal M2 80ED is another high-quality spotting scope ideal for long distance hunting and shooting. It is priced at a middle level cost but it is amazingly powerful. It is also very simple to use.
The spotting scope features fully multi-coated optics to ensure that you get crisp and bright images every time. It has a unique XLT lens coating which enhances light transmission through the entire optical path for more vivid images even in inadequate lighting conditions. It also utilizes premium-quality ED glass which provides high resolution and color accurate image views.
Furthermore, the scope has an angled eyepiece which offers snug observation during length glassing sessions. Better yet, it is compatible with a wide variety of 1.25x astronomical eyepieces for greater magnification. Construction-wise, it features a strong, durable yet lightweight magnesium alloy chassis covered with a rugged rubber armor that shields it from shock and any other thing that nature throws at it. Above all, this optic has a weather resistant housing for use even in the harshest weather conditions.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Dual focus mechanism
- Rugged rubber armor
- Lightweight but durable magnesium alloy chassis
- XLT lens coating
- Premium extra-low dispersion glass
- 80mm objective lens
- Angled eyepiece design
Pros
- Comes with a T-adapter ring for Digiscoping
- Excellent finish
- Operates efficiently and positively
- Reasonably affordable
Cons
- Blur images at high magnification
5) Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes
Next on our list is the Viper HD 20-60×85 Angled spotting Scope. This spotting scope offers the perfect combination of durability, precision and versatility. It also has nearly everything you need for long range hunting and tactical shooting.
It features a wide magnification which spans from 20x to 60x. With the high magnification, hitting the 500-yard makes becomes easy. Besides, it features a HD optical system which provides high-quality images even at the highest magnification for accurate shot placement. To add on that, the scope has XR anti-reflective coatings which optimize transmission of light to help provide bright and crisp views even in dismal light situations.
Furthermore, this optic is O-ring sealed and argon purged so it is fully waterproof and fog proof. It also boasts an Armortek coating to protect the external lenses from scratches, oil and dirt, and a rubber armor which maximizes durability by cushioning the scope from shock and impacts.
And that’s not all. This Viper HD spotting scopes has a smooth helical focus and a locking collar which offers flexible viewing positions. It also comes with an integrated sunshade for glare protection and a multi-position eyecup which allows for comfortable observation with or without eyeglasses.
Features
- Angled eyepiece design
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Armortek lens coating
- Rugged rubber armor
- Built-in sunshade
- Anti-slip grip
- XR anti-reflective coatings
- Smooth helical focus
Pros
- Flexible viewing position
- Multi-position eyecup
- Rock solid build quality
- Amazingly simple to use
Cons
- Bulky
6) Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope
Another best spotting scope for 500 yards on our list is the Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A. It offers outstanding long range visibility in different environments as well as a spacious field of view for quick target scanning.
The scope features premium ED glass which guarantees exceptional image detail and brilliant colors. It also has a built-in sunshield for glare protection in direct sunlight and MultiGuard coatings which optimize light transmission in poor light settings for bright and clear sight pictures.
The Endeavor HD is built ready to stand up to rough and unforgiving outdoor conditions. It has rubber armored magnesium body which is both durable and lightweight. It is also nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging and sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, dirt and any other debris from entering the optics.
To top it all, this spotting scope is equipped with fine and coarse focusing wheels for fast and accurate adjustments.
Features
- Detachable angled eyepiece
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Rugged rubber armor
- Durable yet lightweight magnesium body
- 19-20mm eye relief
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Dual focus wheel
- 20-60x magnification
- BaK4 phase-coated prims
- Premium ED glass
Pros
- Good value for the money
- Exceptional image clarity at close ranges
- Easy to use
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Image quality degrades with increase in magnification
7) Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60 x 80 Spotting Scope
This Bushnell Legend Ultra HD is a top-performing spotting scope which is ideal for long range hunting and shooting out to 500 yards and more. It offers a wide field of view to help you capture fast moving targets with ease and a design that is intuitive and easy to use.
The spotting scope is equipped with a 45-degree angled zoom eyepiece and a variable magnification of 20x to 60x. It utilizes ED prime low dispersion glass, BaK-4 prism and fully multi-coated optics which offer bright, crisp and sharp as razor sight pictures at very zoom range. With these exceptional optical features, the scope is ideal for use even in poor lighting conditions.
