Embarking on a thrilling hunting adventure requires the right gear and a top-notch hunting scope. In this article on the Best Hunting Scopes under $1500, we will take you within the $1500 price range, a plethora of high-quality options await, offering exceptional optics, rugged construction, and advanced features to elevate your hunting experience.
What is a Good Magnification for a Hunting Scope?
A good magnification for a hunting scope depends on the type of hunting you’re doing and the distances at which you expect to shoot. For most hunting scenarios, a scope with a magnification range of 3-9x, 3-15x 4-20x, or 4-12x is ideal.
Do You Need an Expensive Scope for Hunting?
The key is to find a scope that suits your specific needs and hunting style. While more expensive scopes often offer features like higher-quality optics, better durability, and advanced reticle options, you can still find reliable scopes at lower price points.
How to Choose The Best Hunting Scopes under $1500
Choosing the best hunting scope under $1500 involves considering several key factors, including:
- Define Your Requirements: It is wise to determine the type of hunting you’ll be doing (e.g., close-range, long-range, low-light conditions) and the features you need in scope (e.g., magnification range, reticle type, objective lens size).
- Set Your Budget: Always since your budget is $1500, you have a wide range of options available. However, it’s still important to prioritize features based on your needs and budget.
- Consider Magnification Range: Opt for a scope with a magnification range suitable for your hunting needs. For most hunting scenarios, a scope with a magnification range of 3-15x or 4-12x is sufficient, but if you need to shoot at longer distances, consider a scope with higher magnification.
- Opt for Quality Optics: Look for scopes with high-quality optics that provide clear, sharp images. Scopes with features like fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality glass can improve light transmission and image clarity.
- Consider the Construction: Scopes that are rugged and durable, with features like waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction are the way to go. A one-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum is a good indicator of durability.
Best Hunting Scopes under $1500
1) Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm rifle scope is a premium optic designed for hunters and long-range shooters who demand top-tier performance.
With a magnification range of 3-15x and a 42mm objective lens, it offers versatility for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
The 30mm tube provides a sturdy platform for the lenses, thus ensuring durability and reliability in rugged environments. Also features high-density, extra-low dispersion glass that provides crisp, clear images with minimal chromatic aberration.
One of the other key features of scope is its second focal plane reticle, which means that the size of the reticle remains constant as you change the magnification.
It is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, thus making it both lightweight and rugged. It is also waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of hunting and shooting in adverse conditions.
Key Features
- Magnification: 3 – 15 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.8 – 14 mm
- Illumination Color: Red
- Finish: Matte Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 24.6 – 6.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.1 – 3.8 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 19.1 oz
- Length: 13.3 in
Pros
- Has HD Optical System
- XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated
- Has a Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Illuminated reticle
- Water proof and shock proof
- Zero stop system
Cons
- None
2) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm rifle scope is a high-performance optic designed for hunters and shooters who require a versatile and reliable scope for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Has a magnification range of 3-15x and a 44mm objective lens, therefore offers a good balance of magnification and light transmission for a wide range of shooting distances.
Features a 30mm tube, which provides a sturdy platform for the optics and allows for a greater range of elevation and windage adjustments.
The second focal plane reticle ensures that the size of the reticle remains constant as you change the magnification, making it easier to use for holdovers and ranging at different magnifications.
Not to forget, Twilight Max HD Light Management System, which maximizes light transmission for bright, clear images even in low-light conditions.
Key Features
- 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
Pros
- Has a zero stop system
- Second focal plane
- Waterproof and fog proof technology
- Life time warranty
Cons
- None
3) Athlon Optics Ares ETR 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics Ares ETR 3-18×50 FFP rifle scope is a high-end optic designed for long-range shooting and hunting.
One of the key features of the scope is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which means that the size of the reticle changes as you adjust the magnification.
Also has exceptional quality, featuring high-definition ED glass that provides crisp, clear images with minimal chromatic aberration.
It is also fully multi-coated with Athlon’s XPL coating, which provides protection against dirt, oil, and scratches while maximizing light transmission for bright, high-contrast images.
Last but not least it is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, thus making it rugged and durable enough to withstand the recoil of high-powered rifles.
Key Features
- Magnification: 3 – 18 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle: Illuminated APLR6 MOA
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Illumination Color: Red
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 11.4 – 39.8 ft at 100 yds
- Color: Black
- Weight: 31.4 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: No Parallax Adjustment
- Illumination Type: LED
- Battery Type: CR2032
Pros
- Build for accuracy
- Durable
- Illuminated reticles
- Has a matte finish
- First focal plane
Cons
- None
4) Burris Veracity PH Programmable 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Veracity PH Programmable 4-20x50mm rifle scope is a high-performance optic designed for precision shooting and hunting.
Has a magnification range of 4-20x and a 50mm objective lens, that offers excellent versatility for a variety of shooting scenarios, from close-range to long-distance shooting.
Features a Burris’ unique Ballistic Plex E1 FFP Varmint reticle, which provides quick and easy holdover and wind drift compensation for varmint and predator hunting.
The optics is also fully multi-coated with Burris’ Hi-Lume coatings, which maximize light transmission for bright, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions.
It is is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, thus making it rugged and durable enough to withstand the recoil of high-powered rifles. Is also waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring it can perform reliably in a variety of environmental conditions.
Key Features
- Magnification: 4 – 20 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle: C4 Wind MOA
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.5 – 12 mm
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 5.5 – 26 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.25 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 27.2 oz, 28.5 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/10 MOA
- Length: 15 in
Pros
- Has the 50 mm objective allows for maximum light collection
- Versatile 5-times zoom system provides a larger field of view at close ranges and better target acquisition at long ranges.
- Zero turn Stop adjustment knobs allow a quick, easy return to the original yardage.
- Ergonomic side focus that allows for easy-to-reach parallax adjustment from 50 yds. to infinity.
Cons
- None
FAQS
Q: Are there any specific features to look for in hunting scopes under $1500?
A: Yes, there are several features to consider, including high-quality optics, a rugged and durable construction, waterproof and fog-proof performance, easy-to-use turrets for windage and elevation adjustments, and a suitable reticle for your hunting style.
Q: Are there any reputable brands that offer hunting scopes under $1500?
A: Yes, there are several reputable brands that offer high-quality hunting scopes under $1500, including Vortex, Leupold, Burris and Athlon. These brands are known for their quality optics and durable construction.
Q: Can I get a high-quality hunting scope under $1500 with a lifetime warranty?
A: Yes, many hunting scopes under $1500 come with a lifetime warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a hunting scope under $1500 opens up a world of possibilities, offering premium features and performance without breaking the bank. Whether you’re seeking a versatile scope for various hunting scenarios or a specialized optic for long-range precision, these scopes deliver.
With that we hope you will find the hunting scope that captures your eyes. Happy Hunting!
Related