1-6x VS 1-8x LPVO Scopes – Which is Right for You?

A 1-6x can do everything a 1-4x can do and more.

A 1-8x can do everything a 1-6x can do and more.

Does this mean a 1-8x is better than a 1-6x and even better than a 1-4?

In general, there’s enough of a difference between LPVO scopes, including the 1-6x vs 1-8x, to promote one over the other. Despite the benefits of more magnification, wider field of views, or lighter weights, the preference for either scope will depend on personal inclinations and intentions.

I personally think that 1-6x and 1-8x scopes largely share the same benefits. However, there is an evaluative side of me that wants to see how those small differences can be the difference in deciding which LPVO bests the other.

Here’s how they stack up.

1-6x VS 1-8x LPVO

Overall, the small difference in the configuration between a 1-6 and 1-8 is enough to provide separate specifications and unique operator experiences. For example, it might not seem like much, but the extra 2x magnification can make for a heavier and more expensive scope than a 1-6x.

If you’ve ever maxed out the power on your scope and wished you had just a little bit more, you’d reckon the weight and cost is worth it. For others, the extra 2x is unnecessary along with the downsides it comes with.

Really, I could sit here all day long and present an argument for each. In many cases, the comparison margins are slim between the 1-6 and the 1-8, but I still attempt to pick a winner to clarify the differences that can be made.

At the end of the day, it will come down to personal preference and your intentions for the scope.

Hopefully this guide helps you to narrow things down a little bit more when deciding between the two.

Cost

In general, there is a cost difference between 1-6 and 1-8 LPVO scopes. The more magnification a scope has, it’s more likely it will cost more than its lower powered alternative. When comparing scopes of similar quality (especially from the same manufacturer line), the 1-6x is principally cheaper.

I had to mention the quality issue because the cost factor alone isn’t an accurate measure to determine which LPVO is best for you.

You can have a 1-6x like the Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E that racks up to more than $2000 at its MSRP and yet the Bushnell AR Optics 1-8x is like $300 bucks. Technically the Bushnell scope has more magnification, but it’s way more affordable than the lower powered Vortex Razor.

To be fair, this is an extreme quality comparison, and it can be argued it’s like comparing apples to oranges. Regardless, I’m making my point in that there are other factors to consider such as glass, materials, assembly, and overall performance quality that affects cost.

To clarify, when considering similar quality scopes even across various manufacturers, the 1-6x LPVO is going to be the cheaper option.

Winner: 1-6x

Magnification/Power

The most obvious difference between a 1-6x and 1-8x scope is the magnification. The 1-8x has 2x more magnification than the 1-6x. This can be helpful in extending the effective shooting range and potentially improving accuracy thanks to the slightly more magnified target.

On paper, a 1-8x can do everything a 1-6x can do but a 1-6x can’t do everything a 1-8x can do.

On an average, entry-level 1-6x, you might get usable image quality from 1x through to maybe 4x or 5x with some brightness and resolution loss at 6x. It’s a big reason why I really like the 1-8x configuration. You have a fully usable 1-6x range with little to no obvious consequence to the optical image before you start seeing the same optical losses at 7x and 8x.

Some scopes with the best glass can provide outstanding optical performance right through to max 6x or 8x but that may also mean a steeper MSRP.

Is the extra 2x worth it?

Being scrupulous, sometimes the extra 2x of the 1-8x isn’t worth it. Firstly, it can tack on extra weight. Secondly, if the glass sucks, it’s not going to be a good experience, and this is without mentioning the fact that you’re magnifying distortions which is likely present with cheap glass and assembly - this is also true of 1-6x scopes too! Just remember…

No amount of magnification can make up for poor optical quality.

More power doesn’t mean anything if you can’t acquire focused and resolvable detail. A high-caliber 1-6x will outperform an average 1-8x any day.

You should consider what it is you’ll be doing 80-90% of the time to determine which power range, 1-6x or 1-8x, is best for you.

If you’re only ever shooting off the center of your reticle inside 300 yards, I think an SFP reticle in a 1-6x or 1-8x is absolutely appropriate. I’d recommend either for duty use, home defense, CQB, and even hunting.

The extra magnification along with a FFP reticle in a 1-8x scope can be extremely beneficial for those wanting a little more distance and accuracy.

