Welcome to the magical world of the Best Low-Light Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting. Where dusk and dawn are a deer hunter’s thrilling moments. However, these low-light conditions can be a challenge for even the most seasoned hunters. But fear not, because we’re about to introduce you to your ultimate hunting ally.
We’ll delve into their features, for example, larger objective lenses that gather more light, meticulously coated optics that reduce glare and enhance clarity, versatile reticle options, and rugged, weather-resistant builds. These are some of the unique qualities that set them apart as the best companions for Deer Hunting in low-light conditions. So, let’s explore these optical wonders that transform the fleeting moments of twilight into your ultimate hunting advantage.
Factors to consider when buying the Best Low Light Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting.
Objective Lens Size
The larger the objective lens is, the more light it gathers into the scope which will improve visibility in low-light conditions.
Magnification
The amount of light that enters your scope is also influenced by magnification. As you zoom in, less light can enter the scope, therefore at 2.5x, a scope can admit more light than it can at 10x.
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings increase light transmission, lessen glare, and improve image quality. Therefore look for scopes that have multiple coatings on their lenses for low-light deer hunting.
Exit Pupil Size
The exit pupil is the diameter of the beam of light exiting the eyepiece. In low light conditions, a larger exit pupil provides brighter images.
Eye Relief
Adequate eye relief is important for comfortable viewing. In low-light conditions, a scope with excellent eye relief is essential.
Reticle Type
Choose a reticle that suits your preference. An illuminated reticle is particularly useful in low light. Options include duplex, and BDC (bullet drop compensator).
Durability and Weather Resistance
One should look for scopes that can withstand harsh weather conditions and should therefore be durable.
Best Low Light Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting
1) Trijicon Credo HX Illuminated Hunting Riflescopes
Specifications
- 24mm objective lens
- User-selectable LED brightness
- Fully multi-coated
- Anti-reflective glass
- Easy adjustments
- Illuminated reticles
- Rugged design
- Eye relief
- Second focal plane
- Weighs 17.2 ounces.
- 30mm tube diameter
-
1-4x magnification.
Trijicon Credo HX Illuminated Hunting Riflescopes are the pinnacle of hunting precision and adaptability.
This scope provides great low-light performance, with illuminated reticles, superior glass clarity, and sturdy construction, guaranteeing you never miss your target in difficult conditions.
The Credo HX series is a trusted friend for hunters looking for precision and dependability in the field. It is built to survive the roughest circumstances.
Pros
- High-quality glass and fully multi-coated lenses provide clarity and brightness
- Illuminated reticles with multiple brightness settings, ensure precise aiming in low-light conditions
- Rugged constructions make it durable
- Variable magnification options, that are suitable for both close and long-range shooting
- Reliable adjustments, allowing for quick and precise viewing.
Cons
- Does not come with mounts.
2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50
Specifications
- Bullet drop compensator( BDC) reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 3-9X Magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- Eye relief
- Made with aircraft-grade aluminum material
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
- shockproof
- Easy adjustments
- Hunter rings
- Second Focal plane
- 1-inch tube
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50 riflescope is a versatile and high-performance riflescope. Its magnification range of 3-9x and large 50mm objective lens provides exceptional light gathering and clarity, making it perfect for low-light conditions.
This scope has a rugged build, completely multi-coated lenses for improved image brightness and clarity, and a fast-focus eyepiece for rapid and easy target acquisition.
The Crossfire II 3-9×50 features a BDC reticle for simple yet effective aiming and a sturdy and shockproof aircraft-grade aluminum tube to resist the rigors of the field while delivering accurate and reliable performance. This riflescope is a useful tool for hunting.
Pros
- The 50mm objective lens and fully multi-coated optics ensure bright, crisp images in low-light conditions.
- The 3-9x magnification range makes it suitable for deer hunting.
- It is shockproof and weather-resistant, so it can handle the rigors of the field
- Durability from its rugged design
- Capped reset turrets have MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
- Fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing
Cons
- While it provides adequate eye relief for the majority of users, some shooters with special preferences may find it less so.
3) Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10X44
Specifications
- 2.5-10x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- Second Focal Plane
- 30mm tube diameter
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Eye relief
- MOA(minute of angle) adjustment
- Aircraft-grade material exterior
- XR Fully Multi-Coated
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
- Shockproof
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- MAG-View Fiber Optic
The Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 riflescope has a magnification range of 2.5-10x with a 44mm objective lens that excels in low-light deer hunting expeditions. This scope’s sturdy single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum design is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring dependability in harsh environments. Vortex MagView Bar is a fiber optics magnification indicator featuring a raised, rear-facing magnification reference guide for good viewing in low-light circumstances.
The fully multi-coated lenses improve light transmission and prevent glare, resulting in clear and bright images. The capped turrets provide exact 1/4 MOA adjustments, and the 30mm tube provides plenty of adjustment range. The Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 combines superb optical performance and durable reliability in low-light conditions.
Pros
- The 2.5-10x magnification range makes it suitable for excellent hunting experiences
- Fully multi-coated lenses, provide excellent light transmission, clarity, and reduced glare, ensuring clear and bright images.
- MagView Bar optics is a fiber optics magnification indicator for good viewing in low-light circumstances.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum tube, shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, makes it ideal during challenging weather conditions.
- The capped turrets have 1/4 MOA adjustments for accurate and repeatable shots, and the 30mm tube has plenty of adjustment range.
Cons
- It is not illuminated
4) Trijicon Tenmile First Focal Plane Riflescope
Specifications
- Fully multi-coated
- Anti-reflective glass
- Capped or zero-stop adjusters
- User-selectable LED lighting
- First focal plane
- Eye relief
- 3-18x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- Weighs 24.4 ounces
- MRAD Precision Tree reticles
- Rugged design
The Trijicon Tenmile First Focal Plane Riflescope is an optical marvel built for discerning hunters. The first focal plane design ensures that the lighted reticle’s sub-tensions remain accurate at every magnification setting, allowing for precision holdovers and range estimation.
It produces remarkable image quality, especially in low-light circumstances, thanks to its impressive 50mm objective lens, completely multi-coated optics, and exceptional light transmission.
The scope has exposed, easy-to-adjust tactical turrets, a rugged and durable build, and a variety of reticle configurations, making it an excellent choice for individuals looking for exceptional optical performance in low light and long-range accuracy in the field.
Pros
- The reticle subtensions stay accurate at all magnification levels due to the first focus plane design, enabling precise holdovers and range calculations.
- A large 50mm objective lens and completely multi-coated optics provide exceptional light transmission and image quality, making it appropriate for low-light conditions.
- Versatile magnification range, suitable for deer hunting.
- It is designed to resist the rigors of the field, with a sturdy and shockproof build that ensures dependability in harsh environments
- The exposed turrets are simple to adjust, allowing for quick and precise changes while providing tactile input
Cons
- It can be relatively heavy
5) Sig Sauer SOT61239 Tango6T Rifle Scope
Specifications
- HDX optical system
- Hell Fire fiber optic and glass-etched illuminated reticles
- 24mm objective lens
- 30mm tube diameter
- First Focal Plane
- Eye relief
- 1-6x magnification
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
- Weighs 22.1 Oz
- Mil rad adjustment
The Sig Sauer SOT61239 Tango6T Rifle Scope is the pinnacle of optical precision and versatility, built to perform admirably in a variety of shooting settings. It delivers remarkable clarity and brightness while remaining low-profile, with a magnification range of 1-6x and a compact 24mm objective lens.
The illuminated reticle ensures speedy target acquisition in a variety of lighting conditions e.g. low light, while the first focal plane reticle ensures accurate subtensions at all magnification ranges. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, and can survive harsh situations because of its strong single-piece aluminum tube.
This scope is top-tier for shooters looking for uncompromising performance and versatility in the field, thanks to precise adjustments, superior lens coatings, and a variety of reticle configurations.
Pros
- Superior optics in a small 24mm objective lens.
- Reticle illumination for quick target acquisition.
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction.
- Versatile 1-6x magnification range.
- Multiple reticle options
- Advanced lens coatings ensure high light transmission.
