Zeiss and its 170 years of experience produce excellent optics. Read our review of Zeiss scopes to learn why they are leaders in this market.

Zeiss scopes are among the best products available. With 170 years of practice behind them, Zeiss employs strict quality control standards to ensure their models remain top choices for hunters, and their glass is exceptional. Hunters around the world trust Zeiss to provide them with great scopes they can rely on in any weather or hunting situation.

Beyond that, and for most avid hunters, Zeiss hunting optics don’t need an introduction. Gun and hunting enthusiasts recognize the name immediately, and the authority Zeiss exercises over the industry. Few optics makers share their attention to detail and quality, and hunting and optics experts swear by their glass.

Zeiss knows glass. It is that simple. Zeiss glass is everywhere you look from planes, automobiles, camera lenses, and some mobile phones. Their optics have literally been to the moon and back. In the optics industry, Zeiss glass and optics are the benchmarks. Their hunting scopes are no exception to the high standards they’ve set for their products.

The glass isn’t the only thing Zeiss offers in their optics, depending on the product, there are over 180 different types of glass used in Zeiss products along with precise mechanics. The mechanical parts keep your scope accurate through travel and the occasional bump while climbing in and out of your stand or taking your rifle out of your truck. If you’ve used a bargain scope before, you know it loses accuracy after you leave the shooting range.

Cheaper materials and mechanical parts are responsible for “loose” scopes. With Zeiss scopes, you'll get the same accuracy on the field and the firing range. Unless you drop your gun and it lands on the scope, the scope's precise mechanics won't vibrate loose, change your settings, or otherwise degrade during regular use.  

If you've done any research yourself, you will recognize these scopes or at least one of them. We didn't choose our favorites based on price or personal experience. Instead, we looked at performance, sales, and customer comments or reviews.

The list of overall favorite Zeiss scopes is short but packed with high-quality scopes you can rely on to remain accurate, gather plenty of light, and perform above expectations.

We consider this scope an all-around scope. It performs well in low light conditions such as dusk and dawn hunts when heavy light collection is crucial. Visibility in low light is essential for safety and making sure you get a clean shot. For the money, at $ on Amazon, this scope is one of the most affordable Zeiss scopes.

Notable features:

• Aluminum turret caps
• MC anti-reflective coatings
• Rz6 reticle
• Rugged, anodized, and waterproof tube

This scope is perfect for mid-range shooting. Whether hunting, competition shooting, or recreational target practice, the Victory HT is the brightest scope in the Zeiss Victory series. It comes with a pretty large price tag, $$$ on Amazon, but it’s worth every cent. It’s one of the brightest scopes on the market thanks to the Schott HT glass and boasts 95% light transmission.  

Notable features:

• 56mm diameter lens
• Knurled turrets
• Schott HT high light transmission glass
• Fast focus eyepiece

This scope is one of the more affordable in the Zeiss Terra series. You can order it from Amazon for $. If we were picking a favorite scope for low-light shooting at mid to long ranges, this scope is a strong contender. Its sturdy and compact design make it ideal for stalking. At the same time, it's an excellent choice for recreational shooting.

The reticle and crosshairs are suited for shooting large or small targets. They lack illumination, but the light collection on this scope is outstanding. The RZ8 reticle is suited for long shots using a large caliber gun such as the 300 Winchester Magnum, or smaller calibers for coyote or pest hunting. Bring all these features together, and this is a nearly perfect all-purpose scope.

Notable Features:

• 44 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
• MC AR coated optics for maximum light transfer
• RZ8 reticle
• Parallax free from 100 yards

This is one of the sharpest scopes in the Zeiss lineup. It features the Rapid-Z 800 reticle for accuracy at long ranges using large caliber ammo. It's designed with long-range shooters in mind with its 5x variable magnification, lockable turrets, and ballistic Rapid-Z 800 reticle. You'll get good use out of this scope on the range or a hunt. You can order it from Amazon for $$.

Notable features:

• Rapid-Z 800 ballistic reticle
• Second focal plane
• 50 MOA windage adjustment
• 70 MOA elevation adjustment
• Fast focus eyepiece

Any of these scopes is an excellent choice for hunting or recreational shooting. They're all suited for mid to long range shooting, even the scopes designed for long range work well at mid ranges if necessary. You’ll need to decide how far your average shots are and choose accordingly. Unlike economy scopes, you won’t lose accuracy with repeated shots from large caliber guns. They can take the recoil.

