12 Best Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting [2024]
You just got a new deer rifle and need a proper scope to go with it? The best rifle scope for deer hunting is rugged, deals well with rain, fog, and anything else nature throws at you while providing a crystal clear view.
Top options
Best deer scope
Vortex Viper HS-T
Best night vision
ATN OPMOD X-Sight
Best that money can get
Schmidt & Bender OPMOD
Best rifle scope for deer hunting
1. Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Hunting Riflescope
The Burris FullField II Riflescope comes with a 40mm objective lens and with a variable zoom that ranges from 3x to 9x. It means if you are looking for those closer shots, you won’t face any disappointment at all.
This scope for deer rifle features a Ballistic Plex reticle that is quick to acquire the target for you and your shooting time gets reduced significantly. It is the best deer rifle scope with a tube diameter of one-inch, so light transmission will be fine.
If you are looking to use your scope for long-range hunting, the FullField II will prove to be a good choice because it features a 2nd focal plane that will get to the farthest target in no time. Its exit pupil tops out at 13.33mm you will see brighter images through your scope.
It is one of the deer hunting scopes with a variable linear FoV that ranges from 12 feet to 33 feet at 100 yards. And with a long eye relief that goes from 3.1-inch to 3.8-inch, you won’t have to deal with any issues even if you wear glasses.
What we liked
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Aluminum construction
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lens
- 0.25-click adjustment for elevation and windage
- Fully fog and water-resistant
- Second focal plane with ballistic plex reticle
What we didn’t like
- This scope for hunting doesn’t zero in very quickly
- The crosshairs are a bit too fine to locate quickly
Magnification: 3x to 9x
Lens diameter: 40 mm
Field of view: 12 to 33 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 3.1 to 3.8 in
Reticle: Ballistic Plex
Length: 12.4 in
Weight: 13 oz
Features: Water and fog proof, Hi-Lume multi-coated, 2ns focal plane
2. Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm Riflescope
The Vortex Viper HS-T riflescope comes with a powerful 50mm objective lens that performs well in low light conditions. It is the best hunting scope that features a variable zoom that ranges from 6x to 24x and you can get a better shot at a distance as well as at a closer range.
It is a good hunting scope that comes with a tube diameter of more than one inch and for that, you are going to enjoy a much better light transmission even in gloomy conditions. This deer scope comes with a VMR-1 reticle that is very fast when it comes to target acquisition.
This Vortex’s best deer hunting rifle scopes are all about performance as it features a 2nd focal plane to manage long-range shots quite well. The scope also features an exit pupil that tops out at 8.3mm and further clarifies image production in low light conditions.
Of course, this scope comes with a variable magnification; therefore, you won’t get much of FoV here. Still, the Viper gets you around 18 feet of linear FoV at 100 yards. Vortex has used aircraft-grade aluminum in the construction of this scope to trim-off any extra weight the scope gains due to high-powered optics.
What we liked
- Armortek and XR multi-coated lenses
- The battery life of up to 150 hours
- Hard anodized finishes
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- A decent eye relief
- Tube diameter wider than one-inch
- Quick focus eyepiece
What we didn’t like
- No illuminated reticle
- Not for a long trek
Magnification: 6x to 24x
Lens diameter: 50 mm
Field of view: 5.1 to 17.8 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 4 in
Reticle: VMR-1
Length: 15.5 in
Weight: 22.6 oz
Features: Armortek, XR multi-coated, hard anodized, shock, water and fog proof
3. Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10×50 Matte Deer Hunting Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback Riflescope comes with a large objective lens that is 50mm in size and it does a fine job in dim light environments. Additionally, this scope comes with a variable zoom that ranges from 3.5x to 10x. You can conveniently take your shots both at long and short ranges without a problem.
