Looking for a scope for weak light conditions? You have arrived at the right destination. This article delves into the best low light scopes. The scopes have been configured with innovative technologies and advanced options to transform the art of shooting and hunting in poorly lit settings. They ensure uncompromised accuracy and clarity when the sun dips below the horizon.
The best times for hunting are dusk and dawn when lighting is minimal. This is the best time to find varmints and game wandering around. Shade such as from tree cover or cloudy weather, can obstruct good lighting. Regardless of your time of shooting, good lighting is pivotal, as light transmission depends on it. This is where low light scopes come into play.
Scope manufacturers understand this concept, and that’s why they have curated scopes that excel in these conditions. To make it easier for you to find the right model, we have gathered the best-selling products from a crowded market. Let’s get right into them:
Best Low Light Scopes
1)Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm is a favorite choice among low-light hunters. It has a wealth of features that make it top our list of the best low light scope.
First of all, this low-priced scope has a single-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. This connotes that it is highly durable and will stand up to whatever elements it comes across.
Outdoor conditions are always nasty, so you better be prepared for anything. The scope has o-ring seals and nitrogen purge that make it waterproof and fogproof. This makes it suitable for demanding weather conditions that might catch up with you in the middle of your hunt.
The huge 50mm objective lens has proprietary coatings. These coatings are responsible for gathering plenty of light to make your views clear, bright, and sharp. You have confidence that your dusk to dawn hunting will be hassle-free.
The scope is shockproof, so you have peace of mind that it is not going to fall victim to recoil and impact. The hard anodized formation resists corrosion and glare that could betray your shooting position.
The fast-focus eyepiece helps in reticle focusing, enabling you to capture more game easily and quickly. The capped windage and elevation turrets are a charm, as they offer protection from impact and have a quick zero-reset function.
Features
- The lenses are fully multicoated
- Hard anodized finish
- Eye relief of 3.8 inches
- Capped turrets with a zero-reset functionality
- The magnification ranges from 3-9x
- Aircraft-grade aluminum constructs the unit
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Fast-focus eyepiece
Pros
- Clear glass
- Great affordability
- Excellent eye relief
- Hyper durable
- Reticle illumination
Cons
- Blurriness at maximum magnification
2)Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm Riflescope
This scope is equipped with a Multi-X reticle that provides a classic sight picture.
The reticle is found on the second focal plane, implying it remains the same even when magnification changes.
It is the solution for capitalizing darkness as it features Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses that deliver brightness and clarity on that line between first and last light.
It will perform flawlessly in these golden hours when most game hunting tags are filled. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm features a forgiving eye box. You don’t need to be perfectly lined up with the reticle to obtain a good field of view.
The turrets have caps for resilience from impact. They have 1/4 MOA increments that provide finer adjustments, particularly when taking down small targets. The adjustment knobs have positive and audible clicks.
As far as construction goes, the scope doesn’t disappoint. It is made with durability in mind to give multiple years of unfailing use. The nitrogen filling and sealing method render this second focal plane riflescope waterproof and fogproof.
Shockproofing is not left behind, giving it the capacity to handle high-recoiling firearms. The 13-ounce weight makes the Bushnell Banner the ultimate companion for lengthy hunts as it will not be a burden on your shoulders.
Features
- 3 to 9x adjustable magnification
- Forgiving eye box
- 40mm objective lens
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Capped windage and elevation turrets
- Fixed parallax at 100 yards
- Dusk & Dawn multicoated lenses
- Multi-X reticle
Pros
- Supreme optical clarity
- The design is long-lasting
- Low weight
- Positive and audible clicks
Cons
- No mounting rings
- The parallax is fixed
3)Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Riflescope
Leupold is synonymous with quality optics, and the VX-6HD 3-18x44mm riflescope is no different. Designed with the Twilight Max Light Management System, the scope facilitates maximum light collection during sunrise or in the dark.
This leads to remarkably clear and bright images so that you can successfully take down game.
It comes with the ZeroLock windage adjustment that provides an accurate return to zero and prevents unwanted adjustments. Delivering accurate and repeatable results is something the VX-6HD does best, so don’t hesitate to get it.
The 3-18x magnification is generous, allowing you to tackle short to long-range targets. An ambidextrous reversible throw lever supports fast power changes when situations demand.
Along with that, the scope is built to withstand whatever your hunting trip throws at you. Thanks to the argon/krypton gas purging, sealing methods, and a twin bias spring erector system, this 30mm tube riflescope is multiproof.
The entire body is cast from 6061-T6 aluminum that is robust and built to last. The glass is treated with Guard-ion rain shedding coating that repels moisture, dirt, scratches, and debris.
The motion sensor technology is a marvel that deactivates illumination after five minutes of inactivity and turns it back on when it senses movement. This aids battery conservation.
Features
- Zero lock windage adjustment
- Reversible throw lever for instant power alterations
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Guard-ion rain-shedding coating on the lenses
- Motion sensor technology
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Side focus for parallax adjustment
- 30mm tube diameter
- Custom dial system
Pros
- Generous amount of eye relief
- Superb clarity in weak light
- Precise and accurate adjustability
- Rugged with a long lifespan
Cons
- It might fall outside of your budget needs
4)Trijicon Accupoint TR-22 2.5-10x56mm Riflescope
Another go-to apparatus that qualifies as one of the best low light scopes is the Trijicon Accupoint TR-22 2.5-10x56mm riflescope. It has high transition speed, pinpoint accuracy, and optimum low-light shooting, making it the most powerful Trijicon scope.
