You can have riflescope precision and clarity without denting your pockets. The best Vortex scope under 500 list boasts excellent clarity, ruggedness, and light transmission for great results at the range or in the field. We have handpicked the best scopes that also provide outstanding value for money.
Vortex is a reputable brand that continues to garner the market’s attention because of its commitment to excellence and innovation. Vortex riflescopes come in a wide range of prices. Whether you are on a tight budget or want to splurge, Vortex offerings will have you sorted.
The best Vortex scopes under $500 are suitable for marksmen looking for a cost-effective yet high-performing optic that complements their shooting style and hones their shooting prowess to the next big level.
To save you the hassle that comes with scouting the flooded market, we have rounded up the scopes that make the cut and are well deserving to be included in your regimen. Let’s dive in!
Best Vortex Scopes Under 500
1) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope
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The Diamondback 4-16x44mm harbors an array of features not normally found on other riflescopes with the same price category. This riflescope excels in various applications like competitive match events, target shooting, and long-range hunting. It is designed to handle heavy recoil and adverse weather conditions because of its shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof inclusions. It is encased in a lightweight yet robust aluminum housing to tackle any abuse nature throws at it. The advanced optical system with a full multi-coating gathers as much light as possible, leading to clear images in all magnifications and lighting scenarios. The extra-low dispersion glass created high-resolution images with true colors throughout your expedition. To add to that, a ribbed magnification ring allows swift zoom changes in the middle of the action without taking your eyes off the target. The turrets are exposed for supreme tracking performance, while the fast-focusing design on the eyepiece helps you get on target faster and easily. There are premium components in the erector spring system for great repeatability and ease of adjustment. The hard anodized creation minimizes glare-betraying stint and keeps corrosion at bay. Features
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2) Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44mm Riflescope
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Another creation from the legendary Vortex is the Viper HS 4-16x44mm riflescope. It comes with a 4-16x magnification capability that is ideal for various ranges and shooting arenas. The precision glide erector system facilitates seamless magnification changes depending on the prevailing condition. The 44mm objective lens is sufficient for collecting plenty of light and has XR full multicoating that aids in the light collection. You can hunt in the not-so-ideal lighting environments with peace of mind that the images will be clear and sharp no matter what. The side focus eliminates parallax errors and focuses the image, while the capped reset turrets provide accurate windage and elevation adjustments. The 30mm tube is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum for ultimate durability. It is sealed and purged for waterproof and fogproof integrity for relentless performance. Also, bear in mind that the rugged engineering makes the unit shockproof. The exterior lenses have Armortek properties that enhance durability and shield against scratches and dirt. The outer body of the riflescope is anodized to provide a low-glare matte surface that conceals your position as the shooter. Features
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3) Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Riflescope
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This Crossfire is tailored to work well in various hunting and shooting scenarios. It is well-packed with impressive features that make it worth parting ways with your hard-earned cash. The scope has a mighty construction that makes it survive in various conditions. It is made from heavy-duty aluminum that withstands anything thrown at it. The single-piece tube is shockproof for impact and recoil resistance. It is also purged with dry nitrogen gas and sealed with o-ring seals rendering it fogproof and waterproof. Moisture and dirt impurities have zero chances of penetrating the inside as a result. Reticle-wise, the Crossfire II uses a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is valuable at ranges with holdover estimation issues. This reticle is a second focal plane configuration that is very handy for long-range hunting applications. The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses boost light-gathering, resulting in maximum brightness and clarity. The adjustable objective eliminates parallax and optimizes image focus. Besides, the turrets are capped and finger adjustable with MOA clicks that are easy to zero-reset after sighting in. All these features are a testament that you get value for money after buying the Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm riflescope. Features
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4) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Riflescope
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Vortex Diamondback 6-24x50mm riflescope brags of a fully multi-coated lens and glass etching for clear illumination even in low-light scenarios. The lens coating gives you an edge when making a kill, never compromising the brightness, no matter the conditions or distance. The XD lens increases resolution and color fidelity, further contributing to the image crispness. The riflescope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, preventing potential damage caused by foreign materials such as moisture, dirt, and debris. The anodized aluminum structure has a matte finish that provides longevity and protection. Another facet to behold is the long parallax setting with a side focus adjustment that provides optimal focus for distant targets, ease of use, and safety. The turrets are exposed and provide accurate and fast windage and elevation adjustments. The precision glide erector system has premium components that ensure the smooth functioning of the zoom lens mechanism across all magnification ranges. Features
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5) Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm Riflescope
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Step out into long-range shooting with the Venom, and you will never look back. The 5-25x magnification says it all; the scope will deliver impeccably at extended distances. The 56mm objective lens is a nice touch that maximizes light gathering, leading to brighter and clearer images at any time of day. Vortex has nitrogen-purged the scope and sealed it with o-rings to make it fogproof and waterproof. The rugged aluminum engineering implies the scope is shockproof. You can use the scope of bigger rifles as it withstands heavy recoils. You can conveniently focus on targets as the fast-focus eyepiece takes care of that, saving you precious time in the field. The exposed tactical-style turrets ensure windage and elevation adjustments are fast, accurate, and easy to read. The high-quality glass is fully multicoated with anti-reflective compounds on all air-to-glass surfaces for decent images with adequate brightness and coloring. A throw lever is included and is intended to allow easy and fast zoom alterations. The RevStop zero system provides a tool-free zero stop for a solid return to the initial zero after making adjustments. Features