Zeiss scopes are not cheap, but they're worth every dime. They have some of the highest light transfer among their competitors, and they're tough. You can find a Zeiss scope suited for any situation from recreational shooting to long range hunting. The scopes we highlighted above are favorites, but only represent a fraction of what is available.

You can’t talk about the price of Zeiss scopes without thinking about their competition. Leupold scopes are the first thing we think of when we think about competitors that have similar scopes, quality assurance, and durability. There isn't a huge price difference if we compare similar Zeiss and Leupold scopes.

Leupold’s Competition Series 45x45mm rings in at an MSRP of $$, and their VX-6 7-42x56mm has an MSRP of $$$. These aren't identical to the scopes we covered above, but they are similar in use, magnification, and quality. They're close enough that we can say Leupold is slightly less expensive than Zeiss, but we think Zeiss is better based on glass quality.

When you find yourself in the market for a new scope, it comes down to a choice of how much you want to invest compared to which scopes perform the best in specific situations. For instance, if you are a recreational shooter, low light shooting probably isn’t on the list of things to consider. However, if you are a hunter, you must deal with poor light conditions quite often.

We all want to save every dollar we can and buying a high-end scope is a substantial investment. That said, the price of the scope is less important than the quality and performance. If you have decided to buy a scope along the same quality lines as Zeiss, you have accepted the hefty price tag that comes attached to the scope. In the hunting optics world, you can’t find a quality economy scope.

If you’re an avid hunter or shooter, you recognize the top of the line scope brands like Zeiss, Leupold, Burris, and Bushnell, to name a few. We all have our favorite brand and getting us to buy something else is no easy feat. However, if you don't have experience with Zeiss optics, we urge you to take a more in-depth look at their products.

Hunters and shooters that own Zeiss scopes swear by them. In a few minutes of searching popular hunting, shooting, and gun enthusiasts websites, we found hundreds of glowing reviews for Zeiss scopes. So, don't take our word for it; have a look for yourself. We think you'll see the gun community supports our stance on Zeiss scopes.

A large chunk of Zeiss customers praises their scopes mechanics and turrets. The scopes hold their settings during travel, rough hunting trips, and even a few bumps. Once you have your scope set, the only adjustments you’ll need are windage and elevation changes in the field.

Nothing ruins a hunting trip faster than seeing dirt fly up six feet to the left of your target because your scope didn’t handle the trip well or took a little bump on the way up the stand.

Some customers reported less than .5 centimeters change in groupings over a two-year period. We found several comments claiming similar results. Those comments alone are a testament to the quality of Zeiss scopes and their mechanics.

Customers commenting on how well the scopes hold their settings admitted that the only times they had to adjust their scope, aside from windage or elevation, was when their gun fell or was otherwise shocked pretty hard.

Customers had plenty to say about the scope's other great features as well. Brightness was a key talking point across all the comments or reviews we read. We can't review or test every scope Zeiss offers.

So, we look to customers to tell us about their experience with other models in the field. Brightness in low light situations and, as we mentioned above, the scope's internal mechanics are the reasons most customers say they continue to buy scopes made by Zeiss.

Many of the comments compared Zeiss scopes to other scopes the customers used in low light conditions. Competitions shooters don't deal with low light very often, but hunters find themselves trying to aim in low light all the time. Compared to economy scopes, Zeiss was a favorite among hunters, and their most significant reason for loving the scopes is their performance in low light.

The high-quality glass and coatings send Zeiss scopes soaring above the competition for light collection. Many customers claimed the light collection properties of these scopes is beyond compare. Nothing is indeed beyond compare, but these scopes do a fantastic job of collecting light and helping you find a target at dusk or dawn when light levels are low.

Other than the price, we didn't find many negative reviews or comments. Overall, customers are happy with their scopes. The few negative remarks we saw all came down to the price. Like we mentioned above, Zeiss scopes are not economy scopes. If you don't hunt or shoot often, the cost is too high to justify. Otherwise, you get what you pay for, and Zeiss scopes are worth the money.

We firmly believe you will fall in love with these scopes if you try one. If you currently use another brand’s scope and have problems with the mechanics or light collection properties, give these scopes a chance. You won’t regret it, especially if you are used to economy scopes. Upgrading to a Zeiss scope from an economy scope is a tough decision, for the money, but we’re confident it’s the best choice.

