Hunting at night or in dimly-lit areas is a challenge in itself since it’s nearly impossible to spot the target. This is where low-light scopes come in.
A low-light scope helps provide a clearer image of your target in poor lighting conditions. So, before you plan your next hunting trip at night-time, it’s essential to get your hands on the best low-light scope.
To help you out, we’ve laid all that you must know, along with presented our top picks for your convenience.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Low Light Scopes
- OUR TOP PICK: Nikon Buckmasters II, 4-12x40mm, BDC, Riflescope
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: BARSKA 3-12x50 IR Huntmaster Pro 30/30 IR Cross Riflescope
Comparison of the Best Low-Light Scopes
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What is a Low-Light Scope?
Low-light scopes are used by hunters while targeting their prey. These riflescopes are known for their performance at night when the stars and moon are the only sources of light. Manufacturers make them in such a way that they can give maximum feasibility and comfort during dawn and dusk.
Using a riflescope is very simple. Shooters who don’t have any knowledge regarding engineering and physics can also use these after a little training. They help in pinpoint targeting and aiming at your prey without any difficulty so you won’t lose your shot. So if any of you like to go hunting at night, these scopes are the best accessory for your weapon. With a little bit of training, you'll be ready to shoot!
When Would I Use a Low-Light Scope?
People use a low-light scope in hunting when there is not enough light to shoot and catch their prey. The majority of animals come alive at night or early morning. A rifle using a low-light scope is a great tool to hunt with because it helps collect maximum surrounding light. Low-light scopes are mainly used for:
Varmint Hunting
These are good for targeting small mammals. Varmint hunting eliminates pests and animals like rodents, crows, feral cats, groundhogs, coyotes, foxes, and feral hogs. The use of a low-light scope rifle will help you target with ease.
Big Game Hunting
Big game hunting entails locating and target large animals, which typically takes place at night. As this includes wild animals too, the hunter needs to be cautious. It is best to use a low-light scope on the rifle to prevent mistakes.
Target Shooting
You can use a low-light scope in target shooting, too. The light it gathers will help in making a perfectly accurate shot.
Tactical Use
When lives are at stake and other options are exhausted, tactical rifles with a low-light scope are an effective tool to use. As people use tactical rifles for short ranges, a low-light scope will quickly help them to target without any mistakes.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Low-Light Scope?
Buying a low-light scope requires a lot of technical skills. You should know what features and specifications to watch for. We have described some of the main requirements you should observe before making a final choice.
Picture Quality
One of the most important aspects is seeing the quality of the image produced by the low-light scope. You need one which can produce a bright, rich, and vivid picture. It will make it possible for the user to record photographs and videos with 100% accuracy. Secondly, it will also help in pinpoint targeting.
Hunting at Dawn or Dusk
If you are using a scope for hunting purposes, make sure it gives excellent performance in every condition. Whether day or night, you should be able to aim at your target easily. Preferred scopes can give sharp and amazing results in the lowest light conditions, as well.
Price and Magnification
Even a single penny should not be wasted. You should purchase a scope that is affordable and good-quality, too. A good model helps the user to see their prey at all distances, especially in low light. Select a unit whose features are worth praising and won’t be a burden on your pocket.
Review of the Best Low-Light Scopes
If you love going to the forest or jungle for the sake of hunting, you might need a riflescope. Selecting the best low-light scope for your mission is a tough task. You need to look at its features, pros, cons, and much more.
We have made a list of the best low-light scopes, which are easily available everywhere. You just need to go and buy the most suitable one for yourself.
Best Overall:
Nikon Buckmasters II, 4-12x40nm, BDC
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have highly recommended this to everyone. According to its users, this is the best scope available in the marketplace. The glass is very clear and sharp. It can easily let you see everything, whether very near or far. Primarily, they love it for its vivid images along with the eye relief it provides.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This tool stands out to us because of its amazing specifications. The parallax setting and optical system provide intense and bright pictures. You won’t regret buying this low-light scope at all. It allows you to locate the exact point for hunting, so you never miss your target using this tool, which is precisely what we like about it.
Who Will Use This Most
This scope is known for its performance in low-light conditions. It provides a clear and bright view while hunting. Hunters can also use it at night while trapping or killing the animals in the jungle. It is mostly used for deer stalking. Plus, its excellent quality glass makes it suitable for those wanting to stargaze.
