Best low light rifle scope

It doesn’t really matter if you are a new shooter or an experienced hunter, buying the best riflescope with quality glass for low light hunting can pose all kinds of problems. The entire process can be a tricky affair, as it involves considering a variety of factors. You not lonely have to consider the rifle that you are using, but you have to consider high magnification along with lens diameter. And, this is just to mention a few things. There is also the manufacturer, the BDC reticle, and the price range that you have to consider.

Simply put, finding the best scope for low light conditions is going to be an endeavor. Luckily, that is exactly where this guide will come in handy. It will not only cover some of today’s top hunting scope models with parallax adjustment and focal plane, but it will provide you with an in-depth guide as to what you need to look for when shopping for a low light scope.

Best low light scope

#1. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Rifle Scope

The first up on the list is the ATN X-Sight 4K. This scope combines cutting edge technology with higher resolution, faster optics, and millions of vivid colors to bring you the best of best. In fact, this very model is the newest breakthrough from the company that brought you the Digital Hunting Experience. While it seamlessly blends the latest technology with the more traditional scope form, it does offer some other unique things that put the model in a class of its own.

Ultra HD Sensor

Just take a look at the ultra HD 4K sensor. This model combines the ultra HD 4K sensor with their Obsidian 4 Dual-Core Processor to bring you cutting edge technology with higher resolution, faster optics, and access to millions of vivid colors on the color spectrum. This model is capable of providing up to 120fps and non-pixelating digital zoom. Simply put, you are going to get a great image at any distance.

Ballistic Calculator

With the ATN X-Sight, making sure that you hit your prey every time at dusk dawn when target shooting won’t be a problem at all. And, this is all possible thanks to the built-in ballistic calculator. This device helps you measure range, wind, multiple-weapon profiles, angle to target, temperature, and even humidity if needed.

#2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Objective Hog Hunter

Vortex is without a doubt a name that most hunting professionals are familiar with. Over the years this company has built a stellar reputation with a name that stands for quality assurance. And, after you see everything that the optics crossfire ii has to offer, you will more than understand why more and more people are trusting these scopes as compared to other rifles scopes available on the market. The first thing you need to know about this scope is that it excels when it comes to low light. The V-Brite reticle and over-sized objective always allow you to take shots from heavy cover with the utmost confidence even in the toughest or lowest of lighting conditions.

Adjustable Objective

Don’t worry because that objective is adjustable. You won’t have a problem making the adjustments that need to be made in the field. In fact, it provides image focus and parallax removal in combination with anti-reflective and fully multi-coated lenses to provide the brightest and clearest views possible.

Ultra-Forgiving

You don’t have to be a hunting professional or expert to take advantage of everything that this bad boy offers. Thanks to the long eye relief and the ultra-forgiving eye box, you’ll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target or prey. The fast-focus eyepiece also helps with acquiring targets at undue speeds. The crossfire ii is without a doubt one of the most forgiving light scopes that you will find available on the market today at a price like this.

#3. Bushnell 614124 Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle

Bushnell is another name that most are probably already familiar with. However, do not let this scope confuse you with their other models on the market. This specific Bushnell Banner model was made for low light conditions. You combine this with its 4-12x magnification options and you won’t have a problem locating and hitting your targets at a variety of ranges. Whether you are shooting close or long-range, hitting that target won’t be a problem.

Supreme Waterproof Construction

Weather is always unpredictable. You simply never know what you are going to run into out there in the wild when hunting. Luckily, none of that will matter when you invest in the Bushnell name. They have created the best durable scopes here with a waterproof construction that will hold up in a variety of conditions. The O-ring sealed optics ensure that the inside of the scope always stays dry while the one-piece design will keep the scope dry even when fully submerged in water.

Fingertip Adjustments

Hunters and shooters alike always need to make adjustments in the field. Once again, this is something that won’t be a problem for the best low light riles scopes. And, that is exactly what you got in this low light scope. Not only can you make quick, accurate, and easy fingertip adjustments to the windage and elevation, but you’ll have access to a multi-x reticle that’ll help you locate and take down your target every time.