The real choice is in your hands. Unboxing a $$$ scope is a great feeling but knowing that money netted you a top of the line scope is another feeling altogether. You have to decide if the money is worth it when compared to your needs.

If you don’t hunt very often and you aren’t a recreational shooter, these scopes are not the best choice for your money. A mid-tier scope is all you need for a few hunting trips a year or some occasional target practice with friends.

Zeiss is a leader in the optics world. They have exceptional light collection abilities and cutting-edge reticles. Their scopes are designed to perform in the best and worst weather conditions, and they exceed every expectation. The internal mechanics and turrets outperform the competition, and they hold their settings through travel, storage, and rugged use.

Zeiss scopes earned their spot among the leaders in optics and glass manufacturers. They've practiced for 170 years, and they led the race to 95 percent light transference. Don't take our word for it.

Try any of their scopes that fit your needs, and you'll see why we say they are in a class above most scopes. At the very least, talk to your friends that shoot or hunt and get their opinions on these scopes. We're betting they will tell you the same thing.

​When searching for the right scope for your firearm, whether it be a rifle, pistol, or another weapon, it can be a difficult challenge considering there are literally hundreds of options available online and in stores.

Some enthusiasts have found a more straightforward route by discovering a particular brand that suits their needs and sticking with them through thick and thin.

One such company, Weaver, has long been associated with the top of the line and industry best scopes. Though it has seen its share of ups and downs, many hunting and shooting enthusiasts continue to swear by their rifle and handgun scopes, as well as the various optical accessories they produce.

Let’s take a closer look at where Weaver Optics is at today and find out if their scopes are the right fit to sit atop your firearm.

Comparison Table

History

First, a quick history. While almost 90 years of history is difficult to condense into a couple of paragraphs, it should be noted that many are already well aware of the Weaver name, even if you don’t own one of their scopes.

The Weaver rail mount was an invention from company founder William Ralph Weaver as a means to attach telescopic sights to pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

The company was at the forefront of scope technology throughout the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s and introduced many innovations which were precursors to the tech we use today. Some of these advancements include the 1-inch tube, a reticle that remained centered, and the introduction of anodized aluminum tubes.

Lean years in the late 1970s and early 1980s led to the company shutting its doors in 1984. After a few years of uncertainty, the company was re-launched in 1988. Weaver Optics is now part of Vista Outdoor, a multinational shooting and outdoor sports group with over 35 companies under its umbrella.

Weaver, for their part, continues to produce high-quality scopes and sights. The fact that many of their vintage products remain popular on the resale market as both collectibles and for live use is a testament to their quality, durability, and historical significance.

Products

Weaver, for much of its existence, focused explicitly on rifles and creating and supplying scopes, mounts, and rails for its customers, which for many years included the United States Military. As would be expected from such commitment, much of the Weaver’s modern product line gears itself towards outfitting rifles.

But in addition to their rifle lines, Weaver does offer a few added product lines to satisfy other optical needs for outdoor enthusiasts. These products include multiple models of tactical riflescopes, three handgun scope models, dot sights, binoculars, and a laser rangefinder.

As great as those other offerings may be, we are here to give due to the company’s bread and butter, riflescopes.

Riflescope Lines

When you’ve been in the business as long as Weaver Optics, you tend to learn a thing or two about who your customers are and what they want and need. Based on their varied line of rifle scopes, Weaver has figured out that no two customers are alike. In fact, the options they carry are nothing short of impressive.

Their primary catalog of scopes reaches across 12 different riflescope product lines that include a total of 73 different models. Yes, 73 individual riflescope models. It actually goes even deeper than that as some of the models have offshoots that open up even more options.

On its surface, that certainly seems a bit much, but it's actually quite the opposite. The Weaver model variations help you dial into the specifics of what you and your rifle may require, offering variable options that range from power and objective to the type of reticle to any special features.

It’s ultimately a scope fitting system for you and your shooting style. We appreciate the way everything is detailed and laid out, and it indeed makes your fitting process a snap. Even if they don’t have the exact specs to what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance Weaver has a variation close enough to match you with the perfect scope.

Here’s a quick breakdown of all 12 lines.

The Super Slam scopes are without question, Weaver’s top of the line. The three baseline models expand to eight sub offerings, which provide a lot of choice at the higher price point. With the Super Slam, you have the option of choosing between five different reticles and variables on the field of view, eye relief, and weight of the scope.

