The most successful hunting hours are during dusk or dawn. Every avid hunter needs to have a scope that’s not dependent on the lighting condition so they can continue hunting even when darkness starts to fall in. With one of the best low light rifle scopes, you don’t have to abruptly cancel your hunting because the sun has set and you can’t see anything in front of you.
While most hunters prefer to hunt at the crack of dawn or dusk, using a low light scope is also essential in instances when you can only hunt in low light conditions due to bad weather. In today’s post, we have mentioned some of the best low light rifle scopes and some of the important facets to consider when hunting for a low-light scope.
What is a Low Light Scope?
Hunting at dawn or dusk requires a scope that isn’t dependent on daylight. A low light scope provides clear target views under any lighting conditions by making the most out of the available light at a particular time of day.
Designed to be used during the day and in low light conditions, low light scopes are different from night vision scopes because they do not have heat sensors or phosphor screens found in night vision scopes.
What Makes a Good Low Light Scope?
Low light scopes have unique components that are a little different from regular scopes. The most important component of a low light scope is an illuminated reticle. When it’s dark outside, you’ll hardly be able to see the scope’s reticle. This calls for an illuminated reticle so you can have a clear spot on the target you are shooting.
The other important component in a low light scope is a large objective lens. The larger the objective lens, the more the light gets into the scope which results in a clearer image at the focal lens. The coating on the lenses also plays a huge role in enhancing light transmission.
9 Best Low Light Rifle Scopes
The best low light rifle scopes are designed to maximize light gathering and perform well in any lighting condition. Whether you are in the market for a new low light riflescope or an upgrade, finding the best scope can be quite challenging because of the multitude of models available.
However, we are here to make it easier for you to find your ideal scope. Below is a review of the best low light rifle scopes worth your consideration. Let’s take a look!
#1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 AO Hog Hunter
The riflescope is specially designed to be used in different lighting conditions. As one of the best low light rifle scopes, crossfire riflescope excels when hunting/shooting in low light environments. The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission to produce bright and clear target views.
This riflescope comes equipped with a wide range of impressive features at a reasonable price. For instance, you can customize the magnification level from 3x to 12x based on the rifle that you use as well as on the shooting distance.
The scope features an adjustable objective that promotes accurate image focusing while eliminating parallax and a fast-focus eyepiece that allows quick reticle focusing. Furthermore, the long eye relief keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles while an ultra-forging eye box enables you to quickly get a sight picture and acquire the target.
Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is extremely sturdy and durable. Additionally, its O-ring is sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. Weighing just 1.3 pounds, this scope is lightweight and easy to carry around.
Key Features
- Generous eye relief and forgiving eye box.
- Fully multi-coated anti-reflective lenses.
- Customizable magnification.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- Sturdy and durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Adjustable objective for parallax elimination.
- V-Brite illuminated MOA reticle.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Excels in low-light shooting conditions.
#2) ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Edition Smart Hunting Rifle Scope
Made to deliver a digital hunting experience, this smart hunting riflescope from ATN excels in multiple hunting fields and environments making it one of the best low light rifle scopes.
It features an Ultra HD 4K sensor with an Obsidian 4 Dual-core processor with higher image resolution, faster optics, and millions of colors. A ballistic calculator ensures that you hunt responsibly by making sure that every shot fired hits the target accurately.
Furthermore, the X-sight 4Knight vision mode offers enhanced night vision clarity which is powered by an ultra-low power profile battery that provides up to 18+ hours of continuous use. This scope also features a recoil-activated video that records every shot you make and you can, later on, show it off to your friends or family members.
Key Features
- Dual-stream video recording.
- Enhanced HD night vision mode.
- Powered by an ultra-low power profile battery.
- Ballistic calculator.
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction.
- Weatherproof and shockproof.
- Ultra HD 4K sensor.
- High resolution and quick target viewing.
- Long eye relief.
- Standard mounting rings.
#3) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
Leupold is a well-known brand in the world of optics and the Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope is one of their best low light rifle scopes. Built on a true strength platform, this scope is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA using the highest quality materials.
Other than that, this scope is fully waterproof and fogproof to deliver reliable performance in any shooting environment. Weighing just 3 pounds, this scope weighs less compared with other similar riflescopes, yet rugged enough to be mounted on any platform. The sturdy and durable construction makes the scope shockproof and recoil-resistant as well.
Furthermore, it’s ergonomically designed with tactile and audible click adjustments. Its lenses are fully multi-coated to deliver bright and clear target views while the Twilight Max HD light management system delivers superior image clarity and quality even in the harshest lighting conditions.
Key Features
- Legendary Leupold ruggedness.
- Superior low-light performance.
- Lightweight, rugged performance.
- Heavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Twilight Max HD light management system.
- Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio.
- Ergonomically designed tactile and audible click adjustments.
- First focal plane 1MOA reticle.
- Matte finish.
- Made in the USA.
#4) Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Riflescope
If you are in the market for a riflescope that’s virtually indestructible and highly resistant to heavy recoil, go for the Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Riflescope. Suitable for a wide range of hunting applications, this riflescope is ideal for all shooters, beginners and professionals.
