When you’re out in the field, the last thing you want is for poor lighting to compromise your shot. You’ve spent hours preparing, and it all comes down to this moment. But what if you could trust your rifle scope to perform, no matter the lighting conditions?
With the right low-light rifle scope, you can. In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 options that will give you the edge you need to take accurate shots, even when the sun dips below the horizon. From illuminated reticles to advanced lens coatings, we’ll uncover the features that set these scopes apart.
Top 7 Best Low Light Rifle Scopes on the Market 2024
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
If you’re a hunter seeking a reliable low-light rifle scope with exceptional clarity and accuracy, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 30mm Tube Riflescopes is an excellent choice, offering adjustable objective and Dead-Hold BDC reticle for precise shots.
This scope is built to deliver, with a durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction that’s shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. You’ll appreciate the image focus, parallax removal, and fully multi-coated lenses that guarantee a crystal-clear view, even in low-light conditions.
With finger-adjustable MOA clicks and a fast-focus eyepiece, you’ll be able to quickly adjust your scope to your shooting environment. Plus, the unlimited lifetime warranty provides peace of mind, so you can focus on making those accurate shots.
Best For: Hunters seeking a reliable low-light rifle scope with exceptional clarity and accuracy.
Pros:
Offers exceptional clarity and accuracy in low-light conditions
Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction that’s shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof
Unlimited lifetime warranty provides peace of mind
With its impressive 3-9x40 magnification and 40mm objective lens diameter, the Bushnell Banner Riflescope is an excellent choice for hunters who need a reliable low-light performer that can deliver accurate shots.
You’ll appreciate the clear glass and sharpness of this scope, making it suitable for beginners and experienced shooters alike. The circle-X reticle is particularly beneficial for general game shooting, and the scope’s ability to hold zero even after rough handling is a sign of its durability.
With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 775 customer reviews, it’s clear that the Bushnell Banner Riflescope offers exceptional value for its price. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this scope is sure to impress with its clarity, accuracy, and reliability.
Best For: Hunters who need a reliable low-light performer that can deliver accurate shots, suitable for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
Pros:
Clear glass and sharpness for accurate shots
Durable and able to hold zero even after rough handling
Excellent value for its price with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars
Cons:
No night vision capability
No specific information on warranty or customer support
May require cantilever mount for proper installation
For hunters seeking a reliable low-light performer, the Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm Riflescope is an excellent choice, thanks to its exceptional light-gathering capabilities and battery-free illumination.
You’ll appreciate the superior quality lenses and aircraft-grade aluminum housing, which provide durability and clarity in various conditions.
The MIL-Dot Crosshair reticle and second focal plane design guarantee accurate shots, while the 2.5-10x magnification and 56mm objective lens diameter offer versatility and flexibility.
With an eye relief of 71.12mm and a field of view of 7.18 degrees, you’ll have a comfortable and wide shooting experience.
Weighing 20.7 ounces, this scope is a great addition to your hunting gear, and the included lens caps, warranty card, and manual make it a complete package.
Best For: Hunters seeking a reliable low-light performer for their hunting gear.
Pros:
Exceptional light-gathering capabilities and battery-free illumination for reliable performance in various conditions
Superior quality lenses and aircraft-grade aluminum housing for durability and clarity
Accurate shots guaranteed by the MIL-Dot Crosshair reticle and second focal plane design
Cons:
No night vision capability
Weight of 20.7 ounces may be heavy for some users
Limited to a Weaver Mount type, which may not be compatible with all rifles
4. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
When precision matters, the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescope stands out as a top choice for hunters and shooters who demand exceptional optical clarity and reliable performance in low-light conditions.
You’ll appreciate the premium, fully multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses that provide excellent resolution and color fidelity. The exposed target-style turrets offer precise and repeatable finger-adjustable clicks, while the 4x zoom and side focus parallax adjustment guarantee ideal image focus.
With its O-ring sealed and argon-purged design, this scope is waterproof and fogproof, making it suitable for various hunting and shooting applications. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a competitive shooter, the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Riflescope is an excellent choice for accurate shots in any conditions.
Best For: Hunters and shooters who demand exceptional optical clarity and reliable performance in low-light conditions.
Pros:
Exceptional optical clarity and color fidelity with premium, fully multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses
Precise and repeatable finger-adjustable clicks with exposed target-style turrets
Waterproof and fogproof performance with O-ring sealed and argon-purged design
Cons:
No mentioned drawbacks or negative feedback from users
No significant limitations or restrictions on the scope’s performance
5. CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope
If you’re a hunter seeking a reliable and feature-rich scope that won’t break the bank, the CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope with 20mm Mount is an excellent choice, boasting an integrated bright green laser with a range of over 300 yards and red/green illumination with 5 brightness levels.
You’ll appreciate the upgraded precision multi-coated lens, which provides a clear view even in low-light conditions. This scope is also fogproof and waterproof, thanks to its nitrogen filling, ensuring it can withstand harsh environments.
With a magnification range of 2.5-10x and an objective diameter of 40mm, you’ll have a wide field of view, making it ideal for hunting and shooting applications.
Best For: Hunters and shooters seeking a reliable and feature-rich scope with advanced features at an affordable price.
Pros:
Integrated bright green laser with a range of over 300 yards and red/green illumination with 5 brightness levels
Upgraded precision multi-coated lens for clear view even in low-light conditions
Fogproof and waterproof with nitrogen filling, ensuring it can withstand harsh environments
Cons:
Mixed opinions on the tactile feedback of turrets
Some users experienced issues with fogging, glass quality, and optic cleanliness
Limited magnification accuracy and laser visibility in certain conditions
Your search for a dependable low-light rifle scope ends with the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Riflescope, whose CDS-ZL2 elevation adjustment feature makes it an ideal choice for hunters who demand precision in any lighting condition.
With its Electronic Reticle, you’ll enjoy pinpoint accuracy, even in low-light situations. This American-made scope is built to last, boasting a waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design that can withstand the toughest environments.
Plus, Leupold’s reputation for quality and reliability guarantees you’re investing in a high-quality optic that’ll serve you well for years to come.
Best For: Hunters who demand precision and reliability in low-light conditions and need a high-quality, durable, and accurate riflescope for their hunting needs.
Pros:
CDS-ZL2 elevation adjustment feature provides precision in any lighting condition
Electronic Reticle ensures pinpoint accuracy even in low-light situations