Scopes and Optics

6 Best Spotting Scopes for 500 yards

best spotting scope for 500 yards

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Best Spotting Scope for 500 yards

Long-range tactical shooting/ hunting isn’t an easy task. It’s always difficult to have a clear view of long-range targets with naked eyes. This necessitates the need to use a good quality optic. If you want to consistently hit your targets at 500 yards or more, you’ll need to use the best spotting scope for 500 yards in today’s market. Premium quality spotting scopes from reputable brands are capable of providing seasoned shooters with high-definition visuals even at a distance of 500 yards.

Spotting scopes are great investments that people make. This necessitates the need to get a high-quality model that will offer great returns.  However, with the market offering a multitude of spotting scopes to choose from, it becomes overwhelming to select the best model. If you are looking for a quality long-range optic, here are some of the best spotting scopes for 500 yards.

Here is a quick list

PRODUCT IMAGE PRICE
#1) Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope with Tripod Gosky 20-60x60 HD Spotting Scope with Tripod
#2) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
#3) Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes
#4) Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 Spotter Scope
#5) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope

 

 

Best Spotting Scope for 500 yards Reviews

#1) Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope with Tripod

Gosky 20-60x60 HD Spotting Scope with Tripod- best spotting scope for 500 yards

 

 

 

When it comes to long-range shooting, this spotting scope from Gosky is one of the most reliable optics you can trust. Built from high-quality materials, this Porro prism scope is durable and sturdy enough to withstand whatever is thrown at it. The variable 20-60xmagnification brings a faraway target close while the dynamic optical system provides clear target views regardless of the distance.

Additionally, the fully multi-coated green film eyepiece lens enhances light transmission for bright and clear target views. The 45 degrees angle eyepiece delivers comfortable views and comes with a tripod for comfortable extensive viewing sessions. The high-quality rubber armor absorbs shock while also providing a secure non-slip grip. For all-weather reliability, this spotting scope is fully waterproof and fog proof. It also included a Digiscoping cell phone adapter so you can easily take videos and images in the distant world. All these high-quality features make it the best spotting scope for 500 yards. 

Key Features

  • Shock-absorbing rubber armor.
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Outstanding image brightness and clarity.
  • Reliable low light performance.
  • Suitable for a wide range of outdoor applications.
  • Comes with a tripod.
  • Cell phone adapter for taking videos and pictures.
  • Extremely sturdy and durable framework.
  • 45 degrees angled eyepiece.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses.
  • Variable 20-80x zoom range.

 

 

 

 

#2) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for the ultimate all-weather spotting scope suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope is your ideal option. Featuring a Porro Prism design, this scope is lightweight and easy to use. With a magnification power of up to 60x, this is one of the best spotting scope for 500 yards. It is the ideal long range spotting scope.

Its premium optical system features fully multi-coated lenses which enhance light transmission to deliver bright and clear target views. Built with the highest quality materials, this optic is also sealed to deliver reliable waterproof performance. Furthermore, it features shock-absorbing rubber armor which also provides an ergonomic, non-slip grip. Weighing less than 2 pounds, it is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around. A compact tripod is also included so you can enjoy comfortable long viewing sessions.

Key Features

  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Extremely sturdy and durable.
  • Reliable performance in all environments.
  • Compact tripod with window mount included.
  • Waterproof and fog proof.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses.
  • Porro prism design.
  • Versatile zoom range.
  • Easy to use.
  • Porro-prism design.

 

 

 

 

#3) Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes

Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for the best spotting scope for 500 yards with incredible optical performance, Vortex Viper HD Spotting Scopes is your ideal scope. Packed with a wide range of impressive features, this optic delivers superior edge-to-edge image clarity in all environments. Weighing about 5 pounds, this scope is lightweight, comfortable to handle, and convenient to use as well.

An adjustable eyecup provides a smooth view of the targets with or without eyeglasses while the extendable sunshade shields the optic from disturbing stray light. Featuring XR anti-reflective lens coating, light transmission is enhanced which results in bright and clear target views regardless of the lighting conditions. Furthermore, an Armortek lens coating protects the lens from scratches, oil, dirt, and fingerprints. For reliable performance in all weather conditions, the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged. A shock-absorbing rubber armor enhances durability while also providing an ergonomic, non-slip grip for the user.

Key Features

  • Ergonomic, non-slip grip.
  • Built-in sunshade helps reduce glare.
  • Multi-position eye cup.
  • High-end spotting scope.
  • Outstanding glassing and high-end optical performance.
  • Lightweight, portable, and convenient to use.
  • Shock-absorbing rubber armor.
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Reliable low light performance.
  • Excellent long-range target acquisition.
  • XR, anti-reflective lens coating.

 

 

 

Related: Best High End Spotting Scope

 

#4) Athlon Optics Talos 20-60×80 Spotter Scope

Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 Spotter Scope- best spotting scope for 500 yards

 

 

 

 

This is another top-quality, long-range spotting scope available at a reasonably affordable price. The Talos spotting scope is one of the best spotting scope for 500 yards as it is built to last for decades. Suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, this optic is built with high-grade aluminum which is extremely sturdy and durable.