Cons
- It requires a specific battery for illumination
6) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 50mm magnification
- 3-18x magnification
- 30mm tube diameter
- Second Focal Plane
- Eye relief
- MOA adjustment type
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
- Guard-Ion Rain Shedding optical coating
- Waterproof and fogproof
The Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope is the epitome of optical quality, with a variable magnification range of 3x to 18x and a large 50mm objective lens for exceptional light transmission. Has great clarity, brightness, and contrast, making it ideal for hunting in low-light circumstances.
Its sturdy and lightweight design allows it to resist the roughest situations while providing precise and repeatable adjustments via exposed, easy-to-turn turrets. The illuminated reticle options improve target acquisition speed, and the first focal plane design assures accurate holdovers and ranges at all magnification levels.
The scope is a great pick for deer hunters looking for unrivaled performance in the field, thanks to its superior optics, durability, and user-friendly features.
Pros
- Versatile 3-18x magnification range.
- A large 50mm objective lens for exceptional light transmission.
- Exceptional clarity, brightness, and contrast.
- Rugged and lightweight construction.
- Precise and repeatable adjustments with exposed turrets.
- Multiple illuminated reticle options.
- First focal plane design for accurate holdovers.
Cons
- None.
7) Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x50mm
Specifications
- 50mm objective lens
- 3-15x magnification
- 30mm tube diameter
- Second Focal Plane
- Eye relief
- Weighs 20.5 Oz
- Adjustment click value 0.1 Mil Rad
- Mil Rad adjustment type
- Armor Tek Aluminum exterior
- XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated
- Waterproof and fogproof
The Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x50mm Rifle Scope combines precision and versatility in a sleek and compact package. With a magnification range of 3x to 15x and a large 50mm objective lens, it provides exceptional clarity and brightness even in low-light conditions.
Its sophisticated optics, which include superior high-density extra-low dispersion glass, offer clear images with little chromatic aberration. The scope has a first focus plane reticle for exact subtensions at all magnification levels, as well as an exposed elevation turret for rapid and precise adjustments.
Its rugged, shockproof, and waterproof construction, combined with Vortex’s proprietary XR Plus completely multi-coated lenses, make it the ideal choice for hunters and shooters looking for excellent optical performance and durability.
Pros
- Versatile 3-15x magnification range.
- Large 50mm objective lens for excellent light transmission.
- Has premium optics with high-density extra-low dispersion glass.
- A first focal plane reticle that enables accurate subtensions.
- Elevation turret for rapid and precise adjustments.
- Rugged, shockproof, and waterproof construction.
- XR Plus fully multi-coated lenses for enhanced clarity.
Cons
- None
Related:
Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
Best Low Light Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting FAQs
Which is the best magnification for a low-light rifle scope for deer hunting?
This is entirely dependent on your personal preferences and hunting technique. Some hunters like a magnification range of 3-9x, but others prefer a 4-16x or 6-24x magnification. It is critical to select a range that is appropriate for your hunting needs.
What is the best reticle type for a low-light rifle scope for deer hunting?
Personal preference determines the ideal reticle type for a low-light rifle scope for deer hunting. Many hunters, however, prefer one with bigger crosshairs or lit dots to help them see in low-light circumstances.
Why is a low-light rifle scope important for deer hunting?
Deer hunting mostly takes place during dusk or dawn, when light conditions are low. Having a low-light rifle scope allows a hunter to see their target more clearly and more accurately.
Do rifle scopes increase accuracy in low light?
Having a rifle scope ideal for low light conditions not only increases the chances of hitting the appropriate target but also allows you to strike the target at the exact intended point.
What makes a rifle scope gather more light in low-light conditions?
A rifle scope can gather more light, especially in low light conditions because of a larger objective lens which results in clearer images.
Conclusion
In the world of deer hunting, the chase of those elusive creatures during the low light of dawn and dusk carries a distinct fascination to hunters of all levels. We’ve discovered the instruments that can flip the odds in your favor during these precious moments of twilight through the Best Low-Light Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting.
With the right low-light rifle scope by your side, you can confidently pursue deer in the dimly lit hours, increasing your chances of a successful hunt and creating unforgettable moments in the great outdoors. So, gear up, get out there, and let the twilight adventures begin!