Do you want to buy the best 1-8 scope under 500? You are in the right place!
Low-power variable optics have taken the optics market by storm for a good reason. They are suitable for various applications, from hunting to home defense to range shooting, and in this post, our focus will be on the best 1-8 LPVOs under 500.
When choosing an LPVO for a specific application, there are two important things to consider; budget and magnification power. How much you can afford will determine the model that you get. Additionally, the distance you will be shooting at goes a long way to determining the magnification you get.
When it comes to long-distance shooting, you will need an LPVO with a high zoom power. This is where 1-8x LPVOs come into play. Rifle scopes with this magnification range are ideal for close to long ranges where the lower-powered LPVOs would be impractical.
If 1-8x is the LPVO scope magnification you want, we have scoured the market and put together this list to make your selection process easier. These scopes are rich in features you require for the best overall performance in the shooting range or hunting field.
What Range is a 1-8 Scope Good for?
A 1-8x scope is considered a versatile optic suitable for various shooting applications up to 500 yards. The magnification range of 1-8x means that the scope can provide a minimum magnification of 1x, which is essentially a “true 1x” view and can be zoomed up to a maximum of 8x magnification. This range allows shooters to adapt to different shooting scenarios, from close-quarters engagements to mid-range and even some long-range shooting
What is a 1-8 Scope Good for?
A 1-8x scope offers a wide range of magnification options. Its ability to provide a true 1x view is advantageous for close-range engagements, while the higher magnification settings allow for more precise shooting at moderate distances. It strikes a balance between speed and precision, making it a popular choice for shooters looking for a versatile riflescope.
1x Magnification (Close Quarter Combat): At the lowest setting of 1x, the scope essentially offers a non-magnified view, similar to using a red dot sight or a simple reflex sight. This is ideal for fast target acquisition, close-quarters shooting, and situations that require quick transitions between targets. The 1-8x scope magnification is one of the best for LPVOs.
Mid-range Shooting: The ability to zoom up to 8x magnification makes the 1-8x scope suitable for mid-range engagements. It provides shooters with the ability to identify and engage targets at moderate distances with increased precision and clarity.
Hunting: A 1-8x scope can be a great choice for hunting, as it allows for versatility in different hunting scenarios. From hunting in dense woods or thick cover, where quick target acquisition is crucial, to hunting in open fields or varmint hunting at moderate distances, the scope’s range can adapt to the needs of various game and terrain.
Competition Shooting: The 1-8x scope is also popular among competitive shooters, particularly in dynamic shooting disciplines like 3-gun or multi-gun competitions. The ability to switch between 1x for close-range targets and higher magnifications for precision shots at medium distances offers a significant advantage in these fast-paced shooting events.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
Best 1-8 Scopes Under 500
1) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm is by far the best 1-8 scope under 500 available out there. Optimized for versatility, it will help you adapt to any shooting situation and enable you to take down targets accurately at close to long ranges.
A highlight of this rifle scope is picture quality. It employs tog-quality extra-low dispersion glass, which enhances resolution and color accuracy. On top of that, it has fully multi-coated lenses to amplify the transmission of light while alleviating glare.
The 1-8x zoom power is built in a second focal plane reticle. It maintains the same appearance in the entire zoom range and has subtensions used for estimating range, holdover, and wind drift correction. Even better, the reticle is illuminated for precision shooting in low light.
Construction-wise, the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope has a robust aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is rigid enough to take in the beating. Over and above that, it is fully water-resistant, fog proof, and shockproof.
Features
- 30mm tube size
- ED glass elements
- Glass-etched second focal plane reticle
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- 11 Brightness settings
- Matte Anodized finish
- Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- AR-BDC3 reticle
- IPX-7 water resistant
- 140 MOA adjustment range
Pros
- Clear glass
- Illuminated reticle
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Shockproof and fog proof
- Fast focus eyepiece
Cons
- None
2) Swampfox Tomahawk 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
Swampfox Tomahawk 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope offers the best balance of value and performance. It provides clarity, durability and accuracy, which is hard to find in any other 1-8x low-powered variable optic at a similar price point.
Featuring a second focal plane reticle, the scope provides a pristine point of aim for accurate acquisition. The reticle is etched in glass for dynamic shooting and illuminated to be visible even in low light.
Furthermore, this rifle scope is made with user convenience in mind. It has a throw lever for rapid magnification adjustment and a lightweight design that makes it portable. On top of that, this LPVO is designed with a long 4.75” eye relief, making it eyeglass-friendly.
The Swampfox Tomahawk 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope is IPX7 rated against dust and moisture for all-weather use. Other than that, it features fully multi-coated lenses that are responsible for maximizing light transfer.
Features
- LED reticle illumination
- Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm tube diameter
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 100 MOA adjustment range
- 11 brightness settings
- 50 yds Parallax
- Fast focus diopter
- Tactical turrets with zero reset
- Ring attachment
Pros
- Extra-long eye relief
- Great value for the price
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Illuminated reticle
- Relatively lightweight
- Spacious field of view
- Easy to zero
Cons
- None
3) Sig Sauer TANGO-MSR LPVO 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
Sig Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-8x24mm is the best 1-8 scope under 500 for MSRs. It provides quick engagement and target acquisition in all environments. This is made possible by the high-performance 8x optical system.
The optical performance of this rifle scope is phenomenal. It brings to the table industry-leading light transmission, which guarantees unmatched optical clarity in any lighting setting. Furthermore, the rear focal plane is LED illumination to boost your low-light shooting confidence.
