When the light fades and the shadows lengthen, the Best Hunting Scopes for Low Light shine. These scopes are designed to enhance visibility in challenging lighting conditions, offering features such as large objective lenses, high-quality lens coatings, and illuminated reticles to provide hunters with a clear and bright view of their target.
With a focus on performance and precision, these scopes are essential companions for hunters who embrace the thrill of the hunt during the magic hours of dawn and dusk. Let’s dive in!
What Makes a Scope Good for Low Light?
A scope that is good for low-light conditions typically has several key features. These include a large objective lens diameter (usually 40mm or larger) to gather as much available light as possible, and high-quality lens coatings to maximize light transmission and reduce glare. An illuminated reticle can also be beneficial, providing a bright aiming point in dim conditions.
What are 2 Problems With Low-Light Shooting?
Two common problems with low-light shooting are reduced visibility and increased difficulty in acquiring and tracking targets. In low-light conditions, details become harder to distinguish, making it challenging to identify targets accurately.
In addition, the reduced light can make it harder to track moving targets, as the lack of contrast and clarity can cause them to blend into the background.
Why is Leupold better than Vortex?
The superiority of Leupold over Vortex, or vice versa, depends on individual preferences and specific needs. Leupold scopes are often praised for their superior optical clarity, durability, and rugged construction. They are also known for their excellent customer service and lifetime warranty.
On the other hand, Vortex scopes are valued for their innovative features, such as the Vortex VIP Warranty, which offers a lifetime, unconditional warranty regardless of the cause of damage.
Best Hunting Scopes for Low Light
1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
Our first pick is the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm rifle scope which is a versatile and high-performance optic suitable for a wide range of shooting applications.
Its 3-15x magnification range offers shooters the flexibility to engage targets at various distances, from close to long range.
Features the 44mm objective lens which provides a generous field of view and excellent light transmission, ensuring a clear and bright sight picture even in low-light conditions.
Built on a 30mm tube, the scope is rugged and durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of hunting and shooting in diverse environments.
A second focal plane (SFP) reticle, means that the reticle size remains constant relative to the target as you change the magnification.
In addition, it is equipped with Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System, which helps maximize light transmission, reduce glare, and improve contrast and clarity in challenging lighting conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 15 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.9 mm
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 38.2 – 7.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.82 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 19.7 oz
- Length: 13.5 in
2) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a popular and budget-friendly option for hunters and shooters looking for a reliable optic.
With a 3-9x magnification range, the scope offers versatility for various shooting distances, from close-range to mid-range. Also, the 40mm objective lens provides a good balance of light transmission and a wide field of view.
Features a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, which means that the reticle size remains constant as you change the magnification. This makes the reticle ideal for quick target acquisition and holds over at different distances.
It is also built on a 1-inch tube, making it compact and lightweight, thus suitable for a wide range of firearms. Also nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 34.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 15 oz
- Length: 12 in
3) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm rifle scope is a high-quality optic designed for versatile shooting applications.
With a 3-18x magnification range, it offers a wide field of view at lower magnifications for quick target acquisition, while also providing the ability to zoom in for precision shots at longer ranges.
Constructed with a 30mm main tube, a is rugged and durable, to be able to withstand recoil and harsh environmental conditions.
It is equipped with Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System, which helps to enhance image clarity and brightness, especially during dawn and dusk hours. The scope
Also features a fast-focus eyepiece and side focus parallax adjustment for quick and easy target acquisition and focus adjustment.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 18 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Illumination Color: Red
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 38 – 7 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 20.4 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 13.5 in
4) Vortex Crossfire II 3-12X56 AO
Benefits
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-12×56 AO rifle scope is a robust and versatile optic designed for a variety of shooting applications.
Featuring an adjustable objective (AO) lens, it allows for parallax correction and fine-tuning of the image focus for precise aiming at different distances. The adjustable objective is particularly useful for long-range shooting, as it helps to ensure that the target and reticle are in focus at all times.
With a magnification range of 3-12x, thus offers versatility, allowing for both close and long-range shooting. The large 56mm objective lens gathers ample light, making it ideal for low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, it is rugged and durable, able to withstand heavy recoil and harsh conditions.
It is equipped with Vortex’s Dead-Hold BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle, which helps to compensate for bullet drop at extended ranges.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 12 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Reticle: V-Brite
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.67 – 18.67 mm
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 9.2 – 36.7 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 21.1 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 14.3 in
5) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×50 Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter rifle scope is a versatile and high-performance optic designed for hunting in low-light conditions.
