Let’s unlock the full potential of your .308 rifle in low-light conditions with the perfect companion “Best Low Light Scope for 308”. In this article, we’ll explore the top contenders in the world of low-light scopes for the .308, offering unparalleled clarity, precision, and reliability when light is scarce. Forks, discover the features that set these scopes apart and find the perfect optic to enhance your shooting experience in any lighting situation
What Makes a Scope Better in Low Light?
A scope’s performance in low light is primarily determined by its ability to gather and transmit available light to the user’s eye. Several factors contribute to a scope’s effectiveness in low-light conditions, including the size of the objective lens, the quality of the lens coatings, and the design of the reticle.
What is The Range of a 308 Rifle?
In general, a .308 rifle is considered effective for hunting and target shooting out to about 800-1000 yards (730-910 meters) for most shooters. With the right rifle, ammunition, and shooting conditions, some experienced shooters can achieve accurate hits out to even longer distances.
What are The Disadvantages of Low Light?
Some disadvantages include:
- Reduced Visibility: Low light makes it harder to see clearly, thus potentially affecting your ability to identify targets, obstacles, or hazards.
- Decreased Depth Perception: In low light, depth perception can be reduced, making it harder to judge distances accurately.
- Limited Field of View: Low light can restrict your field of view, therefore making it harder to detect movement or objects at the periphery.
- Increased Eye Strain: Straining to see in low light can cause eye fatigue and discomfort, affecting your ability to focus for extended periods.
- Impaired Color Perception: Colors can appear dull or muted in low light, making it harder to distinguish between objects or terrain features.
- Challenges in Target Identification: Identifying targets or game animals can be more difficult in low light, increasing the risk of mistaken identity.
Best Low Light Scope for 308
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a versatile and reliable optic designed for hunters and shooters.
With a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, it offers a good balance of zoom and light transmission.
Also features Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, which helps to improve visibility in low-light conditions, extending your hunting time during dusk or dawn.
It is constructed from a durable 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. Features are rugged and lightweight, making it suitable for various hunting environments. It is waterproof and fog-proof, to ensure that your vision remains clear regardless of the weather conditions.
Key features
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Length: 12.39 in
Pros
- Has 1/4 MOA Finger Click
- Features 3:1 Zoom Ratio
- Scratch-Resistant Lenses
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof & Fog proof
- 6061-T6 Aircraft Quality Aluminum
- Has One-inch Main tube
Cons
- None
2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane (SFP) rifle scope is a popular choice among hunters and shooters for its combination of performance, durability, and affordability.
Features the Second Focal Plane design means that the reticle size remains constant regardless of the magnification setting, which is ideal for most hunting and shooting applications.
For the magnification, it is options, typically from 1-4x up to 6-24x, allowing for versatility in various shooting scenarios.
Has lenses that are fully multi-coated to provide a bright and clear sight picture, with anti-reflective coatings that help to minimize glare and improve light transmission.
Last but not least, constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Crossfire II SFP scope is robust and shockproof, able to withstand recoil and rough handling in the field.
Key features
- Magnification: 3-9x,4-12
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Color: Black
Pros
- It is fully multi-coated
- Second focal plane reticle
- Has Hard Anodized Finish
- Has capped turrets
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
- Shockproof
Cons
- None
3) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm riflescope is a high-quality optic designed for a variety of shooting applications, including hunting and target shooting.
One of the standout features of the VX-3i is its Twilight Max Light Management System, which helps to reduce glare and improve image clarity in low-light conditions.
It is built to withstand the rigors of hunting and shooting. It also features a rugged construction with a one-inch main tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
Has fully multi-coated that maximizes light transmission and enhance image brightness and clarity. Also features a fast-focus eyepiece, which allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
Key features
- Magnification: 3.5 – 10 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 5 – 14.29 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 11 – 29.8 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.5 – 3.6 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 14.7 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Length: 12.3 in
Pros
- Has Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm Adjustable Objective Riflescope
- Features Twilight Max Lens System for unequaled light management
- DiamondCoat 2 lens coating for durability and clarity
- Blackened lens edges
- Argon/Krypton waterproofing for signature Leupold waterproof integrity
- Twin bias spring erector system
- Lockable fast-focus eyepiece
- Leupold Scope Cover
Cons
- None
4) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm rifle scope is a top-tier optic designed for long-range shooting and tactical applications..