It features a Dead Hold BDC reticle ideal for hunting or shooting at varying ranges and a fast-focus eyepiece that allows for quick and simple reticle focusing. With an extended magnification of up to 1.75-5x, the scope is perfect for both short and medium-range games.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to minimize light reflection and enhance light transmission which keeps the image bright and clear even under low light conditions. The excellent light penetration capabilities make the scopes stand out among the best low light rifle scopes.
Crafted with 6061-T6 aluminum, this scope is extremely sturdy and durable. The solid build does a wonderful job withstanding the harshest hunting terrains. Additionally, an anodized matte finish enhances the durability of the scopes and helps you transition easily to stealth mode.
For all-weather reliability, this scope is fully waterproof and fogproof. Weighing just 1.3 pounds, this riflescope is lightweight and convenient for backpacking and travel.
Key Features
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Reasonably affordable price.
- Solid one-piece tube with a hard-anodized finish.
- Fat focus eye eyepiece.
- Unparalleled low-light performance.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Hard-wearing, sturdy construction.
- Fully multi-coated optical system.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle.
- Precision glide erector system ensures error-free tracking and repeatability.
- Generous eye relief.
#5) Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Scope
Nothing can go wrong with the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Scope. Suitable for large caliber rifles, this hunting scope provides remarkable performance and accuracy across different distances. Built to last as long as your hunting rifle, this scope features extremely durable and sturdy construction.
This scope provides a broad magnification range with a tremendous resolution at high magnification opens a new world for long-range shooting. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance rapid light transmission regardless of the lighting conditions. And that’s not all.
The slim profile of this rifle scope makes it adaptable to a wide range of mounting systems while the lightweight design makes it perfect for travel. The scope also features a proprietary titanium beta erector spring that delivers more spring pressure compared with other similar scopes.
Key Features
- Rugged and reliable.
- Unbeatable strength and durability.
- Weatherproof and shockproof.
- ZeroStop mechanical stopping point at your chosen zero point.
- Superb low-light performance.
- Digillum digital reticle illumination technology.
- Five illumination intensities.
- Broad magnification range.
- Unlimited eye relief.
- 100MOA of elevation travel.
- A remarkable resolution even at high magnification.
- Slim profile that’s adaptable to numerous mounting systems.
#6) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Riflescope 
Hunting in low light conditions is made better thanks to the Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Riflescope. Available at a reasonably affordable price tag, this riflescope is equipped with numerous high-quality features than any other scope in its class. It’s easy to mount on any rifle and easy to use as well.
The scope’s picture quality earns it a spot among the best low light rifle scopes as it is excellent thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses. The lens coating also enhances light transmission under low-light hunting conditions such as dawn or dusk. A fast-focus eyepiece allows easy reticle focusing for quick and simple target acquisition and a Truplex reticle that’s ideal for all hunting conditions.
Moreover, this scope is fully waterproof and fogproof to deliver reliable performance in all weather conditions. The scope’s generous eye relief provides a comfortable view of the targets while also keeping you safe from heavy recoil rifles.
Weighing about 0.63 pounds, this value-priced rifle scope is extremely lightweight and convenient for hunting. It is crafted from high-quality materials to enhance strength and ensure many years of use.
Key Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Truplex reticle.
- Quick target acquisition eyepiece.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Generous eye relief.
- Superior structural integrity.
- Value-priced hunting scope.
- Waterproof, fog proof and recoil proof.
- Matte black finish.
- 1/4MOA audible and sure grip windage and elevation adjustments.
- Wide field of view.
#7) ATN X-Sight LTV Ultra-Light Day and Night Vision Rifle Scope
Another great low light scope from ATN is the ATN X-Sight LTV Ultra-Light Day and Night Vision Rifle Scope. The versatility of this rifle scope makes it suitable for during the day and at night as well.
The night vision mode is powered by a revolutionary ATN obsidian LT core optimized to ensure many hours of continuous power to deliver bright and clear target views even in complete darkness.
This riflescope features intuitive and user-friendly operation knobs that make it ideal for use by beginners and professionals alike. Moreover, it features a comfortable 3” eye relief that keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles and multiple reticles to choose from depending on the shooting environment.
Also included is a one-shot zero which allows for a quick and straightforward sight in of the scope which is easy to mount on any platform with 30mm standard mount rings.
Key Features
- Day and night vision modes.
- Generous and comfortable eye relief.
- User-friendly interface.
- Classic ergonomic design.
- Wide field of view.
- Durable and sturdy make.
- Multiple reticle patterns to choose from.
- Easily mounted on any platform with 30mm standard mount rings.
- Razor-sharp 720P quality video recorder.
- One-shot zero for fast and easy scope sight in.
#8) Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm is another good pick for low-light hunting. It’s a budget-friendly option whose versatile zoom range makes it ideal for a wide range of shooting applications.
The outstanding low-light performance of this scope makes it a favorite among hunters who prefer to hunt at dawn or dusk while the incredibly lightweight design makes it convenient for hunting.