The tube diameter of one-inch makes it a good deer hunting scope when it comes to transmitting the maximum amount of light from one end to the other end of the scope. If you tend to do most of your hunting during low light or murky conditions, this is the right scope for you, as it comes with a larger objective lens. You can properly see the deer through the scope without a problem.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle of this scope helps you in quick target acquisition wherever you point your gun at. Plus, these deer rifle scopes also come with a wide exit pupil to further brighten up the images and help you in taking your shots accurately. The scope also has a wider eye relief that reaches up to 35.8 feet at 100 yards to provide you with better situational awareness.
What we liked
- Fast target acquisition eyepiece
- 2nd focal plane for accurate longer shots
- It properly displays deer in scope image
- Wider exit pupil with FoV
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- All-glass lenses
- A decent battery life
What we didn’t like
- The lens cover is pretty flimsy
- Not that great to take heavier recoil repeatedly
Magnification: 3.5x to 10x
Lens diameter: 50 mm
Field of view: 13.5 to 35.8 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 3.3 to 3.6 in
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Length: 12.4 in
Weight: 16.2 oz
Features: 2md focal plane, hard-anodized, aircraft-grade aluminum
4. ATN OPMOD X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x Ultra HD Hunting Rifle Scope
The ATN OPMOD X-Sight riflescope boasts a 50mm objective lens that is highly effective in environments with low light. It comes with a 1-inch tube diameter that transmits the maximum amount of light from the surroundings to the eyepiece for further improving the overall all low light handling of this scope.
The rest of the job is done by a wider exit pupil that comes in the scope. Therefore, if you are looking for a top performer in low light conditions, there is no other better scope. It is one of the best rifle scopes for deer hunting.
Furthermore, these top rated hunting scopes come with multiple reticles and you can choose the one that is best suited for your scenario. The eye relief of this scope is around 3.5-inch, which is quite good, but it’s not something extraordinary. Therefore, if you wear glasses, you will have to make some adjustments accordingly.
The scope comes with a special optical coating by Redfield, the ProSheild. These lenses perform well in the outdoors and come with a wide operating temperature range. Its battery life is not going to be that great, but it’s good enough to get you through the day.
What we liked
- These scopes for hunting come with an inbuilt rangefinder
- Dual-stream with recoil activated video recording
- Multiple reticles
- Aluminum construction
- Fully waterproof design
- ProShield lens coating
- Wide FoV at high zoom
What we didn’t like
- Slightly heavy
- Takes a little while to zero in
Magnification: 3x to 14x
Lens diameter: 50 mm
Field of view: 46 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 3.54 in
Reticle: Multiple
Length: 13.8 in
Weight: 33.6 oz
Features: Inbuilt rangefinder, video recorder, ProShield lens coating
5. Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50mm AO Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II features a 50mm objective lens that performs well in dim light. And it also comes with a variable magnification ranges from 6x to 24x. It means you can zoom in on your target at a longer range without any issues.
This best scope for hunting rifle comes with a large tube diameter that can transmit light to a good extent. If you are looking for a decent scope that can handle low light conditions well, you need to go for this scope. These scopes for hunting rifles come with larger optics and a bigger tube diameter.
The scope is completely waterproof and is built to provide you with long-lasting performance. It comes with an inbuilt 2nd focal plane. Therefore, you can quickly take out your target with high precision. The good thing is the wide exit pupil that tops out at 8.3mm and a field of view and goes up to 17.3 feet at 100 yards.
What we liked
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- A good-enough FoV at high zoom
- 0.25-click for elevation and windage
- Fully multi-coating glass lenses
- Hard anodized finish
- Good battery life
- Single-piece tube construction
What we didn’t like
- Non-illuminated reticle
- One of the nice hunting scopes but a bit heavy
Magnification: 6x to 24x
Lens diameter: 50 mm
Field of view: 4.4 to 17.3 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 4 in
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Length: 14.5 in
Weight: 23.6 oz
Features: Aluminum-grade design, 2nd focal plane, single-piece design
6. Primary Arms 4-14x44mm FFP Hunting Riflescope
The Primary Arms rifle scope comes with a 44mm objective lens that can handle distant objects well. It also features a variable zoom ranging from 4x to 14x. Apart from that, the scope also comes with a tube diameter that is wider than one-inch.