It sports a unique fiber-optic/ tritium aiming point illumination. This enhances visibility in dark backgrounds when game is most active.
The dual illumination technology mechanically adjusts aiming-point intensity to fit the lighting situation you find yourself in.
Further, the illuminated reticles use the patented Bindon Aiming Concept that empowers you to shoot with both eyes open. This offers a clear aiming point that draws the shooter’s eye for rapid engagement.
The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated optics ensure incredible light transmission leading to clear, distortion-free, and bright images. 6061-T6 aluminum is used for formation, granting high levels of reliability and durability.
What’s more, the windage and elevation adjusters are crisp, precise, and tool-free. They are capped and have a zero-stop function for easy return to zero after sighting in.
Features
- Weatherproof
- Easy-focus eyepiece diopter suits individual prescription of the shooter
- Bindon Aiming Concept for shooting with both eyes open
- Fully multi-coated with anti-reflection
- The illuminated reticle requires no batteries
- 30mm tube
- Shockproof
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Crisp image rendition
- Highly durable
- Fine reticle
- Quick target acquisition
Cons
- Heavy
- Parallax is fixed
5)NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm Riflescope
NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm riflescope is the best twilight hunting low light scope. Investing in it implies getting the best optics the tactical industry has to offer.
The Diglllum illumination is a feature to behold. It is a single-button knob integrated into the side focus control of the unit for streamlined performance. Therefore, there is no extra knob required and no additional width added to the scope.
You can choose a brightness level to suit the ambient lighting, as there are multiple illumination settings. If there is no activity after an hour, the illumination automatically shuts off. You can still turn it off manually to conserve battery juice.
The ED optics are fully multicoated to maximize light penetration and minimize light loss for effective light distribution in the scope. This means that even past 1000 yards, you will be able to see clear views.
Another highlight of the ATACR is the integrated power throw lever that empowers you to make seamless magnification changes on the fly. Speaking of magnification, the 5x to 25x power range is magnificent, enabling you to take down targets at various ranges.
The tube diameter is a streamline 34mm, allowing maximum windage and elevation travel. The windage adjustment has caps for external protection.
Besides, the ZeroStop technology is included for providing a firm return to zero after making adjustments. Get this top-of-the-line scope for prolific sessions in the forest or open plains.
Features
- Massive 56mm objective lens
- Hi-Speed adjustments
- ED optics with a full multicoating
- ZeroStop mechanism
- DigIllum digital reticle illumination
- Versatile 5-25x zoom
- A power throw lever for smooth magnification changes
- Matte finish
- 54 inches of eye relief
- Adjustable parallax from 45 yards to infinity
Pros
- Phenomenal long-range capabilities
- Bright and clear
- Neat reticle
- Top-tier construction quality
Cons
- Pricey
- Large lens translates a heavy scope
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Low Light Scopes
Magnification
This is the most crucial part of any riflescope. The right magnification depends on your shooting range and target. A scope with 3-9x is commonly preferred when shooting within 1000 yards.
In general, the smaller and further away the target is, the more magnification you will need.
Objective Lens Size
The larger the objective lens, the more the light that enters the scope and is transmitted to your eye. However, a larger size can imply more scope clearance is needed, and this could interfere with the mounting position. The best scopes have this in mind, featuring wide diameters but design features to ensure the scope stays out of the way.
Durability
The best low light scopes take durability into account. Look for quality construction materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. This also contributes to shockproofing capability of a scope. Further, opt for a scope with gas purging and o-ring seals for all-weather protection.
Adjustments
The scope you are eyeing should have elevation and windage adjustments that are easy to use. They should be precise and have audible and tactile feedback for easy adjustability on the field.
It would also help to have a side focus for parallax adjustment to help remove parallax that could otherwise impede accuracy.
Lens Coating
Look for fully multicoated lenses as they minimize unwanted reflections and refractions. This helps you get the most out of extra light without it leading to unwanted distortions. These lenses also optimize light collection, resulting in brighter and clearer images from sunrise to sunset.
Reticle
The reticle is also a vital part of a scope. There are various reticle options that help you aim properly. BDC, Mil-Dot, and Duplex are the most common options for hunting. Ensure that you have a reticle that is functional and aligns with your needs.
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Best Low Light Scopes FAQs
- How Do Low Light Scopes Function?
These scopes lessen the amount of reflected light, enabling more light to pass through to the user’s eye. Adding anti-reflective coatings can boost light transmission for crispier images.
- Can I Turn My Scope into Night Vision?
Yes. You can turn your daytime optics unit into a night-vision capable optic by attaching a night-vision clip-on scope. It is crucial to bear in mind that most night vision add-ons for day scopes function best with daytime optics with a magnification range between 0 and 4x.
- What Is a Low Light Scope?
A low light scope is one that provides the best visibility possible in weak light. Glass clarity is a pivotal aspect to consider for a scope to qualify as effective for low light. Low light scopes usually have fully multicoated lenses to boost light collection and minimize glare, improving visual contrast. These scopes are the best optics for low light hunting as they are fashioned with features needed for hunting at dawn or dusk.
Conclusion
A low light scope is an essential equipment when taking down targets in compromised lighting. You need one for successful and responsible hunting in dark or low-light environments. We hope this information has been helpful and you have found a scope to carry on your next hunt.