Best Low Light Rifle Scopes for Successful Hunting at Dusk & Dawn

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If you're a predator hunter, then you know how important good glass is for a successful hunt. 

Game will bed down to escape the heat of the day and rise playful and hungry during dusk and dawn.

These hunting hours can make it difficult for hunters to see prey, let alone take a well-placed shot. 

What's the given?  To give up?  Heck, no! 

You need a good low-light scope.  The kind of scope that can show you what's several yards in front of you when you can't see a darn thing.

What scopes are best for low light hours?  Let's shed some light on the matter.

QUICK LIST: 8 Best Low Light Rifle Scopes In 2024

1. NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 - Best Overall
2. Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-10x56 - Best for Deer Hunting
3. Maven RS.5 4-24x50 - Best for Long Range
4. Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter - Best Under $300
5. Sig Sauer Whiskey3 - Best Under $200
6. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn - Best Under $100
7. Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44
8. Barska Huntmaster Pro IR

Top Low Light Hunting Rifle Scopes

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
	NightForce ATACR	Magnification: 5-25X 56mm Reticle: F1 DigIllum Illuminated MOAR Price Range: Over $3000	CHECK PRICE
	Trijicon Credo	Magnification: 2.5-10X 56mm Reticle: Red MOA Precision Hunter Price Range: Under $1000	CHECK PRICE
	Maven RS.5	Magnification: 4-24X 50mm Reticle: SHR-W (MOA)/SHR-MIL Price Range: Under $1500	CHECK PRICE
	Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter	Magnification: 3-12X 56mm Reticle: Illuminated V-Brite Price Range: Under $300	CHECK PRICE
	Sig Sauer Whiskey3	Magnification: 3-9X 40mm Reticle: QuadPlex Price Range: Under $200	CHECK PRICE
	Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn	Magnification: 3-9X 40mm Reticle: Multi-X Price Range: Under $100	CHECK PRICE
	Barska Huntmaster Pro IR	Magnification: 3-12X 50mm Reticle: 30/30 Price Range: Under $100	CHECK PRICE
	Vortex Viper HS	Magnification: 2.5-10X 44mm Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC Price Range: Under $1000	CHECK PRICE

Top 8 Best Low Light Rifle Scopes

Getting into position before pre-light dawn hours are a must if you're going to increase your chances of being stealthy and catching some mature buck unaware.  You might even head out a few hours before nightfall and set-up for the soon-to-be grazing passersby.  To get those last-minute shots in during legal light, you've got to have a scope that can transmit as much ambient light as possible.

What would that kind of scope look like?  Big objective lens, maybe an illuminated reticle, and definitely awesome glass.  If you don't spend enough on your scope, you may as well go home or stick to popping off groundhogs in the broad light of day.

However, while we'd like to indulge you by only featuring the crème de la crème of low light scopes, we'd only be creating a wish list that might never be a reality for the average hunter.  To provide as much practical information as possible, we'll also throw a few underdog scopes in the lineup that have proven their worth to real hunters out in the field.

For those on a budget, we've recommended tried-and-true scopes that have held up well in the field.  While price is a good indicator of quality, you might be surprised that some price-friendly brands can do it right and are the exception to the rule.  In turn, this means landing a bargain-counter scope that can spot your trophy buck when the naked eye fails you!

1. NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1

Deer and coyotes aren't the only critters that demand the best quality glass from a rifle scope come low light.  There are other types of creepy crawlies and critters that law enforcement, military, and other tactical shooters are hunting once twilight rolls in.  Regardless of time of day, the ATACR is the professional scope of choice if you want to shoot like one.

Pros:

• FFP reticle
• Digillum illumination
• ZeroStop
• MOAR reticle
• Wide MOA adjustments

Cons:

• Price

ATACR scopes have never been in the affordable price range and they never ought to be.  These scopes are the best of the best when it comes to owning low light champs of the night.  This model has high power of 5-25x with a huge 56 mm objective on a whopping 34 mm tube body.  As you can guess, it's not your lightweight scope at 38 ounces.  You best have some muscle strength if you're mounting this to a big, bad-boy rifle.

Adjustment range is like everything else on this scope - extreme.  With 120 MOA elevation and 80 MOA windage travel, nothing is beyond your reach.  Each revolution offers 30 MOA.  Expect to see usable detail no matter the time of day with the scope's ED glass, illuminated MOAR reticle, and the reticle sitting in the first focal plane.

