In the world that is shooting, rifle scopes give their users an almost precise location of where the landing of the fired pellet will happen. Different models have been designed to serve various shooting ranges.
Scopes for 200 yards are a popular choice among hunting enthusiasts. This range is most commonly used by those targeting medium to large size games, the likes of deer and coyotes.
For the 200-yard range, the market has quite the pool to choose from and if you are still taking baby steps in the shooting arena then you may find it difficult telling different brands apart.
However, fret not, our review covers the need-to-know details of rifle scopes for 200 yards to help you with the selection of only the best from the tons of scopes found in the market. Let’s begin with what could easily be termed the cornerstone of rifle scopes, magnification.
What Magnification Do You Need for 200 Yards?
What is a rifle scope without magnification? Given that the target is approximately 200 yards out, you will need excellent magnification to get a good shot. Be careful though because for 200 yards extreme magnification will work against you.
Previously, fixed magnification was the only option available but now scopes come with variable magnification. Variable magnification is good for adjustments when you are working in varying light conditions, come across different sizes of targets, or when you are trying to close in on a moving target because you can zoom in or out as desired.
Fixed magnification will work if you are a frequent hunter and have found your comfortable spot in terms of magnification. Scopes for 200 Yards with a magnification of 3-9x and 4-12x are mostly recommended.
With a 9x magnification level, targets 200 yards away appear to be about 20 yards out. Therefore, if you are well adept at shooting, you will find a 7x magnification to be comfortable. Once you have magnification in check, look out for the following features as well.
5 Best Scopes for 200 Yards
If you are looking for a scope that is built with all essential features for shooting from 200 yards away, you are in luck because we have highlighted the best rifle scopes for 200 yards just for you. Let’s have a look:
#1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
Vortex Optics is a brand that you could consider as one of the crème de la crème when it comes to the manufacture of rifle scopes. Their carefully put-together scopes serve to give the shooter great target acquisition making them rank highly among the best scopes for 200 yards.
If large caliber rifles are your thing Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes are what you should be looking into. This is because it is designed to be shockproof, a feature that fits large-caliber rifle users perfectly.
The optic system features anti-reflective multi-coated lenses for sharp crisp images when viewing at a 200-yard distance with long eye relief to save you from falling victim to scope bite. For magnification, you can zoom the picture for a nice shot from the different sizes given. You can pick from 2-7×32, 3-9×40, 3-9×50, and 4-12×44.
On the scope are two knobs, the wind adjustment knob and the Minute of Angle (MOA) that ensure the point of aim and impact agree depending on prevailing weather conditions. Aircraft-grade aluminum has been used for construction which you will find to be fog proof, waterproof and durable.
Features
- Long eye relief
- Anti-reflective multi-coated objective lens for sharp image
- Varied magnification options
- Wind and elevation adjustment knobs
- Suitable for use on large caliber rifles
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum that is fog and waterproof
- Best rifle scope for 200 yards under different light conditions whether at daytime, daybreak, or in the evening, the scope provides decent optics
#2) Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope is for the marksman looking for a great shot without having to use precise BDC systems. This riflescope uses the traditional MIL-DOT reticle for accuracy when shooting without performing unnecessary estimations on holdover.
It comes with a large objective lens size of 44mm and a wide magnification range when aiming at the 200 yards range. A side adjustable parallax and fast-focus eyepiece equip you with what you need to easily track your target.
For MIL adjustments the turrets on this scope are a bit larger than those in other brands but are easy to use. Aircraft-grade aluminum has also been used on this one to make it shockproof therefore making it sturdy enough to withstand the rigorous shooting activity.
It is also appealing to its users because of its resistance to water and fog. The field of view is relatively small for 200 yards but you will find that it is one of the best rifle scopes to work within low light conditions.
Features
- Uses the traditional MIL-DOT reticle for range and hold overestimations
- A sufficiently large objective lens with 4-14x magnification
- Fully equipped with side adjustable parallax and fast-focus eyepiece for easy close-in on the target
- Large turrets for MIL adjustments
- Shockproof design to withstand recoil
- Made with durable fog and waterproof material
- Has a relatively small field of view
- Best for use in low-light conditions
#3) UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
Paying too much for a rifle scope is never a guarantee that it will deliver great performance. If you are looking for a reasonably priced rifle scope without compromising on quality then you will find UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope great middle ground.
