Deer hunting has been a popular American pastime for countless generations. When hunting, you should equip yourself with the right hunting gear, including the best scope magnification for hunting deer. It’s handy, and no one can deny the advantages it offers to make the hunting process more effective. But the question is, how do you decide on the best scope for hunting deer? There’s currently a huge number of scopes available on the market with a wide price category and features that amaze even an experienced hunter. For help, just read on as you’ll see all of the best scopes for deer hunting that we’ve carefully picked for hunters like you!
Speaking about hunting, you should also equip yourself with one of the 13 best rubber hunting boots, the 13 best hunting flashlights, and the 13 best hunting jackets!
How To Choose The Best Rifle Scopes For Deer Hunting
To help you choose the best scopes for deer hunting, we’ve made you a list of some of the important considerations you should take in mind before making your purchase. They include:
Objective lens
When you’re looking for the best scope magnification for hunting deer, it’s always better to go for the one with a larger lens. After all, the larger the lens, the more light that can come through, making images to be much clearer and bigger. But you should keep in mind that the larger the objective lens, the heavier it weighs.
Magnification
Deers are naturally wary and can run away in just a blink. That said, you must always make sure that the best scope for hunting deer that you have won’t go lesser than 9x. Even with maximum zoom, the image’s clarity and brightness shouldn’t ever be compromised!
Multi-coated lenses
Just because it’s getting dark, it doesn’t mean you should stop hunting. With that in mind, a great riflescope that can perform in low-light conditions is what you should look for. Usually, the best scopes for deer hunting will come with multi-coated lenses that’ll help to provide you with crisp and clear images regardless of the light conditions.
Reticle
The aiming mark, also known as the reticle, helps you to aim, take out, and determine the distance to the target. Although each of them has its own purpose, the most popular reticles out there are rightfully the Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) grid and its modifications.
Price
It doesn’t really matter whether the best scopes for deer hunting you’re eyeing are expensive or cheap. Price doesn’t really dictate the quality of a scope. So, be open with your options. However, always remember to stick to your budget.
What scope should I use for 500 yards?
For making 500-yard shots, the ideal minimum magnification is 5x and could go up to at least 18x. Naturally, if your target is fairly small or if you’re shooting at a fairly long distance, then you’ll definitely need higher magnification.
Is Leupold better than Vortex?
When comparing these 2, Leupold might have a slight advantage with the quality of its scopes’ build. Meanwhile, Vortex has more tempting price tags. Ultimately, both brands have excellent reputations and your choice will probably come down to personal preference.
Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
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If you’re one of those hunters that are on a tight budget, then relax, as we have a budget-friendly option that you might want to purchase. The Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope is one of the best scopes for deer hunting that offers some of the best value for money out there. It features an FFP mil-dot reticle, and the mil-dot distances will remain true at all magnification levels.
Of course, this scope is also shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant, making it a very durable scope that can withstand even the toughest terrains and weather conditions. Meanwhile, the 44mm objective lens will provide you good clarity and brightness. With its wide 4-14x magnification range, this is an impressive scope that you can use for long-range games. Best of all, it has a 3-year warranty that you can claim when needed!
What We Love
It’s one of the best options for those on a tight budget without sacrificing the essential features.
Pros:
- Cheap price tag
- FFP mil-dot reticle
- Very durable
- Provides good clarity and brightness
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Short eye relief
SWAROVSKI Z5 3.5-18×44 Ballistic Turret Riflescope
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The stunning SWAROVSKI Z5 3.5-18x-44 Ballistic Turret Riflescope isn’t a scope that you should overlook. To give you the best experience, it provides maximum visibility and a great overview. That way, you’ll be able to hunt safely and have a higher rate of success. Thanks to its big exit pupil as well as its fine point of light, it’s super easy to detect the target very quickly and precisely.
Moreover, this best scope for hunting deer also has a generous zoom range of 3.5 to 18 times. This is very impressive considering even some of the best scopes for deer hunting out there aren’t that generous. Combined with its incredibly compact construction, this scope is a very reliable and flexible companion that you should always bring with you to the field.
What We Love
The durability and amazing features of this scope make it worth your money.
Pros:
- Great for twilight use
- Very durable construction
- Offers great visibility and overview
- Boasts magnification up to 18x
- Produces high-contrast and crisp images
Cons:
- Very expensive
Athlon Optics 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope
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Perfect for long-range deer hunting, the Athlon Optics 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope has everything you possibly want and a lot more. This scope comes with many advanced features, but it’s simple to use at the same time. That’s why it’s considered the best scope magnification for hunting deer by many beginners and veterans.
You might be wondering, what makes this scope so great. Well, first of all, it’s an FFP reticle. This means it’s ideal for shooting long-range, as it provides a clear and crisp image on the huge 50mm objective lens. Aside from that, the multicoated lens will also make the image higher in contrast. The image quality is excellent and stays consistent throughout the entire zoom range.
What We Love
It’s a scope that provides impressive accuracy, precision, and image quality.