Overall, if the optical quality is the same between scopes, I’d say the 1-8x offers an advantage with the extra 2x. Other factors like reticle focal plane, weight, tight eyeboxes, restricted FOV, etc. must be considered, but based on the magnification advantage alone, the 1-8x has it.

Winner: 1-8x

Riflescope Specs

Exit Pupil

In general, the exit pupil is a calculated spec that will be identical between scopes of the same configuration (magnification and objective lens diameter). All 1-8x24 LPVO scopes will have 24-3 mm exit pupils while all 1-6x24 LPVO scopes will have an exit pupil of 24-4 mm.

On paper the 1-6x scope is going to provide a slightly brighter image than the 1-8x in lowlight and dark conditions at max magnification. However, they’re neck and neck (with a 1 mm difference to the 1-6x), and I’d say the difference is imperceivable.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The eye relief is actually pretty good between LPVO scopes as they seem to average between 4-2.5” regardless of its configuration. I’ve measured generous 5-4” eye relief LPV scopes but it’s the eye box that ends up being the sore point.

In the lower powers with a huge exit pupil and good eye relief an optimal image is easy to see and maintain even without a perfect weld. However, once you crank the power to max magnification, the eye box can feel pretty narrow and small as you move your head laterally and vertically. At this point, precision alignment becomes imperative.

The misalignment caused by an inconsistent cheekweld, awkward shooting position, etc. can make it difficult to have a clear and full sight picture without aberrations (spherical, vignetting, etc.). It can also make you feel like you’re slower. This generally makes for a “hard to get behind the scope” type of experience.

Unlike eye relief or exit pupil, the eye box is not a provided measurement by the manufacturer. The feel of the eye box is something that needs to be experienced in person. The general opinion is that the eye box becomes less forgiving (or tighter) with scopes with more magnification.

Though that may be the common perspective, I’m going to push back on that a little bit. I’ve found that a 1-4x scope can be just as finicky as a 1-6x and 1-8x scope at max mag. While there is a discernible experience in eye comfort and optimal sight picture acquisition at 1x versus max power, there’s more to do with eye box comfort than just magnification.

With that argument, I don’t see an inherent advantage between either the 1-6x or 1-8x when it comes to eye relief and the eye box.

Field of View

Concerning field of view, this spec varies from scope to scope even between those of identical configuration. For example, the Swampfox Warhorse 1-6x has a 105.7-18.3 ft FOV while the Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-6x has a 120.4-20.9 ft FOV. Though they’re both 1-6x24 LPVO scopes, they have different FOV specs.

Generally, more magnification makes for a smaller or more restricted FOV. However, FOV specs are not standardized by scope configuration as a 1-8x can be competitive with a 1-6x. It will take a deliberate look into the FOV specs to see which scope offers a wide FOV.

Apart from the exit pupil, the eye relief and FOV specifications will vary between scopes. For the most part, the eye relief is more than acceptable on both a 1-6 and 1-8. It’s the eye box that needs consideration, and this is really a matter of your tolerance level for a scope’s off-axis optical performance. This can really only be tested by handling the scope in person. To get the best FOV regardless of what the specs say, run your LPVO at 1x and open both eyes. It’s a tie.

Winner: Tie

Effective Range

The point of a LPVO is to have variable but low power for speed. Think close quarters, shooting and moving, and the ability to go to distance if needed. Combined with the unlimited FOV of 1x, improved situational awareness of two-eyes-open, and the simplicity of an illuminated reticle, the LPV provides unprecedented performance.

Close Range

For many, the 1-8x or 1-6x LPV is mounted in a one-piece mount on an AR-15 rifle and carbine. For those using it for patrol, home defense, or on a truck gun, it’s likely set at 1x until deliberately changed.

I’d wager that most of us are leaving it there at 1x and a good portion of shots, if not all, are inside 100 yards, 200 at most. Depending on the size and/or mobility/speed of the target, we’ll crank up the power to see better to make a more accurate shot. For me, it’s especially nice to have this past 50-ish, 75 yards.

I especially appreciate the magnification and crank it up to max when shooting paper targets to keep groups as small as possible. Yet, when I’m training and mobile, 1x is king to make rapid center mass shots at various distances.