#4. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Are you really surprised to see another Vortex back on the list after seeing everything that the first had to offer? Well, do not confuse this model with the other because they are nothing alike. In fact, it is the second focal plane design on this model that completely sets them apart. This is just one of the best things about this scope, but it includes tons of others that put it in a class of its own.

Illuminated, Glass-Etched BDC Reticle

The first thing that has to be mentioned with this low light scope is the illuminated, glass-etched Reticle. That’s right, this model not only includes an illuminated reticle, but it is glass-etched. In addition to this, it features 11 different illumination settings that can accommodate a variety of lighting conditions. Shooting in low light? Shooting when the sun is at its brightness? Don’t worry because neither is going to be a problem. There is also a handy spot where an extra battery can be stored in the windage cap so you never have to worry about being without in the field.

Quick Target Acquisition

Locating and hitting your target with speed and haste won’t be a problem with a scope like this thanks to its speed and versatility. The true one power provides quick target acquisition by letting you adjust to six power when you need to engage targets at a distance.

#5. Burris 3-9 x 40mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope

Most people probably aren’t familiar with the Burris name or their products. And, that’s more than okay. After seeing everything that this scope has to offer, you’ll easily see why they are without a doubt one of the best manufacturers out there today. One of the things that make them the best is that they offer popular and premium traditional hunting riflescopes at an affordable price. This specific model here includes high-grade optical glass that provides excellent brightness coupled with outstanding clarity, but this is just the start.

Quality, Precision-Ground Lenses

You just learned above that the lenses on this Fullfield II provide excellent brightness with clarity to match. Well, they do this by offering a quality, precision-ground design that is much larger when compared to other models on the market today. And, this is just one of the many things that make the Burris brand one of the best. The larger design not only offers better precision and faster acquisition, but it allows you to better collect light in low light environments.

Durable, Integrated-Eyepiece

If you thought the lenses were impressive, you haven’t seen anything yet. This eyepiece is just as impressive with its no-slip grip design that allows easy adjustments in the field. The 1-piece design and matte black construction don’t hurt the overall appearance of the scope either.

#6. Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope

Over the years Nikon has become one of the most trusted brands in the hunting community. In fact, it was this very design that got the company to where they are today. Well, one of the most trusted low light rifle scopes is getting completely revamped. That’s right, the Buckmasters II is getting a complete makeover. And, if you thought it was the best low light scope before, you haven’t seen anything yet. This new model features a reticle that allows hunters to hold dead-on at long-ranges in low light environments. The BDC offers see-through ballistic circles that offer an incredible advantage for long-range shooting activities.

Precise Hand-Turn 1/4-Inch Adjustments

Don’t worry about making quick adjustments in the field or low light environments because that won’t be a problem either with this scope thanks to the positive-click reticle adjustments. These adjustments get you zeroed in quicker and help you maintain your settings, even in the most strenuous of conditions.

Waterproof/Shockproof/Fog Proof

Durability isn’t going to be a problem with this new updated version either, as it features a nitrogen purged design that is O-ring sealed. The one-piece tube design also adds to the overall durability making the scope completely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

#7. BARSKA 3-12×50 IR Huntmaster Pro

The Huntmaster Pro is a scope that was best designed for low light hunting environments. When lighting conditions are less than ideal, you simply won’t have to worry thanks to the combination of advanced optic technology and fast-focus that went into this scope. The advanced optic technology comes with an illuminated cross 30/30 reticle that allows any shooter from the best to the worst to estimate the difference in lighting environments.

Accessories Included

Nobody wants to spend good money on an expensive scope only to find out that they are going to have to spend more on other accessories. Well, that won’t be a problem with this scope and that is just one of the many things that mane the Huntmaster Pro one of the best on the market today. When you invest your hard-earned money in this scope, you also get turret caps, a CR2032 3V Lithium battery, lens cloth, and flip-up scope caps that will come in handy in a number of situations.

Quick Magnification Range Adjustments

You don’t have to worry about magnification range adjustments with this scope also because it doesn’t matter if you are shooting at 100 yards or 500 yards, you are going to be able to make the adjustments you need. The scope features a 3-12x adjustable zoom that allows you to get up close to your prey at mid to short range distances.

