The best low light rifle scopes feature large objective lenses, premium lens coatings, and high-quality glass to maximize light transmission, providing a bright and sharp image even in challenging environments.
When hunting or shooting in low-light conditions, having the right rifle scope can make all the difference between a clear shot and a missed opportunity. Whether you’re out at dawn, dusk, or in dense woods with limited visibility, a high-quality low-light scope enhances target acquisition and accuracy.
Best Low Light Rifle Scopes
1) Vortex Razor HD Gen III Rifle Scope
The Vortex Razor HD Gen III Rifle Scope is the best low light rifle scope. Available in 6-36x56mm and 1-10x24mm configurations, this scope delivers exceptional clarity, resolution, and color accuracy across the entire visual spectrum, making it a standout choice for dawn, dusk, and low-light shooting scenarios.
The best feature of the Razor HD Gen III is its HD optical system, which minimizes chromatic aberration and enhances color fidelity for sharp and bright images. The XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated lenses maximize light transmission, ensuring excellent performance in dim environments.
Additionally, index-matched lenses correct color across the spectrum, providing crystal-clear visuals with outstanding contrast. This makes identifying distant targets easier, even in challenging lighting conditions.
This scope is constructed from premium brass alloy and is built for long-term reliability. It features a chromium vanadium erector spring and a heat-treated, hardened-steel turret system, ensuring precise adjustments and durability under heavy recoil.
The L-Tec+ Zero Stop turret system allows for micro-adjustments and an infinite zero setting, making it easier than ever to dial in your shot. Additionally, O-ring sealing and argon purging ensures waterproof and fog-proof performance, making it reliable in any weather conditions.
The EBR-7D illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low light, while ultra-precision laser etching maintains the tightest tolerances for accurate shot placement. This reticle provides range estimation, holdovers, windage corrections, and moving target leads, making it a versatile tool for long-range shooters. The anodized stealth shadow finish minimizes glare, helping shooters stay concealed.
The Razor HD Gen III is built to withstand harsh conditions with a rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum body.
Pros
- Exceptional low-light clarity with XR Plus coatings and HD optics
- Durable construction – waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant
- L-Tec+ Zero Stop system for quick and precise zeroing
- EBR-7D illuminated reticle for enhanced visibility in dim lighting
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body with ultra-hard scratch-resistant coatings
- Precision-machined turret system for reliable adjustments
- Lifetime VIP Warranty – fully transferable with no limitations
Cons
- High price point compared to entry-level optics
2) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is one of the best low light rifle scopes,with its FireDot illuminated reticle, Twilight Max Light Management System, and Professional-Grade Optical System, this scope delivers bright, crisp visuals at dawn, dusk, and even under heavy cloud cover. Whether you’re in deep woods or open fields, the VX-5HD ensures your target remains sharp and visible when it matters most.
Leupold’s Twilight Max Light Management System and Professional-Grade Optical System set the VX-5HD apart, enhancing light transmission and significantly reducing glare. This advanced lens technology provides a brighter, high-contrast image in challenging lighting conditions, giving hunters and precision shooters a critical edge.
The Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating repels water, dirt, and smudges, ensuring a clear, unobstructed view in harsh weather.
Designed for accuracy, the VX-5HD features the Custom Dial System (CDS), allowing shooters to order a laser-etched elevation dial tailored to their specific ballistics and environmental conditions.
With this custom turret system, there’s no need for holdovers or complex ballistic calculations, simply range the target, turn the dial, and shoot with confidence.
The CDS-ZL2 elevation dial provides two full revolutions of adjustment, locks securely in place, and offers a Zero Stop feature to prevent accidental over-rotation.
With a 3-15x magnification range, the VX-5HD adapts seamlessly from close-range encounters to long-distance shots. Its 5:1 zoom ratio provides the flexibility needed for scanning wide landscapes or dialing in on distant targets. The side focus adjustment eliminates parallax and ensures a sharper reticle image at varying distances, further improving shot precision.
Leupold’s renowned waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensures the VX-5HD performs flawlessly in extreme environments. The aircraft-grade aluminum body is built to withstand recoil, impacts, and harsh conditions. Additionally, the ZeroLock system prevents accidental turret movement, maintaining consistent accuracy.
Backed by Leupold’s lifetime warranty, this scope is designed for durability and long-term reliability in the field.
Pros
- Outstanding low-light performance with Twilight Max Light Management System
- Custom Dial System (CDS-ZL2) for precision bullet-drop compensation
- FireDot illuminated reticle enhances visibility in dim lighting
- Guard-ion lens coating repels water, dirt, and smudges for a consistently clear view
- Side focus parallax adjustment for improved accuracy at various distances
- Zero Lock and Zero Stop features prevent accidental turret movement
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction for extreme durability
- Lightweight and compact design for easy handling and mounting
Cons
- Custom Dial System requires ordering a specific dial based on your ballistics
3) NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm Rifle Scope
The NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Rifle Scope is built for serious hunters and precision shooters who demand exceptional performance in low-light conditions. With its illuminated first focal plane (FFP) reticle, high-performance optics, and ZeroSet elevation adjustment, this scope provides an unmatched level of clarity, accuracy, and reliability.