Built to stand the test of time, this scope is made with 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and punisher tested to withstand shock and the harshest recoil. For all-weather reliability, this scope is fully waterproof and fogproof. The precision 1/4MOA finger click windage and elevation adjustment knobs offer absolute dependability and reliability over a long period of use.
The lenses of this scope are fully multi-coated to deliver bright and clear image views in all lighting conditions. Also included is a Twilight Light Management System that provides clear target details even in crucial low-light scenarios.
Key Features
- Legendary Leupold ruggedness.
- Superb low-light performance.
- Precision 1/4 MOA finger click windage and elevation adjustment knobs.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Durable 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Generous eye relief.
- Lightweight yet incredibly tough design.
- Shock-proof and recoil-resistant.
- Twilight Light Management System.
- Matte finish.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
#9) Bushnell 613510A 3.5-10 x 36mm Rimfire Optics Scope
This list couldn’t be complete without us mentioning the Bushnell 613510A Rimfire Scope. Beautifully designed to look good on any rifle, this scope is extremely durable and sturdy enough to withstand the harshest hunting terrain. It has a versatile 3.5-10x magnification ideal for the majority of hunting applications.
Featuring a 1” single-tube construction, this scope features an adjustable objective for eliminating parallax and a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing.
The complete waterproofing and fog-proof structure make the scope reliable in all weather conditions and you also get to enjoy comfortable target views with its generous eye relief. Weighing just 1.25 pounds, this optic is extremely lightweight and convenient for hunting. It’s a fantastic unit capable of meeting the needs of multiple hunters.
Key Features
- Durable and sturdy construction.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- Generous eye relief.
- Versatile 3.5-10x magnification.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- Adjustable objective.
- Replaceable BDC turrets for 17Hmr.
- Multi-x reticle.
- Lightweight and easy to carry around.
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Best Low Light Rifle Scopes Buying Guide
Criteria For Choosing Best Low Light Rifle Scopes
With the market offering multiple low-light rifle scopes to choose from, here are some of the important factors one needs to put into consideration before settling on any model.
Objective Lens
The size of the objective lens is one very important feature in any low-light scope. How big your objective lens is determines the amount of light that gets inside the scope. A low light scope must have a large objective lens so that it can gather as much of the low light available as possible.
A scope with an objective lens of at least 40mm will do. You can go bigger and have the scope collect more light, however, keep in mind that the larger the objective lens, the heavier the scope is.
Illuminated Reticle
When it’s dark outside, you’ll hardly be able to see the scope’s reticle. This calls for an illuminated reticle so you can have a clear spot on the target you are shooting.
Using a regular scope with a regular non-illuminated reticle will make it more difficult to accurately place a shot on your target. Make sure that the scope you go for has an illuminated reticle so you can easily center your crosshairs at your target.
Reticle Design
For a low light scope to be effective, it must have a low reticle with a simple design. Shooting under low light conditions can’t go beyond 100 yards, so there is no need to use a complicated BDC reticle design mostly used in long-range shooting.
On the other hand, mil-dot reticles might be challenging to see the center dots of the reticle under low light conditions. Beginners are highly encouraged to use simple Duplex-type reticles because the solid lines easily contrast against a background that’s poorly lit.
Lens Coating
Low light rifle scopes have their lenses fully coated to enhance light transmission. The anti-reflective film applied to the objective lens prevents light from reflecting outwards which means that the target game won’t be alerted to your location.
Additionally, the anti-reflective coating also helps the objective lens gather in more light which results in the production of bright and clear image views.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the maximum distance between your eye and the objective lens of the scope. Make sure that the scope you intend to buy has a generous eye relief.
A long eye relief not only protects your eyes from heavy recoil rifles but also provides you with a comfortable view of your targets. The best low light rifle scopes should have a generous eye relief of at least 3.5 inches.
Durability
The best low light rifle scopes choose should be made of high quality and sturdy materials. The material used directly affects how long the scope is going to last. Scopes made of high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum are extremely durable and sturdy enough to withstand the harshest hunting environment.
Whenever you are hunting early in the morning or late in the evening, chances are that you might encounter drastic weather changes. The scope you choose should be O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged so it delivers reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. The scope should also be shockproof and resistant to impacts as well.
See Also: Best RifleScopes For 1000 Yards
What Magnification Do You Need?
When it comes to magnification, low light scopes do not require high magnification power. When hunting during the early dawn or just before nighttime, the farthest you can have a clear view of the target is about 50 yards.
If all conditions are favorable, you can at least have clear views up to 75 meters. Shooting at such a close distance doesn’t require high magnification at all. This means that a scope with moderate magnification of around 9x-12x will do. Such a scope will be more than enough to provide clear target views even in the dark.
Conclusion
Hunting down game is best done early in the morning or late afternoon when the animals are less alert. Having a low light scope enables you to easily take down the target prey even after the sun has gone down. If you are looking for a quality low light scope, all of the scopes listed above are quality products suitable for low light conditions.