Use the ZeroStop to swiftly get back to zero, and take advantage of the power throw lever to zoom in or out of the sight picture.  Make use of the included sunshade and lens covers NightForce kindly throws in.

Extreme long-range precision is this scope's expertise, and precision is even more important to achieve when light conditions are set against you.  It's situations like these that calls for a NightForce.  It's situations like these that justifies buying an ATACR.

2. Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-10x56 – Best for Deer Hunting

Housekeeping first. HX stands for “Hunter,” so immediately, the Credo HX indicates that it’s design-driven for hunters in mind. The 2.5-10x56 model is available with two reticle styles: MOA Precision Hunter and the Standard Duplex. Both are available in either red or green illumination.

Pros:

• SFP reticle
• Red or green illumination
• 30mm tube
• Throw lever
• Accessories included

Cons:

• Not the best warranty

The MOA Precision Hunter model features exposed turrets that are resettable to zero, and the Standard Duplex has capped turrets. Despite marketing confusion, there is no parallax adjustment on this model as it’s not needed.

They have a SFP reticle. This is especially important since it has magnification of 2.5-10x magnification, and you need maximum visibility of crosshairs in dim conditions and in the lower powers. To boost crosshair visibility in lowlight, it has 10 illumination settings powered by a CR2032 battery that is rated to last 68 hours.

Turrets are in ¼ MOA clicks and even with the 30mm tube, you only have 50 MOA of total adjustment. This seems a little on the short side for a big tube, but it’s suited to its magnification range, and dialing in probably won’t be done as much. It’s more convenient to utilize the Precision Hunter reticle and holdover at 10x power.

It comes with bikini caps, hex keys, scopecoat, throw lever, battery, and paperwork. The HX scope has a wide FOV of 38.3-10.2 ft and eye relief of 4-2.8”. At max power, you’ll have to be precisely behind it.

However, Trijicon can’t compete in the warranty department. It’s limited to the original owner and the electronics are only covered for five years from date of manufacture. That might be the deal breaker, but if you’re already a Trijicon patriot, the warranty will work for you just as the Credo HX will in the field.

3. Maven RS.5 4-24x50 – Best for Long Range

It’s a real toss-up between the Maven RS.4 and RS.5 scopes. In truth, both have fantastic glass, light transmission, and illumination - we should know, we have tested them both! However, the RS.5 has an SFP reticle for hunters who want more magnification for better seeing while still retaining crosshair visibility in the lower powers.

Pros:

• 4-24x magnification
• Red dot illumination
• SFP reticle
• ED glass
• Zero stop

Cons:

• No FFP option (RS.4 for that)

What it really comes down to is that the RS.5 is a scope with modern features that retains some traditional hunting features. While it makes more sense to outfit it with a FFP reticle for long-range and competition use given its wide power range, the SFP reticle remains largely popular with hunters.

There is room to holdover for wind and drop with the glass-etched SHR-W or SHR-MIL reticles with hashmarks that’ll work for the field. Obviously, the downside is that you must be maxed out at 24x to incorporate them. Alternatively, you can dial in for target bench shooting or in the hunt with the 30mm tube that offers generous 100 MOA (29 MIL) and 70 MOA (20.3 MIL) in E/W travel. Remember, you can be in any power range to dial in.

The reticles have an illuminated red dot. Stay on target to see the aiming point when sun glare and low light summon in last legal light. With ED glass and a twilight factor of 14.1 - 34.64, its resolution in dark conditions is razor-sharp to pick out and count tines.

Other features that lend itself well to lowlight hunting is its lightweight platform of 25.5oz considering its larger configuration. It also features a capped windage turret, zero stop on the exposed elevation turret, and its nitrogen-purged and watertight.

The RS.5 is our recommendation as a lowlight scope for aging eyes. It provides visibility with a red dot reticle that remains static at low power, and it has good eye relief of 3.8-3”. With the Unconditional Lifetime Warranty, the Maven RS.5 is one of the best.

4. Vortex Crossfire II 3-12X56 AO Hog Hunter - Best Under $300

If it's feral hogs that have you up popping off rounds at night, then you will want the Crossfire Hog Hunter scope.  It features an illuminated center-dot reticle with V-Brite that will provide an unparalleled, crystal-clear sight picture that you didn't know you could buy for this low price!

