Are you searching for the best scope for low light? This comprehensive buying guide will help you find a reliable riflescope with an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
If you are an avid hunter, you know that most game animals are usually nocturnal. Hunting at dawn and dusk is thus the best time for hunting.
However, at these times, natural light is usually unavailable. This means the light is unsuitable as it affects your visibility. This is where a low-light scope comes in handy. A low-light scope makes the most out of all the light available.
Low-light scopes are different from ordinary ones. They have components that take full advantage of any available light. They have a large objective lens, illuminated reticles and lack high magnification levels.
The fact that there are numerous scopes on the market makes it overwhelming to know the right one since they vary in terms of specs and features. Fortunately, we are here to help.
Best Scopes for Low Light
Once you have read this review, you will be better positioned to make a buying decision. But first, let’s have a read of our top below-lighting for the best low-light scopes:
1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective Riflescopes
Vortex is a trusted manufacturer that makes some of the top-rated scopes in the market, including Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective Riflescope which is the best scope for low light.
The scope is suitable for use at dusk and dawn when lighting is poor. It has fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings for enhanced light transmission. It utilizes a Second Focal Plane Riflescope that remains the same with changes in magnification level.
When it comes to construction, the scope doesn’t disappoint. It has a one-inch diameter tube for a versatile blend of adjustments. A single-piece tube construction enhances accuracy while providing resilience as well. It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which is known for its strength.
This means you can use the scope in the most demanding environments, and it will remain brand-new. Speaking of reliability in all weather conditions, this is your go-to scope. This is thanks to the O-ring seals and nitrogen purging that result in a waterproof and fog-proof performance. The scope is, moreover, shockproof for endurance to recoil and impact.
A durable hard-anodized finish offers a low-glare matte surface and aids in camouflaging the shooter’s position.
On top of all that, its adjustable objective feature offers mage focus and removal of parallax. The scope uses a Dead-Hold BDC and VBrite reticle that removes guesswork on holdover and windage corrections. This reticle type is ideal for hunting and shooting at ranges with holdover estimation concerns.
Pros
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Single-piece tube made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Dully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings
- Hard anodized finish for reduced glare and durability
- Adjustable objective for parallax removal and image focus
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece for easy and quick focusing on the reticle
- Ample eye relief
- Variable magnification (4-12×40,4-12×50 and 6-18×44)
- MOA turrets that are resettable
Cons
- None
2) Burris Veracity 5-25×50 mm 30 mm Rifle scope
This is a scope that’s built purposefully to handle low-light scenarios with characteristics like; Progressively Thick Crosshairs (PTC) that are very fine in the center and progressively thicker away from the center, for ultra-fast target engagement in low light, and a high-grade optical glass that’s complemented by the large objective lens to let In the optimum amount of light.
This scope also excels in a variety of other areas, like the inclusion of soft knobs that make adjustment simple and quick, as well as a strong build quality thanks to solid housing, fog proof, and waterproof features. You also receive a wide field of view, which aids in situation awareness, as well as a first focus plane (FFP), which is quite handy for long distances.
You’ll like using this rifle scope in low-light situations. Many shooters, particularly those working with long-distance targets, have praised its clarity and reliability.
Pros
- Covered by a lifetime warranty
- Precision-gauged and hand-fitted internal assemblies maintain a consistent point of impact through the magnification range
- Trajectory compensation calculated out to 700 yds
- Advanced windage and elevation adjustment
- Excellent light transmission
Cons
- Sighting in can be challenging
3) Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope
You may choose to go all in and opt for a night vision scope, and this could be the most affordable option you’ll find.
The Sightmark Wraith Riflescope is the perfect pick for all hunting applications, such as deer, predator, and hog. It is designed with ten reticle options.
You can opt for the one that matches your needs. This also enhances accuracy and makes aiming easy. In the scope is a powerful 850 nm IR flashlight that is removable. It permits an additional 200 yards of detection at night. It also has a detachable eyecup to stop the dispersion of light at night. You can remove it during the day for easy viewing.
This scope comes with an easy menu operation with easy button mapping. It has a user interface that is very simple to follow to ensure you dial everything correctly.
A day/night mode allows you to view with full color during the day and use black and white or classic green during the night.
Pros
- The package includes an IR flashlight, user manual, Fixed Picatinny mount, and an objective lens cover
- High-definition sensor
- 12 ft minimum focus range
- 8x digital zoom
- Day/Night mode
- Made of durable aluminum
- 10 reticle options with 9 colors
- A removable IR flashlight is found in the scope
- Weaver rail that lets you add extra accessories
- Detachable eyecup
- 5 weapon profile saves
Cons
- Short battery life
4) Bushnell Banner Dusk& Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
Hunting doesn’t always take place in perfect lighting conditions. A quality scope is requisite for a rewarding experience regardless of the lighting situation.
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope is designed for all lighting conditions. It is equipped with Dusk & Dawn Brightness multi-coated lenses. The lenses deliver excellent clarity and brightness from dusk to dawn.
It also has a versatile 3-9x magnification that is great for most hunting applications. This makes it much loved by a majority of hunters. Its gigantic 40mm objective lens allows enough light into the scope. This makes it an excellent choice for low-light conditions.
Bushnell understands well that using scopes outdoors means exposing them to harsh conditions. For that reason, this scope has a robust construction that is entirely waterproof and fog proof. Its Multi-X crosshair reticle provides a classic sight picture.
Like other Bushnell scopes, this model has a fast-focus eyepiece that quickly adjusts the reticle to acquire the target rapidly. Windage and elevation are adjustable via the turrets, which are capped for protection from extreme use and bumps.