Bottom Line
This riflescope is an outstanding unit. All hunters will find it to be great for hunting their target whenever they like. Whether dawn or dusk, it will help them target the animal without any difficulties. It provides eye relief and comfort. So if you are looking for a low-light scope, this is the perfect choice for you.
Runner-up:
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, the company has improved the accuracy of its scope while hunting. People have given both positive and negative reviews, but the majority are very satisfied and happy with it. It is a great scope with an excellent stream video maker and night vision for clarity in the dark. Overall, users have highly recommended it to everyone.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The unit’s upgraded features make it stand out most. It helps you aim and shoot your target easily. You can even make videos of your hunting. It consumes very little power and works at high speeds. It is the first-ever low-light scope that can run for a continuous 18 hours. You can estimate the distance as well, with the range finder. All of these features make it one of the best in the market.
Who Will Use This Most
Predators who want to hunt for a longer period can use the above-mentioned low-light scope because its battery lasts for almost 18 hours. It is very good for deer hunting. If you want to make a video and keep it for later use, this scope will allow for this, as it comes with an HD video recorder.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, this riflescope deserves a five-star rating due to its high-quality performance. You will never regret buying it. It can work for continuous 18 hours, which will help you to go on long hunting trips. You can easily target your prey without losing your shot, making it a sure investment.
Best for the Money:
BARSKA 3-12x50 IR Huntmaster Pro 30/30 IR Cross Riflescope
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers are very satisfied with this low-light scope. They have mentioned that with this, you spend less and get more. It holds zero perfectly and helps you focus on the animal easily. According to them, it is worth buying. Recent buyers have also written that it is a great product with spectacular features.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love this low-light scope due to its performance at both dusk and dawn. It provides all the amazing features required by any hunter at a low cost. It is not a burden on your pocket at all. It holds zero settings without any error. The unit also stands out because it comes with additional accessories, which other units don’t come with. It is also very light, which means it will not tire you out or cause undue stress.
Who Will Use This Most
The scope is best for plinking, hunting, and pinpoint shooting. Its zoom adjustment and illuminated reticle make it suitable for aiming and targeting in low-light situations. People can also use it for target practice. Additionally, it is good for mid to short-range aiming while hunting. Thus, it is an ideal option for all kinds of shooting and hunting.
Bottom Line
This is an ideal choice for hunters or shooters searching for a scope with the best features at an affordable price. It is perfect for general shooting and plinking. Barska is one of the leading names in scope manufacturing. The company offers accessories along with the scope, which are free of cost. It helps you to zoom in and adjust your scope accordingly. All in all, this can be a sound investment.
Best Low-Light Hunting Scope:
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12x56
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers were very pleased after using this riflescope for hunting. They have given it a positive response. According to them, it is a fantastic model compared to the price and features. They are very happy with the lifetime warranty given by the company, too. Recent buyers have also written that it is very easy to use and handle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This scope particularly caught our eye because it gives a lot of options to allow the customer to customize it per their need. It comes with a 9.45-inch eye relief, which is very easy to access. Meanwhile, the capped reset turrets permit you to set the zero quickly. Not to forget, its durable build also makes it stand out from others.
Who Will Use This Most
Hunters who want a customized scope to use according to their preferences and needs will find this the most useful. It will provide them with a lot of ease and options. Due to its material, it can be used in places that have fog. Hunters can also use it for hunting in different conditions since it is water and fog-proof.
Bottom Line
Vortex Optics gives the best alternative that is durable, dependable, and also not so expensive. The best thing about this model is that it gives different choices to fulfill your requirements. It comes with a lifetime warranty, which means you also get peace of mind. Therefore, hunters can use it anywhere without any tension and stress.
Best Low-Light Scope Under $500:
Athlon Optics, Helos BTR
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have written that it is a "must-have" scope, going as far as naming it the best scope available in the market. The lockdown and lift-up features of the turret are awesome. According to some customers, the quality of glass is worth praising in relation to the price. The overall consensus for this is that it is an excellent product available at an affordable price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like the reticle feature a lot. This scope is the best available in the market, and at an affordable amount. The user can adjust the focal plane reticle depending upon the distance. We also like that it can work on six types of optic power. The lock feature of the turrets also deserves a lot of appreciation. To put it simply, we’re fond of almost all its features.
