In today’s post, we shed light on the best prism scopes for astigmatism to help you find a suitable fit for your shooting needs. If you have astigmatism, you will have difficulties sighting through traditional scopes.
However, all hope is not lost. Using prism scopes for Astigmatism will improve your shooting prowess and give you a competitive edge in the field.
Astigmatism is an optical disorder that blurs the vision. This makes it difficult for astigmatic people to see clearly or use traditional scopes in the way that folks with normal eyesight do.
To go to the hunting range or shooting range with this eyesight condition, you need to get a scope that is specifically designed for astigmatism. This is where prism scopes come into play. A prism scope is a fixed power optic that uses a prism instead of two ocular lenses as the optical path.
Prism scopes have a smaller magnification power than traditional scopes but are bigger compared to red dot sights. As such, they offer the balance of a red dot sight and a traditional rifle scope in one single optic.
Since prism scopes have the reticle etched in glass, they significantly reduce image distortion during use. This is what makes them the most ideal optic for people with astigmatism.
With all that said, listed below are the best prism scopes for astigmatism that are ideal for both hunting and shooting applications. Let’s have a look.
1)Primary Arms SLx Compact 1×20 Prism Scope
The Primary Arms SLx Compact 1×20 Prism Scope combines superior optical quality and long eye relief to create a perfect shooting solution for astigmatic people.
With a litany of impressive attributes at a budget-friendly price, the Primary Arms 1x prism scope is a top priority and one of the best prism scopes for astigmatism.
This compact optic brings to the table solid construction and a multitude of highly functional features that make it a valuable addition to every hunter or gun enthusiast.
Built with generous eye relief and a large exit pupil, the scope is a great choice for users with eye problems like astigmatism. Furthermore, this optic has a spacious field of view that not only aids in quick target finding but also ensures great glassing comfort even during long sessions.
Another feature that makes the optic one of the best prism scopes for astigmatism is the patented ACSS Cyclops reticle. This reticle provides rapid target acquisition, accurate range estimation and moving target leads up to 400 yards. It is also glass etched to maximize durability and illuminated to stay visible in all lighting conditions.
In terms of construction, the body of this prism scope is built from 6061 aluminum and finished with a hard anodized coating to be scratch-proof. The optical tube is also waterproofed, and fog proofed for reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Mount the SLx Compact prism scope and enhance your target acquisition and shoot with both eyes open. With a reputation for reliability and outstanding performance, this prism scope will be a valuable addition to your firearm.
Features
- Glass etched reticle
- Quick-adjust diopter ring
- Capped turrets
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- 6061 aluminum housing
- 5 MOA click adjustments
Pros
- Picatinny rail mount included
- Long eye relief
- Illuminated reticle
- Great value
- Bright and clear glass
Cons
- Small reticle
2) Swampfox Trihawk 3x30mm Prism Scope
Swampfox Trihawk is a 3x prism scope that is ideal for short to medium-range shooting. This prism scope is specifically designed for shooters with astigmatism which simplifies the point of aim and boosts accuracy.
With a superior optical system, the Trihawk 3x30mm Prism Scope provides clear target images making it a top contender among the best prism scopes for astigmatism. Moreso, the prism scope lets you engage targets quickly and accurately.
The durability of this prism scope is a force to reckon with. It has a robust 6061-T6 aluminum housing that is not just durable, but also shockproof to stand up to whatever punishment you throw at it. On top of that, the scope is IPX-7-rated against dust, moisture and any other debris for all-weather reliability.
With the small 3x zoom power, the prism scope maintains a wide field of view to ensure that you don’t leave anything undiscovered. It is also built with Shake N Wake technology that shuts down the reticle illumination when it doesn’t sense any movement. Once movement resumes, the sight powers the illumination instantly to provide a clear point of aim.
Features
- 3x magnification
- Waterproof, dustproof and fogproof
- Shockproof 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Shake N’ Wake technology
- Red and green illumination variants
- Picatinny mount type
Pros
- Durable and reliable build
- Edge-to-edge clarity
- Superb reticle brightness
- Good price
Cons
- Poor eye relief
3) Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x Prism Scope
The Spitfire HD Gen II 5x Prism Scope is designed for precision. Getting this sighting tool for your hunting or shooting firearm will enhance your speed of acquiring targets and ensure that you take them down with pinpoint accuracy.
The selling point of the scope is its optical performance. It boasts an HD optical system that is optimized to deliver superior resolution, cut chromatic aberration and provide stunning image brightness and sharpness.
Besides that, the scope has an illumination reticle with 12 brightness settings, two of which are night vision compatible. For the best visibility, mount this prism scope on your firearm.