This scope comes with an ACSS reticle that acquires the target pretty fast. The only thing that is disappointing about his scope is, it comes with a 1st focal plane reticle, which means you can effectively take on short ranges. But when it’s about hitting the targets at longer ranges, you might have a little problem because this scope is not accurate at longer ranges.
These best hunting rifle scopes for the money feature a wider exit pupil that can produce brighter images with vivid colors. You won’t have to deal with any washed-out colors even at higher zooms. The scope can also handle wider FoV at higher zoom. You might notice this scope doesn’t come with very long eye relief, but it still gets the job done.
What we liked
- Fully fog, shock, and moisture-proof
- 0.1-click for elevation and windage adjustment
- Features an illuminated reticle
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Wider FoV at high zoom
- Wide tube diameter
- Best hunting scope for the money
- Easy to adjust with fingers
What we didn’t like
- No 2nd focal plane
- Short eye relief
- Flimsy lens cover
Magnification: 4x to 14x
Lens diameter: 44 mm
Field of view: 7.85 to 27.3 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 3.14 to 3.22 in
Reticle: ACSS
Length: 13 in
Weight: 24 oz
Features: Illuminated reticle, aluminum construction, nitrogen-purged
7. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3i Riflescope features a 40mm objective lens and features a variable magnification that ranges from 3.5x to 10x. You can stalk sheep even in rugged terrain and the best scopes for hunting.
This rifle scope by Leupold comes with a twilight management system as well that handles dim and gloomy conditions nicely. Apart from that, the scope also features a twin bias erector spring system for reducing any backlash from recoil. It is the best rifle scope for hunting and is for serious deer hunters. It is extremely durable and accurate as well.
This best Leupold scope for hunting can acquire targets quickly as it comes with a duplex reticle that works pretty well in the 2nd focal plane. With this scope, you also get a bigger exit pupil that tops out at 11.43mm. To add to that, it also comes with a wider FoV that ranges from 11 feet to 29.9 feet at 100 yards.
The scope features aluminum construction and is lightweight in design. It also comes with wider eye relief that ranges from 3.6 to 4.4 inches and you can comfortably use it with your glasses on.
What we liked
- 0.25-click for any adjustments for elevation and windage
- Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction
- Wide FoV at full magnification
- Wider exit pupil
- 2nd focal plane for better long-range shooting
- These best rifle scopes for hunting don’t weigh your rifle down
- Quick to mount and adjust
What we didn’t like
- Non-illuminated reticle
- Takes a little while to focus at full zoom
Magnification: 3.5x to 10x
Lens diameter: 40 mm
Field of view: 11 to 29.9 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 3.6 to 4.4 in
Reticle: Duplex
Length: 12.6 in
Weight: 12.6 oz
Features: lightweight construction, 2nd focal plane, twilight management system
8. Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24×50 ZMOA-1 Reticle Hunting Scope
The Zeiss Conquest V4 riflescope features a 50mm objective lens that comes with variable zoom, ranging from 6x to 24x. What makes it the best hunting scope for low light conditions is a bigger than one-inch tube diameter and ZMOA-1 reticle.
It is a premium quality scope and not the best option for beginners. However, it is a top choice for professional hunters. The optical glass that features on this scope comes with a layer of T6 coating. It means the scope does a fine job of producing high-quality images and keeping them at different ranges.
The best Zeiss scope for deer hunting features a basic turret construction. It also has a zero-stop functionality to ensure accurate adjustments featuring multiple revolutions. If you are looking for versatility to handle various shooting and hunting applications, you need to go with this scope. As it comes with high zoom, therefore, you won’t be able to go for a wider FoV. But it still ranges from 4.8 feet to 18.9 feet at 100 yards.