Who Will Use This Most
This scope can be used by hunters who want to hunt at different distances. Moreover, it is quite versatile to use and promises excellent accuracy, making it great for target practice, too. Therefore, apart from hunters who can use this at night, it is also suitable for law enforcement personnel wanting to improve their accuracy at hitting targets.
Bottom Line
This scope offers great features which are rarely seen in any other models at a low price without compromising on the quality at all. Summarizing this product, you will never regret buying it. For extra peace of mind, you can go through the customer reviews, as well. What makes it an even greater investment is that it is highly versatile, so you shouldn’t miss out on this one!
Best CrossBow Scope for Low Light:
TRUGLO Crossbow Scope 4X32
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are quite pleased with the product, as they report it can to bring the maximum light together and aim perfectly. They also state that it helps in providing a clear picture of the target and makes it easy for them to shoot. Even far away targets could be seen clearly, one customer reported.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is one of the best crossbow scopes, as it is completely covered. We love it because it provides maximum clarity, even in low-light conditions. It is an affordable option as the user does not have to buy batteries; they already come along with the scope. We also like the rubber piece which protects the eye and guards against excessive light being captured.
Who Will Use This Most
This low-light scope can be given as a gift to those who love hunting. People who are looking to go big game hunting can also use this, as the reticle does not need any illumination. In addition, those who keep rifles for protection in an emergency can also use it to avoid any chance of mistakes.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, this product is an all-in-one tool for perfect hunting after the sun has gone down. With adjustable windage and elevation, there is no need to go closer to the target. It has a dual-color reticle, which is a plus point. All in all, it will make hunting at night considerably easier and better.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Scope
It is a rule that if you invest in something good, you get excellent results. The same is the case with a high-quality scope. Some of the benefits a great unit will provide are:
Enhancement in the Digital Field
Today’s upgraded low-light scopes have wonderful digital features. They have ultra-HD sensors, HD video streaming, and ultra-HD optics. These specifications allow the user to take pictures and videos. The digital enhancement provides a clear and bright view of the target.
Hunting in the Dark
If you buy a good scope, it will help you hunt in the dark. If you want to hunt in the evening or at dawn, you will need a scope that works well in the available light. It gives a worthy and amazing performance and utilizes whatever light is available.
Quality of Images Produced
A low-light scope can give high-quality pictures. It provides the best results in bright and dark conditions. Buying a quality scope can help you target your prey easily. It helps in pinpoint targeting and hunting. The sharp images make it possible for the hunter to locate the animal and shoot it without any difficulty.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Low-Light Scope?
From adjusting the diopter of the scope to selecting the appropriate reticle, opting for a riflescope needs knowledge of how each part works and affects the performance.
Optical Power
Optical power is also known as magnification power. The distance at which the target is present tells the amount of optical power required for hunting. For example, a 4x scope can shoot at a distance of 1000 yards. For shorter distances, one with less optical power will work. However, for a longer distances, 16x optical power is more than enough.
Size of Lens
The second most important aspect to consider is the size of the lens. The lens acts as the transmitter of the scope. It allows ambient light to pass and focus on the target. If the size of the lens is large, it will allow more light to focus on the prey. Thus, the size of the lens matters a lot in hunting.
Reticles
Reticles are available in various types like center dots and complex grids. They help you aim properly. Specifically for hunting, three reticles are most important, which include the BDC, Duplex Reticle, and mil-dot reticle. You need to decide which one you want, depending on your use.
MOA and MRAD
MOA stands for “minute for angle,” while MRAD means “Milradian.” Both are interlinked with each other. Both are used for adjusting the scope measurements. MOA sets the standard zero and Milradian represents a part of the angle.
1 MRAD measures 3.6” at 1-yard
Conclusion
Concluding everything, a low-light scope is necessary for hunting and targeting in low-light conditions. But it can also be used for different purposes. Go through the products we have highlighted, not only for their performance in dark places, but also for their specifications which will help you a lot in hunting. Next, narrow down your options and purchase the one which fits in your budget while meeting your requirements.