To complement the optical performance, this LPVO also has a ruggedized body that is anodized against scratches and corrosion. The large 30mm tube design enhances sturdiness and rigidity for added durability.
Moreover, this rifle scope has dependable waterproof, fog proof and shockproof performance to outlast elements. It also features a broad 100 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range.
Features
- 8x optical system
- High-performance optics
- 30mm main tube
- BDC-8 reticle
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Built-in throw lever
- 11 brightness settings
- Second Focal Plane (SFP)
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Generous eye relief
- Clear glass
- Spectracoat lens coating
- Hardcoat Anodized Finish
Cons
- Fixed Parallax
4) Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
Next on our list of the best 1-8 LPVOs under 500 is Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO 1-8x24mm. This rifle scope harbors many high-quality features to meet and exceed the requirement for hunters, shooters, and law enforcement officers.
Featuring a state-of-the-art optical design, the scope creates bright sight pictures from sunrise to sunset. This helps with positive target identification. Moreover, the scope provides a wide field of view with excellent resolution for quick and easy target acquisition.
Weighing 20.3oz, this LPVO is relatively light, so it will not come in your way of shooting. It is easy to install and operate for all users, even beginners. Additionally, it has a rear focal plane reticle illuminated with 12 different brightness levels.
Durability is another outstanding feature of the scope. It is tested and verified to be impact resistant up to 1,100 G forces. In addition to that, the main tube is fog proof, shockproof, and IPX-7-rated against moisture and dust.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- LED reticle illumination
- 100 yds parallax
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- 1/2 MOA impact point correction
- Push/pull locking turrets
- Durable and impact-resistant
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm tube size
- 12 adjustable brightness settings
Pros
- Relatively lightweight
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Great reticle illumination
- Resettable zero
- Fully Multicoated Optics
- 1,100 G Forces impact resistance
Cons
- None
5) Riton Optics X3 Tactix 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
Last on our list of the best 1-8 scopes under 500 is Riton Optics X3 Tactix 1-8x24mm. With this LPVO, you get the adjustments and features you find in the high-end rifle scopes for a fraction of the price.
The highlight of this low-power variable optic is optical finesse. It features HD glass with fully multi-coated optics to enhance optical brightness and clarity. Even better, this optic has an illuminated second focal plane reticle which guarantees precision aiming in any light.
Another remarkable thing about the scope is the ease of use. It has an integrated removable throw lever for effortless magnification adjustment. Moreover, this rifle scope only has a lightweight construction of 19.3oz for easy portability.
Regarding construction, the Riton Optics X3 Tactix 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope is made from 6061-T6 aluminum. On the exterior surface, it is hard coat anodized to be scratch-proof and rust-proof. On top of that, the turrets are zero-resettable and capped to withstand abuse and prevent accidental adjustment.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- HD glass
- Broad 180 MOA adjustment range
- Waterproof and fog proof
- LED reticle illumination
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Type III hard coat anodized finish
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Integrated removable throw lever
- 11 levels of brightness adjustment
Pros
- Excellent fit and finish
- Great value for the price
- Crisp illuminated reticle
- Lightweight
- Integrated Removable Throw Lever
- Type III Hard Coat Anodized finish
Cons
- None
See Also
Why 1-8x Scope?
Low-power variable optics have adjustable magnification from 1x to 4x, 6x, 8x, and 10x. While all these scopes magnifications, a 1-8x zoom range provides the best balance of versatility and functionality.
Rifle scopes with this zoom range excel in close and long ranges with stunning precision. They provide a precise point of aim for you to hone your shooting accuracy.
Furthermore, most of these rifle scopes are made with durability in mind. This guarantees dependable performance in unforgiving environments and many years of use.
1-8x LPVOs also provide a significantly spacious field of view essential for quick target acquisition. They are also very simple to use for people of all levels.
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How to Choose the Best 1-8 Scope Under 500
Here is a list of the important things you should consider when shopping for the best 1-8 scope under 500, other than the budget and magnification power.
Durability
Durability is an important feature of every rifle scope. Irrespective of the application you plan to use the scope for, ensure you get a model built to last. With a tough and robust make, it will take in the beating and last long.
Weatherproof
On top of solid construction, ensure that you get an operable scope in all weather conditions. The optical tube should be fully waterproof, fog proof and dustproof for all-weather use. The best 1-8 scope under 500 should also be built for various temperatures.
Picture Quality
The next important thing to consider is the quality of the scope’s pictures. Generally, the type of glass elements the scope is made with determines the overall picture quality.
With a budget of around $500, you should be able to find a scope that employs good-quality glass elements such as ED, HD and fluorite. Such glass elements offer the best picture quality and resolution.
Lens Coatings
The next important thing to take into account is lens coatings. The primary role of lens coatings is to enhance the transmission of light in low-level light and prevent glare in bright light.
For the best 1-8 scope under 500, we recommend a fully multi-coated lens product for optimal light transmission. Some rifle scopes even come with an additional water-repellent coating on the exterior part of the lenses to provide an additional shield from scratches, dirt and dust.
Weight
Weight is another vital feature to consider. Generally, the material used to make the scope determines how heavy it weighs.
Irrespective of whether you plan to use the scope for hunting, shooting in the range or any other application, pick a model that is as light as possible. It will be much easier to carry around from one location to the other. Lightweight LPVOs also have the benefit of being simple to install and shoot with.
Final Words
We hope this article on the best 1-8 scope under 500 has given you all the information you require to make the right purchase. Being activity-specific will help you effortlessly find the right LPVO for your needs. So, consider that and focus on finding the LPVO that will hone your shooting skills and improve your shooting or hunting expeditions.