The Grand Slam series hovers a step below the Super Slam, but that does not mean it's any less impressive. In fact, the Grand Slam is considered Weaver’s flagship line as it bridges the gap between the top tier Super and the mid and lower tier options.

This scope is an elegant build with similar variables as its pricier cousin. Up to five different reticles spread over 12 different models, multi-coated lenses, argon purged tubes, and side focus parallax adjustments round out the feature list.

The name says it all. This variant of the Grand Slam offers two models that allow you to custom build a ballistic turret and then configure it for individual loads and firearms. It’s actually a great, hands-on feature that allows any owner to get a bit more involved in the scoping process.

Beyond that, you can expect the same features from the base Grand Slam line.

Moving into the Classic lines of Weaver scopes, we get to the mid and lower tier pricing options, but without sacrificing any of the quality we’ve already seen. The V-Series includes seven models that give you a choice of five different reticles.

The scopes are also lighter with an additional inch to inch and a half added to the length of the Super and Grand Slam scopes. Standard features include 1-inch, nitrogen purged tubes, and multi-coated lenses.  

The K-Series scopes are the heavy-duty workhorses of the Weaver line. The construction features a single piece tube crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. Overall, the three models that make the K-Series are a no-frills affair.

Simple, straightforward, and ready to take whatever abuse you can dish out these scopes will service the extreme shooting enthusiast exceptionally well.

The three model Rimfire line continues the robust tube construction from the K-Series with a design that is made especially for rimfire and airguns. All models feature a 50-yard parallax and offer a single reticle option.

After a few simple, but highly durable offerings, Weaver’s Classic T Series gets us back into feature-rich models with some highly adjustable riflescopes. The five models each measure 15 inches in length with a 17 oz weight.

Features include Weaver's Micro-Trac system that aids with windage and elevation adjustments, parallax-free targeting through an adjustable objective, and two reticle choices. To round out the impressive list of options, the T Series scopes also include screw-in metal caps for the lenses and a sunshade.

The T Series XR ups the ante quite a bit by taking the baseline build of the regular T Series and tosses in side-focus adjustments for the parallax and three reticle options across seven different models.

Obviously, this version of the T Series will run you a bit more, but if you're a serious hunter or competition level shooter any of the XR scopes are well worth the investment.

For the budget conscious among us, Weaver covers this segment with the 40/44 line of scopes. Seven model variants each offering single piece constructed, 1-inch tubes that include fully multi-coated lenses.

You also have three reticle options, including two models that carry a Ballistic X reticle. There are also four variations on the magnification with the three top models including an adjustable objective.

Finally, we come to the KASPA line, which is Weaver’s hunting specific series of scopes. There are three variants here including the KASPA Hunting, KASPA Hunting Rimfire, and the KASPA Tactical.

For the Hunting Series, 17 different models offer up endless variations with seven different magnifications, two side focus scopes, and two illuminated reticle options.

We contend that the KASPA Hunting Series is the most versatile of Weaver’s line up of rifle scopes, though the KASPA Tactical does give it some competition with four magnifications across seven model choices. The tactical also outdoes the hunting line with five illuminated reticle choices.

Construction and Performance

Quite the line-up isn't it? Often you’ll find some manufacturers that have a broad selection of products can be hit or miss on the quality of some of their lines. When testing samples of the Weaver lines we noted a fantastic attention to detail throughout each scope segment, which really impressed us.

As we noted above in some of the descriptions, there is a consistency to the construction of the scopes, the vast majority is a 1-inch, single tube, aluminum variant, although a few offer the 30mm size tube. All lenses were extremely clean and bright, and when sighting with them, we had a clearly defined visual aiming range.

The variation of the reticles throughout the entire line-up was also a great option to help a hunter dial into their preferred crosshair.

Finally, the turrets and other adjustment features of each scope really felt responsive and performed as advertised. You can toggle windage and elevation without issue with Weaver’s Micro-Trac adjustment system, and each dial and adjustable objective turned firmly without feeling tight.

Additional Scopes and Products

While our focus was squarely on the numerous Weaver riflescopes, they do feature a lot more than just rifle optics. Three models of handgun scopes help to satisfy pistol owners while a six model deep tactical line provides options for purposes that go beyond simple hunting.

Each of these gets the same detailed treatment as the riflescopes and will no doubt serve an end user well should more serious situations arise.