Moreover, this spotting scope is made with dual focus controls that help you make quick and fine adjustments. It also boasts a Rain Guard HD water repellent coating which sheds water, dust and dirt to provide clear views in all weather conditions. In addition to everything else, this optic is fully waterproof to enhance the enjoyment of every outdoor expedition even in harsh weather conditions.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof construction
- 45-degree angled zoom eyepiece
- High quality BaK-4 prism
- Rain Guard HD water repellent coating
- ED prime low dispersion glass
- 20-60x magnification
- 2 speed dual focus control
- 80mm objective lens
Pros
- Large field of view
- Easy to use and focus as well
- Fully waterproof and fog resistant
Cons
- Poor image quality at 60x magnification
See Also
- Best Spotting Scopes for 1000 Yards
- Best Spotting Scopes for Astronomy
- Best Budget Spotting Scope for Bird Watching
Criteria for Choosing the Best Spotting Scope for 500 Yards
When you are shopping for the best spotting scope for 500 yards, these are some of the key factors you should put into consideration.
Magnification
Magnification is the first and most important factor to consider. Hitting a target that is as far as 500 yards is easier said than done. For this range, you need a spotting scope with a high magnification. This way, you will bring the distance targets closer and know where to place the shot.
The spotting scopes for long range applications that are most sought-after have 20-60x magnification which is more than enough for shooting or hunting at 500 yards. In addition to that, ensure that the scope you choose is made with good quality optics so it will provide clear and crisp images even at the highest magnification.
Design
Spotting scopes are available in two different designs, straight and angled. Both designs offer similar optical performance and the only difference is the design of the eyepiece.
Spotting scopes with a straight eyepiece are appropriate for hunting as they offer rapid target acquisition. They are also simple to use so they are an ideal choice for beginners.
On the other hand, spotting scopes with angled eyepiece are more versatile than the straight counterparts. During lengthy glassing sessions, they are more comfortable to use as the user experiences less eye and neck strain. They are also the best choice when it comes to group sharing among users with different body heights.
Lens Quality
To place an accurate shot on a target that is as far as 500 yards away, you must first have a clear view of it. No matter the configuration the spotting scope has, it will be of no help if it provides poor quality image views.
With tons of models to choose from ensure that you get the best glass you can afford. This way, you will get high-quality and crisp image views in all settings. A tip is to get a unit that utilizes ED, HD glass or better.
Also make sure that the scope has proper lens coatings. The importance of lens coatings is to maximize transmission of light in low light settings and also alleviate light reflection which causes light loss. Try and look for a spotting scope that has either fully multi-coated or full-coated lens.
Size and Weight
When selecting the best spotting scope for 500 yards, be activity specific. This way, you will be able to determine the appropriate spotting scope size and weight. If you plan to use the scope hand-held, don’t go heavy weight. Instead, look for a model that is compact, ultra-lightweight and portable. Also make sure that you get a lightweight model if you intend to use it majorly for hunting.
On the other hand, if you will be viewing your targets from a stationary point you don’t have to worry much about the weight.
Durability
Another important thing you should consider is the durability of the spotting scope. Material-wise, go for a model that is crafted using either aluminum or magnesium. Such scopes are not just durable but also light in weight for convenient portability.
Also ensure that the spotting scope you choose to buy comes with a rugged rubber armor. It will cushion the optics from shock and impacts, and give your a sure, non-slip grip even when it wet outside. A spotting scope for 500 yards worth buying should also be fully waterproof, fog resistant and dust proof to stand up to anything nature throws at it.
Best Spotting Scope for 500 Yards FAQs
- What is the range of a spotting scope?
The range of spotting scope varies from one model to the other. However, most spotting scopes have a magnification range from 15x to 60x which makes them ideal for long range applications where binoculars, monocular and rifle scopes can’t reach.
- What size spotting scope do I need for 500 yards?
At 500 yards, you need a spotting scope that has a magnification of at least 20x. The higher the magnification the scope has the better as it will result to quick target acquisition as well as accurate shooting.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, finding the best spotting scope for 500 yards doesn’t have to be a tedious, time consuming and unpleasant experience. All the spotting scopes we have listed above should provide the vital features you need to engage targets that are as far as 500 yards. Be activity-specific then focus on looking for a spotting scope that aligns with both your needs and preference.