So what is the big deal with shooting at dawn and dusk? Well it’s fun so let’s look at best low light rifle scope.
Why would you want to shoot at that particular time while the sun’s light is at its weakest? Well, if you ask me, it is undoubtedly one of the calmest time to hunt. With the world and the species just waking up or retreating to their dens, the world is quiet and peaceful. That is when you have to make your calculated move.
Top 5 Best Low Light Rifle Scopes for Low Light Hunting
| Name | Specs | USP | Today's Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NightForce ATACR | 5-25x56 | Ideal for Long Range | Click Here |
| Meopta Meostar R1 | 3-12x56 | Best Low Light Precision Scope | Click Here |
| Vortex Crossfire II AO Hog | 3-12x56 | Affordable Scope | Click Here |
| Bushnell Banner | 3-9x40 | Simple and Cheap Scope | Click Here |
| Barska Huntmaster Pro | 3-12x50 | Pro-Performance Affordable Scope | Click Here |
Hunting is not some mechanical activity that happens with the help of external light and environment settings. So why lookout fr the perfect lighting and lose a hand of your perfect shot. Instead, why not let the Sport Optics manufacturers take that worry upon themselves. What else are low light rifle scopes there for?
To be able to shoot o low light, you will have to equip yourself with a suitable scope. Low light shooting does not specifically limit to being able to see your prey in the darkness. It pertains more to being able to see it through the scope and being able to place your reticle target on it successfully.
In this listicle, we bring to you 5 Best Scopes for Low Light Hunting cause who doesn’t like a perfect picture.
1. NightForce ATACR 5-25×56 Rifle Scopes
Looking for the best scope for low light, long-range shooting. Then you’ve come to the right one. The NightForce ATACR has a magnification range of 5-25x, which makes it best suited for long-range shooting. What makes this scope ideal for the same is the objective lens it has. The scope has one of the largest lens diameters of 56mm, which makes it the best light absorber in the market. Add to this a fully multi-coated ED lens, and you are good to go on clarity’s end. Much like watching an HD channel, huh!
Like the abbreviation which stands for Advanced Tactical Riflescope goes, it has been the favorite scope for many famous snippers of the world. The Second Focal Plane Reticle has a DigIllum feature, which is an illuminated reticle feature. Further, the reticle has .25 MOA or 1MIL reticle adjustment.
Of the two features that have been specifically designed for this piece, one is the High-Speed Adjustments technology that lets you adjust the reticle to 30 MOA or 12 MILs per revolution, according to your need. The same personalization technology has been added to the second feature as well, which is a Zer Stop Elevation Adjustment technology. It also has a power throw lever, which helps in making target transitions smooth and efficient, making it one of the best low light rifle scope.
Made of aircraft-grade T6 Aluminium, the scope can withstand damages to structure. The high-quality double layer thickness inside the scope ensures that it will last even when used rigorously. It is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
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2. Meopta Meostar R1 3-12×56 RD Rifle Scopes
With this scope in hand, you can hunt with utmost confidence – the scope will do the rest for you. The 56 mm objective lens is a standard measure for low light scopes. But add to this a MeoBright coating for better light transmission and a BeoShield coating for better lens lasting, and you have the perfect optics.
The glass-etched illuminated reticle and seven levels of brightness intensity adjustments further make the scope well suited for night vision. So what you get now is a well lit, high clarity target. Add to this the precision that the Meopta Meostar R1 Scope exclaims, and you have the best night vision precision scope.
For guaranteed precision, the scope has two features – the MeoTrack II finger adjustment system for windage and elevation turrets and the MeoQuick fast focus eyepiece that will bring the target into quick focus and thus provide for extra diopter travel, making it one of the easiest and best low light rifle scope.
Made of good quality aluminum and purged with nitrogen, the scope is water, fog, and shock-resistant.
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3. Vortex Crossfire II 3-12x56mm AO Hog Hunter Rifle Scopes
The Vortex Crossfire II is one scope that you will come across in any listicle! Its popularity is largely owing to the fact that it is a low-budget high-quality scope. Let us now look at what makes it one of the best low light scopes.
Like most standard low light scopes, the Cross II also has a 56mm objective lens. Add to this favorable objective lens size, fully multi coats, an anti-reflective layer, and you have one of the best optics in town. The Second Focal Plane reticle of the scope has an added feature of illuminated V Bright reticle.
