Best Spotting Scopes Under $500 (Buying Guides)

When it comes to outdoor enthusiasts, birdwatchers, hunters and target shooters, a high-quality spotting scope is an important tool for capturing fine details at a distance. Whether you’re observing wildlife in its natural habitat, surveying the landscape from afar or honing your shooting skills at the range, having a reliable spotting scope can make all the difference.

While top-of-the-line spotting scopes can be quite expensive, there are excellent options available for budget-conscious individuals.

 In this guide, we will explore the best spotting scopes that offer exceptional performance and features, all under the $500 price range. We will delve into the specifications, capabilities and overall value of these scopes to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect optical companion for your outdoor adventures without breaking the bank.

So, if you’re ready to enhance your observation and shooting experience without stretching your budget, let’s dive into the world of the best spotting scopes under $500.

Top 10 Best Spotting Scopes Under $500

1) Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope Review

The Gosky Updated 20-60×80 Spotting Scope is a budget-friendly yet high-performing optical device, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy birdwatching, wildlife observation, or target shooting. This spotting scope is well-equipped with multi-coated lenses and a large 80mm objective lens that ensures 95% light transmission, delivering bright and clear views. With its 20-60x magnification, you can easily see your target at over 200 yards, making it ideal for long-distance observations.

Specifications 

●  Brand: Gosky

●  Model Name: Updated 20-60

●  Eye Piece Lens Description: Prism

●  Objective Lens Diameter: 80 Millimeters

●  Product Dimensions: 3.15″D x 0.79″ W x 2.36″ H

●  Focus Type: Manual Focus

●  Power Source: Adapter

●  Finderscope: Reflex

●  Item Weight: 2.41 Pounds

●  Compatible Devices: Smartphone

●  FMC Lenses: Multi-coated lenses with an 80mm objective lens, providing 95% light transmission for bright and clear views.

Benefits and Features

1. Impressive Magnification: The Gosky Spotting Scope offers a versatile 20x to 60x magnification, allowing you to zoom in and observe your target effortlessly, even at distances over 200 yards.
2. Large Field of View: With a field of view ranging from 83 to 48 feet per 1000 yards, this spotting scope ensures you capture every detail of your subject while providing a wide and immersive view.
3. Crisp and Clear Images: Thanks to the fully multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens and BAK4 Porro prism optics, you’ll experience enhanced light transmission and exceptionally clear, crisp images.
4. Smartphone Digiscoping Adapter: The included phone adapter enables you to capture stunning photos and videos of your observations, bringing nature closer to you through your phone screen.
5. Smooth Zoom and Focus Adjustments: The Gosky Spotting Scope features user-friendly magnification and focus knobs, allowing for smooth and precise adjustments with the right amount of resistance.
6. Waterproof and Fog-proof: Designed to withstand the toughest environments, this spotting scope is nitrogen-filled, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging weather conditions. The rubber eye shade and sunshade add extra protection and comfort.
7. Multi-function Sunshade: The extendable sunshade not only shields the objective lens from rain but also reduces sun glare, optimizing your viewing experience.
8. High-Quality Tripod: The compact and lightweight table tripod provides stability during observations and outdoor events, ensuring you capture steady and shake-free images.

2) Celestron – Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope Review

The Celestron Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope is a compact and portable spotting scope, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Engineered with a sizeable 80mm objective lens, it provides well-defined visuals and sharp long-distance spotting that can be game-changing for nature observers or shooting hobbyists.

Specifications

●      Brand: Celestron

●      Objective Lens Diameter: 80 Millimeters

●      Product Dimensions: 7.5″D x 3.5″W x 19.3″H

●      Focus Type: Manual Focus

●      Finderscope: Reflex

●      Item Weight: 3.56 Pounds

●      Lens Coating Description: Multi-Coated

Benefits

1. Versatile Outdoor Companion: Whether you’re observing nature, birdwatching, or indulging in long-distance viewing, the Ultima 80mm spotting scope is an ideal choice for all outdoor enthusiasts. Its 45-degree viewing angle provides comfortable observation for extended periods.
2. Impressive Optics: The fully multi-coated lenses ensure high levels of light transmission, resulting in brighter and sharper images, even in dim lighting conditions. This means you won’t miss any important details while spotting your subjects.
3. All-Weather Performance: Don’t let weather conditions deter you from your viewing activities. The Ultima 80 is completely waterproof and fog-proof, thanks to the dry nitrogen gas filling and sealed construction. Venture into rainy or humid conditions with confidence.
4. Easy Focus and Zooming: The large focus dial allows you to quickly and precisely bring your subject into razor-sharp focus before it moves away. The included 20-60x zoom eyepiece enables you to zero in on distant subjects for detailed views in a matter of seconds.
5. Digiscoping Made Easy: For photography enthusiasts, the spotting scope comes with a T-mount adapter, allowing you to attach your DSLR camera with an optional T-ring. Capture bright and sharp images through your spotting scope effortlessly.