To round out the optical offerings, Weaver also makes high-quality dot sights, binoculars, and a laser rangefinder. The two variations of the dot sights include the Micro Dot that can affix to almost any firearm including AR style weapons, handguns, or shotguns. The Micro is also an excellent consideration for younger participants.

The Rapid Fire Dot is a bit more grown up with illumination that features six settings, two of which are compatible with night vision. The sight also includes an easy to remove and install tactical mount, threaded anti-reflection and unlimited field of view and eye relief.

The binoculars, in particular, are perfect complements to both your hunting gear and the birdwatcher in your family. We must not forget the laser rangefinder can also provide a considerable assist while out hunting. It certainly doesn’t hurt it that you can distance up to 1000 yards when using it.

Finally, we need to mention the accessory side of Weaver’s business, as a lot of their innovation came not just from targeting scopes but also from the mounting of those sights.

Both their selection of rings and mounting systems are highly touted throughout the industry and are most often the preferred choice for the vast majority of hunters and shooting enthusiasts.

Final Verdict

It’s not at all difficult to see what the appeal is with having a Weaver scope sitting atop your rifle. Quality materials, solid construction, and attention to detail all add up to a brand that wants to provide their customers the best gear possible and ensure they continue coming back when in need of an upgrade.

With a 90-year track record, the Weaver brand also provides a level of confidence and staying power that newer firms may lack. As with most major companies, there were difficult times to weather for Weaver, but their past and continued level of innovation and the many standards they set for the industry along the way should not be ignored.

From the high-end Super Slam on down to the pocketbook-friendly KASPA Hunting Series, there is a through line of quality that makes Weaver Optics an easy recommendation for anyone looking for an excellent scope and an even better company backing it.

Long-range scopes represent the best in optics quality and magnification. If you're looking to purchase a new scope, consider one of these five options.

As a hunter, you may want to consider improving your shot by adding a long-range scope to your rifle. Adding a scope of this nature could allow you to increase your shot range to more than 400 yards, which could revolutionize the way you hunt. Long range scopes represent the best in optics quality and an increase in magnification. If you’re looking for the best long-range scopes, consider yourself in luck.

At RifleScopeCenter, we understand how important it is to you that you have the best equipment while hunting. As we all know, every second and every millimeter matters when taking your shot. One misstep could be the difference between the kill of a lifetime and allowing your game to escape unscathed. We kept this in mind when compiling our ratings of the best scopes for long ranges.

We began by having each one of our team members test dozens of scopes. They measured things such as:

• Optics quality
• Magnification increase
• Durability
• Shot quality

After each team member finished testing the scopes independently, we had them rate the products. Using these grades, we compiled a general list of what we thought were the best scopes on the market today. For the most part, the ratings were consistent from team member to team member. The “cream rose to the top,” per say.

But, we did not stop there. We then browsed hundreds of online reviews to get a better feel for what other customers had to say about the scopes. We understood that our team pales in comparisons to the thousands of marksmen who use these scopes on a daily basis. We wanted to get a better idea of the consensus of the scopes so that we could provide you the best ratings.

While the reviews from our team generally matched online reviews, we did take one scope off the list because of poor customer reviews. Although it performed well when our team tested the product, other customers remarked that within a few months of use, the protective coating began to wear off the lens, which made it difficult to keep clean.

Our team would not have been able to discover this by only taking a couple of shots. It’s a perfect example of how we were willing to admit our list was not necessarily complete, and that we were concerned with only providing you the best products. We’re confident that the products listed below represent the best scopes for long ranges available on the market today.

We plan to keep this list fluid over time, which is why we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. We value our community of readers. If you have experience using any of the scopes on our list, both good or bad, we invite you to let us know your thoughts. Similarly, if you use and trust a scope that is not on our list, we ask you to let us know as well.

If we need to make any adjustments to our list, we are more than willing to do so. Together, with our valued community, we can come up with a comprehensive list of the best scopes for long ranges. Ultimately, we all share a love and passion for sharp-shooting, and we all would like to see one another improve in our sport.

If you’re in the market for a new scope that can assist with your long-range shot, consider the five options listed below. We’re confident that when using one of these five options, you’ll find success in taking your next shot. These scopes can help you hit distances that you’ve never before reached, expanding your range as a marksman.

The CVLife Hunting Rifle Scope is a great beginner’s scope. It carries a 4.1-star rating on Amazon with more than 1,600 customer reviews. The product also has an “Amazon’s Choice” label because it has 47 percent fewer returns than similar products and is very popular among people searching Amazon for long range scopes.

