When it comes to hunting or shooting in low-light conditions, having the best rifle scope for low light conditions can make all the difference.
Early mornings and late evenings, when the light is fading or barely present, often present the most rewarding opportunities for hunters. However, these low-light situations require optics that can deliver bright, clear images and precision accuracy, even in challenging environments.
A high-performance low-light scope provides superior light transmission, advanced coatings, and illuminated reticles that ensure every shot counts when visibility is limited. Whether you’re in dense woods, open fields at twilight, or stalking game in the early dawn, the right rifle scope can enhance your experience and give you a significant edge in those critical moments.
9 Best rifle scope for low light conditions
1.Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44mm
The Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44mm riflescope stands out as one of the best rifle scopes for low light conditions, thanks to its premium glass quality, industry-leading coatings, and consistent optical performance across all lighting situations. Designed for hunters and shooters who demand precise long-range accuracy and weatherproof reliability, this scope blends German engineering with practical field performance. Whether you’re navigating thick timber at dawn or glassing across open fields at dusk, the Conquest V4 is built to give you an edge.
Key Features
- 90% Light Transmission: Delivers exceptional brightness and target resolution, especially in dim lighting environments.
- ZEISS T Coating : Each lens receives a precision-tuned anti-reflective coating for optimal contrast and image sharpness, even in twilight.
- LotuTec Weather Protection: Sheds water and resists dirt for a consistently clear view in all weather conditions.
- Ballistic Stop Turret: Enables a quick, tactile return-to-zero with precision adjustments (.25 MOA per click).
- #20 Reticle (Non-Illuminated): Fine crosshairs with arrow-shaped posts designed for long-range daylight precision.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4x to 16x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
- Light Transmission: 90%
- Coatings: ZEISS T* and LotuTec
- Reticle: #20 Non-Illuminated
- Turret Type: Multi-turn elevation with Ballistic Stop
- Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Weatherproofing: Waterproof and fogproof
Pros
- Outstanding low-light performance with high light transmission
- Precision ballistic turret with repeatable tracking
- Weather-resistant LotuTec coating ensures clear vision in wet conditions
- Superior glass clarity and color fidelity across magnification levels
- Durable construction with German engineering reliability
Cons
- Lacks an illuminated reticle for extreme low-light aiming
2.Burris XTR II 8-40x50mm
The Burris XTR II 8-40x50mm is a powerhouse precision riflescope designed for serious long-range shooting, especially in competitive settings like F-Class. With an ultra-wide magnification range and a host of elite tactical features, this scope delivers exceptional clarity and tracking performance at any distance.
Its illuminated F-Class MOA reticle and front focal plane design make it one of the best rifle scopes for low light conditions, particularly for shooters demanding visibility and precision in fading light.
Key Features
- 8-40x Magnification Range: Ideal for extreme long-range target engagement and F-Class shooting competitions.
- F-Class MOA Illuminated Reticle: Provides accurate aiming points and improved visibility in low-light conditions.
- Front Focal Plane (FFP): Ensures consistent holdover and ranging accuracy at all magnifications.
- 34mm Main Tube: Increases adjustment range and strength for rugged field use.
- Zero Click Stop Adjustment Knobs: Allows fast, tactile return to your zero setting without counting clicks.
Specifications
- Magnification: 8x to 40x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Tube Size: 34mm
- Reticle Type: F-Class MOA, Illuminated
- Focal Plane: Front (First Focal Plane)
- Turret Style: Zero Click Stop Elevation and Windage Adjustments
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.25 inches (approximate)
- Weatherproofing: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Pros
- Exceptional magnification range for extreme long-range shooting
- Illuminated reticle improves precision in dusk/dawn or shaded conditions
- Robust construction for competition and field durability
- Easy-to-use zero stop system
- Clear optics with minimal distortion at high power
Cons
- High magnification best suited for stationary shooting, not fast-paced hunting
3.Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Dusk & Dawn
When the first and last legal shooting light determines your success in the field, having optics that perform under low light is essential. The Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Dusk & Dawn riflescope delivers just that, earning its place among the best rifle scopes for low light conditions. This model is part of Bushnell’s renowned Dusk & Dawn series, specifically engineered to provide exceptional brightness and clarity at dawn and dusk—those critical hunting hours.
The scope features Bushnell’s proprietary Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses, which cast enhanced brightness and clarity, even in shadowy environments. Its classic 3-9x magnification paired with a 40mm objective lens is versatile enough for a range of mid- to long-range shooting applications. What sets this model apart is its extended 6-inch eye relief, offering hunters a more forgiving sight picture and greater safety when shooting higher-recoil calibers.
Durability and weather resistance are also standout features. The fully multi-coated optics reduce glare and increase light transmission, while argon purging ensures fog-proof stability regardless of temperature changes. The IPX7 waterproof rating means the scope will stay dry and functional even when submerged in up to three feet of water for 30 minutes—perfect for unpredictable field conditions.