Pros:
- Great for long-range games
- Accurate turret adjustments
- Multicoated lens
- Very durable
- Produces superb image quality
Cons:
- Short eye relief
UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope
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Another popular choice among hunters that you can find on the market is the UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope. With such a low price tag, it’s hard to believe that this scope manages to offer hunters plenty of top-notch features that will make hunting more enjoyable. Among all its features, the most unique one has to be its 36-color illuminated reticle that’ll provide you a higher contrast, which also makes it a good option for color-blind hunters.
There’s also a built-in sunshade and flip cover that’ll protect the objective lens from the elements and excess light. Optimized for tactical operations, this scope offers solid turret adjustments with options to lock and return-to-zero. To us, the optics this scope offers is far superior to any other available options in this price range.
What We Love
It’s a very cheap option that’s great for hunting and tactical shooting.
Pros:
- Wide field of view
- Illuminated, multi-colored reticle
- Great eye relief range
- Very affordable
- Solid turrets with lockable and reset-to-zero functionality
Cons:
- Quite heavy
Athlon Optics Talos 4-16×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
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Whether you tend to hunt in the dawn or late at night, bringing the Athlon Optics Talos 4-16×40 Second Focal Plante Riflescope with you is a good decision. This scope features an advanced multi-coated lens to ensure clarity and illumination during conditions where the light is low. Along with the magnification range of 4x, you’ll have the versatility to hunt in many different environments. From wide-open spaces to pine forests, you name it all.
This scope also comes with a collection of specialty scopes for different targets. On top of that, the aircraft-grade aluminum will give it additional strength and durability to withstand the toughest terrains and weather conditions. Nitrogen-filled, shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, this impressive scope is seen by many as the best scope magnification for hunting deer that’ll accompany you for years of hunting.
What We Love
It’s a versatile and super durable scope that performs amazingly well in the early morning and late at night.
Pros:
- Multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum tube for better durability
- Weatherproof
- Performs well in different environments
- Glass etched reticle
Cons:
- Heavier than some of the best scopes for deer hunting
Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm Riflescope
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As the best scope for hunting deer in all light settings and weather conditions, the Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm Riflescope is totally a can’t-miss. Many hunters love how this scope gives them the freedom to control the light output of the optics during the day. Meanwhile, the AccuPoint has aircraft quality with hard-anodized aluminum that helps to tolerate the harshest weather conditions.
When hunting, the last thing you want to do is to spook your target away with light reflections and glares. That’s why this scope comes with a black matte finish. Moreover, the clarity that this scope offers is simply incredible. Plus, it’s also nitrogen-filled and water-resistant to avert deterioration and prevent fogging, giving you your best hunting experience.
What We Love
It’s a riflescope of great value that excels in clarity, capacity, and size.
Pros:
- Performs well in all light settings
- Tolerate harsh weathers
- Nitrogen-filled and water-resistant
- Requires no batteries to light the reticle
- Black matte finish
Cons:
- More expensive than most of the best scopes for deer hunting
Simmons Truplex Riflescope
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If you rarely hunt in low-light conditions, the Simmons Truplex Riflescope might be the best magnification scope for hunting deer you’ve been looking for. This scope comes with optics that are fully coated that’s complete with anti-reflective and anti-glare properties. When it rains, the coating will cause the droplets to roll to the lens’s side so that you can keep using the scope. Not only that, but it also comes with a 40mm objective lens with a Truplex reticle.
As one of the best scopes for deer hunting, it also offers a field view of 31.4 inches as well as a zoom capability of 3x, which is amazing. It won’t let you lose your target even if there are light movements or uncontrollable factors like the weather. We also like how the mounting process is simple, even for beginners. Plus, with the rubber-coated tube, you’ll easily be able to find the best fit. Best of all, this scope is designed to be waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof.
What We Love
This scope is one of the best choices for beginners who want to improve their skills in hunting.
Pros:
- Anti-reflective and anti-glare optics
- Affordable price tag
- Simple mounting process
- Rubber-coated tube
- Very durable
Cons:
- Doesn’t perform that well in low-light conditions
Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Rifle Scope
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Despite being one of the most wallet-friendly riflescopes currently available on the market, the Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Rifle Scope still manages to deliver impressive performance. Its multicoated lens is capable of increasing light transmission to up to 98%, which will ensure maximum brightness all day and night.
As expected from one of the best scopes for deer hunting from Nikon, this product will make your hunting experience super simple and far from complicated. For example, you can easily rotate to your zero and re-engage when the need arises. It doesn’t stop there, as the field adjustments are also easy as all you need to do is turn the knob to the setting that you want. But to us, the best feature this scope offers is the freedom to adjust the bullet drop up to 600 yards.
What We Love
It’s an affordable riflescope that offers impressive performance.