The Celestron Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope offers you a blend of quality, durability  and performance. This spotting scope is not only an excellent choice for its price range but also a competitor for higher-end scopes. Purchase this spotting scope and enjoy a lifetime of viewing pleasure without breaking the bank.

3) Landove 20-60×85 Zoom Spotting Scope Review

The Landove 20-60×85 Zoom Spotting Scope is a high-end spotting scope designed for adult use, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts who engage in activities like bird watching, wildlife observation, hunting, and target shooting. This scope boasts an impressive zoom magnification range, from 20x to 60x, providing various observation needs.

Specifications

●  Magnification: 20x – 60x

●  Objective lens diameter: 85mm

●  Eyepiece diameter: 58mm

●  Prism Type: BAK4

●  Number of lenses: 9Pcs/4Groups

●      Optical Coating: Fully multi-Coated

Benefits and Pros

01. Variable Zoom Magnification: The 20x to 60x afocal zoom magnification allows you to easily zoom in and observe your target in detail. Whether you’re scanning distant landscapes or observing elusive wildlife, this scope ensures you won’t miss any action.

02. High-Definition Optics: The fully multi-coated green film optics deliver clear, bright and colour-accurate images. With the combination of a large 85mm objective lens and BAK4 Porro Prism, this spotting scope guarantees exceptional light transmission, even in low-light conditions.

03. Ergonomic Design: The 45-degree angled eyepiece and 180-degree rotating functions provide comfortable viewing from any angle. The adjustable eye cups can be twisted up and down easily, catering to users with or without glasses.

04. Waterproof and Nitrogen-Filled: The scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, making it completely waterproof and fog-proof. This rugged design ensures it can withstand the toughest environments, allowing you to venture into any weather condition with confidence.

05. New Design Phone Adapter: The package includes a 2023 New Design Large smartphone digiscoping adapter, enabling you to capture stunning photos and videos of your observations. Share your amazing moments with friends and family on social media platforms.

06. Sturdy Built: The high-quality rubber outer layer provides a non-slip and shockproof grip, ensuring lasting protection for the scope. The telescopic sunshade reduces glare and protects the objective lens from accidental damage.

07. Wide Range of Applications: This spotting scope is specially designed for birdwatching, wildlife watching, hunting, archery and various outdoor activities. Its versatility and performance make it an ideal companion for nature enthusiasts.

Cons

●      The high-power magnification might require steady hands or a tripod for stable viewing.

●      The coaxial coarse and fine focus dials might take some time to get used to.

The Landove 20-60×85 Zoom Spotting Scope is a powerhouse of features, providing an exceptional viewing experience. It perfectly blends quality, durability and performance, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its high magnification and large objective lens, coupled with its waterproof design and smartphone adapter, set it apart from its competitors, making it worth the investment.

4) SVBONY SV46 Spotting Scope

 

The SVBONY SV46 spotting scope is a versatile optical instrument designed to enhance your long-distance birdwatching and target shooting experience. With its unique features and durable construction, the SV46 spotter scope proves to be a reliable companion for observing nature’s beauty or honing your shooting skills.