Overall, there is a guarantee of sharp, crystal clear targets. Now for better target reach, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece that guaranteed better reticle focusing. The scope also has a favorable eye box size and sufficient eye relief, making it one of the best low light rifle scope.
Made of aircraft-grade Aluminium, the scope is water, fog, and shock-resistant.
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4. Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Rifle Scopes
Simplicity at its best is what the Bushnell Banner is! This scope gives competition for Vortex Crossfire II in terms of affordability. Being one of the cheapest low light scopes, the product promises high quality and performance.
The magnification range of 3-9x is aptly fit for a 40mm objective lens size. That is, image clarity and brightness can be as goods any other lens even in low light and high magnifications. This fully multi-coated lens has a DDB (Dawn and Dusk Brightness) feature that makes hunting in low light all the easier. The scope is also fitted with a fast-focus eyepiece in order to ensure better precision. The fingertip adjustable elevation and windage system can also be reset to zero easily.
The scope is filled with nitrogen and is hence water, fog, and shock-resistant.
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5. Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12×50 IR Rifle Scopes
Here goes another from the affordable price range. Though clearly better than Bushnell in terms of technological prowess, it does put up quite a good competition for Vortex Crossfire. Both are comparatively of the same price and same quality, yet the difference lies in the area of specification. While Vortex takes into account precision as an important scopic tool, Barska Huntmaster Pro takes into account overall performance.
The scope is quite flexible in terms of power range and magnification properties. With a 50mm high quality, fully multi-coated lens, the scope assures that no light gets away easily. The Second Focal Plane reticle is illuminated. In fact, it is a center lit illuminated reticle that has an extra 11 brightness levels. This ensures that even for low light and camouflaged targets, the reticle accuracy remains intact. The scope is also bestowed with a fast-focus eyepiece for better target accuracy and is also parallax free at 100 yards.
The eye relief of the scope is not commendable but adequate. Huntmaster Pro has a rugged construction but a sleek look, adding to an overall lightweight and pleasing device. It is water, fog, and shock-resistant.
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Things to Look for While Purchasing a Low Light Scope
If you are specific about your hunting time and environment, then you need to be equally specific about the features you want in your rifle scope. A low light rifle scope may be difficult to come by, but if you are aware of the features that are essential for one, then it makes the task of purchasing easier. Let us look at some specific factors here:
Lens Size
This is a fact known to anyone who has stepped into the arena of hunting. The bigger the size of the objective lens, the more light is transmitted into the lenses. This ascertains that the image received will be of better clarity owing to a better reflection of the target.
Magnification
Merely lens size will not do. Cause the light that enters through the objective lens has to pass through the eyepiece. This is called Exit Pupil. The lower the magnification, the higher the Exit Pupil. That is, better brightness and clarity is guaranteed.
Lens Coating
Objective lens coatings help trap more light rays as well as reduce waster through glare reduction. These coatings differ according to the extent and intensity of the coating.
Reticle Illumination
An illuminated reticle ensures that the target is well placed and that the shot is accurate. It is a must-have feature for night scopes. This is further simplified with the presence of center dot illuminated reticles that makes the target all the more easier to locate and target.
Brightness
Reticle illumination alone will not do the job. The brightness levels help to view the reticle positions better. That is, an illuminating might help you to target an animal in the dark, but the brightness ensures that you locate it on the lens and stay focussed even when it camouflages itself.
Rifle-Scope Agreement
All this being said, you should not go about buying any scope for your rifle. A rifle-scope agreement is significant. This is because most low light scopes may have large lenses, and this might add to the weight of the scope. So if you choose to pair it up with low quality and lightweight rifles, you might end up not just losing your target but also ruining your precious tools. Always keep this in mind.
Conclusion:
Low light scopes are a significant part of the Sport Optics industry since more and more advancements have come about in the arena of sporting equipment. You no longer need to go out hunting at noon to increase the chances of a good shot. That is a thing of the past.
But while we are at it, do keep in mind your needs and the rifle you have before purchasing a scope. Low lighting shooting will then become something you could do with your eyes closed. Not literally! We would never recommend that Keep your eyes wide open and shoot! Happy Hunting!