Key Features
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses for optimal low-light performance
- Classic 3-9×40 configuration ideal for versatile hunting needs
- Extended 6 inches of eye relief for enhanced safety and comfort
- Argon-purged for superior fog-proofing
- IPX7 waterproof construction for rugged outdoor reliability
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Eye Relief: 6 inches
- Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes, IPX7 & Argon-purged
- Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated
Pros
- Excellent clarity and brightness in low light
- Comfortable and safe extended eye relief
- Durable and weatherproof design
- Affordable without compromising quality
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle may limit visibility in extreme darkness
4.Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm
Hunters and shooters know that early mornings and late evenings are often the most productive times in the field—but they’re also the most challenging for optics. The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm, model #180617, rises to meet this challenge, earning its place as one of the best rifle scopes for low light conditions. Built with Leupold’s trusted quality, this scope is engineered to perform in demanding environments while delivering exceptional brightness, precision, and reliability.
This model features Leupold’s Elite Optical System, designed to maximize light transmission from dawn to dusk. Whether you’re watching the ridgeline at sunrise or tracking game through shadows at sunset, this system delivers a bright, sharp image with excellent glare reduction. The Duplex Reticle, simple yet highly effective, provides rapid target acquisition without cluttering your field of view.
One of the VX-3HD’s standout features is the CDS-ZL (Custom Dial System with ZeroLock). This system allows you to quickly dial your elevation adjustments with confidence, knowing the ZeroLock mechanism will prevent accidental movement. Leupold even offers a custom laser-marked dial tailored to your rifle’s ballistics and environmental conditions—making long-range shots faster and more accurate.
The scope also includes a removable, low-profile throw lever, making magnification adjustments fast and intuitive. When the lever isn’t needed, simply swap it for the included thread protector. Rugged performance is a given: it’s 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, and as always, it’s designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, backed by Leupold’s renowned customer care.
Key Feature
- Elite Optical System – Offers excellent dawn-to-dusk light transmission, glare reduction, and edge-to-edge clarity.
- CDS-ZL (ZeroLock) Elevation Dial – Prevents accidental dial movement and allows precise, tool-free elevation adjustments.
- Custom Dial System (CDS) – Lets you order a custom elevation dial tailored to your rifle’s ballistics and environmental conditions.
- Duplex Reticle – Simple, intuitive reticle that helps with fast target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
- Removable Throw Lever – Enables quick and easy magnification adjustments in the field; includes a thread protector when removed.
- American-Made Durability – Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA; 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3.5-10x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: Duplex
- Finish: Matte
- Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof: Yes
- Origin: Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA
Pros
- Outstanding performance in dawn and dusk lighting
- Reliable ZeroLock elevation turret
- Custom dial improves long-range accuracy
- Lightweight and easy to mount
- Built for rugged conditions
Cons
- No illumination in the reticle for extreme low-light contrast
5.Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm
When it comes to maximizing your time in the field, especially in those fleeting moments of early dawn and fading dusk, the Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm emerges as a top contender for the best rifle scope for low light conditions. Built with an ultra-lightweight design, this scope balances performance with portability—ideal for backcountry hunters and precision shooters alike.
The Razor HD LHT is engineered to perform where light is scarce. Its high-definition optical system and advanced anti-reflective coatings ensure that each glassing opportunity counts, even when daylight is nearly gone. Whether you’re chasing elk at last light or scanning timber edges in low contrast, the image quality is clear, vibrant, and true to life.
Mechanically, the scope doesn’t disappoint. Vortex’s RevStop Zero System allows for a reliable return-to-zero after adjustments, while the locking elevation turret prevents unintentional changes during field movement. You’ll also appreciate the illuminated center dot reticle, which greatly enhances aiming in low-light environments. With rugged build quality, waterproof and fogproof sealing, and lens-protective Armortek coatings, it’s ready for the harshest conditions.
Key Features
- High Definition Optical System – Delivers razor-sharp clarity and color fidelity in all lighting conditions.
- Anti-Reflective, Index-Matched Lens Coatings – Maximize light transmission for peak performance in low light.
- RevStop Zero System – Provides a fast, reliable return to zero with hard-stop accuracy.
- Locking Elevation Turret – Ensures precise and secure elevation adjustments.
- Illuminated Center Dot Reticle – Improves visibility and aiming precision in dusk and dawn scenarios.
- Durable Build – Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof with a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube.
- Armortek Lens Coatings – Resist scratches, oil, and dirt for low-maintenance clarity.
- VIP Lifetime Warranty – Fully transferable and unconditional, excluding loss or cosmetic damage.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-15x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Reticle Type: Illuminated center dot
- Turret Style: Locking elevation with capped windage
- Zero System: RevStop Zero Return
- Construction: Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes, argon-purged and O-ring sealed
Pros
- Exceptional performance in low-light conditions
- Lightweight yet extremely durable construction
- Rock-solid zero return system
- User-friendly, illuminated reticle
- Backed by a generous VIP warranty
Cons
- Premium price point compared to entry-level scopes
Next Read: Best low light rifle scope 2024
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best rifle scope for low light conditions can mean the difference between success and frustration in the field. Whether you’re scanning the treeline at dawn or lining up a shot at dusk, a high-quality low-light scope ensures you never miss a critical moment due to poor visibility.
With advanced lens coatings, illuminated reticles, and high-transmission optics, these scopes push the limits of available light and extend your hunting hours. Investing in the best rifle scope for low light conditions isn’t just about gear—it’s about gaining every possible advantage when it matters most.