In terms of construction, the scope has a ruggedized construction to stand up to impact, recoil and regular abuse. For added protection, the body is anodized with a corrosion and wear-resistant finish that also camouflages the shooter’s position by being anti-reflective.
Furthermore, this prism scope has a lightweight construction of 10.8 oz for easy maneuverability. For all-weather use, it is O-ring sealed to prevent moisture and debris from penetrating the optics. It is also purged with dry nitrogen gas to deliver a lifetime of fog-resistant performance.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- HD optical system
- 5x magnification
- Waterproof and nitrogen-purged
- Low-glare matte black anodized finish
- Rugged construction
- 12 adjustable brightness settings
Pros
- Compact and ultra-lightweight
- Night vision compatibility
- Easy to install and use
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- Short eye relief
4) Trijicon ACOG 4×32 Scope
If you are looking for a prism scope that will improve your hit potential in all lighting conditions, look no further than the Trijicon ACOG 4×32 Scope. Designed with every hunter/shooter in mind, the scope boasts many features to enhance the precision of your firearm.
A defining feature of the scope is military-grade construction. It is made with a forged 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy housing which provides a virtually indestructible optic. On top of that, the scope has ruggedized battery contacts to add to the hard-wearing property.
Another thing that makes it one of the best prism scopes for astigmatism is the Bindon Aiming Concept which allows shooters to shoot with both eyes open. This method alongside the fixed 4x magnification makes the scope ideal for rapid target acquisition in any shooting environment.
Furthermore, the ACOG 4×32 scope has fiber optics that adjust the brightness of the reticle automatically based on the available light. The handy illumination is complemented by a Tritium Phosphor lamp that keeps the reticle glowing without the use of any batteries.
Features
- Broadband anti-reflective lens coating
- Fiber optics illumination
- 4x magnification
- Bindon aiming concept (BAC)
- 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy housing
- Shockproof and fogproof
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Battery-free illumination
- The crisp reticle in all lighting conditions
- Clear glass
Cons
- Pricey
- Short eye relief
5) Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope
Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope is another high-quality optic that is unbeatable when it comes to versatility. It is compatible with a wide range of firearms and has dual day and night vision compatibility for use at any time.
The scope has been redesigned with an HD optical system that yields stunning image views that are rich in color and free of any chromatic aberrations. Furthermore, all the lenses are fully multi-coated to provide high levels of light transmission and eliminate glare.
To complement the optical finesse, the scope features a BDC reticle that is built for holdovers out to 650 yards. The etching of the reticle coupled with the prism design solves the distortion problems for users with astigmatism. Besides, the reticle has 12 brightness settings, two of which are compatible with night vision equipment.
Construction-wise, this prism scope is compact but tough as nails. It has a ruggedized construction to withstand shock, recoil and accidental fall. Besides that, the scope can be mounted at two heights; lower 1/3 co-witness or as a low mount option.
Features
- 3x magnification
- Glass-etched BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Streamlined look and flush mount turret design
- HD optical system
- 12 brightness settings
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Bright and clear optics
- Easy to use
- Multiple mounting heights
Cons
- Cheap plastic battery cover
6) Primary Arms SLx 5x36mm Gen III Prism Scope
As one of the best prism scopes for astigmatism, Primary Arms SLx 5x36mm Gen III Prism Scope is optimized for multifunctionality. It fits a wide range of platforms and is ideal for tactical use, sport shooting and hunting.
The scope is built with a 5x fixed zoom power that makes it ideal for both close and medium-range use. At these ranges, it yields a wide field of view which is vital for easy tracking of mobile targets. Furthermore, it has an illuminated reticle with 5 brightness settings for you to choose from.
To ensure fast and easy installation, the scope comes with a Picatinny mount with a rugged design that ensures superior clamping power. Besides that, this optic is built to last. It has a tough, waterproof body, fog proof and shockproofs to ensure unimpeded use in the shooting range or hunting fields.
In addition to everything else, the scope comes with a removable M1913 Picatinny top rail where you can attach the accessories of your choice.
Features
- AR-height riser
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 5x magnification
- Durable hard coat anodized finish
- 1/4 MOA turret clicks
- Removable M1913 Picatinny top rail
- Shockproof aluminum housing
Pros
- Solid construction
- Exceptionally clear glass
- Decent price
- Easy to mount and use
Cons
- Small reticle
- Poor eye relief
7) Burris AR-332 3x32mm Prismatic Red Dot Sight
Our last prism scope recommendation for astigmatism is the Burris AR-332 3x32mm Prismatic Red Dot Sight. Specially designed for the AR platform, this optic is ideal for close to mid-range target shooting, hunting and other applications.