It features fully multi-coated lenses and silver-coated K9 prism to enhance light transmission. For all weather reliability, this easy-to-use spotting scope nitrogen filled to deliver reliable waterproof and fog proof performance. The nitrogen filling also promotes better thermal stability. For long range observation, this scope is tripod mountable. It also features a rotating tripod mounting ring which allows the user to rotate the scope to any angle for better viewing. Also included is an extendable sunshade to reduce glare and reflection.

Key Features

  • Tripod mountable.
  • Reasonably affordable.
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Extendable sunshade reduces glare and reflection.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses.
  • Sturdy and durable aluminum construction.
  • Lightweight and easy to use.
  • Suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.
  • Impressive optical zoom.
  • Unlimited eye relief.

 

 

 

 

 

#5) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope

Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope- best spotting scope for 500 yards

 

 

 

 

Made with premium materials, Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope features a high-end optical system suitable for all long-range scope needs. This high-end spotting scope is suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities. Built to last a lifetime, this spotting scope has a high price tag but worth investing in. Its state-of-the-art optical system delivers unmatched edge-to-edge image clarity and outstanding color accuracy as well. The best spotting scope for 500 yards allows you to take shots at extended distances and this one from Vortex does exactly that. 

It also features advanced XR lens coating which delivers bright and clear image views even under low light conditions. An Armortek lens coating protects the lenses from scratches, dirt, and oil, to provide clear target views all through.

Additionally, the multi-layer prism coating also provides bright and clear target views full of color contrast. For all-weather reliability, this spotting scope is completely waterproof and fog proof. Weighing about 4 pounds, the scope is lightweight and easy to move around with. It also features a multi-position eyecup to provide snug views for all uses, with or without eyeglasses.

Key Features

  • Armortek lens coating makes the lens scratchproof.
  • Sturdy and durable construction.
  • Lightweight, portable, and easy to pack.
  • Unlimited eye relief.
  • Adjustable eyecups.
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Shock-absorbing rubber armor.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses.
  • Sophisticated triplet apochromatic optical system.
  • Ergonomic, non-slip rubber grip.

 

 

 

Factors to consider when choosing the best spotting scope for 500 yards

1.Portability

Many long-range outdoor activities require you to move around from one point to another. You’ll therefore be required to carry your spotting scope with you for miles and set it multiple times if you are engaging yourself in hunting. For convenient transportation, you need a model that’s not only lightweight, but also easy pack. When engaged in an activity that requires multiple setups and takedowns of the scope, you should look for one that’s easy to mount and easy to take down as well.

2. Durable construction

All outdoor activities that require the use of a spotting scope involve movement from one point to the other. You’ll be carrying your spotting scope across miles in uneven surfaces and odds are that you will occasionally bump or accidentally drop it along the way. This calls for a spotting scope that’s rugged and sturdily made to withstand whatever is thrown at it without sacrificing its performance. For reliable performance in all weather conditions, the optic you choose should be fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof. It should also be recoil resistant and shockproof as well.

3. Glass Quality

Premium long-range spotting scopes are equipped with fluorite-coated, HD or ED glass to enhance quick target acquisition. The use of high-quality optical system enhances light transmission especially when using the spotting scope under low light conditions and at high magnification. To have the best long-range hunting/tactical shooting experience, look for a spotting scope with high-quality, fully coated lenses.

4. Light gathering ability

Like any other scope, the light-gathering ability of a spotting scope for 500 yards is indicated by the size of the objective lens. Spotting scope’s objective lenses vary in size from 50mm to 100mm. In general, large sized objective lenses produce brighter images, however, they make the optic much heavier and difficult to pack.

5. Eye relief

Eyeglass wearers should pay keen attention to the amount of eye relief offered by the spotting scope. An optic with long eye relief directs the focal point farther behind the eye piece so sunglass/eye glass wearers have a complete field of view. Given in mm, the best spotting scope for elk hunting should have at least 12-15mm of eye relief.

Best Spotting Scope for 500 yards FAQs

  • What spotting scope do I need for 500 yards?

Depending on the activity you are engaged in, you’ll need a spotting scope that offers high definition visuals even at distances above 500 yards. The scope should be easy to use and should provide reliable performance in all lighting environments.

  • Which is better, straight or angled spotting scopes?

Angled spotting scopes have the advantages of using a lower tripod height which enhances stability as well as being a much better setup for Digiscoping. On the other hand, straight scopes are enhance rapid target acquisition while spotting.

  • Why do I need a spotting scope for 500 yards?

Regardless of the activity you are engaged in, it’s always difficult to have a clear view of long range targets with naked eyes. You’ll need to use an optic to have clear views of your target at such a range. Compared with other optics, spotting scopes are compact, lightweight, and easy to use. Using one will help you consistently hit your targets at 500 yards and above.

Advantages of spotting scopes for 500 yards.

1.Multi-purpose application. Because of their impressive long-range performance, these optics are used in a wide range of outdoor activities.

2. Lightweight and convenient to use.

3. Built to last. They feature sturdy and durable construction to ensure reliable performance for decades.

4. Great value for money.

Conclusion

Now you know which spotting scopes are ideal for long-range applications. If you were having a problem finding the best spotting scope for 500 yards, we hope that after reading the review you are now enlightened. All of the products listed above are quality and worth investing in.

 

 

See Also: 7 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting

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