Picking Up Good Spotting Scope For 500 Yards Of 2024: A Complete Guide

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes

The CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes - 20x60 80mm HD Spotter Scope for Hunting comes with a tripod, protective case and a phone adapter. It is compatible with Vortex, Leupold, Nikon and Bushnell tripods. With this spotter scope you can take great photos from great distances because it comes with a photo clicker to take pics without touching the camera. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Gosky Updated Spotting Scopes

Gosky spotting scopes are designed to deliver a crisp and clear view of your subject. The quality BAK4 Porro prism optics increase light transmission and make your view brighter, clearer and delivers crisp images. The fully multi-coated 80mm film objective lens provides a field of view at 82.9-48ft/1000yards, while the heavy duty tripod provides stability for hours on end. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: Emarth 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope

The Emarth 20-60x60AE 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope is a lightweight and compact microscope that's perfect for closeup work and spotting. This scope features BAK4 roof prism, so it delivers bright, clear images even in low-light conditions. It also has a dual focus wheel system which lets you quickly and easily adjust the focus of your scope to be able to lock onto your target with ease. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: Celestron Angled Spotting Scope

With a 20-60x zoom, this spotting scope is perfect for observing nature and long-distance viewing. It comes with a high quality Celestron Ultima 80mm objective lens. The Ultima 80 has excellent optical clarity and the 45° viewing angle makes it perfect for not only observation but also photography. Read Review

If you’re reading this article, chances are you already know that getting an excellent scope for long-range shooting is one of the best ways to improve your marksmanship. With accommodations like bullet drop calculators and easily accessible resources on the internet, it’s easier than ever to find affordable scope recommendations for long-range shooting. The challenge lies in finding the scope that’s not just good but perfect for your needs.

Fortunately, you can use several key factors to narrow your search and find the perfect scope for 500 yards. This article discusses everything from Best Spotting Scopes for 500 Yards to testing scopes at extreme distances. Keep reading to learn more about how scopes perform at longer ranges and what kinds of scopes you should look for when shopping around.