What we liked
- Aircraft-grade construction
- High performing optical glass
- T6 Zeiss premium quality quality
- High light transmission
- Wide operating temperature range
- Fully waterproof
- Adjustable parallax
What we didn’t like
- Higher price tag
- Flips are pretty expensive
- The field of view is not very wide
Magnification: 6x to 24x
Lens diameter: 50 mm
Field of view: 4.8 to 18.9 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 3.5 in
Reticle: ZMOA-1
Length: 14.5 in
Weight: 24.5 oz
Features: T6 and LotuTec lens coating, high-performance glass optics
9. Bushnell Banner 6-18×50 Matte Multi-X Deer Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner Riflescope comes with a 50mm objective lens with a variable zoom that tops out at 18x. Of course, at this much zoom. With this best deer rifle scope for the money, you are not going to get much of linear FoV.
The scope comes with a ranging FoV, goes from 5.7 feet to 17 at 100 yards, so your scope provides you with a decent amount of intel on your target’s surroundings.
This Bushnell’s best cheap rifle scope for deer hunting comes with a wide range of exit pupils that ranges from 2.8mm to 8.3mm. Hence, the images you see will be vivid and bright. It comes with a good-enough eye relief of 3.5-inch. All the optics this scope features come with are fully multi-coated. The tube’s overall construction features a single tube design, which makes the scope durable.
Bushnell has also nitrogen purged this scope to ensure it can conveniently handle moisture, fog, and shock. The quick focus eyepiece makes it the best deer scope for the money.
What we liked
- ¼-click adjustment for elevation and windage
- Quick-to-focus eyepiece
- Fully shock, fog, and moisture-proof
- The multi-X reticle is quick to focus
- Wider objective lens for better light transmission
- Brighter and wider images
- Better suited for close-range shots
What we didn’t like
- Not a very long eye relief
- Slightly hard to adjust
Magnification: 6x to 18x
Lens diameter: 50 mm
Field of view: 5.7 to 17 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 3.5 in
Reticle: Multi-X
Length: 16 in
Weight: 18 oz
Features: Single-piece tube, nitrogen filled, the quick-to-focus eyepiece
10. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Riflescope
The Leupold VX-5HD riflescope features a 44mm objective lens with a variable magnification that ranges from 3x to 15x. It features a tube diameter that is wider than one-inch and better for excellent light transmission. Moreover, these top hunting scopes come with a second focal plane to take your shots at longer ranges with higher accuracy.
The exit pupil of these high quality rifle scopes is not that big, so you will have to work with this scope in broad daylight for better imaging results. These Leupold’s best hunting rifle scopes come with a wider FoV that goes from 7.9 feet to 38.2 feet at around 100 yards. Plus, the scope also comes with a variable eye relief ranging from 3.7 to 3.82 inches.
These hunter scopes also come with an aluminum alloy construction, which means the scope is quite tough and can take a toll. It comes with a motion sensor technology, the reticle, and can automatically turn to standby mode when there is no activity going on. So, the scope also has an inbuilt reticle.
What we liked
- Spring erecting system with twin bias
- Best Leupold scope for deer hunting
- Twilight management system
- Motion sensor technology
- A good battery life
- Zero lock adjustment
- Extremely quick to focus eyepiece
- Features side focus
What we didn’t like
- High price tag
- Short eye relief
- Narrow exit pupil
Magnification: 3x to 15x
Lens diameter: 44 mm
Field of view: 7.9 to 38.2 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 3.7 to 3.82 in
Reticle: Duplex
Length: 13.5 in
Weight: 19 oz
Features: 2nd focal plane, Guard-Ion Rain Coating, 6061-T6 aluminum construction
11. Schmidt and Bender OPMOD 5-25×56 PM II PSR Riflescope
The Schmidt and Bender OPMOD rifle scope come with a powerful objective lens of 56mm and it features a zoom that ranges from 5x to 25x. It is a high-quality rifle scope that comes with a huge price tag. Hence, it is not designed for amateurs. The scope comes with the best hunting optics.
The Tremor2 reticle of this best deer scope is extremely powerful and you won’t have to take much time to get to your target. It comes with a tube diameter that is wider than 1,25-inch. The images this scope can produce are extremely bright and have vivid colors.