This prismatic red dot sight is very easy to use even for beginners. It is designed with a fast action Ballistic reticle in three different color options: red, green and black. Better yet, there are 10 different brightness settings to choose from depending on the ambient lighting conditions you will be shooting in.
Well, that’s not all. Burris built the scope with durability in mind. It features a compact but durable body made from aluminum. The body tube is also filled with nitrogen and sealed to defy all elements and provide a lifetime of fog-proof and waterproof integrity.
Moreover, this prismatic red dot sight has index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coating to eliminate glare and enhance low-light performance. It is also built with 3 Picatinny rail mounting points which provide a stable, secure platform to mount other related accessories.
Features
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
- Fixed 3x magnification
- Glass-etched Ballistic reticle
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 10 brightness settings
- 3 reticle color options
- Tethered windage and elevation caps
Pros
- Highly effective at correcting astigmatism
- Wide field of view
- Works with or without battery
- Ruggedized construction
Cons
- Poor eye relief
Related Posts
- Best Red Dot Sights for 30-06
- Ruger 10/22 Red Dot Sights
- Best Red Dot Sights for CQB
- Vortex Red Dot Sights for Turkey Hunting
How to Choose the Best Prism Scopes for Astigmatism
Choosing a prism scope is not something to do on a whip. Take into account these factors to find the best prism scopes for astigmatism.
Type of Lens
The primary thing to take into consideration is the type of lens the scope has. A scope that is built with premium-quality glass is the best for users with astigmatism. Such a scope will provide high-quality image views free of any distortion.
Another thing to consider is lens coating. Get a scope that has multi-layer lens coatings to prevent glare and enhance light transmission. Good lens coatings are also important in shielding the lens from scratches.
Reticle
Secondly, look at the reticle that the scope has. The prism scopes available on the market today have a wide range of reticles for people to choose from. No matter the type of reticle the scope has, ensure that it is glass etched.
A glass-etched reticle coupled with the prism design eliminates distortion problems for users with astigmatism. The best prism scopes for astigmatism also feature multiple levels of reticle illumination for use in different lighting conditions.
Read: Best Red Dot Magnifiers for AR-15
Durability
Next, consider the build quality of the scope. The prism scope you get should have a ruggedized construction from high-quality materials.
With solid construction, the scope will be able to withstand rough handling and whatever punishment you subject it to. A good prism scope should also be fully waterproof, fogproof and dustproof.
Eye Relief
In prism scopes, eye relief varies from one product to the other. If you are buying a scope for the first time, eye relief is the distance from your eye to the scope’s eyepiece.
Ensure that you get a scope that has a long eye relief of at least 3”. With such a scope, you will have a comfortable time glassing and shooting with or without eyeglasses.
Read: Best Red Dots for AR Pistols
Brightness Level
Prism scopes like red dot sights have multiple brightness settings that make them ideal for shooting and hunting in diverse lighting conditions.
The more brightness settings a scope has, the better. The best prism scopes for Astigmatism also have night vision compatibility which makes them usable 24/7.
Weight
Another thing to consider is weight. Mostly, prism scopes are lighter than traditional scopes as they are smaller in size. But the weight varies from one model to the other depending on the materials used to construct the body tube. Look at how heavy the prism scopes weigh, then pick a model that won’t add any unnecessary weight to your firearm.
Read: Best Red Dots for Mini 14
Why use a Prism Scope?
Over the past two decades, few optics can match the benefits that prism scopes offer especially for people with astigmatism. Here are some of the benefits that come with getting a prism scope for your hunting or shooting endeavors:
- Prism scopes are unmatched when it comes to versatility. They are compatible with most firearms and are ideal for both hunting and shooting either competitive or recreational.
- Most prism scopes are built to last. They have solid build quality to ensure reliable performance and great service for years.
- Dual Functionality. The best prism scopes for astigmatism have multiple brightness settings that make them ideal for day and night use.
- Ease of Use. Another benefit that comes with prism scopes is the ease of use. Even if you are a beginner, you will find these optics very simple to use.
What is Better 5x or 3x Prism Scope?
It largely depends on individual preference and how far you will be shooting. For close-range applications, 3x prism scopes are the best. On the other hand, you will find the 5x model more ideal if you will be pursuing targets at longer ranges up to 200 yards.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this post to be of immense help. Keep in mind that the kind of shooting you will be doing plays a big role in determining which prism scope you get.
Choosing the best prism scopes for astigmatism requires you to do thorough homework, but no matter what your needs might be, there is scope out there for everyone.