In this review, we look at the best Scope for Low Light recommendations from the top brands such as: Vortex, Leupold, Bushnell, Burris, and Nightforce among other brands.
Most game animals are nocturnal. For this reason, many hunters prefer to go hunting at dawn and dusk for better results. At this time, there is not much usable light and that is why a scope for low-light conditions/ situations will stand out among all other scopes in hunting.
These scopes are specially designed to perform in any light situation. They make the most out of all the available light in the environment.
Here is a quick look at the Best Scopes for Low Light
#1) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x70mm Scope |
| #2) Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm Scope
|
| #3) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Scope
|
| #4)Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 6-18x 50mm Scope
|
| #5) Leupold VX-R 3-9x40mm Riflescope
|
| #6) Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope
|
#7) BARSKA 3-12×50 IR Huntmaster Scope |
#8) NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm Scope |
Now let’s look at each comprehensively.
Best Scope for Low Light -Our Top Picks
1) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x70mm Smart Day/Night Riflescope
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Riflescope hosts numerous features for shooting at dusk and dawn. It is equipped with the ATN ABL Laser Rangefinder that makes all POI adjustments for the reticle by conveying the data to the ballistics calculator through Bluetooth. Darkness will not slow you down with this scope. Thanks to its Night Vision Mode, you can acquire your target in complete darkness. In addition, there is an ultra-HD sensor with an Obsidian 4 dual-core processor that provides cutting-edge technology with more excellent resolution. It is made with an ergonomic design that makes it easy to use for an easy time in the field. One-Shot Zero allows a seamless time when you want to sight in your scope. You take a shot, adjust the reticle, and you’re good to go. You will love the fact that it uses a Smart Mil-Dot Reticle that is dynamic and changes with magnification throughout the whole zoom range. Better yet, it is made of hardened aluminum alloy that allows a relentless and rugged performance for a long time. Pros
Specifications
Cons
|
2) Vortex Crossfire II 3-12×56 AO Hog Hunter Riflescope
This Vortex scope for low light conditions features a V-Brite reticle and a big objective lens which allows you to take shots from heavy cover with the utmost confidence in tough light conditions. It is made with a hard anodized single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube that is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fog-proof performance. It has an adjustable objective that provides image focus and parallax removal to the shooter while anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views. The scope features fully multi-coated optics with anti-reflective coatings, a 30 mm tube, and an oversized 56 mm objective lens, which allow you to take shots even when light conditions are at their worst. The scope offers long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box so you can quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing. The scope also Uses the V-Plex format along with battery-powered electronics to illuminate the center dot for better low-light performance. It is ideal for hunters/shooters and works great even in low light conditions such as early evening to the first glimmer of dawn. Pros
Specifications
Cons
|
3) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
This Vortex Optics Strike Eagle riflescope is defined by speed and versatility and optimal low light performance boasting powerful features in a trim, lightweight, and durable package. The scope provides quick target acquisition in close-quarter scenarios, allowing you to adjust to six power when you need to engage targets at a distance. It has high-quality, fully multi-coated lenses that deliver a clear, crisp sight picture. The low end of the zoom range intrinsically adapts to a wide range of scenarios, letting shooters engage targets from point-blank out to extended ranges. The incredibly versatile 6x zoom range lets shooters engage targets from intermediate to extended ranges, and is perfectly suited for an extremely wide range of applications. In any application, the Strike Eagle ensures accurate, reliable, and repeatable performance. Pros
Specifications
Cons
|
4) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 6-18x 50mm Riflescope
This Bushnell Banner riflescope features a beautiful design and durability built to last. It is a low-light riflescope with 6-18x magnification and a 50mm objective lens which makes it ideal for long-range varmint, silhouette, and target shooting. The dusk & dawn brightness (DDB) multicoated lenses provide clear and bright images even when used in early-morning and late-evening light. This scope has a waterproof construction whereby it is O-ring sealed to ensure the inside stays dry even when totally immersed in water. This is your best scope for low light conditions and situations while hunting big-game, varmint, .22 rimfire, slug, black powder, and turkey hunting Pros