With a 3-12x magnification range, you get a wide-field view of the target with images being crisp clear. This piece tube is 30millimeters long and has been designed with unique circuitry that keeps components in the interior protected from recoil.
A 44mm wide objective is just what you need for 200 yards target acquisition. It provides great light transmission which is enhanced through the full multicoating on the lens. So, even in a dark light setting shooting should be easy.
An illuminated 36-color Mil-dot is added to its construction for precise shots on target. Adjustable turrets help with windage, elevation, and bullet drop adjustments. For beginners, this is the best rifle scope because not only can you start at 100 then advance to 200 yards, it can also be used for shooting up to 500 yards.
Features
- 36-color Mil-dot for clear views on target point during night hunts
- Wide field of view and magnification range
- Unique circuitry to protect internal components from recoil
- Adjustable turrets for windage, elevation, and bullet drop measurements
- Great rifle scope for beginners
- Can be used for up to 500 yards
- Affordable
#4) Nikon Prostaff P5
Focused on the delivery of a comfortable shooting experience, Nikon Prostaff P5 is what any marksman would categorize as the best rifle scope for 200 yards. It is strongly built with aircraft-grade aluminum that can withstand hard recoils.
Despite its lightweight nature, this riflescope is built to last. The knurling on the surface gives the user a better grip during shoots. All air to glass surfaces have full multilayer coatings and also have antireflective properties to ensure clarity of images on all magnification points and varying lighting conditions.
Eyebrows remain protected from hard recoils because the eye relief provided is just what you will need for 200 yards. Windage and elevation adjustment is enabled by the spring-loaded turrets that can be easily rested to zero.
Lens sizes may differ depending on the option you go for but they all handle a 200-yard distance perfectly. MK1-MOA, BDC, Duplex reticle combination are employed to support both long- and short-range shots on target. The riflescope is a tube piece that is nitrogen-filled with O-ring sealing to lock it in and lockout moisture so the riflescope remains waterproof.
Features
- Built with strong aircraft-grade aluminum
- Lightweight rifle scope
- Has antireflective full multi-layer coatings on all air to glass surfaces for crisp images on any magnification setting
- Provides great eye relief
- Spring-loaded turrets are present and can be easily reset to zero
- Beautiful matte finish with knurling on the surface for a firm grip during use
- MOA, BDC, Duplex reticle combination for precise hits on target
- Fog, water, and shockproof
#5) Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Riflescope
Leupold scopes are synonymous with quality and great customer satisfaction. The Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Riflescope is designed for HD clarity when focusing on targets within 200 yards. Not only do you get an edge-to-edge clear view, but you also get extra 30 minutes of shooting light so you can shoot in a low light set up with ease.
Also, the lens has a hydrophobic coating, is scratch-resistant, and is effective in glare reduction that is enabled by the incorporation of the Twilight Max HD Light Management System. Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Riflescope has the duplex reticle to zero in on target points.
Along with this, you will find finger-click zero-reset pop-up adjustments for windage and elevation. Forgiving eye relief, wide magnification range, strength against heavy recoil, and HD lens clarity are the offerings that make this top the list of best rifle scope for 200 yards.
Features
- Duplex reticle enables accuracy in hits
- Lens made with Twilight HD Light Management System technology for clear bright visuals
- Finger click zero-reset elevation and windage adjustments
- Reasonable eye relief
- Hydrophobic lens coating
- Wide lens size, magnification, and field of view
See Also
- Best Riflescopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
- Best Scopes for 300 Yards
- Best Medium Range Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
- Best Scopes for 500 Yards
- Best Vortex Scopes for 300 Win Mag
Best Scopes for 200 Yards Buying Guide & FAQs
What Makes a Great Scope for 200 Yards?
Despite the difference in brands, most are similar the only thing that separates the wheat from the chaff is the quality of the parts used in their construction. First, the lens should be one worth every coin you chuck out. It should allow you to get clear bright optics of your target. This way your aim is perfect and shoots are accurate. Reticles are key in shooting 200 yards.
From the many types available the best is that which fits your preferences. Apart from reticles and lens, the material used in construction should be not only durable but one that stays protected from destruction by rust, rain, and the sun.
