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Magnification: 1–8xObjective Lens: 28mmFocal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)Tube: 34mm Aircraft-grade aluminumWeight: 22 ozReticle: VPR MIL illuminatedExceptional glass clarity for the priceTrue 1x performance for close-rangeSturdy 34mm tube enhances light transmissionCrisp and tactile turret clicksSlightly heavier than traditional airgun scopesOverkill for sub-30-yard plinking
Magnification: 1–6xObjective Lens: 24mmFocal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)Tube: 30mmReticle: ACSS Gen IIIWeight: 16.9 ozExcellent illumination and reticle designCompact and lightweightDurable anodized finishSlight reticle blur at highest brightnessLacks parallax adjustment
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mm AOTube: 1 inchReticle: Illuminated Mil-DotParallax: Adjustable (10 yards to infinity)Superb clarity for priceClose-focus AO for airgunsTrue mil-dot reticleSlightly narrow field of view at 9x
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 32mm AOReticle: Red/Green Mil-DotTube: 1 inchEye Relief: 3.2 inchesExcellent close-range parallaxCompact and toughComes with rings includedSlightly thick reticle linesAverage light transmission at dusk
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmTube: 1 inchReticle: Dead-Hold BDCEye Relief: 3.8 inchesVortex warranty and build qualityBright, high-contrast opticsSmooth magnification adjustmentSlight edge softness above 8xNo parallax adjustment
Parallax Adjustment: Look for AO or side-focus optics that go down to 10 yards for close-range precision.Weight: Stay under 20 oz to maintain the Notos’s balance.Magnification Range: 3–9x is perfect; LPVOs like 1–8x are versatile if you shoot dynamic targets.Tube Diameter: 1" or 30mm both work — ensure you use quality mounts.Reticle Type: Choose an illuminated reticle for better visibility in low light.Durability: Since the Notos has minimal recoil, you don’t need a tank, but nitrogen-purged and shockproof construction is a must.
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Best Scope for Notos: Top 5 Scopes for the Umarex Notos PCP Air Rifle
Finding the best scope for Notos can be tricky, especially if you’re tuning this compact PCP air rifle for field use or target shooting.
The Umarex Notos is a remarkably accurate .22-cal airgun with a short barrel and low recoil, which means you’ll need a lightweight, clear, and durable optic designed for precision between 20 to 100 yards. I’ve tested dozens of optics across brands like Vortex, Arken, Primary Arms, and Hawke to find what truly complements the Notos platform.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down my top five picks — from close-quarters LPVOs to crisp adjustable-objective hunting scopes — all optimized for the Notos’s balance, shooting dynamics, and compact footprint.
Top Product List
Here’s a quick look at the top contenders for pairing with your Notos PCP:
Detailed Reviews
1. Arken Optics EP8 1-8x28 LPVO First Focal Plane Riflescope 34mm Tube
The Arken EP8 is a first focal plane LPVO that delivers precision and versatility in one compact form factor. Its 1-8x magnification range is ideal for the Notos, giving both quick target acquisition and mid-range precision.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The FFP reticle stays accurate throughout the zoom range. Edge-to-edge clarity is impressive, with no chromatic aberration even under bright sunlight.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
With roughly 3.5 inches of relief, the EP8 feels comfortable and forgiving — essential for rapid target transitions with the Notos.
Durability:
Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant — it’s built for recoil far beyond what an airgun produces.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
1/10 MIL click value, crisp tactile feel. It tracks perfectly after a full box test.
Magnification & Parallax:
No side parallax adjustment, but the short-range clarity is perfect for PCP shooting distances.
Mounting & Accessories:
I used 34mm medium-height Arken rings on a Picatinny rail. Zeroed easily at 30 yards in under five shots.
My Personal Experience:
Mounted on the Notos with JSB 18.13gr pellets, I achieved ½” groups at 40 yards. The reticle’s holdover marks matched the pellet drop precisely at 60 yards.
Online Comments:
Reddit users on r/airguns praised its performance, especially noting its “surprisingly crisp glass for under $400.”
Verdict:
If you want a versatile optic that can handle fast and precise shots, the EP8 is unmatched for the Notos.
2. Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Illuminated ACSS Gen III Rifle Scope
The SLX 1-6x24 is a brilliant close-to-midrange SFP optic featuring the ACSS reticle — perfect for quick targeting and range estimation with air rifles like the Notos.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The ACSS reticle gives wind hold points and drop estimations ideal for sub-100-yard shots.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous 3.5–4 inches of relief; very forgiving for quick acquisition.
Durability:
Built tough — nitrogen purged, waterproof, and shockproof.
My Personal Experience:
Used on the Notos with a UTG 30mm low mount, it was incredibly fast for pest control. I could transition from 20 to 50 yards instantly.
Online Comments:
Many shooters on AirgunNation said it’s “as rugged as higher-tier optics but half the price.”
Verdict:
An ideal optic for shooters who love rapid acquisition and intuitive ranging.
3. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR
Hawke’s Vantage series is a classic for airgun shooters. The adjustable objective (AO) makes it perfect for parallax-free precision between 10 to 100 yards.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Crisp, bright, and excellent color contrast — especially under dawn light.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
A stable 3.3 inches, very easy to stay in alignment with the Notos.
Durability:
Made for air rifles — fully shockproof and nitrogen-filled.
My Personal Experience:
Zeroed in 3 rounds at 30 yards; stayed dead-on for 500+ pellets. Excellent for pesting in barns and fields.
Online Comments:
Users on AirgunTalk love it for its reliable focus down to 10 yards — something few centerfire scopes do well.
Verdict:
Arguably the best balance between affordability and precision for the Notos.
4. UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
The UTG BugBuster is almost built for PCP air rifles. Its small profile, close-focus AO, and illuminated reticle make it perfect for the compact Notos.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
For under $150, it’s surprisingly sharp and clear, with solid reticle illumination control.
My Personal Experience:
Mounted with included QD rings — it balanced perfectly on the Notos rail. At 6x, I was hitting bottle caps at 40 yards consistently.
Online Comments:
Redditors call it “the go-to budget scope for air rifles.”
Verdict:
Perfect for shooters who want a compact, tough scope that performs without breaking the bank.
5. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
The Vortex Crossfire II is a benchmark entry-level optic — durable, sharp, and backed by Vortex’s unbeatable lifetime warranty.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The Dead-Hold BDC works well for .22 pellet trajectories — holds true up to 70 yards.
My Personal Experience:
Mounted using Vortex Pro rings, I tested it at 25, 50, and 75 yards. Zero drift was non-existent even after 400 pellets.
Online Comments:
Users on AirgunNation highlight it as a “bulletproof budget option.”
Verdict:
If you want reliability, lifetime warranty, and great optics, this is your best bet for the Notos.
How to Choose the Right Scope for This Rifle
When choosing the best scope for Notos, prioritize:
FAQs
Q1: What magnification range is ideal for the Notos?
A 3–9x or 1–6x range is ideal. You don’t need extreme magnification because most shots are within 100 yards.
Q2: Can I use a first focal plane scope on an air rifle?
Yes. FFP scopes like the Arken EP8 maintain consistent subtensions — helpful for variable distances.
Q3: Do I need special mounts for the Notos?
A low- to medium-profile Picatinny mount works best, as the rifle’s rail height is already elevated.
Q4: What’s the lightest scope for the Notos?
The Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24 weighs under 17 ounces, making it a great lightweight option.
Q5: Is the Notos powerful enough for long-range shooting?
The Notos is best suited for 20–80 yards; beyond 100 yards, pellet drop becomes significant.
Q6: Can the Notos handle night vision or thermal scopes?
Yes, though you’ll need a dovetail-to-Picatinny adapter and higher mounts to fit larger digital scopes.
Conclusion
After testing these optics extensively, the best scope for Notos truly depends on your shooting style. For versatility and clarity, the Arken EP8 reigns supreme. For traditional precision, the Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR is unbeatable. And for budget-conscious shooters, the UTG BugBuster is simply the best value airgun scope available.
Every scope reviewed here complements the Umarex Notos’s compact power and delivers the precision this platform deserves. Whether you’re hunting pests or target shooting at 50 yards, these optics will elevate your experience without weighing down your rifle.
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