It features a 34mm main tube made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, thus providing a rugged and durable construction.
The tube is also argon-purged and O-ring sealed, thus making it waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Not to forget its fully multi-coated with Vortex’s XRPlus anti-reflective coatings, which help to maximize light transmission and improve image brightness and clarity.
Also comes with a variety of reticle options, including Vortex’s EBR-7C reticle, which provides a comprehensive set of holdover and ranging features for long-range shooting.
Key features
- Magnification: 4.5 – 27 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.07 – 12.4 mm
- Illumination Color: Red
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 25.3 – 4.4 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in
- Color: Stealth Shadow
- Weight: 48.5 oz
- Length: 14.4 in
Pros
- It is fully multi coated
- Has first focal plane reticle
- Fast focus eye piece
- Has Glass-Etched Reticle
- Hard Anodized Stealth Shadow Finish
Cons
- None
5) Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm 30mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper HST (Hunting Shooting Tactical) 6-24x50mm rifle scope is a versatile optic designed for a wide range of shooting applications, from hunting to long-range target shooting.
Its optics are fully multi-coated with anti-reflective coatings, which help to maximize light transmission and improve image brightness and clarity. The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece, allowing for quick and easy reticle focusing.
With a magnification range of 6-24x and a 50mm objective lensit offers a high level of zoom and light-gathering capability, making it ideal for precision shooting at long distances.
One of the key features of the scope is its second focal plane (SFP) reticle, which means that the size of the reticle remains constant regardless of the magnification setting.
Comes with a variety of reticle options, including Vortex’s VMR-1 MOA reticle, which is known to provide a precise aiming point with hashmarks for windage and elevation adjustments.
Key features
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 5.1 – 17.8 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 22.6 oz
- Length: 15.5 in
Pros
- Has XD Lens Elements
- XR Fully Multi-Coated
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Features Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Hard Anondized Finish
Cons
- None
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Low Light Scope for 308
Choosing the best low light scope for a .308 rifle involves considering several factors. They include:
- Objective Lens Size: A larger objective lens diameter (around 40-50mm or larger) can gather more light, improving visibility in low-light conditions.
- Reticle Type: A scope with a simple, illuminated reticle can aid in quick target acquisition in low light. Look for a reticle that offers enough contrast against the target background.
- Magnification Range: It is wise to consider the typical shooting distances you’ll encounter. A moderate magnification range (e.g., 3-9x or 4-12x) is often sufficient for .308 rifles used in low-light conditions.
- Lens Coatings: Fully multi-coated lenses can improve light transmission, resulting in a brighter and clearer image in low light.
- Durability: Always ensure the scope is rugged and reliable, with features such as shockproof and waterproof construction.
- Eye Relief: Adequate eye relief is crucial, especially for high recoil rifles like the .308, to prevent scope eye injuries and maintain a comfortable shooting position.
FAQS
Q: What is the best low light scope for a .308 rifle?
A: The best low-light scope for a .308 rifle depends on your specific needs and budget. Some popular options known for their performance in low-light conditions include the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm, Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle and Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
Q: What features should I look for in a low-light scope for my .308 rifle?
A: When choosing a low-light scope for your .308 rifle, look for a large objective lens diameter (around 40-50mm), fully multi-coated lenses and a rugged, waterproof, and shockproof construction.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for a good low-light scope for my .308 rifle?
A: Prices for low-light scopes for .308 rifles can vary widely depending on the brand, features, and quality. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars for a high-quality low-light scope.
Conclusion
Don’t let low light hold you back, invest in a top-tier low-light scope and see your shooting potential reach new heights. All our listed contenders are from trusted brand and perform to perfection. With that happy Shopping!
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