#8. Leupold VX-R 3-9X40mm Riflescope

If you have been in the low light game for a while now then you’ve no doubt heard the Leupold name. They are easily one of the most recognizable in the industry. They have been creating low light scopes for a number of years now and you’ll see why this is a brand that trusted and preferred by most low light hunters today.

Twilight Light Management System

The very first thing that has to be noted with this scope is the patented Twilight Light Management system. This is a system that was patented by Leupold and it delivers leading brightness and clarity in a number of light environments. It doesn’t matter if you are shooting when the sun is low or when the light is at its brightest, you won’t have a problem finding and hitting your prey. It offers excellent brightness and clarity by balancing light transmission, glare reduction, and image contrast to ensure that you get a crisp image.

Designed And Assembled In The US

It goes without saying that some of the best products are made in the United States. And, that is exactly why Leupold decided to base their operations here. All of their products are designed, built, and tested in the United States. So, you can rest assured that you are getting the quality when it comes to low light environments.

#9. Simmons 8-Point Rifle Scope

The Simmons 8-Point Rile scope is a model that you can use for a variety of shooting and hunting activities. However, it was low light environments that this scope was made for. While you can take this scope to the range and perform excellently, it will be the low light environment where you get the most from this scope. This is because it offers coated optics that provides bright, high contrast images with a type of clarity that you would only expect for the more expensive price models.

You combine this with the robust design, and you are simply looking at a scope that offers more. The lens size offers more clarity and brighter images, which helps hunters distinguish and locate their targets in any lighting conditions. And, this is just some of the many things that make this one of the best rifle scopes available today.

¼ MOA Sure Grip Audible Click Adjustments

When hunting, you are always going to need to make adjustments. Luckily, this will not be a problem with this objective lens scope. This objective lens scope with its impressive lens size and ¼ MOA sure grip audible clicks make it easier and quicker to make adjustments in the field when needed. Simply grab the dial with your fingertips, make the needed adjustments, look through the lens to verify the changes, and you’ll be on your way. The audible clicks will confirm the adjustments that you made.

#10. Nightforce Optics ZeroStop Riflescope

When it comes to hunting in low light conditions, you will without a doubt have tons of magnification and objective options available to you. There will also be plenty of reticle designs to choose from. Simply put, when looking for a scope to use for low light hunting, you are going to have tons of options. However, it will be hard to find an objective model that offers everything that the NightForce offers. You’ve no doubt seen some good scope on this list with impressive magnification and objective lens designs, but the Nightforce steals the show.

Excellent Warranty

The first thing that you need to know about this scope is that the manufacturer might be heard of, but they offer an excellent warranty. In fact, they are only second to Vortex when it comes to lifetime warranties with no questions asked. If you have a problem with the scope all you have to do is contact the manufacturer directly and they will handle the problem usually no questions asked.

Extremely Lightweight

When hunting in low light conditions it will be imperative to have a lightweight scope. You need something that you can swing and move around with ease. You never know what you are going to encounter and you never know when you might need to make slight adjustments. Whatever the situation is, this won’t be a problem with this incredibly lightweight scope. You combine this with its impressive reticle and magnification properties and you are looking at a versatile scope that can handle a number of hunting activities and situations.

What To Look For When Choosing The Best Low Light Scope

One of the biggest interference of a rifle scope is light. When many hunters and target shooters think of this interference, low light comes to mind. Believe it or not, these hunters can find themselves in some hairy light situations. They tend to venture out in the woods before dawn in search of a buck. Unfortunately, the lighting does not always play in the hunter’s favor. To decrease or eliminate this issue, by choosing optics systems with magnification power and illuminated reticles. This type of optics system will help improve the light conditions in varying situations. Below, you will discover a list of factors to consider when shopping for a low light rifle scope.

Reticle Design

Low light can definitely alter visibility even when viewing through a rifle scope. To combat this issue, you will notice that many manufacturers are utilizing illuminated reticle systems. These systems help brighten the view in front of the scope lens. By illuminating the view, you will be able to spot your target easier, even if the light is low.