Specifications

1. Dual Focus: The SV46 spotting scope boasts two focus wheels, allowing for both fast and coarse settings (first focus wheel) and finer adjustments (second focus wheel). This precise focusing mechanism ensures you capture every detail of distant subjects without hassle.
2. IPX7 Waterproof: The SV46 is rated with IPX7 waterproof protection, guarding it against rain and moisture. This feature enhances the scope’s durability, making it suitable for various outdoor environments and ensuring a prolonged service life.
3. 20-60x Zoom: The 20-60x zoom design of the SV46 enables you to lock onto targets and explore intricate details even from considerable distances. Whether you are observing birds or honing your shooting accuracy, the versatile zoom allows you to adapt to different observation needs.
4. Large Objective Lens with FMC Coating: The 80mm objective lens of the SV46 captures ample light, resulting in increased light transmittance. The fully multi-coated (FMC) lens design delivers crisp and bright images, providing you with an immersive viewing experience. The scope’s large field of view ranging from 105ft to 51ft per 1000 yards further enhances your observational capabilities.
5. Twist-up Eyecups: SV46 features a thoughtful twist-up eyecup design to ensure comfortable viewing, whether you wear glasses or not. You can enjoy prolonged observation sessions without any discomfort.
6. Standard Threaded Interface: The spotting scope comes equipped with a standard threaded interface, making it compatible with various types of tripods. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, you can effortlessly achieve a stable and comfortable viewing experience.
7. Rotating Ring: The SV46 has a convenient rotating ring on its right side, allowing you to adjust the viewing angle to your preference. This flexibility ensures that you can effortlessly adapt to different observation scenarios.

The SVBONY SV46 Spotting Scope stands out as the go-to choice for enthusiasts seeking precision, flexibility and durability. This spotting scope not only offers a broad range of features that enhance your viewing experience but also guarantees longevity, thereby providing excellent value for your money. It’s an investment that brings the distant world to you in vivid, realistic detail.

5) HUICOCY Spotting Scope Review

The HUICOCY Spotting Scope, with its 20-60x60mm zoom functionality, represents a versatile and powerful tool for the most avid outdoor enthusiasts. Specifically designed for activities like bird watching, astronomy and target shooting, the scope offers a seamless blend of superior optics and comfort.

Specifications

●      Brand: HUICOCY

●      Material: Aluminum, Plastic

●      Use: Birding, Astronomy, Hunting

●      Zoom: 20X-60X

●      Lens: FMC Lens, BAK4 45 Degree Angled Eyepiece

●      Design: Fogproof, Anti-skid Rubber Armored Structure

●      Item Weight: 600 Grams

●      Accessories Included: 12” Tripod, Phone Adapter, Carry Bag, Cleansing Cloth, Protective Covers

Benefits

The HUICOCY Spotting Scope’s primary strength lies in its extensive 20X-60X magnification range. This feature ensures a highly detailed view, making it perfect for long-range observation. Its 45-degree angled eyepiece enhances user comfort, while the fog-proof design ensures clarity under various atmospheric conditions. The multicoated 60mm green film objective lens offers a wide field of view (131-66ft/1000 yards), thereby ensuring bright and crisp images. The BAK4 prism, known for its high refractive index and smooth texture, adds to the image quality, providing a brighter and crisper view.

6) Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope Review

The Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope is a state-of-the-art outdoor accessory designed to enhance your wildlife observation, hunting, target shooting, and astronomical observation experiences. Its top-notch features and superior optics make it a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts.

Specifications

●      Brand: Gosky

●      Eye Piece Lens: Prism

●      Objective Lens Diameter: 80 Millimeters

●      Product Dimensions: 3.15″D x 0.79″ W x 2.36″ H

●      Focus Type: focus-free

●      Finderscope: Reflex

●      Item Weight: 4.4 Pounds

●      Compatible Devices: Smartphone

●      Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated

●      Exit Pupil: 4.25 Millimeters

Benefits and Advantages:

1. Ultra-High Definition Optics: The Gosky spotting scope features increased ultra-high-definition optics that provide a clearer, brighter, and higher-contrast view. This ensures that you can observe your targets with utmost clarity and precision.
2. Dual Speed Focusing Wheels: The new design of coaxial two-speed focusing wheels allow for smooth and accurate focusing. The fast focusing wheel helps you lock onto your target quickly, while the fine focusing wheel enables you to zoom in on the target and capture more details effortlessly.
3. Variable Magnification: The scope offers a variable magnification range from 20x to 60x, allowing you to view a wide field of view at lower power and zoom in for intricate details at higher power. This flexibility makes it suitable for various activities like target shooting, archery, hunting, bird watching, wildlife observation, hiking, camping, scenery viewing, outdoor sports, and even astronomical observation.
4. Large Objective Lens: With an 80mm large objective lens, this spotting scope ensures excellent light-gathering power and high resolution, providing a large field of view range for immersive viewing experiences.
5. Comfortable Viewing: The 45-degree angled eyepiece offers more comfortable viewing, and the rotatable eyepiece allows you to adjust viewing angles according to your preference.
6. Durable Build: The spotting scope features a sturdy magnalium framework and high-quality rubber armour, providing a non-slip and shock-proof grip. It also offers durable external protection, making it capable of withstanding tough outdoor environments.
7. Weatherproof: This spotting scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions.
8. Smartphone Digiscoping Adapter: The package includes a new design large smartphone digiscoping adapter, enabling you to capture photos and videos of your observations. This feature allows you to share your experiences and discoveries with others easily.