While this gives you a good idea of how I use the LPV scope, it doesn’t highlight its ability to go to distance.

Mid-Long Range

On average, a 1-6x scope is generally going to have a SFP reticle with holds out to about 600 yards. Because the 1-8x has a little more magnification, it tends to stretch the distance to about 800 yards off the reticle in either the SFP or FFP.

This falls in line with the accepted 500-800-yard maximum effective range for an LPVO.

Though LPVO scopes provide this generous close quarter to medium distance potential, it doesn’t mean the scope is up to task. There are other factors that determine effective range from caliber, shooting position, and zero distance to parallax, visual acuity, and more.

If we’re looking at magnification alone, you could get away with 1x power for each 100 yards. For the 1-6x, that would be an effective range up to 600 yards. For the 1-8x, you’re looking at an effective range of up to 800 yards.

It’s my opinion that the LPVO is most effective at much shorter ranges than that – it’s made for speed at close quarters with low and variable magnification for versatile performance.

If all things were equal, the 1-8x has an advantage over the 1-6x simply because of the 2x more magnification – it’s likely you can push the effective range of a 1-8x further than a 1-6x.

Winner: 1-8x

Reticle Focal Plane

I would say for many who are considering the 1-6x scope, a reticle in the rear focal plane (SFP) is all that’s needed especially if shots are all inside 100 yards, even 200 yards. Even for those times where you need to hold, you’ll not only need but you will want the full 6x power for better target visibility anyways.

With the extra magnification of a 1-8x, I would still promote a SFP reticle for all CQB and defensive applications.

As far as the need for a FFP reticle in either a 1-6x or 1-8x, I’d venture to say that it comes down to what you’re comfortable with when shooting intermediate ranges, let’s say 200-400 yards. Not everyone is maxing out on magnification for these distances, especially in competitions where you want to maintain a wide FOV where you have multiple targets at various distances.

I can see the benefits of a FFP reticle that I can crank up to 75-80% of the power range and have accurate holds. For ranges past 400 yards, I’ll want max power.

But a disadvantage of a FFP reticle in a LPVO is how small it is at 1x and 2x. The LPVO is essentially performing in a very red dot-like way at this point. Some people don’t mind it and some people can’t stand it. I think illumination brightness can have a lot to do with how tolerant someone can be with a small FFP reticle at 1x, and unfortunately riflescope reticle illumination is notoriously poor compared to a red dot sight.

There is a time and place for either a SFP or FFP reticle in a LPVO in my opinion. Though the debate between FFP vs SFP reticles in LPVO scopes continues, I think it’s really about how you personally use a LPVO and what its primary application will be that will determine the preference.

As far as what I can tell from trends and mass opinion, SFP reticles are very popular on 1-6x scopes while FFP reticles tend to be more accepted and utilized in 1-8x and 1-10x scopes. I still hold to the fact that it’s less about a 1-6x versus 1-8x debate and more about what it is you need from your scope. It’s a tie.

Winner: Tie

Size/Weight

In general, a 1-6x is likely to be lighter in weight than a 1-8x scope. However, there are other scope features that can tack on weight to level the playing field between the 1-6 and 1-8 such as third turrets (parallax), sunshades, oversized turrets, bigger tubes, larger objectives, etc.  

All those seemingly small components add up to make a difference when it comes to overall weight. Add to that at least 5 oz from a lightweight cantilever mount, an attachable flashlight, laser, etc., and you’re tacking on a possible total of more than 2 lbs to your rifle.

But not all 1-8x scopes are hulking beasts and not all 1-6x are compact. Either way, LPV scopes are notoriously known for their heft and bulk. The added mass can be a shocker especially if you’re replacing a red dot sight. But as a general rule, the 1-6 is usually a little bit lighter than a 1-8.

Winner: 1-6x

For AR-15

Overall, an LPVO is an excellent riflescope for the AR-15. Between a 1-6 scope and a 1-8, they would both serve the operator well for close quarter engagements to distances well past 200 yards when needed.

The performance contrasts between a 1-6 and a 1-8 scope will depend on the quality differences. Though it’s obvious that the 1-8 has 2x more magnification, other things like glass, usable eye boxes, and reticle visibility must be considered.