Eye Relief

The eye relief of a hunting scope needs to be good. If it is not, it will be rendered useless for the hunter. With that said, hunting in low light conditions can complicate things for the hunter and his/her riflescope. Each scope is designed to offer adjustable eye relief. This design will allow you to make minor adjustments to achieve eye relief in nanoseconds, even in low light conditions.

Some scopes offer continuous eye relief at 3.5 inches from the human eye, others are not so generous. In the top brands, the eye relief is generally 3.5 inches, which is not that bad when you think about it. In fact, that is pretty good metrics.

Price

Some hunters have a family and bills to juggle from month to month. So, they do not have a lot of money to invest in a riflescope. Well, this should not be an issue because many of the top brands have taken this into consideration in an effort to meet every hunter’s budget. The price of a riflescope should not break the bank. And, with so many options on the market, it will not need to.

Warranty

It really depends on the brand but some manufacturers tend to back their hunting scopes with a limited lifetime warranty. But, this is not always the case. There are several factors that impact the warranty period. One of these factors is price. Pricy scopes generally come with a lifetime warranty, whereas cheaper scopes include a limited lifetime warranty. If you are dedicated to protecting your investment, the lifetime warranty is the way to go. Otherwise, you can opt for a model that includes a limited manufacturer’s warranty.

Length

The average length of a rifle scope is 14 inches. However, some brands are slightly longer to accommodate the rifle barrel length. With that said, the longer the riflescope, the higher the weight. Any extra weight on your rifle will put extra strain on your arms and upper extremities. If you are willing to tote around the extra weight, then it may be in your best interest to opt for a longer riflescope. If not, stick with the average length.

FAQs

What Is The Best Low Light Scope?

There is a good chance that you want to go hunting during the middle of the morning or evening. If so, you’ll likely encounter many low-light situations and that can be problematic. If you use the right scope with good features, you’ll be able to offset this problem. However, you’re going to need the best low light rifle scope. This will ensure that you’re able to see regardless of the lighting conditions around you. Remember that low light conditions can create problems for many scopes. With a bigger objective lens size and low light scopes, you’ll be able to prevent this problem from impacting your accuracy.

What Are The Top 5 Rifle Scopes?

When it comes down to it, you’ll find that it is tough to pinpoint the top 5 rifle scopes. It depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If you want to shoot over a long distance, you’ll need more magnification. If you want a beautiful picture, magnification may not matter as much. You’ll also have to consider the objective lenses and price. There are numerous factors to consider. With that being said, you won’t be able to find out which scope is at the top until you find out what you want. You’ll want to use the best scope that suits your needs. Depending on how you’re going to be using the scope, low light features may matter more than magnification strength.

What Are The Top 10 Rifle Scopes?

You’ll likely want to buy one of the top 10 rifle scopes so you can ensure that you’ll get your money’s worth. Don’t forget to leave your name email so we can contact you when a new post is released. Ultimately, it will be tough to say which scope fits into this category. You may like the Vortex Optics Crossfire II. However, it might not be the best low right rifle scope for everyone. You will find that low light rifle scopes are unique in various ways. So, you’ll want to consider various features when trying to rank them. You have to consider how you’re going to use the scope, where you’re going to use it, and when you’ll use it.

Once you’ve considered these things, you’ll know whether or not the Vortex Optics Crossfire is the best product for you. With that being said, you shouldn’t focus solely on a list of products. Instead, you should learn more about low light scopes, their light transmission capabilities, and try to find a product with am illuminated reticle. These things will help ensure that you’ve made the right decision for your money.

What Is The Best Brand Of Rifle Scopes?

When it comes to scopes, you will find that there are numerous brands to choose from. All brands are great but they’re not equal. Some are more expensive and some will give you a better image. Therefore, you’ll want to learn more about their features. The brand is important but the objective lens and features are more important. You should also look at the exit pupil and find out if that suits your needs. Does the lens diameter match your requirements? Do you need a hunting scope that fits into a specific price range? Do you want the best light transmission and an illuminated reticle? Instead of focusing on the brand, you should try to find a good low light scope.

You’ll also want to find a product that can provide you with precision accuracy at 100 yards and high magnification. Do that and you’ll know that you have the best low light rifle scope possible.