Size also matters. The bigger the scope, the heavier it’s likely to be and in some cases more expensive. Mounting a heavy scope sometimes proves difficult and comes in the fun experienced during hunts.
Read: Best Remington 700 Scopes
Factors to Consider When Buying Best Scopes for 200 Yards
Objective Lens Size
Objective lens size, its diameter to be specific, determines the amount of light that the scope can gather for a finely clear target. Clarity on optics largely relies on the quality of glass employed in the manufacture.
The larger the lens size, the more light that can be taken in and the clearer the view. Though larger lenses are preferred, be careful in selecting such rifle scopes because they may require you to get a bipod and they are also a bit heavier.
For 200 yards, a lens of between 32mm to 40mm is sufficient. Look out for objective lenses that bear anti-reflective power so that you are accurate when shooting in different light conditions.
Lenses that are best for this are those that have anti-reflection coating which is instrumental in brightness adjustment for clear images. Anti-reflective coatings are usually described as follows:
- Coated: This means that the lens has a single coating layer on it
- Fully Coated: Any air-to-glass surface has a single coating layer on it
- Multi-Coated: At least one of the lens surfaces carries several coat layers
- Fully Multi-Coated: Any air-to-glass surface has several coat layerS
Field of View
This is usually the maximum size of the surroundings as viewed from the rifle. When going for a target, a wide field of view should be your aim as you can see most of the area surrounding the point you want to hit.
Field of view is closely tied to magnification in that when magnification increases, the field of view is reduced. So, you must strive to balance out magnification and the field of view to avoid losing your target.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between the tip of your eye and the lens of your rifle scope which is also an important feature when it comes to shooting at a 200-yard range. Eye relief will determine the position of your face especially when you want to keep your glasses on.
It also helps deal with the resultant impact that comes from firing the rifle otherwise without it you will be risking scope bite. High-quality rifle scopes give great eye relief without interfering with the field of view. Some rifle scopes give up to 6 inches of eye relief but 3 inches is considered ideal for 200 yards.
Reticles
In the field of view, reticles are important for guiding you on zeroing in on your target. Riflescopes are designed with different reticle styles but all serve the purpose of target acquisition. The main types of reticles include BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating), MilDot, and Illuminated.
Bullet Drop Compensating predicts where your shot will land by predicting how much a bullet will drop for a given range. MilDot calculates distance and may require you to know the height of your target for a perfect shot.
Illuminated reticles make it possible to narrow down on target in low light. For 200 yards it does not matter which one you opt to go for, because all are simple to understand and use.
Related Post: Best Elk Hunting Riflescopes
Best Scopes for 200 Yards FAQs
Q: Who Needs a 200 Yards Scope?
A: From gun gurus to learners, scopes have served to make the shooting experience a memorable experience. If you want to enhance your precision, vision, and accuracy in target acquisitions, perhaps a scope is what you need. A scope is a good tool for training beginners as they learn and polish their sighting and shooting skills. In other cases that do not involve hunting, like law enforcement, a rifle scope would help an officer improve overall performance.
Q: What is a Scope?
A: It is a device made to help in sighting and shooting on objects and is usually attached to the firearm in use. Scopes are mainly characterized by lens size, magnification power, reticles, and turrets.
Q: Why Do You Need Scope for 200 Yards?
A: A rifle scope brings simplicity and accuracy in shooting. Through magnification, you can aim at a target from a distance, and through reticles shoot on the accurate spot. The fact that they can gather light and enable shooting even in low lighting conditions makes them a tool any gun enthusiast would attach to their rifle.
Q: What is the Best Rifle Scope for 200 Yards?
A: Nikon Prostaff P5 stood out on our list for not only its affordability but also its quality parts along with its versatility in use. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope also stood out as the best if you are looking to splurge on a rifle scope. It is also versatile beautiful and delivers quality in every aspect.
Conclusion
Hunting for a riflescope is never easy but hopefully, our review has helped you narrow down on a preferred choice. At the end of the day, it all boils down to your needs. The choices of a daytime shooter can vary from that of one who shoots at dusk. Whatever your choice, be sure you are getting quality performance from the rifle scope.