Specifications
Cons
|
5) Leupold VX-R 3-9x40mm Riflescope
This Leupold VX-R 3-9x40mm Riflescope features Illume. Ballistic Fire Dot reticle and Matte finish, the Proprietary gas blend, and seals ensure you get a completely waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof performance. It has motion sensor technology that increases the battery life by deactivating illumination after 5 minutes of inactivity. The Twilight Light Management System adds up to 10 extra minutes of glassing light. Pros
Specifications
Cons
|
6) Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope
Available in different Magnification: 3-9x, 4.5-14x, or 6.5-20x Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope is a popular and premium traditional hunting riflescope that has an affordable price. It is one of the most recognized and awarded scopes in the shooting and hunting industry. The scope features high-performance optical glass that provides excellent clarity and contrast with lasting durability. The multi-coated, no-glare lenses allow you to hunt in all lighting conditions. The quality, precision-ground lenses are larger than those of comparable scopes, for better light transmission. The riflescope has a simple, integrated eyepiece and power ring with a no-slip grip for quick adjustment in the field. It also has positive, steel-on-steel click adjustment to ensure repeatable settings for accuracy, on the range, and in the field. The magnification/zoom ring is made of metal and knurled for easy grip and a lifetime of use. Pros
Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Riflescope Specifications
Burris 4.5-14×42 FullField Ballistic Plex Reticle Riflescope Specifications
Burris Fullfield II 6.5X-20X-50mm Riflescope Specifications
|
7) BARSKA 3-12×50 IR Huntmaster Pro 30/30 IR Cross Riflescope
|
8) NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 ZeroStop Rifle Scope
|
Related : 7 Best Leupold Scopes for Low Light
Riflescopes for low light conditions are aimed at helping to maximize the use of any available light. Below are some of the features to look out for when looking for low-light scopes.
Considerations for the Best Scope for Low Light
Magnification- a low light scope does not require to have high magnification. Too much magnification power can make shots even more difficult as you will lose more detail the more you zoom in on your target. The most suitable magnification ranges for a low-light scope are 3-9x or 4-12x zoom.
Weatherproofing– going out hunting in the early mornings or early evenings mean that you are most likely to experience drastic changes in the weather. Your scope should be ready for anything, especially the wet conditions. Look for a scope with a tube that is at least nitrogen-purged and sealed with O-rings at both ends so it will be completely waterproof and fog-proof.
Objective lens- the objective lens is one of the most important parts of a low-light scope. This part is the one that gathers light from the environment and transmits it into the scope.
Your low light scope should have a large objective lens in order to collect as much of the available light as possible which in turn translates to getting a clear image from the focal lens. An objective lens size of at least 40mm in diameter is preferred, but you can choose a larger one if you want.
Illuminated reticle- focusing on your target in low light conditions using a regular non-illuminated reticle can be more than challenging. Look for a scope with an illuminated reticle that will help you to easily center your crosshairs at your target.
Reticle design- other than a large objective lens and an illuminated reticle, the most effective low-light scopes should have a simple reticle design.
You will most likely not be taking long-range shots that go beyond 100 yards when you are out hunting in the dark woods so there is no need to go for a BDC reticle.
For mil-dot reticles, on the other hand, it might be too dark to see the center dots of the reticle. The best option would be a simple Duplex-type reticle because the solid lines easily contrast against a dark background.
Lens coating- your scope’s objective lens should have an anti-reflection film applied to the objective lens to help prevent light from reflecting outward. This means that your target prey will not be alerted to your location.
In addition, the anti-reflection film also aids the objective lens to gather available light, hence increasing its efficiency to more than 90%.
Conclusion
You should not be limited as a hunter on the time to go out hunting. These riflescopes are designed to ensure you get the best of your hunting at the early and late hours of the day when the animals are still roaming around and are easy to target.
See Also: Cheap Night Vision Air Rifle Scopes