You get a 30mm tube body, an adjustable objective for parallax correction, and more than enough adjustment travel range for taking shots in low light conditions.  There's a whole lotta hoo-ha thrown into this scope that you just can't pass up for the price.

If you want to finally be a Vortex scope owner, be one with this low light champ.  The hogs won't like it, but you sure will!

5. Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40 – Best Under $200

When you’re looking for a hunting scope, you need a scope that can perform during daylight hours and show up during dusk and dawn. The Whiskey3 may be a budget alternative, but it’s affordable and can provide reliable, all-round performance.

Pros:

• Price
• Quadplex reticle
• 80 MOA travel
• Fast-focus eyepiece
• IPX7 rated

Cons:

• No accessories included

An illuminated reticle could make all the difference on a low-light scope, but it does crank up the price a bit. If you’re looking to get by without batteries and still get enough light to make shots at last and first legal light, a 3-9x40 will get it done.

However, not just any 3-9x40 will do. This Sig Sauer was made in the Phillipines, has LD glass, and FMC optics. Glass quality is more than decent enough to make those last-minute shots.

Although it has a 1” tube, it has tons of MOA travel, and you can also upgrade your elevation turret to a custom-etched ballistic turret. This may be a crucial perk for you since the QuadPlex reticle is limiting but is limiting in its own right. The duplex reticle has a purpose and place in the optics industry, like for hunters who shoot within 200 yards. Does this sound like you?

The Sig scope has excellent features such as a European fast-focus eyepiece, nitrogen-purged optics, and O-ring sealed chamber. The scope can hold its own in the field and still make sure you have sharp sights to do the deed in bright daylight or twilight.

It’s hard to find a trustworthy scope with a budget of $200 or less. Don’t settle for some unknown brand. Trust Sig.

6. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9X40 - Best Under $100

Ah yes, an underdog makes an appearance in our lineup.  The odds of already owning a 3-9x40 scope are more than likely.  But, what about owning a 3-9x40 scope that has Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated coatings?  Unless you already have this scope, chances are you don't.

This little guy can hold its own out in the field.  It might not have all the fancy trappings that you'd see on a Swaro, but it does have quality where it matters most - glass and coatings.  With the addition of DDB coatings, the Banner certainly has an edge for those critical windows of first and last daylight.

It holds zero, is designed to withstand heavy recoil, and it's compact and lightweight.  If you want simple because simple gets it done, the Banner is your buy!

7. Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44

If you’re looking for a dependable, multi-purpose, low-light champ at a decent price point, the Viper HS 2.5-10x44 scope is a refreshing option.

Pros:

• Price
• Board power range
• Great glass
• 30mm tube
• Dead-Hold BDC reticle

Cons:

• Thin center crosshairs

This Viper HS may be small compared to the larger 56mm low-light champs available, but you don’t always need a bigger scope to acquire maximum rifle scope brightness. Larger apertures usually mean higher power, and with higher power comes faster degradation of effective range and image quality.

When you’re in the treestand, thick woods, or even open-plain hunting at last legal light, you need great glass, maximum usable exit pupil, and a working magnification setting that allows you to do it all.

Enter here the 2.5-10x44 Viper.

ED glass, build integrity, and light weight – the Viper has it. If you’re typically sitting within the 4-8x power range, you’ll be right at home with the scope. At 6x power, you’re only compromising 1mm of exit pupil that you could acquire with a 50mm scope at 6x. But you’ll be paying more in cost and weight for the larger size.

The Dead-Hold BDC MOA reticle is simple, easy to employ, and you have some windage and bullet drop references on board to work with. The center crosshairs are thin, but the outer posts are slightly thicker but do not inhibit full use. An illuminated center dot could make it even more effective. While it’s not an in-your-face scope that would strike you as a low-light performer, it certainly qualifies. For a scope under $500 and worth every dime, it’ll pay for itself when you’ve filled your tag minutes within last legal light.

8. Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12X50 IR

The Huntmaster Pro isn't a bad-looking scope.  It almost has a tactile appearance with its additional dial on top of the eyepiece.  What's that for anyway?  It's the illumination knob for the illuminated reticle.  That's right!  A scope under $100 sports an illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings.  It's a center-lit cross that will help you get dead-on when deer like to blend in with their surroundings.