 

In conclusion, the Gosky 20-60×80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope is an excellent investment for those passionate about outdoor activities. Its advanced features, coupled with its durability and adaptability to varying conditions, make it an unbeatable choice. Its ability to connect with your smartphone adds an exciting dimension, allowing you to capture and share your

7) CREATIVE XP ED 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope Review

The CREATIVE XP ED 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope is an impressive tool for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a unique blend of functionality, durability and image clarity. Crafted with innovative technology, this spotting scope is an essential accessory for bird watching, hunting, target shooting and astronomical observations.

Specifications

●      Brand: CREATIVE XP

●      Model: GlassHawk

●      Color: Green

●      Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated

●      Nitrogen Purged: 100% Waterproof & Shockproof

●      Field of View: 114-60 ft/ 1000 yards

●      Exit Pupil: 4-1.3 mm

●      Item Dimensions: 20.5″ x 9.25″ x 5.1″

●      Package Dimensions: 20.4″ x 8.7″ x 4.7″

●      Package Weight: 2.27 Kilograms

Benefits

●  Perfect Image Quality:

 The ED glass and anti-reflective coating deliver unparalleled clarity, making it ideal for birdwatching, wildlife viewing and even stargazing.

●  Easy Zooming:

With the 2 Fine Focus knobs, adjusting the magnification up to 60x is effortless, ensuring you never miss any captivating detail.

●  Weatherproof Design:

Built to withstand harsh elements, the CREATIVE XP GlassHawk Spotting Scope is both waterproof and fog-proof, thanks to its O-ring sealed outer shell.

●  Versatile Use:

Whether you’re birdwatching, target shooting, observing celestial objects, hunting, conducting surveillance, or navigating on a boat, this spotting scope is a reliable companion for all your outdoor activities.

The CREATIVE XP ED 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope is an excellent tool for a range of outdoor activities. Its superior optics, durable build and user-friendly design make it a valuable investment for both beginners and seasoned users. This scope seamlessly brings distant scenes to life, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the natural world in unparalleled detail.

8) Vortex Diamondback HD Spotting Scope Review

The Vortex Diamondback HD Spotting Scope is an enhanced version of its predecessor, designed to provide an exceptional viewing experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its high-definition optics and unique features, it is perfect for hunting and bird watching and excels in low-light conditions.

Specifications

●      Brand: Vortex

●      Optical system: HD optical system

●      Coating: Multiple anti-reflective coatings

●      Eyecups: Adjustable

●      Weatherproofing: O-ring sealed and argon purged

●      Mount: Tripod adaptable, Arca-Swiss compatible

●      Lens protection: Armortek coatings

●      Exterior: Rubber armour

Benefits

The Diamondback HD spotting scope from Vortex offers superior resolution, eliminating chromatic aberration and ensuring outstanding colour fidelity, edge-to-edge sharpness and light transmission. Its built-in helical focus wheel allows for quick and fine adjustments. The eyecups are adjustable for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses. A built-in sunshade reduces glare and protects the objective lens from raindrops and snow. The scope is also waterproof and fog proof, thanks to the O-ring sealed and argon-purged construction. It features Armortek coatings that protect the lenses from oil, scratches and dirt and a rubber armour that enhances durability and grip.

In conclusion, the Vortex Diamondback HD Spotting Scope is a remarkable optical instrument that offers a combination of performance, comfort and durability. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a birdwatcher, or a nature lover, this scope will help you experience the natural world in stunning detail. Its robust construction and advanced features ensure it performs brilliantly under all conditions. This is an optic that truly lives up to the Vortex name.

9) Emarth 20-60x60mm Angled Waterproof Spotting Scope Review

The Emarth 20-60x60mm angled waterproof spotting scope is an admirable choice for outdoor enthusiasts and bird watchers who are conscious of value. This robust scope features a 20-60x Zoom Lens for both close-up and long-range views. It offers great colour and clarity in every scene, providing a comfortable full-field view even for eyeglass wearers.