You might not get a 2nd focal plane in this scope for hunting rifle, which means that it is not going to be highly effective at longer distances, but with the 1st focal plane, it does get the job done pretty well.
The large tube diameter of this best low light rifle scope for deer hunting compensates for the smaller exit pupil this scope has and tops out at 0.43 inches. It also comes with a narrower FoV that ranges from 4.92 feet to 17.38 feet at 100 yards.
What we liked
- Aluminum alloy design
- Illuminated reticle
- The advanced coating on the optics
- A wide tube diameter
- Wider objective lens for better low light performance
- Eyepiece ensures quick target acquisition
- All-glass optics for maximum clarity
What we didn’t like
- Expensive
Magnification: 5x to 25x
Lens diameter: 56 mm
Field of view: 4.92 to 17.38 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 3.54 in
Reticle: Tremor2
Length: 16.4 in
Weight: 37.25 oz
Features: Advanced optical coating, illuminated reticle, precise sniper configuration
12. Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Redfield Revolution Riflescope comes with variable magnification, ranging from 3x to 9x with a wide objective lens of 40mm. It features a 4-Plex reticle that is quick in target acquisition to take your aim more precisely, irrespective of the conditions.
These are good deer hunting scopes when it comes to choosing a low light scope. This riflescope does a pretty fine job when the conditions are brighter. These best deer hunting scopes have an eyepiece equipped with rapid target acquisition technology. And this scope can significantly reduce your time to take a shot without losing your accuracy.
What makes it the best scope for hunting deer is its ability to effectively take shots that can reach up to 500 yards. Now, this is quite impressive for a scope equipped with decent optics.
When you have access to variable magnification, you are going to be effective at shorter ranges. The scope comes with adjustable finger-click Accu-Trac adjustments for better handling of elevation and windage.
What we liked
- Lockable eyepiece
- Quick target acquiring eyepiece
- Fog, moisture, and shockproof
- Accu-Trac adjustments for elevation and windage
- Shooting range up to 500 yards
- Lightweight but robust design
- Long eye relief
What we didn’t like
- Takes a while to zero in
- Washed out colors in low light
Magnification: 3x to 9x
Lens diameter: 40 mm
Field of view: 13.1 to 32.9 ft at 100 yds
Eye relief: 3.7 to 4.2 in
Reticle: 4-Plex
Length: 12.3 in
Weight: 12.6 oz
Features: Quick target acquisition eyepiece, fog, moisture, and shockproof construction
How to choose a rifle scope for deer hunting?
Magnification
When hunting deer, you need to go for a hunting scope that comes with magnification to see at the distances you normally like to hunt. The scopes with high magnification will weigh you down, while the scope with lower magnification won’t be powerful enough to provide you with full information about the target and its surroundings.
For hunting, you should consider going for higher magnification ranges from 5x to 20x. For long-range shooting, you can go for higher magnification as well. Variable magnification will be a good option if you prefer to shoot at closer ranges around 100 yards to 200 yards. And that is the best rifle scope for deer hunting.
Objective lens size
Just like magnification, objective lens size also does a splendid job when it comes to bright images and vivid colors. But with bigger lenses, your scope becomes heavier and weighs down your rifle, and makes it heavy to lift and carry on the field. But for deer hunting, you should go for an objective lens that varies in size from around 40mm to 50mm. This range is better if you want to take an ethical shot and bring your target down quickly.
Field of view
FoV is closely related to magnification and inversely proportional. It means with increased magnification; you will get narrower FoV and vice versa. Therefore, if you want more intel about the surroundings of your target, go for wider FoV and lower magnification.
If you want to focus on your target more and like to take your shots quickly, go for higher magnification over FoV. For a magnification ranging between 3x to 9x, you normally get an FoV of around 20 to 40 feet at 100 yards, which is good enough for situational awareness and, of course, choose the spot where you want to hit.