Pros
- Entirely waterproof and fog proof
- Multi-coated lenses for superior brightness and clarity
- Generous eye relief for comfortable viewing
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Made of high-quality materials
- Elegant design
- Variable 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
Cons
- None
5) ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x30mm Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope
Your prey is visible mainly during dusk and dawn. Taking a well-placed shot of your target during these hours can be challenging. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It would be best if you had a low-light scope.
One scope that is an excellent choice is the ATN X-Sight LTV Ultra-Light Day & Night Vision Riflescope. The scope features many reticles for you to choose from based on your shooting condition. It also has 3 inches of eye relief that allows comfortable viewing without hurting your eyes and brows.
A Night Vision Mode allows you to acquire your target fast in total darkness. There is also a QHD+ Sensor that delivers crystal clear images regardless of the time and distance.
The scope is nevertheless equipped with One Shot Zero, which makes sighting in the scope a breeze. It is made with an ergonomic design that is easy to use.
You are guaranteed an easy time in the field with this incredible scope. It is easy to mount and demount on any platform with 30mm standard mount rings.
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Many reticles to choose from
- Easy to mount and demount
- Ample eye relief
- Night Vision Mode
- One-Shot Zero for easy sighting-in
- Delivers clear images in all lighting conditions
- Ergonomic design that is easy to use
- Allows you to acquire your target quickly
- 10+ hours of battery life
- 4 Gb to 64 Gb storage
Cons
- Micro USB, type C only
6) Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope
Are you looking for a high-quality optic for low light that comes at an affordable price? Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 is a perfect option for you. The scope allows you to customize the magnification and reticle to suit your needs. Depending on your hunting conditions, you can customize the magnification level from 3x to 12x.
You will love the fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings that can give you clear and bright views. You will appreciate the 56mm objective lens allowing maximum light even in the worst conditions.
It also has generous eye relief and a forgiving eye box that help you quickly acquire the sight picture and target. Thanks to its fast-focus eyepiece, you enjoy seamless and fast reticle adjustment.
The scope is not left behind regarding some of the highest-quality scopes on the market. It is constructed of robust aircraft-grade aluminum for rugged use in the field. O-ring seals and nitrogen purging deliver a waterproof and fog-proof performance. A hard-anodized finish ensures shock and recoil resistance.
Nonetheless, there are capped reset turrets that are easy to modify with the finger and can be resettable to zero after sighting in. The adjustable objective offers image focus and elimination of parallax to the user.
Pros
- Made of highly durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Waterproof and fog-proof performance
- Shockproof and recoil resistant
- Generous eye relief
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Multi-coated optics with anti-reflective coating
- MOA turrets that are resettable
- V-Brite reticle
- Massive 56mm objective lens
- Variable 3-12x magnification
Cons
- None
Related Posts:
- 7 Best Scopes For Pellet Rifles
- 8 Best Night Vision Scopes for Hog Hunting
- 5 Best Leupold Scopes for 30-06
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Scopes for Low Light
Magnification
Too much magnification is not required in a low-light scope. This is because it can make shots even harder as you lose more detail the more you zoom in on your target. A suitable magnification range for a low-light scope is 3-9x or 4-12x.
Weatherproofing
Hunting at dawn or dusk means a high chance of experiencing extreme weather changes. It would be best if you had a scope ready for anything. The scope you choose should have O-ring seals and nitrogen purging at both ends. This makes it waterproof and fog proof, preventing the internal components from fogging.
Objective lens
The objective lens is part of a scope that collects light from the environment and passes it into the scope. A low light scope requires a large objective lens to gather as much of the light available as possible. This lets it get a clear image from the focal lens. It is recommended to have an objective lens with at least a 40mm diameter. A bigger one is also okay. However, keep in mind that a larger lens makes the scope heavier.
Durability
Hunting at dawn and dusk means you are exposed to harsh conditions. The scope you have should be durable to withstand extreme conditions. To protect from drops and bumps, the scope should be shockproof. Having scratch-resistant lenses should shield your lenses from dust, dirt, and other debris. A scope made of aircraft-grade aluminum is a perfect choice to settle for. This material is known to withstand the most demanding conditions while still being lightweight.
Picture quality
The optics quality of your scope determines whether you will get clear pictures. Although having a clear picture depends on many factors, like the focal plane and glass quality, the quality of optics lets you have a crisp view at dawn or dusk, where lighting is poor.
FAQs on Best Scopes for Low Light
1) Does a scope accept or gather light?
A scope can accept but not necessarily gather light. Riflescopes can only pass some available light, but a low-light scope increases the available light. Everything you see without a scope is channeled from the big picture into a small image that can be seen with one eye.
2) Is a low-light scope a must?
Yes. A low-light scope is a must-have tool if you intend to hunt in low-light conditions. It is paramount as it helps you see better and hit directly at your target without missing, just like in bright light conditions.
3) Why do I see black when I look through a scope?
Parallax is an apparent displacement against a background or a variance in the orientation of an object when the object is viewed along two distinct lines of sight. Parallax occurs when the primary image of the objects is formed either in front of or behind the scope’s reticle. The resulting parallax moves the image in relation to the reticle when you move your eye from its appropriate alignment with the scope. This results in your aim being off.
Conclusion
The best Low light scope will help you have a successful hunt in poor lighting conditions. Because not all scopes are ideal for low light, it is pertinent to make sure you choose the right one. Ensure you buy your scope from a reliable brand for high-quality construction and performance. You can trust the brands explained above. Selecting any of the scopes above will be one of the wisest buying decisions.
We hope this post helped you find the best scope for low light.