Looking to consistently make clean shots out to 500 yards? The right riflescope is the difference between a confident harvest and a missed chance. Whether you hunt deer on open fields, elk in the mountains, or varmints on the plains, you want a scope that delivers crisp images, holds zero, and lets you place every shot exactly where you want it—even when the pressure’s on. Below you’ll find my top picks, a simple buyer’s guide, full reviews, and a handy FAQ for hunting scopes that excel to 500 yards and beyond.
Quick Picks
- Leupold VX‑5HD 3‑15×44 – Best Overall (clarity, durability, and ease-of-use)
- Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3‑15×44 – Best Value
- Nightforce SHV 4‑14×50 – Best Premium (built for absolute confidence)
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great 500-Yard Hunting Scope?
Shooting game at 500 yards is nothing like taking a shot at 100. Your scope must be up to the challenge. Here’s what matters most:
- Magnification Range: For 500 yards, 3–15×, 4–16×, or 4–14× gives enough zoom for clear target identification without sacrificing field of view for closer shots.
- Glass Quality & Low-Light Performance: Clarity matters even more as distance increases. High-quality glass helps spot antlers or vital zones in the last light.
- Reliable Turrets & Adjustments: Smooth, accurate, repeatable turret adjustments (or a dependable ballistic reticle) are key for confident holdovers or dialing.
- Zero Retention & Durability: A scope that loses zero after a few bumps or shots is useless in the field. Go for shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof builds.
- Reticle Style: Simple BDC, MOA, or mil-dot reticles work great. FFP (first focal plane) reticles are handy if you’ll be dialing or holding at different zoom levels.
- Weight & Balance: Heavy tactical scopes are overkill. Lighter, hunting-focused models are ideal for real-world field carry.
- Warranty: Lifetime or “no questions asked” coverage is a must for any serious investment.
In-Depth Reviews: Top Hunting Scopes for 500 Yards
Leupold VX‑5HD 3‑15×44
Who it’s for: Hunters seeking clarity, simple controls, and bombproof durability for shots from 50 to 500 yards and beyond.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-15× zoom is perfect for close-up or long-range field shots
- 44mm objective lens brings in lots of light—great at dawn or dusk
- Lightweight build—doesn’t add bulk to your rifle
- Leupold’s easy-to-use CDS (Custom Dial System) for fast adjustments
- Waterproof, fogproof, and built for recoil
- Pros:
- Outstanding glass quality
- Reliable and rugged
- Fast, intuitive adjustments
- Leupold’s trusted lifetime warranty
- Cons:
- Premium price
- No illumination in basic models
- Final Verdict: The VX-5HD sets the standard for versatility, clarity, and field reliability at any range up to 500 yards. Click below for more details and current deals:
See Leupold VX‑5HD 3‑15×44 Price
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3‑15×44
Who it’s for: Value-minded hunters who want tactical-level features and true tracking at a fair price.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-15× zoom covers any whitetail or open country shot
- Illuminated reticle for dawn or dusk hunting
- Exposed turrets with precise, tactile clicks
- Rugged, shockproof design—handles magnum recoil
- Pros:
- Feature-packed for the price
- Clear, sharp image at all zoom levels
- Excellent warranty and support
- Cons:
- Slightly heavier than simple hunting scopes
- Turrets are “tactical” style, which may be more than needed for some hunters
- Final Verdict: The Viper PST Gen II is a best-in-class value, perfect for hunters ready to stretch out their shots or hunt bigger country. Find prices and reviews below:
See Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3‑15×44 Price
Nightforce SHV 4‑14×50
Who it’s for: Serious hunters who want absolute confidence at any range and in any weather.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-14× magnification is ideal for all hunting distances
- 50mm objective for maximum brightness
- Proven tracking and adjustment repeatability
- Legendary Nightforce ruggedness
- Pros:
- Handles the worst conditions with ease
- Crisp, clear, distortion-free image
- Positive turret clicks, easy zero stop
- Cons:
- Price is at the higher end
- Heavier than some hunting-focused scopes
- Final Verdict: The SHV is a “buy once, hunt forever” optic. If you demand bombproof reliability and true 500-yard performance, check it out here:
See Nightforce SHV 4‑14×50 Price
Zeiss Conquest V4 4‑16×44
Who it’s for: Hunters who want world-class glass, tracking, and premium European build quality.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-16× zoom—perfect for shots up close or at distance
- 44mm lens gives bright, sharp, natural images
- High-end German engineering and rugged build
- Pros:
- Unmatched clarity and color accuracy
- Reliable and smooth adjustments
- Lightweight for a premium scope
- Cons:
- Premium cost
- BDC reticle options not for everyone
- Final Verdict: Zeiss Conquest V4 is for the hunter who wants “the best” glass and a lightweight package. See price below:
See Zeiss Conquest V4 4‑16×44 Price
Swarovski Z5 3.5‑18×44
Who it’s for: Mountain hunters and open country shooters who demand the brightest, sharpest glass for every shot.
- Key Benefits:
- 3.5-18× zoom, wide range for field or distance
- Extra lightweight build, balances well on any rifle
- Precision tracking and easy ballistic turret
- Pros:
- Stunning low-light performance
- Extremely reliable in the field
- Simple, no-fuss controls
- Cons:
- Top-tier price
- Turret system is unique, so some learning curve
- Final Verdict: If you want the brightest glass and don’t mind the investment, the Z5 will never let you down. See deals here:
See Swarovski Z5 3.5‑18×44 Price
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Objective Lens | Main Features | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX‑5HD | 3-15× | 44mm | CDS dial, lightweight, rugged | Check Price |
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II | 3-15× | 44mm | Illuminated reticle, tactical turrets | Check Price |
| Nightforce SHV | 4-14× | 50mm | Legendary durability, precise adjustments | Check Price |
| Zeiss Conquest V4 | 4-16× | 44mm | European glass, smooth turrets | Check Price |
| Swarovski Z5 | 3.5-18× | 44mm | Superb light transmission, lightweight | Check Price |
FAQ: 500-Yard Hunting Scopes
What magnification do I need to shoot 500 yards?
Most hunters find that 12× to 16× is plenty for clear shot placement at 500 yards. Anything above 18× is often overkill for big game but may help for varmints or target shooting.
Do I need a first focal plane (FFP) scope for hunting at 500 yards?
FFP is helpful for using holdovers at any magnification, but for many hunters, a quality second focal plane scope with a good reticle is just as effective out to 500 yards.
How important is glass quality for longer shots?
Very important. Clear glass lets you spot details, judge distance, and pick your aim point, especially at dawn, dusk, or through haze.
Should I dial or hold over for 500-yard shots?
Either works. Dialing turrets is more precise, but with a reliable BDC or MOA reticle, holding over is fast and simple in the field. Practice is key.
What about warranty and customer support?
Scopes take abuse in real hunting. Choose brands with a real lifetime or “no questions asked” warranty for peace of mind and long-term value.
Conclusion & Call to Action
If you’re ready to make the most of every 500-yard opportunity, a great scope is your best investment. Whether you choose the all-around Leupold VX‑5HD, the tactical-ready Vortex Viper PST, or the bombproof Nightforce SHV, you’ll be set up for success on any hunt. These optics bring you clear shots, easy adjustments, and the confidence to take ethical long-range shots every season. Click through to see the best prices and get ready for your next hunting adventure!