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6) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Riflescope
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There is no doubt that Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm riflescope is one of the best under $500 on the market. Shooters and hunters rave about the magnification feature on this riflescope. The zoom can go all the way up to 8x, allowing you to hit distant targets without narrowing the field of view. The Strike Eagle harbors fully multi-coated lenses that improve light transmission even in poorly lit environments. You can expect bright and clear images at any time of the day. Another parameter is the illuminated reticle, which is also valuable in lowly lit conditions where prey is plenty. There are eleven brightness settings to suit various lighting situations. You can store an extra battery in the windage cap in case the juice runs out in the middle of a hunt. The reticle is protected between two layers of glass for sturdiness. Also, it is a second focal plane type hence remains static across all power levels. What’s more, o-ring seals and nitrogen purging are included to enhance the fogproof and waterproof capacity of the scope. The rugged aluminum structure renders the unit shockproof and can take a beating. Features
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7) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope
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Another candidate for this review of the best Vortex scopes under $500 is the Crossfire II 1-4x24mm. The riflescope is exclusively designed with specifications for various applications and successful missions. The first highlight is the remarkable build quality. While it is a budget scope, it doesn’t cut corners when it comes to durability, as the exterior is made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is hard anodized. The inside is purged with nitrogen gas, and the o-ring is sealed to suffice in challenging weather conditions. Secondly, the turrets are capped to promote protection and have a zero-adjustable function. They are handy for shooting at varying environmental conditions without making performance to suffer. In addition, this reasonably-priced riflescope has a V-Brite reticle that is illuminated for precise aiming in dismal lighting. The reticle is on the second focal plane and thus remains the same regardless of the magnification setting. Another best feature is the full multi-coating with anti-reflective properties on the lenses, whose role is to facilitate light transmission for the clarity and brightness of the image. Features
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8) Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope
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Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50mm riflescope comes with pop-up dials that guarantee easy and accurate windage and elevation adjustment, producing audible and easy-to-count clicks. Vortex knows that good hunting is as good as the quality of the optics. That’s why they have designed the Diamondback with a top-notch optical system suitable for low-light hunters. The lenses are fully multi-coated to collect as much light as possible, enhancing the picture quality. Performance will be smooth and fog-free as the riflescope is waterproof and fogproof. It is ruggedly built to make it shockproof and is anodized on the exterior for impact and abrasion resistance. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is handy at distances where the shooter experiences problems when estimating holdover. The reticle is on the rear focal plane, meaning it will not change even with magnification adjustments. You can pair the scope with your slug shotgun, muzzleloader, or any other firearm and expect great results. Features
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Vortex Scopes under $500
Construction Material
The best Vortex scopes under $500 are resilient and durable. They are made of high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum for long-lasting performance. The material ensures your unit is not jingled up while using it and protects the integrity of the internal components.
The glass should also be made of top-grade materials that won’t scratch easily for clear views all the time.
Eye Relief
This is vital for the safety of your eyebrow. The industry standard is 3.5 inches to let you enjoy your shooting fully and have peace of mind even during extended sessions.
Adjustability
A scope under $500 with windage and elevation adjuster knobs is a real bonus. Such adjustability accommodates distance and elevation variations between the shooter and the target. It also compensates for heavy wind before taking any critical shot. The knobs should be audible and have tactile clicks.
Weight
It is also essential to look at the weight of the scope. A unit that is too bulky can get in the way of your perfect shot. The additional weight can also hinder mobility and be a burden on your shoulders, thus affecting performance.
Lens Coating
The lens coating affects the light transmission of the scope. It also serves as resistance to corrosion and weathering. The best Vortex scopes under $500 have fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light collection and ultimate protection from damage-causing elements.
Fast-Focusing Eyepiece
This is another aspect that cannot be overlooked when buying a scope under $500. A fast-focus eyepiece enables you to instantly bring the reticle back into focus when you are on the move or handling small or fast-moving targets.
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What To Expect from the Best Vortex Scopes under $500
There is a wide range of Vortex scopes available for this price range. Most of these riflescopes focus on medium to long-range shooting or hunting missions. Some of them are also ideal for close ranges, thus making them suitable for close to intermediate distances.
These scopes are perfect for you if you regularly shoot between 300 and 500 yards. They can have magnifications ranging from 1-15x or even more.
The objective lens diameter should be somewhere between 15mm to 50mm for sufficient light transmission. Additionally, the riflescopes should hold zero well without hassle. They should also provide accurate and fast windage and elevation adjustments.
Besides that, the scopes should incorporate inclusions for weatherproofing and shockproofing. These include argon or nitrogen purging and o-ring seals to keep out foreign impurities.
Conclusion
The scopes here provide a solution for shooting and hunting enthusiasts looking for premium scopes that are not bank-breaking. The scopes will give many years of long-lasting use and elevate your shooting prowess. We hope you have found a scope that meets your needs and preferences.
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