Pros:
- Generous eye relief
- Affordable price
- Ergonomic controls allow for easy adjustments
- Magnification of 3x to 9x
- Light transmission up to 98%
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with mounting rings
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
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Bushnell Banner is a manufacturer that has established itself as a top brand that’s capable of producing top-notch scopes since decades ago. One of the best scopes for deer hunting from this brand is none other than the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Rifle Scope. It’s a highly-recommended product when it comes to low-light settings.
Aside from that, it’s also a great choice for those looking for the best scope for hunting deer that doesn’t cost much. Despite not costing you as much as other higher-end models, this scope is amazingly very durable. It’s also waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. Furthermore, it features a fast-focus eyepiece that adds to its reliability. By using this scope, you’ll never miss a critical shot because of having to make too many adjustments.
What We Love
Considering its price tag, this riflescope is one of the best choices for hunting at night or dawn, especially when fog can be a challenge.
Pros:
- Great clarity even when there’s fog
- Inexpensive
- Performs well in low-light conditions
- Easy adjustments
- Waterproof and shockproof
Cons:
- A little bit heavier than some of the best scopes for deer hunting out there
Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
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The Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is the upgraded version of the original Buckmasters. If you have the previous model, you’ll definitely want to upgrade it to this new model. The light transmission of this scope has been improved from 92% to 98%, which greatly helps with the overall light transmission. Another significant improvement from the previous model is the additional resettable turrets.
It’s no secret that deer hunting can cause eyestrain. As the best scope magnification for hunting deer, it won’t give you that. Instead, this scope will provide you with a consistent and generous 3.6 inches of eye relief, even with the heavyweight recoiling of shooting. Another thing that makes this scope one of the best scopes for deer hunting is its ability to provide 2 magnifications of 3-9×40 and 4-12×40. Plus, it comes with a non-slip grip that makes adjustments super easy.
What We Love
This scope is built to last and designed to perform outstandingly at a reasonable price tag.
Pros:
- Affordable price tag
- Multi-coated optics
- Generous eye relief
- Versatile magnification choice
- Comes with Nikon’s original BDC reticle
Cons:
- Mounting can be quite a challenge for beginners
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane
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When you’re looking for the best scopes for deer hunting, nothing can top Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane. Taking pride in its functionality, this is a scope that grants you simplicity and high-quality performance. It comes with fully multi-coated optics that have multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings. All of that is to keep the glare down while making sure that you’ll have optimal light transmission.
Apart from that, this scope also comes with a zero-reset turret. We also love how it’s completely fog-proof and waterproof, allowing you to use it even in the most unforgiving environment with confidence. Whether there’s a sudden drop from a tree or a quick submersion into the mud, there’s no need to worry! Overall, this lightweight scope is a smart buy for every hunter out there.
What We Love
This lightweight scope is worth the price and with its amazing features, it’s a good buy that guarantees superb performance.
Pros:
- Anti-reflective coatings
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Durable and solid build
- Zero-reset turret for weather protection
- Lightweight
- 1-piece tube for adjustment precision
Cons:
- Poor image quality beyond 9x magnification
Leupold VX-R Patrol Riflescope
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Leupold is one of the top brands that’s been long associated with top-notch optics and weatherproof hunting equipment. The Leupold VX-R Patrol Riflescope is one of the best scopes for deer hunting it has produced, and it’s more than able to cater to all of your needs. This scope comes with a magnification of 3-9x and a tough 40mm objective lens. That said, it’s very capable of shooting over long distances if you’re skillful enough. However, we have to say that it performs best when used for close to medium-range hunting.
This scope’s illuminated reticle comes with a variety of brightness settings, which makes it very versatile. Whether your biggest issue is an overabundance of light or lack of it, this scope can easily adjust its views to fit the environment. Another thing worth mentioning is its unique Twilight Light Management System. As you can guess from its name, it helps to balance contrasts, resolutions, and light transmissions, leading to a brighter and crisper image.
What We Love
It boasts amazing features that are designed to brighten and sharpen images in low-light conditions.
Pros:
- Performs well in low-light conditions
- Twilight Light Management System for brighter and crisper images
- Great reticle battery life
- Very durable
- Illuminated reticle with various brightness settings
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Some people find the adjustment knobs too big
Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
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With an extended magnification of up to 3.5-10x, the Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes is one of the best scopes for deer hunting that’s made for medium and short-range games. This impressive product boasts a multi-coated and anti-reflective lens that will provide you higher light transmission while keeping the image clear with ample light. Along with its fast-focus eyepiece, you’ll be able to quickly concentrate on your targets.
As its name suggests, this best scope for hunting deer has a reticle that’s set to SFP. On top of that, its 6061-T6 aluminum single-piece center tube design that’s fitted with an accuracy adjustment mechanism will allow you to make the necessary corrections as needed. Once you have this scope in your hand, you’ll immediately feel its solid build that’s made to last for a good number of hunting years.
What We Love
You can rely on this high-quality scope’s lens and performance without going over budget.
Pros:
- Great for medium and short-range games
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Reticle set to SFP
- 6061-T6 aluminum single-piece center tube design
- Solid build
- Multi-coated and anti-reflective lens
Cons:
- Short eye relief
