Best Low Light Rifle Scope Under $500: Top Picks for 2024
When it comes to hunting, having the right equipment can make all the difference. One essential piece of equipment for any hunter is a rifle scope. A good rifle scope can improve accuracy, increase range, and provide a clear view of the target. However, not all rifle scopes are created equal, especially when it comes to low-light conditions.
Low-light conditions can make it difficult to see your target, and that’s where a low-light rifle scope comes in.
These scopes are designed to provide a clear image even in low light conditions, making them essential for any hunter who wants to be able to hunt in the early morning or late evening.
When looking for the best low-light rifle scope under $500, there are a few critical things to consider. One of the most important factors is the quality of the glass. A high-quality lens can make all the difference in low light conditions, providing a clear and bright image even in the dimest light.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the objective lens. A larger objective lens can gather more light, providing a brighter image even in low-light conditions.
However, larger objective lenses can also be heavier and bulkier, so it’s essential to find a balance between size and weight.
We spent hours researching and testing various low-light rifle scopes to identify the best options under $500. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and what makes them stand out from the competition.
Best Low Light Rifle Scopes Under $500
We understand that hunting in low-light conditions can be challenging, but having the right equipment can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various low-light rifle scopes to bring you our top picks.
Our list includes scopes that are affordable, durable, and provide excellent clarity and brightness in low light conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, these scopes are sure to enhance your hunting experience.
SIG SAUER BUCKMASTERS Scope- 3-9x50mm BDC
If you’re looking for a low-light rifle scope under $500, we recommend the SIG SAUER BUCKMASTERS Scope- 3-9x50mm BDC. It’s a great choice for traditional hunting rifles as well as common MSR / AR and bolt action platforms.
Pros
- The Buckmasters Rifle Scopes were inspired by Jackie Bushman to bring the performance of SIG SAUER Electro-Optics to a value that is within reach for every hunter.
- The Buckmasters hunting rifle scope has extra durable construction with a single-piece, 1-inch main tube.
- The dependable waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof performance and high-performance optical system with low dispersion glass of the Buckmasters scope make your hunting season non-stop whatever weather is on the way.
Cons
- Doesn’t have a lot of eye relief hard for beginners to get a full view without working back and forth on stock.
- The magnification handle kind of gets in the way at times.
- Some users have had issues with the scope not holding zero.
We were impressed with the Buckmasters BDC reticle. It comes equipped with holdover dots that extend up to a distance of 500 yards.
This makes it a great choice for avid hunters who know that upgraded game hunting comes with upgraded equipment. We also appreciate the convenience of the integrated thread in the throw lever which allows for quick magnification changes.
The Buckmasters hunting rifle scope is ruggedly constructed and provides ultimate durability for high-power, mid to long-range tactical engagements and game hunting. We found it to be a great choice for ultra-lightweight rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and crossbow configurations. The 3-9X50mm magnification is reliable and offers enough power for most hunting situations.
The SIG SAUER BUCKMASTERS Scope- 3-9x50mm BDC is a great low-light rifle scope under $500. Its rugged construction and dependable performance make it a great choice for hunters of all levels.
CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope with 20mm Mount Green Laser
If you’re looking for a low-light rifle scope under $500, the CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope with 20mm Mount Green Laser is a great option.
Pros
- The integrated bright green laser provides enhanced precision and visibility for close-range and fast-moving targets.
- The reticles can be illuminated in either red or green, with 5 brightness levels, providing excellent support for intricate reticle designs and ensuring durability and accuracy.
- The precision multi-coated lenses offer a clear view in both bright and low-light conditions.
Cons
- The elevation marks are too small to be practical.
- The LED illumination gets a little sloppy as the brightness increases.
- The black reticle can be easily used without activating the illumination.
We recently tested this scope and were impressed by its performance. The bright green laser is a standout feature, providing enhanced precision and visibility even in low-light conditions.
The reticles can be illuminated in either red or green, and the multi-coated lenses offer a clear view in both bright and low-light conditions.
However, we did find that the elevation marks were too small to be practical, and the LED illumination got a little sloppy as the brightness increased. Additionally, the black reticle can be easily used without activating the illumination, which may be a downside for some users.
The CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope with 20mm Mount Green Laser is a solid choice for anyone looking for a low-light rifle scope under $500. With its bright green laser, multi-coated lenses, and versatile reticle illumination, it’s a great option for hunters and shooters alike.
CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Rifle Scope Mil-dot Scope Green Laser Combo with Pressure Switch
If you’re looking for a rifle scope that can handle low light conditions and won’t break the bank, the CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e is a solid choice.
Pros
- The built-in green laser allows for precise target locking and enhances aiming accuracy.
- The pressure switch design allows for quick and precise target acquisition, which can help improve shooting efficiency.
- The dual-color illumination options make it adaptable to various lighting conditions, providing enhanced shooting accuracy and visibility.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty zeroing in the scope with the laser.
- The scope may not be as durable as more expensive options.
- The zoom range may not be sufficient for long-range shooting.
We’ve had the chance to use the CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e in a variety of low-light conditions, and we’re impressed with its performance. The built-in green laser is a standout feature, allowing for precise target locking and improving aiming accuracy. The pressure switch design is also a nice touch, making it easy to quickly acquire targets and improve shooting efficiency.