Features a magnification range of 3-9x and a large 50mm objective lens, it offers a wide field of view and excellent light-gathering capabilities, thus making it ideal for hunting at dawn, dusk, or in dense cover.
One of the key features of this scope is its illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter reticle, which provides a bright, clear aiming point in low-light conditions.
With a fast-focus eyepiece and precise 1/4 MOA click adjustments, the scope is easy to use and provides the accuracy and reliability that hunters demand.
Its reticle is designed to help hunters quickly acquire and track targets, even in challenging lighting situations. Has illumination is adjustable, thus allowing the shooter to tailor the brightness level to their preference or the ambient light conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle: FireDot Twilight Hunter
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 5.9 mm
- Illumination Color: Red
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 14.6 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 12.1 in
6) Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 rifle scope is a versatile and high-performance optic designed for a wide range of shooting applications.
With a magnification range of 2.5-10x and a 44mm objective lens, it offers a good balance between low-light performance and a wide field of view at lower magnifications, thus making it suitable for hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications.
It is fully multi-coated with anti-reflective coatings to provide bright, clear, and crisp images even in low-light conditions. The scope is also equipped with a fast-focus eyepiece, allowing for quick and easy reticle focusing.
It also features a second focal plane reticle, which means that the reticle remains the same size relative to the target regardless of the magnification setting.
Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, thus making it rugged, durable, and able to withstand recoil and impact. The scope is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, making it waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in any weather conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification: 2.5 – 10 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 17.6 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 10.9 – 47 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 18.4 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 12 in
7) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-22 2.5-10x56mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
Last but not least is the Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm riflescope is a high-quality optic designed for hunters and shooters who require superior performance in low-light conditions.
With a magnification range of 2.5-10x and a large 56mm objective lens, this scope offers excellent light-gathering capabilities, making it ideal for hunting at dawn, dusk, or in dense cover.
It features the TR22 AccuPoint which is an illuminated reticle, and is powered by Trijicon’s proprietary fiber optic technology. This technology automatically adjusts the brightness of the reticle based on ambient light conditions, ensuring a bright, clear aiming point in any lighting situation.
Also constructed from high-quality materials, including a rugged aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is both waterproof and fog-proof, thus ensuring reliable performance in the harshest conditions. The scope is also shockproof, able to withstand recoil from even the most powerful rifles.
Last but not least it features a second focal plane reticle, which means that the reticle maintains the same size relative to the target throughout the magnification range.
Specifications
- Magnification: 2.5 – 10 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 5.6 – 16.3 mm
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 10.1 – 37.6 ft at 100 yds
- Field of View, Angle: 7.18 – 1.94 degrees
- Eye Relief: 2.8 – 4.1 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 22.1 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 350.52 mm, 13.8 in
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Hunting Scopes for Low Light
When choosing the best hunting scope for low light conditions, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure optimal performance in challenging lighting situations. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Objective Lens Size: A scope with a larger objective lens diameter (typically 40mm or larger) allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter image.
- Lens Coatings: Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses to reduce glare and maximize light transmission, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. Also, look for scopes with high-quality lens coatings for improved low-light performance.
- Construction Quality: Opt for scopes that are ruggedly constructed and are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to ensure reliable performance in all conditions.
- Price: While high-quality scopes can be expensive, there are also many affordable options available that offer good performance in low-light conditions. Consider your budget and choose the best scope you can afford.
- Light Transmission: It is wise to consider scopes that are specifically designed for low-light conditions, with features such as light-enhancing lens coatings or specialized glass to maximize light transmission.
FAQS of The Best Hunting Scopes for Low Light
Q: What is the best magnification range for hunting scopes in low-light conditions?
A: The best magnification range for hunting scopes in low-light conditions depends on personal preference and hunting style. However, a scope with a lower magnification range (e.g., 2-7x or 3-9x) is generally preferred for low-light hunting, as it provides a wider field of view and allows for quicker target acquisition.
Q: What is the importance of lens coatings in hunting scopes for low-light conditions?
A: Lens coatings are crucial for hunting scopes in low-light conditions, as they reduce glare and maximize light transmission, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. Fully multi-coated lenses are preferred for low-light hunting scopes, as they provide the best light transmission.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the best hunting scopes for low light are essential tools for hunters seeking to extend their time in the field and make the most of every moment.
With their ability to enhance visibility in challenging lighting conditions, these scopes empower hunters to confidently take aim and make accurate shots even when the light is dim. Whether tracking game at dawn, dusk, or under the canopy of a dense forest, these scopes ensure that hunters are always prepared to seize the moment and make the perfect shot.
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