Specifications

●      Brand: Emarth

●      Model: 20-60x60mm Angled Waterproof Spotting Scope

●      Coating: Fully Multi-Coated

●      Weatherproofing: 100% Waterproof & Fogproof

●      Item Dimensions: 13.39″ x 5.91″ x 3.15″

●      Item Weight: 3.45 pounds

●      ASIN: B010FAUJ46

●      Customer Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars

●      Best Sellers Rank: #3 in Spotting Scopes

Benefits and Pros

         Versatile Outdoor Companion: The Emarth spotting scope is a versatile partner for various outdoor activities, including target shooting, bird watching, hunting, archery, hiking and even sightseeing during travels. It provides you with the perfect tool to explore the beauty of nature up close.

         Excellent Magnification Range: Whether you’re into short or long-range target shooting, the 20x-60x magnification range caters to all your needs. It allows you to observe distant targets with stunning clarity and precision.

         High-Quality Optics: The fully multi-coated lens and BAK-4 roof prism ensure exceptional light transmission, delivering bright, clear and high-contrast images even in low-light conditions. This feature guarantees a rewarding viewing experience regardless of the environment.

         Waterproof and Fogproof: Don’t let unfavourable weather conditions hinder your outdoor adventures. The Emarth spotting scope is constructed with waterproof materials and nitrogen-filled barrels, making it impervious to moisture, dust and internal fogging.

         Durable and User-Friendly: The rubber-coated surface provides a secure grip, while the built-in retractable sunshade reduces glare. Additionally, the angled eyepiece design allows comfortable viewing, even if you wear eyeglasses. The sturdy tripod, made of aviation aluminium, ensures stable support for extended periods of observation.

Cons

●      The weight of the scope might be cumbersome for some users.

●      The high zoom magnification might require some time to get used to for beginners.

The Emarth 20-60x60mm angled waterproof spotting scope is a high-quality, versatile, and cost-effective tool for outdoor activities. With its excellent magnification range, great colour fidelity and high-resolution images, it is suitable for target shooting, bird watching, hunting, archery, hiking, scenery, travelling and other outdoor activities.

10) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD Spotting Scope Review

The Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD Spotting Scope is a top-tier enhancement to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear collection. Engineered for hunting, it provides high-definition, crystal-clear images at all magnification levels, thanks to its calcium-fluoride lenses. Its robust aluminium frame, wrapped in a rubber armor coating, ensures it will withstand the harshest conditions.

Specifications

●      Brand: Leupold

●      Color: Black

●      Style: 180144

●      Item Dimensions: 20.4″ x 9.3″ x 5.9″

●      Sport: Hunting

●      Item Weight: 4.1 Pounds

●      Material: Other

●      Magnification Maximum: 60x

●      Compatible Devices: Snowmobiles

●      Mounting Type: Weaver Mount

●      Night vision: No

●      Model Name: SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x80mm Angled

Benefits

The Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD Spotting Scope boasts a 100% waterproof and fogproof design ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions. The high-definition calcium-fluoride lenses promise unparalleled clarity, irrespective of magnification level. A built-in 1/4-20 rotatable tripod adapter port makes it easily mountable on tripods, enhancing stability and viewing comfort. Its rubber armor coating not only provides a non-slip grip but also offers extra protection, increasing the scope’s longevity.

The Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD Spotting Scope is an exceptional optical tool that combines performance, durability and comfort. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or an outdoor enthusiast, this scope will offer you an unmatched viewing experience. Its robust construction and advanced features ensure it performs brilliantly under all conditions, truly living up to the Leupold reputation.

Final thoughts

From hunting to wild lovers observing nature far off in the distance, spotting scopes are a great tool for a variety of activities. After reviewing the top options available under $500, it’s clear there are several great options to choose from.

Whether you select Gosky, Celestron or HUICOCY, each one will provide viewers with an exceptional viewing experience at low price tags. Be sure to consider salt waterproofing if you plan on using your scope in moist climates, as well as the tripod design that makes it easy to adjust your point of view without needing physical support.

With these features and many others already carefully researched and included in the review, selecting the right spotting scope has never been easier! If you’re ready to take your hunting, wildlife viewing or outdoor photography to the next level with a quality spotting scope under $500, any of these products is highly recommended.