We think our CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes is the best of the best among the top models. If dissatisfied with the preceding item, you could select a Gosky Updated Spotting Scopes as an alternative. You may relax knowing its quality is also good per our research.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes
Our Score:
9.7
CREATIVE XP
  • NON-REFLECTIVE & DURABLE - This bird watching scope gets you a clear image, every time. The fully multi-coated lenses don't just prevent reflections, they're scratch-resistant!
  • SET INCLUDES - Our spotter scope comes with a tripod (compatible w/ Vortex, Leupold, Nikon, and Bushnell tripods), a protective case, a phone adapter, and a photo clicker to take pics from great distances.
  • WATERPROOF & ANTI-FOG - Our long-range hunting scope is built to withstand the harsh elements. It’s built with a waterproof O-ring sealed outer shell, which also protects the interior optical lens from fogging.
TOP Choice #2 Gosky Updated Spotting Scopes
Our Score:
9.6
Gosky
  • Fully multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens provides a field of view at 82.9-48ft/1000yards. The quality BAK4 Porro prism optics increases light transmission and make your view brighter, clearer and delivers crisp images
  • A smartphone digiscoping adapter included enables you to take photos and videos of what you have observed. Bring the nature closer to you and you can explore the distant world easily through the phone screen. A tripod provides you a more stable observation from any angles. A carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, cleaning cloth make you more convenient to carry and maintain
  • Includes tabletop full metal tripod and tripod mount for steady observations. The carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, cleaning cloth make you more convenient to carry and maintain.
TOP Choice #3 Emarth 45 Degree Angled Spotting Scope
Our Score:
9.4
Emarth
  • ✅【Emarth VIP Customer Service】 - Emarth offers lifetime VIP customer service for our customers, you are welcome to contact us if any problem with our optics products, our special line service will work hard to put a smile back on your face
  • ✅【Fully Multi-coated Lens】The lens are all fully multi-coated and features BAK4 roof prism to increases light transmission and delivers bright, clear, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions. For long range viewing, a dual focus wheel system enables fast and fine-tuning focus adjustment,allows you to lock onto your target and zoom in for more detail clearly
  • ✅【Waterproof Fogproof 】The waterproof spotting scope provides exceptional performance in the most rugged conditions. the spotter scope optics are sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the spotting scope, fogproof barrel is filled with nitrogen gas to inhibit internal fogging, completely protection for all weather conditions
4 Celestron Angled Spotting Scope
Our Score:
9.3
Celestron
  • ULTIMA ANGLED SPOTTING SCOPE: The outdoor enthusiast’s choice is our great all-around spotting scope with an 80mm objective lens and a 45° viewing angle. Perfect for observing nature and long-distance viewing.
  • SHARP ZOOM EYEPIECE FUNCTION: Our Ultima 80 Spotting Scope features a large focus dial, allowing you to bring your subject into razor-sharp focus before it moves away. The included zoom eyepiece helps you zero in for detailed views of distant subjects in seconds.
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
5 SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope
Our Score:
9.1
SVBONY
  • Lightweight and portable weight;Very suitable for carrying when going out for observation; can also be easily put into the car for use in family camping
  • IP65 waterproof;Can avoid sudden environmental changes to damage the SV28 spotting scope;The finish is made of a seamless Non-Slip material so it doesn't feel like it would slip out of your hands if wet
  • Includes phone adapter and portable desktop tripod;the desktop tripod is perfect for range spotting;Phone adapter makes it easier to share videos and photos
  • 70mm large object lens;More powerful light gathering ability;70mm tube allows plenty of light and decent view of the target once set;extendable sunshade built onto the main barrel to reduce glare
  • 25-75x zoom;SV28 spotting scope is easy to focus and change magnification;easily set up when looking at birds and scenery;A great spotting scope for beginner to novice
6 Athlon Optics Talos Spotter Scope
Our Score:
8.9
Athlon Optics
  • Sport type: Hunting
  • Durable Construction
  • Nitrogen Purged
  • IPx6 Waterproof
  • Multi-Coated Optics
  • 1/4 inch -20 tripod mounting shoe/tabletop tripod with window mount
9 BARSKA AD12162 Waterproof Spotting Scope
Our Score:
8.0
BARSKA
  • Precision Optics: The spotter features powerful and versatile 20-60x magnification that allows easy targeting and then zoom in for a closer and detailed look.
  • Variable zoom magnifications
  • Solid Construction: The ergonomical designed rubber armor makes this spotting scope waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, reliable in demanding conditions.
10 USCAMEL Spotting Scope
Our Score:
7.9
USCAMEL
  • 【Steady Viewing】The spotting scope included tabletop tripod ensure steady viewing in any situation. Also comes with hard and soft carrying cases.
  • 【Powerful Magnification】The spotting scope is variable 20x to 60x magnification.
  • 【Durable Framework】Waterproof and fogproof and shock-absorbing armor.

What Are the Main Ways for Picking good spotting scope for 500 yards, According to Experts?

Even during the shopping process, many things need to be considered. There are many different ways to access research material. Understand this. Our entire team is ready to lend you a hand, offer advice, and provide answers to your problems.

You should be able to access the good spotting scope for 500 yards more easily with the tremendous rise of information sources. For you, our research ensures precision and objectivity thanks to AI techniques and Big Data.

Remember to think about factors like brand and product while purchasing the good spotting scope for 500 yards. All of this will influence how well your product fits your requirements.

Aperture

SpottingScopeAn aperture in a spotting scope is the size of the objective lens. It's usually measured in millimeters. The aperture size for hunting purposes will typically range from 50 to 90mm. The instrument's size and weight will directly affect the aperture size. However, the focal length and optical design play an important role. With a larger objective lens, the light entering the optical system will be more concentrated. This can lead to greater detail and clarity. The actual observed brightness of an image depends on several factors, including the transmittance (coatings), how the aperture is related to magnification (exit pupils), and the focal length of objective lenses.

