You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable, crystal-clear hunting scope. In fact, the under $500 category is where many of the most practical, field-proven optics live—perfect for deer, coyote, hog, elk, or any game you pursue. The right scope can make your shots more ethical and your hunts more rewarding. Here’s your complete guide to the best hunting scopes under $500, with real-world recommendations for every hunter and rifle.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP
- Best Low-Light Performance: Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
- Best for Versatility: Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×42
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Sub-$500 Hunting Scope
Don’t let price fool you—many of today’s best scopes offer incredible features and quality for under $500. Here’s what matters most:
- Glass Quality: Fully multi-coated lenses and decent objective size (40–44mm) are key for bright, crisp images at dawn, dusk, or in thick cover.
- Magnification Range: 3-9x, 3-12x, or 4-16x are perfect for most big game, predators, and varmint hunting. Pick a range that matches your terrain.
- Durability: Scopes in this price class must be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Look for brands known for ruggedness and proven field performance.
- Reticle Style: Simple duplex, BDC, or basic MOA reticles are fastest in the field. Some scopes offer illuminated or first focal plane (FFP) options in this price range.
- Eye Relief: At least 3.5″ is ideal, especially on magnum rifles or for hunting from odd angles.
- Weight: Lighter scopes are easier to carry and don’t unbalance your rifle.
- Warranty: Brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Burris offer lifetime warranties—even in this budget.
Most of all, choose a scope that matches how and where you hunt. Every option below is proven on real hunts and delivers outstanding value for your dollar.
Top Hunting Scopes Under $500
Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP
Why it’s the best overall: The Diamondback Tactical packs features usually found in $1,000+ scopes, all for well under $500. You get a crisp, bright image, first focal plane EBR-2C reticle (great for quick holdovers), and exposed tactical turrets that track accurately for long-range shots. This scope is tough enough for any rifle—from deer and elk to coyotes and targets.
- 4-16x zoom for versatile range and clarity
- 44mm objective gathers plenty of light
- First focal plane EBR-2C MOA reticle
- Exposed tactical turrets with zero reset
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
Pros:
- Superb value and feature set for the price
- Perfect for long-range, predator, or big game hunting
- Lifetime VIP warranty from Vortex
Cons:
- Heavier and larger than classic “woods” scopes
- Turrets can snag if you hunt in thick brush (use covers if needed)
Final Verdict: If you want the most scope for your dollar—and plan to shoot past 200 yards—this is a proven workhorse for any hunting rifle.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
Why it’s a low-light leader: Leupold’s entry VX-Freedom line delivers the legendary clarity and ruggedness the brand is known for, at a wallet-friendly price. The 3-9×40 model is the classic all-American hunting optic, with bright, clear glass and a simple duplex reticle that excels at dawn and dusk. It’s ultra-lightweight and balances beautifully on any rifle.
- 3-9x zoom for woods, fields, or brush
- 40mm objective, bright multi-coated glass
- Duplex reticle for fast aiming in any cover
- Lightweight (just 12.2 oz)
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Pros:
- Excellent clarity in low light
- Perfect balance of weight and size
- Made in the USA, lifetime warranty
Cons:
- No illumination (Firedot models are above $500)
- Not for extreme long-range dialing
Final Verdict: If you want classic simplicity and legendary reliability for whitetail, mule deer, or hogs, this is the scope you’ll hand down to your kids.
Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×42
Why it’s a versatility champ: The Fullfield IV line delivers proven Burris reliability with a crisp image, generous eye relief, and practical magnification for any hunt. The 3-12×42 model is perfect for deer, antelope, or varmints, offering enough zoom for open country without being bulky in the woods. Easy zero, positive turrets, and a rugged build make this a favorite for all-around hunters.
- 3-12x zoom covers woods to fields
- 42mm objective for solid brightness
- Plex or Ballistic E3 reticle options
- Durable, lightweight design
- Forever warranty from Burris
Pros:
- Excellent clarity and value
- Simple, fast, and reliable in the field
- Works on everything from .223 to magnums
Cons:
- No illumination
- Not as much zoom as specialty long-range scopes
Final Verdict: A true all-purpose scope for any hunter or rifle. Perfect for beginners, youth, or seasoned hunters alike.
Other Notable Scopes Under $500
- Sightron S1 3-9×40: Trusted by deer hunters for its repeatable tracking and sharp glass.
- Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP: First focal plane, budget-friendly, and rugged for tough hunts or target use.
- Bushnell Elite 4500 2.5-10×40: Great glass, wide field of view, and perfect for quick shots in thick woods.
- Simmons Whitetail Classic 3-9×40: Simple, reliable, and time-tested for deer, coyote, or hogs.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Key Features | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP | 4-16x | 44mm | FFP, tactical turrets, rugged | Long-range, all-around | $400-$500 |
| Leupold VX-Freedom | 3-9x | 40mm | Bright glass, lightweight, duplex | Woods, low-light, whitetail | $300-$350 |
| Burris Fullfield IV | 3-12x | 42mm | Simple, reliable, value | All-purpose, youth, backup | $200-$250 |
| Sightron S1 | 3-9x | 40mm | Sharp glass, proven | Deer, coyote, brush | $180-$220 |
| Primary Arms SLx FFP | 4-14x | 44mm | FFP, BDC, rugged | Budget long-range | $200-$250 |
| Bushnell Elite 4500 | 2.5-10x | 40mm | Wide view, durable | Woods, quick shots | $250-$300 |
| Simmons Whitetail Classic | 3-9x | 40mm | Simple, affordable | Beginner, backup, woods | $90-$120 |
FAQ: Hunting Scopes Under $500
Is a $500 scope good enough for big game hunting?
Absolutely. Many scopes in this range outperform much more expensive models from a decade ago. As long as you buy from proven brands, you can hunt deer, elk, hogs, or predators with full confidence.
Should I get a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scope?
FFP is great if you dial zoom or use reticle holdovers at different ranges, especially for varmint or long-range hunting. SFP is simpler and perfect for most whitetail, hog, or coyote hunts.
How important is warranty at this price?
Very important. Brands like Vortex, Leupold, Burris, and Bushnell all offer lifetime protection—even if you aren’t the original owner. Don’t settle for less.
Can these scopes handle magnum recoil?
Yes—all models here are field-proven on calibers from .243 up to .300 Win Mag. Just mount properly with quality rings and check torque settings before each season.
Do I need illumination for hunting?
It’s a nice bonus for first/last light or dark backgrounds, but not essential for most hunters. All scopes above offer easy-to-see reticles in normal daylight or timber.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best hunting scope under $500 is about clear glass, rugged dependability, and the right features for your hunt—not hype or fancy price tags. For all-around versatility and long-range precision, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP is hard to beat. The Leupold VX-Freedom remains a classic for woods and low-light hunts, while the Burris Fullfield IV is a no-nonsense optic you’ll use for years. Mount your new scope securely, zero it in, and get ready for a season of more confident, more successful hunts.