Whether you’re taking long-range shots at dusk or making rapid adjustments in the field, the SHV 4-14x50mm is designed to perform under the most demanding conditions.
Equipped with a 50mm objective lens, the SHV maximizes light transmission, delivering bright and clear images even in the dimmest environments. The illuminated reticle offers 12 brightness settings, ensuring optimal contrast against dark backgrounds at dawn and dusk. This feature allows for precise aiming and holdovers, making it an excellent choice for hunting in challenging lighting conditions.
The first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures that holdover and windage markings remain accurate across all magnification levels. This means your reticle’s subtensions remain consistent whether you’re at 4x for quick target acquisition or 14x for long-range precision. The MIL-XT reticle offers detailed hold points with easy-to-read numbers, allowing for rapid adjustments under pressure.
NightForce has incorporated a ZeroSet elevation turret that allows shooters to return to their original zero effortlessly, no matter the adjustments made in the field. With a massive 90 MOA/27 MRAD adjustment range, this scope is built for long-range shooting. The capped windage turret prevents accidental changes, making it ideal for rugged environments.
Designed to be compact and lightweight, the SHV (weighing 30 oz, with a 14.8-inch overall length) is well-suited for both bolt-action rifles and semi-automatics.
Its 30mm main tube ensures durability and resistance to recoil, while the adjustable parallax (from 25 yards to infinity) enhances accuracy at varying distances. The fast-focus eyepiece and power zoom ring allow for quick adjustments, ensuring that shooters can adapt to any situation with ease.
Pros
- Excellent low-light performance with a large 50mm objective lens and illuminated reticle
- The first focal plane (FFP) design keeps reticle markings accurate at all magnifications
- ZeroSet elevation system allows for a quick return to zero in the field
- 12 brightness settings for illumination ensure visibility in all lighting conditions
- 90 MOA/27 MRAD adjustment range for long-distance shooting
- The Capped windage turret prevents accidental adjustments
- Adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity for improved precision
- Compact and lightweight design suitable for multiple rifle platforms
Cons
- Higher price point compared to entry-level scopes
4) Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 2-12×42 Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 2-12×42 Rifle Scope is a feature-packed, versatile optic designed for designated marksman rifles (DMR), hunters, and precision shooters.
With a first focal plane (FFP) illuminated reticle, advanced fully multi-coated lenses, and locking turrets with a precision zero stop system, this scope provides exceptional accuracy in both short- and mid-range applications.
One of the standout features of the Helos BTR GEN2 is its advanced fully multi-coated optics, which enhance light transmission and provide optimum brightness and true color fidelity across the entire spectrum. This ensures a bright and clear image even in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening hunts.
Additionally, the illuminated AHMR2 FFP IR MIL reticle offers increased visibility in dim environments, allowing for fast target acquisition and precise holdovers even in challenging lighting.
The AHMR2 first focal plane (FFP) illuminated MIL reticle is engineered for both hunting and shooting competitions. With a 0.3 MIL (1 MOA) red dot at the center for precision zeroing at 100 yards, along with holdover dots for windage and elevation adjustments, this reticle adapts to both short-range and long-range engagements.
The ranging reticle is specially designed to estimate the body mass of a whitetail buck from 200 to 600 yards, making it an invaluable tool for hunters.
Built with aircraft-grade aluminum, the Helos BTR GEN2 is incredibly durable and capable of withstanding harsh environments. The 30mm main tube offers enhanced strength and mechanical integrity, ensuring the scope remains reliable under recoil and rough handling. Fully multicoated optics reduce glare and maximize light transmission, providing a crisp, high-contrast image.
Athlon’s Precision Zero Stop System allows shooters to return to their original zero with a sharp and precise stop, making adjustments in the field quick and foolproof.
The locking turrets provide extra security by allowing users to pull up to adjust and push down to lock, preventing accidental changes during movement or recoil.
All these features make the Helos BTR GEN2 one of the Best Low Light Rifle Scopes.
Pros
- Excellent low-light visibility with an illuminated FFP reticle and fully multi-coated optics
- First focal plane (FFP) design keeps reticle markings accurate across all magnifications
- Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses maximize light transmission for bright and sharp images
- Precision Zero Stop System allows for a quick and reliable return to zero
- Locking turrets prevent accidental adjustments during travel or recoil
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction for durability and mechanical integrity
- 30mm main tube provides a strong, robust platform for precision shooting
Cons
- FFP reticle may be too small at low magnifications for some users
5) Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is a top-tier, budget-friendly hunting optic known for its low-light performance, durability, and precision.