The dual-color illumination options are also a welcome addition, allowing for clear visibility of the reticle in any environment. The multi-layer coating objective lens provides a clear and bright field of view, and the high-quality optical glass ensures high transparency and reduced chromatic aberration, delivering exceptional image quality.
While some users have reported difficulty zeroing in the scope with the laser, we didn’t experience any issues ourselves. It’s worth noting that the scope may not be as durable as more expensive options, but for the price, it’s a solid choice.
The zoom range may also not be sufficient for long-range shooting, but for most hunting and shooting situations, it should be more than adequate.
We recommend the CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e for anyone looking for a low-light rifle scope under $500. The built-in green laser, pressure switch design, and dual-color illumination options make it a versatile and reliable choice for a variety of shooting situations.
OMMO 3-9X40 Rifle Scope
If you’re looking for a low-light rifle scope under $500, we recommend the OMMO 3-9X40 Rifle Scope. With its green and red illuminations, superior eyepiece, and fully multi-coated lens, this rifle scope provides excellent clarity and accuracy for mid to long-range targets.
Pros
- The green and red mil-dot reticle provides outstanding accuracy for mid to long-range targets.
- The field of view of OMMO rifle scopes is 14′-25′, 100 yards.
- The O-ring sealing and nitrogen-filled reticle ensure outstanding water-proof and fog-proof performance.
Cons
- The optics are so-so.
- The instructions for the illuminated reticle battery are not clear.
- The front lens may fall apart.
We found that the OMMO rifle scope is easy to set and holds its setting well. The locking diopter provides fast and simple aiming points for various shot distances. The premium two 1’’ complementary scope rings make it easy to mount onto any 20mm Picatinny or Weaver mount rails.
In terms of performance, the OMMO rifle scope is high-performing and reliable. The windage and elevation click value of 1/4 MOA 1/4″ 100 yards, and with 2.7”-3.3” eye relief provide excellent accuracy and adjustability. The aviation-grade aluminum scope body is more impact-resistant and light, making it ideal for hunting.
We think the OMMO 3-9X40 Rifle Scope is a great choice for those looking for a low-light rifle scope under $500. Its outstanding accuracy, adjustability, and water-proof and fog-proof performance make it a reliable option for hunting and shooting at mid to long-range targets.
CVLIFE 4-16×44 Tactical Rifle Scope
If you’re looking for an affordable rifle scope that performs well in low-light conditions, the CVLIFE 4-16×44 Tactical Rifle Scope is a great option.
Pros
- The locking turret allows for easy adjustments and ensures that your settings won’t be accidentally changed.
- The fully coated optical glass produces a bright and high-contrast image, making it easier to see targets in low-light situations.
- The scope is made of high-strength aluminum alloy and has a one-piece tube construction, making it durable and long-lasting.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the eye relief is not as good as other scopes in this price range.
- The BDC dots in the reticle are not marked, which can make it difficult to determine the range at longer distances.
- The green and red illumination can be difficult to see in bright daylight.
We recently tested the CVLIFE 4-16×44 Tactical Rifle Scope and were impressed with its performance. The locking turret made it easy to adjust the settings and ensured that our zero remained intact throughout our testing. The fully coated optical glass produced a bright and clear image, even in low-light situations.
However, we did notice that the eye relief was not as good as other scopes in this price range, which could be a problem for some users.
Additionally, the BDC dots in the reticle were not marked, which made it difficult to determine the range at longer distances. Finally, we found that the green and red illumination was difficult to see in bright daylight, which could be a problem for some users.
We would recommend the CVLIFE 4-16×44 Tactical Rifle Scope to anyone looking for an affordable scope that performs well in low-light conditions. While it does have some drawbacks, it is a solid choice for hunters and shooters on a budget.
Buying Guide
When choosing a low-light rifle scope under $500, there are a few important features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter is an important factor to consider when choosing a low-light rifle scope. This is the lens at the front of the scope that gathers light. A larger objective lens diameter will allow more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter image. However, a larger objective lens diameter also means a heavier and bulkier scope.
Magnification
Magnification is another key factor to consider when choosing a low-light rifle scope. Higher magnification can help you see farther, but it can also make it more difficult to see in low-light conditions. A lower magnification may be better for low light situations, as it can provide a wider field of view and brighter image.
Reticle
The reticle is the crosshairs or aiming point in the scope. When choosing a low-light rifle scope, consider a reticle that is easy to see in low-light conditions. Some popular options include illuminated reticles, which use battery-powered lights to make the reticle easier to see in low light.
Coatings
Coatings on the lenses can affect the brightness and clarity of the image. Look for scopes with high-quality coatings that reduce glare and increase light transmission. Some coatings to look for include anti-reflective coatings and multi-coated lenses.
Durability
Finally, consider the durability of the scope. Look for scopes that are waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. These features will help ensure that your scope can withstand tough conditions and provide reliable performance in the field.
In summary, when choosing a low-light rifle scope under $500, consider the objective lens diameter, magnification, reticle, coatings, and durability. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a scope that meets your needs and provides reliable performance in low-light conditions.