Hogs, coyotes, and all sorts of critters won't be able to get past you if you're wielding this scope tonight.  With a large 50mm aperture, all-purpose reticle, and fully weatherproof and shockproof build, the Huntmaster Pro will have your back in the tree-stand or in the blind!

What to Look For in a Low Light Scope

When the sun starts going down or if hasn't yet come up, you're going to be struggling to make out details in the dark.  Being able to discern antlers from brush or a bedded doe from a tree stump will make all the difference in the hunt - it's a make-it or break-it kind of deal.

What you'll need is enough mag power to zoom in on specific features.  Big objective lenses have a role to play in the low light game.  Illuminated reticles might be the must-have feature you'll need.  But, most of all, it just comes down to good ol' glass.  Scratch that - transcendent glass!  The better the glass you can buy, the less likely you'll need to depend on other features that can complicate low light hunting.

Budget

In general, you can spend anywhere from $100 to over $3000 on a scope intended for lowlight conditions. However, the very best will have a high price point considering they have the best in glass and coating quality.

Price point and manufacturer is a good indication of what to expect in terms of quality and performance.

Glass & Coatings

On average, when it comes to low light, you will want to look to the configuration and optical quality. Though the specs may be in favor of big objectives, a smaller scope can outperform the larger scope if the glass is better.

Configuration & Specs

The configuration is the magnification and the objective lens size. This provides an excellent idea of what types of applications the scope is appropriate for. However, there are a few must-have specs that must be considered to make the most of lowlight applications.

Image quality tends to drop off at high magnification regardless of the objective lens size. It’s why cranking down magnification can help to improve resolution. However, a large objective lens allows more light to transmit to the eye making for a bright image that can keep you out longer even if it is only minutes.

While exit pupils are quite large with riflescopes, the real number you want to know is the exit pupil at max magnification. If it gets smaller than 4 mm, the image could be noticeably darker as the pupils expand in dark conditions.

For more on this topic, check out our "Objective Lens Diameter: Does it Matter?" article to get some perspective.

The field of view will give you a good indication of how much you can see through the scope and if it’s right for your application.

Reticle & Illumination

The reticle could be a crucial feature to consider in lowlight applications. Too complicated, it could interfere with effectiveness and speed. If crosshairs are too thin, it can be difficult to see. Illumination can be a good feature for lowlight conditions only when used at the right intensity.

Size, Weight & Tube Size

Overall size and weight should be considered as it affects mounting and when combined with rings, mounts, and rifle weight. Larger configurations will tend to offer better lowlight capabilities, but they also weigh more usually thanks to the larger objective lens and magnification assembly. 

Durability

Overall, it’s very likely that the scope will see some action whether it’s in the bed of the truck or out in the field in inclement weather. Some have been known to fall from treestands, dropped on the ground, and accidents I’m sure you won’t admit to.

Zero retention is vital, fogproof protection will protect image integrity, and waterproof scopes will hold up during wet and snowy hunts.

Low Light or Night Vision Rifle Scopes?

Traditional low light scopes are different to night vision rifle scopes.  NV is a whole breed of its own as you get into resolution, displays, and even thermal imaging.  If you need the kind of dependability a NV scope can provide, check 'em out here.

They can be used in total darkness with the aid of an IR illuminator, or for extra covertness, upper Gen 3 scopes can provide surreal bright and clear images of prey several hundred yards away with only the moon and stars to work with for light.  Of course, local, state, and federal regulations will vary for nighttime hunting, so be sure to check out the policies.

But, if you have a low light beast of a scope with you tonight, chances are, you'll be taking home your trophy rack that you nabbed at the last light of day.  There's nothing more invigorating than that when you have good glass to depend on!

Further Reading

• 1-4x vs. 1-6x LPVO Scopes – Which is Right for You?
• 27 Tips to Help You Understand Rifle Scope Parallax Adjustments Today
• Atibal XP8 1-8x24 Riflescope Review (Second Focal Plane)
• ATN THOR LT 320 3-6X Thermal Rifle Scope Review
• ATN X-Sight 4K Buckhunter 5-20x Riflescope Review