Designed for hunters who demand reliability, this scope offers high-grade optical glass, an index-matched, Hi-Lume multicoating, and a versatile 3-9x magnification range, making it ideal for long-range accuracy in various hunting environments. Whether you’re in dense woods at dawn or open fields at dusk, the Fullfield II provides the brightness and clarity needed for success in low-light conditions.
Equipped with precision-ground, oversized lenses, the Fullfield II collects more light than many competing scopes, ensuring bright, high-contrast images even in low-light environments.
The index-matched, Hi-Lume multicoating enhances light transmission, reduces glare, and improves visibility at dawn, dusk, or in overcast conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for hunters who often find themselves tracking game in dim lighting.
Hunting conditions can be unpredictable, and the Fullfield II is built to handle them all. The scope features a solid, one-piece outer tube construction, making it shockproof and resistant to heavy recoil.
Nitrogen-filled and waterproof, this optic prevents internal fogging in cold and wet conditions, ensuring a clear view no matter the weather. Additionally, the durable integrated eyepiece design with a no-slip grip allows for quick and easy adjustments in the field.
The Fullfield II 3-9x40mm is a second focal plane (SFP) scope, meaning the reticle maintains a constant size regardless of magnification, making it an ideal choice for traditional hunters. The ballistic plex reticle provides versatile holdover points, allowing hunters to accurately compensate for bullet drop at various distances.
The positive steel-on-steel adjustments ensure repeated accuracy, while the 1-inch tube with hunter turrets allows for easy windage and elevation changes without unnecessary bulk.
Pros
- Excellent low-light performance with Hi-Lume multicoating and precision-ground lenses
- Durable, shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof construction for all-weather reliability
- Its lightweight, compact design makes it easy to mount on most hunting rifles
- Accurate and repeatable adjustments with steel-on-steel turrets
- Versatile 3-9x magnification is perfect for most hunting scenarios
- A budget-friendly option with premium optics and Burris Forever Warranty
Cons
- No illumination on the reticle, which may limit visibility in extreme low-light conditions
- Lacks zero-stop or locking turrets, making adjustments less precise for long-range shooters
6) Vortex Viper HD 3-15×44 Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper HD 3-15×44 Rifle Scope is one of the best low light rifle scopes, with an HD optical system, an illuminated second focal plane reticle, and a 5x zoom range, this scope excels in both short- and mid-range shooting applications. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle eliminates the guesswork for holdover and windage corrections, making it ideal for hunting at varying distances.
Built on a rugged 30mm tube from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring reliability in all weather conditions.
The Vortex Viper HD is optimized with select glass elements that provide exceptional resolution, true color fidelity, and edge-to-edge sharpness. The fully multi-coated, anti-reflective lenses enhance light transmission, ensuring clear, bright images in low-light conditions such as dawn and dusk.
Additionally, the illuminated reticle provides precise aiming in low-light environments, making this scope an excellent choice for hunters who need consistent performance in dim lighting.
Designed for precision shooting, the Viper HD 3-15×44 features a second focal plane reticle, meaning the scale of the reticle remains the same regardless of magnification, allowing for constant subtensions for accurate holdover and ranging. The elevation turret is easy to adjust, providing fast, accurate, and clearly marked adjustments, while the integrated locking mechanism prevents accidental changes.
The zero-stop function ensures a rock-solid return to zero after turret adjustments, giving shooters confidence in their settings.
Constructed from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Viper HD is built to withstand heavy recoil and harsh environmental conditions.
The shockproof design, combined with argon gas purging and O-ring seals, ensures fogproof and waterproof performance in all weather. The Armortek coating protects the exterior lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt, while the low-glare matte black anodization helps camouflage the shooter’s position in the field.
Pros
- HD optical system with high-resolution glass for sharp, bright images
- Illuminated Dead-Hold BDC reticle for enhanced low-light aiming
- Fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings for superior light transmission
- Zero-stop elevation turret ensures a quick return to zero after adjustments
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof for all-weather reliability
- Rugged 30mm tube construction made from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle adjustments
- Backed by Vortex’s VIP Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Second focal plane reticle, meaning holdover marks are only accurate at a specific magnification
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Low Light Rifle Scopes
Choosing the best rifle scope for low-light conditions requires a careful evaluation of key factors that influence visibility, accuracy, and durability. Here are the eight most important factors to consider:
Objective Lens Size
The objective lens diameter plays a crucial role in gathering light, which directly impacts the brightness of the image. Larger objective lenses (typically 40mm to 56mm) allow more light to enter the scope, improving visibility in dim conditions like dawn, dusk, or thick cover.
