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10 Best Scope For Hunting 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 Riflescope is a versatile and high-quality option for hunters. Its 3-15x magnification range allows for both close and long-range targeting, making it suitable for diverse hunting environments. The 44mm objective lens ensures good light transmission for a clear, bright view, even in low-light conditions. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle aids in quick target acquisition, especially in dim settings, enhancing your shooting accuracy. Additionally, the side focus parallax adjustment offers quick and easy focusing from any position, adding to the user-friendly experience.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,115
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
373 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is just as I like it. Not too busy, with only hashes on the horizontal.
Parallax Adjustment
The side parallax adjustment ensures the reticle doesn't shift across the target if your head moves.
#2
8.8 score

Vortex Optics Venom 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MRAD) Reticle

The Vortex Optics Venom 3-15x44 is a versatile hunting riflescope designed to help you engage targets at various distances. Its 3 to 15 times magnification range offers flexibility, allowing you to zoom in for precision shots or use lower magnification for a wider view. The 34mm objective lens is compact yet effective, letting in enough light for clear images even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk, which are common hunting times.

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
859 reviews

Magnification
The clarity is outstanding, providing a clear and sharp image even at higher magnifications.
Reticle
The reticle works perfectly for both dialing range changes and using holdover or under in elevation, with a super fine center dot enabling precision zeroing.
Parallax Adjustment
Side parallax adjustment makes keeping the target sharp fast and simple.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The overall build quality and adjustability make it a significant upgrade even for competitive shooting with smaller calibers.
#3
8.2 score

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MRAD Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

The ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 riflescope is a powerful choice for long-range hunting, offering a broad magnification range from 6x to 36x that lets you zoom in on distant targets with precision. Its large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, which improves visibility in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The illuminated reticle with red and green options makes aiming easier in different lighting, and it only lights up the center for accuracy. Being a first focal plane scope, the reticle stays true to scale at all magnification levels, which is useful for making quick adjustments while hunting. The field of view is 20.4 feet at 100 yards, giving a decent area to scan without losing detail.

Rating
8.2
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
18 reviews

Magnification
The glass optics deliver the clearest and sharpest images with no edge distortion or chromatic aberrations, providing exceptional clarity even at high magnifications.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle is bright and precise, with adjustments that feel crisp and reliable, making target acquisition smooth and accurate.
Eye Relief
Eye relief and eye box are very forgiving, allowing for comfortable and easy alignment behind the scope during use.
Parallax Adjustment
Some users experienced alignment issues with the reticle linked to parallax adjustments, causing point of impact shifts when changing head position at longer distances.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope’s durability and build quality meet expectations for a premium product, with a robust design that handles recoil and outdoor conditions well.

Top 10 Best Scope For Hunting 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
Reticle: Illuminated FireDot Duplex
Parallax Adjustment: Side focus
Durability and Weather Resistance: Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof

Chosen by 1115 this week

Vortex Optics Venom 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MRAD) Reticle

Magnification: 3 to 15 times
Objective Lens Diameter: 34mm
Reticle: EBR-7C (MRAD)
Eye Relief: good
Field of View: 8.4 feet
Parallax Adjustment: yes
Durability and Weather Resistance: shockproof, waterproof, fogproof, Armortek

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MRAD Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Magnification: 6-36x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: Illuminated ZF-MRAD/ZF-MOAi
Field of View: 20.4 feet
Durability and Weather Resistance: Heavy-duty aluminum; water, dirt repellent

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Magnification: 6-36x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: Illuminated, first focal plane, red/green
Field of View: 20.4 feet
Parallax Adjustment: Included
Durability and Weather Resistance: 34mm tube, thick walls, shock tested

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 30mm Tube Illuminated ZeroSet First Focal Plane Dark Earth Hunting Gun Scope, MIL-XT Reticle (C667)

Magnification: 4-32x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: Mil-XT
Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
Field of View: 4.6 ft at 100 yards
Parallax Adjustment: 11 yards to infinity
Durability and Weather Resistance: Durable aluminum, weather-resistant

Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 34mm Tube Precise Illuminated First Focal Plane Dark Earth Hunting Gun Scope, Moar F1 Reticle, C689

Magnification: 7 to 35 times zoom
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: MOAR F1 reticle, first focal plane
Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
Field of View: 15 feet wide at 7x
Parallax Adjustment: 10-11 yards to infinity
Durability and Weather Resistance: 34mm aluminum tube, weather-resistant

Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm 8X Zoom Range F1 Illuminated Moar Ultra-Compact Rugged Dark Earth Hunting Scope (C685)

Magnification: 2.5-20x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Reticle: MOAR
Eye Relief: long
Field of View: 18 degrees
Parallax Adjustment: from 11 yards
Durability and Weather Resistance: aluminum, resists weather, dirt, water

Swarovski dS 5-25x52 P GEN. II - 4A-I Riflescope 71002

Magnification: 5-25x
Objective Lens Diameter: 52 mm
Reticle: 4A-I
Durability and Weather Resistance: Titanium, weather-resistant
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Buying Guide for the Best Scope For Hunting

Choosing the right scope for hunting can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall hunting experience. The right scope will depend on various factors such as the type of game you're hunting, the environment, and your personal preferences. Understanding the key specifications of a hunting scope will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at different distances. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For close-range hunting (up to 100 yards), a magnification of 1-4x is sufficient. For medium-range (100-300 yards), 4-9x is ideal. For long-range hunting (beyond 300 yards), you may need 9x or higher. Choose a magnification based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. However, larger lenses can make the scope heavier and bulkier. For general hunting, an objective lens diameter of 40-50mm is a good balance between light transmission and portability. If you often hunt in low-light conditions, consider a larger diameter.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Simple duplex reticles are easy to use and suitable for most hunting situations. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles help with long-range shooting by providing holdover points for bullet drop. Mil-dot reticles are useful for range estimation and windage adjustments. Choose a reticle based on your hunting style and the type of game you pursue. For general hunting, a duplex reticle is often sufficient. For long-range or precision shooting, consider a BDC or mil-dot reticle.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially when using high-recoil firearms. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) are safer and more comfortable to use, reducing the risk of 'scope eye' injuries. If you use a high-recoil rifle, prioritize scopes with longer eye relief. For lower-recoil firearms, standard eye relief (around 3 inches) is usually sufficient.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surrounding area, which is useful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes generally offer a wider FOV. For hunting in dense forests or when tracking fast-moving game, a wider FOV is beneficial. For long-range shooting where precision is more important than situational awareness, a narrower FOV is acceptable.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment are typically more precise but can be more complex to use. For most hunting situations within 300 yards, parallax adjustment is not critical. However, for long-range shooting or precision hunting, having a scope with parallax adjustment can improve accuracy.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for a hunting scope, as it will be exposed to various environmental conditions. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to ensure they can withstand harsh weather and rough handling. Scopes with robust construction and high-quality materials will last longer and perform better in the field. If you hunt in challenging environments, prioritize scopes with excellent durability and weather resistance features.

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