Optical Design

Two types of optical design are used in spotting scopes. The refractor is the most common and the catadioptric the least. One difference is in the lens used to focus the image. Refractor uses optical glasses lenses to bend light, while catadioptric uses mirrors to reflect light. Although the differences in material are not significant, they can each produce distinct optical characteristics.

Price

A spotting scope can be expensive, costing anywhere between several hundred and several thousand dollars. Scopes come in all price ranges. While I cannot say if $3,000 is worth it, I can assure you it will not be worth the cost of $100. Low-quality scopes are often frustrating and you don't get the intended purpose of the scope.

Weight

Some people, such as hunters who use their scope mostly from a car or day hikers with basic supplies, consider weight a minor issue. Others find it a significant concern. A smaller, lighter scope might be the best choice if you are looking to hike miles up remote mountains to see stars, or climb 14,000 foot peaks for bighorn sheep hunting,

Straight Or Angled View

There are two versions of many spotting scopes: straight and angled. The eyepiece orientation is what this refers to. Although you can use both effectively, you may prefer the spotting scope.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens diameter refers to the area of your scope's viewing field. Smaller backpacking spotting scopes can be up to 40mm in diameter, while bigger stargazing scopes are around 100mm. Although larger scopes are generally more effective because they allow in more light, heavier scopes will usually be costlier and weigh more. You will need to know how the scope is going to be used. If you have the opportunity, you should also spend some time looking at different scopes to help you find the right one for you.

Clarity

The glass is probably the reason why two scopes have similar features, but very different pricing. It's one thing to make durable scope tubes, but it is very difficult to create material that magnifies images without adding colour or distortion. Clarity is an important factor, just like with camera lenses and diamonds.
Spotting scopes that are inexpensive can still do the job and save you money. These scopes will have imperfections and may not show true-to-life color. They can also cause distortion around the edges. These distractions are gone with high-end glass, though you will have to spend a lot of money for it.

Magnification

It depends on the range of your choice whether you choose a binoculars or spotting scope. Most scopes will pick up from binoculars and fall within the 12 to 80 power magnification range. They are almost always "zooms," which means they can offer multiple magnifications, such as 20-60x.

FAQs

Can You Use A Telescope As A Spotting Scope?

Although it is possible, we don't recommend it. Telescopes are typically larger and less fragile than a spotter scope.

What Makes A Spotting Scope Good For Hunting?

Scoring scopes enable hunters to see further than what is possible using binoculars or riflescopes. These scopes are much more effective than lesser-powerful optics and allow for better target identification. They can also scan faraway terrain with much greater accuracy.

What Do The Numbers On A Spotting Scope Mean?

The number before the X indicates the magnification range, either fixed or telescopic. Numbers after the X indicate the size of the objective lens in millimeters. The scope 10-20x40 zooms between 10- and 20, power magnification, and features a 40-millimeter objective lens.

Can I Attach A Camera To My Spotting Scope?

It is, indeed. This allows you to make the most of your experience. This technique is used by both hunters and wildlife guides to capture pictures of animals that they encounter. It's possible to be amazed at how good the photos turn out.

What Magnifications Are Typical For Spotting Scopes?

The majority of spotting can be done at 30- to 40-power magnification. Many spotting scopes can be extended beyond this range, but there are occasions when it is useful. More powerful optics can be used by people in open areas with calm, clear air.

What Is A Spotting Scope Used For?

Scopes can be used to view objects at close range. They are used by wildlife tour guides and hunters to identify and observe animals from a distance. Spotting scopes are used at the range to help shooters evaluate the placement of their shots without having to leave the bench.

How Should I Carry My Spotting Scope?

Scopes for hunting are made to be carried on rugged terrain and in any weather. They are still precision optics, so it is a smart idea to protect them with a case.

In general, it's difficult to say who creates the good spotting scope for 500 yards since each firm has unique qualities, features, and pricing points that set them apart from the competition. We only suggest products from the most outstanding manufacturers on our site, so you can rest assured about their quality.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance with your problems. Wish you a happy shopping!


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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

Read Hailey's full bio