But between these two scopes, either one could serve well for duty use, competition, recreation, CQB, hunting, or target shooting on an AR. If you can narrow down what you want out of your scope and get real about your visual acuity, you can better decipher if a 1-8x or 1-6x will be best for you.

I think if you’re looking for a do-it-all configuration, the 1-8x would be a good pick. Once again, it can do everything a 1-6x can do, but there are some limitations (as there always is).

Winner: 1-8x

For Hunting

If you’re considering an LPVO for hunting, it’s likely your shots are close-range and you could be in brushy, mountain, and/or timbered terrain. There’s going to be a lot more than just the 1-6x or 1-8x configuration to consider to determine if it’s the right scope for a hunt.

I’d also recommend looking at things like the glass quality, durability, reticle design, overall weight, and capped turrets.

But if I am looking at a 1-6x and 1-8x scope of the same or similar quality, I’d probably end up going for the 1-6x for the lighter weight, better stability and wide FOV at max mag of 6x.

However, the little bit of extra magnification from a 1-8x can be a boon in the field. In all reality though, the 1-6x and 1-8x can be so similar in performance that they could both be useful in a hunt.

I think for the conditions where an LPVO would be great for hunting, I’d recommend keeping it simple. You don’t need to go overboard on your scope, meaning you don’t need more magnification than you’ll actually use.

If you’re really depending on that extra 2x power of a 1-8x and you reckon you’ll be sitting at max mag using the BDC portion of your reticle often, you should look at a different scope for the hunt – not an LPVO.

For most intents and purposes where short-range shots are expected, a wide field of view is important, and follow-up shots may be required – a 1-6x can do that pretty well.

Winner: 1-6x

For 3-Gun  

I’d say go for the 1-6x. It can be faster to use and the wider FOV will certainly lend an advantage in time-based sports. You can sit at 6x or less and have a wide sight picture to make accurate shots and simultaneously assess the field for the next targets.

However, 1-8x scopes are equally employed in the competition field, and I’d think a FFP reticle would be helpful here.

With a SFP reticle, you’d need to max out on magnification on a long-range target, say 500 or 600 yards. It also means you will need to crank back down to widen the FOV to get your sights on the multiple targets spread out over an area.

Instead, employ a FFP reticle and crank up the power just enough for positive target identification to make the shot. Then you can quickly move on to the next target that should easily be acquired in the sight picture without having to make any drastic power changes.

Ultimately though, it's largely about what you’re used to and what you can comfortably train with. I’d still say that a 1-6x would be a very good configuration for 3-gun comps.

Winner: 1-6x

1-6x VS 1-8x LPVO Pros & Cons

1-6x Scope Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Can be more affordable
• Can be more lightweight/compact
• Excellent for CQB
• Popular for competition
• Good option for LE
• Better image stability

Cons:

• Only up to 6x magnification
• Can be very similar to 1-8x in size/weight  

1-8x Scope Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extra 2x magnification
• Excellent for CQB to mid-range
• Can be similar in size/weight to a 1-6x
• More FFP reticle options
• More side focus options

Cons:

• Tends to be heavier than a 1-6x
• Can have narrower FOV at max mag.
• Can be more expensive

Is a 1-6x or 1-8x Right for You?

The 1-6x is a great, all-round scope for practically any application where an LPVO is needed. The 1-8x offers more magnification that can push the distance a little further. Even if the extra power isn't being used for extending the range, it is nice to have it for improved target identification. 

Both the 1-6 and 1-8 would be equally great in many applications, so the final considerations will come down to other scope features such as reticle design, reticle focal plane, illumination brightness, glass quality, and more.

Overall, we tend to fall into the trap that ‘more scope' is always better. LPVOs drive home the ‘less is more’ concept. Considering that most shots tend to be a lot closer than we think they are in applications where an LPVO would be considered, a 1-6x or 1-8x could be the right do-it-all scope for many a task.

Further Reading

• 1-6x VS 1-8x LPVO Scopes – Which is Right for You?
• Swampfox Arrowhead 1-10x LPVO Review – Hands-On Test!
• Swampfox Warhorse 1-6x24 FFP LPVO Review – Range Tested!
• Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-6x LPVO Review – Range-Tested!
• How Accurate are Red Dot Sights?