However, while a larger lens provides better low-light performance, it can add weight and require higher mounting, which may affect cheek weld and shooting comfort. Balancing objective lens size with practical use is key.
Lens Coatings
High-quality lens coatings enhance light transmission by reducing glare and reflections while improving contrast and clarity. Multi-coated or fully multi-coated optics offer the best performance, as they minimize light loss and maximize brightness in low-light settings.
Some scopes also feature proprietary coatings designed specifically for anti-reflective properties, ensuring a clearer sight picture during early morning and late evening hunts.
Reticle Type and Illumination
Choosing the right reticle design is essential for target acquisition in low-light environments. Illuminated reticles enhance visibility by providing a bright aiming point, reducing reliance on ambient light.
Some reticles are designed with thin crosshairs and center dots, while others use ballistic hash marks for holdovers. The key is to ensure the reticle is visible in all lighting conditions without excessive glare that could obscure the target.
Glass Quality and Optical Clarity
The quality of glass determines the overall clarity, resolution, and color accuracy of the image. High-definition (HD) or extra-low dispersion (ED) glass minimizes chromatic aberration, which can cause color fringing and reduce sharpness.
A scope with high-quality glass elements will provide crisp details and better contrast, especially when light is limited, allowing shooters to distinguish targets against complex backgrounds.
Magnification Range
A versatile magnification range helps in adjusting to different shooting distances and lighting conditions. While higher magnification is useful for long-range accuracy, it can also reduce the exit pupil size, making images darker in low light.
A balanced magnification range, such as 3-9x, 2-12x, or 3-15x, provides flexibility while maintaining sufficient brightness. Selecting the right power range depends on the intended shooting application, whether hunting, tactical use, or long-range precision shooting.
Turret Adjustments and Zero Retention
Accurate and reliable turret adjustments are essential for precise shot placement, especially in varying light conditions. Locking turrets prevent accidental movement, while zero-stop mechanisms ensure a quick return to the original zero setting after adjustments.
Tactile, steel-on-steel turret systems provide consistent and repeatable clicks, helping shooters compensate for elevation and windage even in low-light scenarios where quick adjustments may be needed.
Durability and Weather Resistance
A rifle scope should withstand harsh conditions, including moisture, extreme temperatures, and recoil. Waterproof and fogproof construction ensures internal components remain clear and functional in wet or humid environments.
Gas purging (argon or nitrogen) prevents internal fogging, while a shockproof, single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube provides structural integrity. A durable, scratch-resistant lens coating further enhances longevity, making the scope a reliable tool for demanding outdoor conditions.
Eye Relief and Comfort
Longer eye relief (typically 3.5 to 4 inches) is important for comfortable viewing and recoil management, especially when using high-caliber rifles. A scope with adjustable fast-focus eyepieces allows for quick reticle focusing, improving target acquisition speed in low-light environments.
Additionally, maintaining a consistent cheek weld and field of view is crucial for accurate shooting, ensuring the shooter can stay on target without strain.
Read Also
Best Low Light Rifle Scopes FAQs
What Makes a Rifle Scope Good for Low-Light Conditions?
A rifle scope designed for low-light performance should have a large objective lens (typically 40mm to 56mm) to gather more light, fully multi-coated lenses to enhance light transmission, and high-quality glass (such as HD or ED glass) to reduce glare and improve clarity. Additionally, illuminated reticles help maintain visibility in dim conditions, allowing for better target acquisition at dawn, dusk, or in dense cover.
Does an Illuminated Reticle Improve Low-Light Performance?
Yes, an illuminated reticle significantly improves aiming in low-light conditions by providing a visible aiming point even when natural light is minimal. Unlike traditional black crosshairs, which can blend into dark backgrounds, an illuminated reticle ensures better contrast. However, proper brightness settings are essential—too bright can cause glare, while too dim may be ineffective.
What Magnification is Best for Low-Light Hunting?
A balanced magnification range (such as 3-9x, 2-12x, or 3-15x) is ideal for low-light hunting, as higher magnification can reduce exit pupil size, making the image appear darker. Keeping the magnification lower allows for a wider field of view and better light gathering, which is crucial when hunting in low-light environments.
How Important is Lens Coating for Low-Light Scopes?
Lens coatings are critical for low-light performance. Fully multi-coated optics reduce glare, enhance contrast, and increase light transmission, ensuring a brighter and clearer image in dim lighting. Some premium scopes also feature index-matched coatings to optimize light reflection across all lenses, significantly improving clarity in dusk and dawn conditions.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best low light rifle scopes requires careful consideration of factors such as lens quality, coatings, reticle illumination, and durability.
Investing in a high-performance optic tailored for low-light conditions ensures greater accuracy, improved target identification, and a more successful experience.
Whether you’re pursuing game in the early morning hours or tracking a target at dusk, the right low-light rifle scope will provide the confidence and clarity needed for every shot.