Coating
Optics from different manufacturers come with different coatings. And they all perform different functions. The most important is the anti-glare coating that will keep the sun out of your eye and the other is the coating to prevent moisture, rain, or fog from disturbing the view and performance of your lens. The shockproof coating prevents the lenses from getting scratched or can keep them safe from an impact.
Reticle
There are different rifle scopes for deer hunting that come with a wide variety of reticles. If you don’t have any problem associated with your budget, you can go for illuminated, multiple reticles. Such a reticle is the best option to take out your target in various conditions. However, if budget is your concern, you should go for a scope that comes with a duplex reticle, which is more of an all-round option. It allows you to find the precise strike zone.
Eye relief
A proper rifle scope for deer hunting features a decent enough eye relief and is a better choice. You should go for a scope that comes with eye relief, ranging from 3-inch to 4-inch. Eye relief is important because you never know how long it takes you for the perfect shot. And of course, you don’t want to get a punch in your eye from recoil; you need to go for a decent amount of eye relief.
Low light quality
If you hunt in low light conditions, you should go for a rifle scope that comes with features to perform well in dim light environments. You should look for a scope with a larger tube diameter of over 1-inch. You should also look for a wider exit pupil that tops out over 7mm. These two factors are the most important ones to ensure your low light hunting scopes perform well in low light environments, without any special night vision features.
Weight
You need a lightweight scope, so it doesn’t weigh you down on the field. Make sure your scope doesn’t weigh more than 15 to 20 ounces, especially if you like to move around a lot. These are the best hunting scopes that won’t weigh you down. If you are going to be in a tree stand or won’t move around much, you can probably go for a heavier rifle scope.
Durability
The scope that is durable and lightweight are mostly made of aircraft-grade aluminum or aluminum alloy 6061-T6. Both these materials are robust and keep your scope on the lighter side as well. They also come with a wider range of operable temperature.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best scope for deer hunting?
Overall, the best scope for deer hunting is the Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Hunting Riflescope. But for premium quality performance you need to go for the Schmidt and Bender OPMOD 5-25×56 PM II PSR Riflescope.
What is the best scope magnification for deer hunting?
The best scope magnification for deer hunting ranges from 5x to 15x. If you prefer to hunt in slightly difficult conditions, you can go for higher magnification as well. But you will have to give up on FoV.
What is the best Bushnell scope for deer hunting?
The best Bushnell scope for deer hunting is the Bushnell Banner 6-18×50 Matte Multi-X Deer Riflescope. It comes with a Multi-X reticle and comes with a 50mm objective lens with 6x to 18x magnification.
What is the best deer hunting scope under $200?
If you are looking for the best deer hunting scope under $200, you need to go for the Bushnell Banner 6-18×50 Matte Multi-X Deer Riflescope.
What is the best scope for running deer?
The best scope for running deer is the Schmidt and Bender OPMOD 5-25×56 PM II PSR Rifle Scope but if that is a bit too out of budget for you, you can go for the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Riflescope
What power scope is best for hunting?
If you are looking for a power scope, there is none better than the Schmidt and Bender OPMOD 5-25×56 PM II PSR Riflescope. It is equipped with a 56mm and comes with a variable zoom that goes from 5x to 25x.
What’s the best hunting rifle scope?
Schmidt and Bender OPMOD 5-25×56 PM II PSR Riflescope is the best hunting rifle scope in terms of specs as well as performance.
What is the best Vortex scope for deer hunting?
The best Vortex scope for deer hunting is the Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50mm AO Riflescope. The Vortex deer scope comes with a 50mm objective lens and a variable zoom that tops out at 24x.
Do I need a scope for deer hunting?
Yes, you need a scope for deer hunting especially, if you like to shoot at further ranges. For closer ranges, you might work out a way to take down your target but for longer ranges, you will need a good quality scope.
What magnification do I need to hunt deer?
For daylight shots and closer ranges, you need to go for a basic variable magnification ranging from 3x to 9x for deer hunting. A higher magnification would be suitable for gloomy conditions.