The scope features a 6-24x magnification and an objective diameter of 50mm. It features a field-of-view of 28 feet at 100 yards and a click value of 1/8” at 100 yards. The scope also features both red and green illumination features. The equipment also carries eye relief of 3.52” and a 1” tube diameter. The scope is 40 centimeters long.

Of those who reviewed the product, more than 65 percent gave the product either a four or five-star review. Reviewers remarked that this was a great value buy, available for less than $. Many mentioned that the product was durable, able to withstand tough recoils. Some remarked that the focus was fidgety, but for those looking for a first scope for long ranges, this could be an affordable option.

This scope from Primary Arms carries a 4.6-star rating on Amazon with nearly 75 customer reviews. Of those who reviewed the product, 81 percent gave it a five-star rating. You can purchase the scope for less than $. Multiple reviewers remarked that this was one of the best scopes they have ever used for that amount of money and that they were delighted with the device.

The scope features side-mounted focus controls and an illuminated mil-dot reticle. It is also nitrogen-purged, making it one of the most durable models we tested. Additionally, the product is resistant to water, which is great for when you are shooting in the rain or are sweating on a hot day. The scope weighs approximately 1.6 pounds.

This scope from Bushnell features a 4.7-star rating on Amazon with nearly 60 customer reviews. 93 percent of reviewers gave the product either a four or five-star rating. The product costs a little more than $$. The scope features a 50mm objective and a 6-24x magnification. It also comes with a Dao Lr800 reticle and ¼ MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments.

One of the things that stood out to us most about this scope was the product design. Manufacturers designed the scope so that it was shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. Additionally, the lenses of the scope are high-definition and come coated with rain guard technology to help give you a bright look at your shot.

Many reviewers remarked that it was effortless to adjust the scope and that this was one of the best scopes they’ve ever tested when it came to making last-minute adjustments. Additionally, customers appreciated the visuals the scope provided. One reviewer remarked that they brought down their best kill in moderate rain thanks to the scope.

Vortex is one of the most trusted names in rifle technology, so it’s no surprise their Crossfire Riflescope found it’s way on to our list. The scope carries a 4.6-star rating on Amazon with more than 165 customer reviews. Of those who reviewed the product, 78 percent gave it a five-star rating. Less than 10 percent of customers gave the product a one or two-star rating.

The scope features an adjustable 6-24x50 objective crossfire. It also comes with Vortex’s patented Dead-Hold BDC reticle, ideal for when you are estimating holdover. Additionally, the adjustable objective provides image focus and parallax removal. The lenses on the scope are coated with an anti-reflective material to offer views that are clear.

The scope’s construction is a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum that helps make the product shockproof. The company also guarantees that the scope is fog-proof and waterproof. The tube size is 30mm, and the eye relief is 4”. You can purchase the scope for less than $$. Reviewers said that for this price, this is by-far the best scope available on the market.

This scope from Ade Advanced Optics is available for less than $$. It carries a four-star rating on Amazon. Of those who reviewed the product, more than three-quarters gave the device a four or five-star rating. Reviewers remarked that the scope was very sleek and sturdy and that they were impressed with the functionality of the scope.

The Advanced Optics scope features a one-piece, heavy-duty design. It also carries 6-25x magnification and a 56mm objective lens, making it the most prominent option on our list. The scope also has a Mil-DotBar reticle and precision controls offering 140 MOA adjustments. The tube is 35mm in diameter and comes in a matte black finish. The scope comes with an anti-fog design.

When it comes to buying a long-range scope, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. If you have never purchased one of these scopes before, you could be overwhelmed by the options available. Fortunately, this buyer’s guide should help you sort through the vast number of products to help you find the best scope for you. Consider a few of the criteria listed below.

One of the first things you should consider is how much you wish to spend on a new scope. Scopes can cost a few hundred dollars. Before you begin searching for the ideal scope, you should have an idea of how much you wish to pay. Knowing your budget can help you narrow down your choices. There’s nothing worse than finding the right scope, only to discover that it far exceeds your price range.

If you have never worked with long-range optics before, we recommend a mid-range scope. Perhaps consider a scope that costs around $ - $. This will give you a better idea of if you like using a scope meant for long ranges. If you end up falling in love with your new scope, you could always upgrade your equipment later. Don’t spend too much until you know that you like the feel of long-range optics.

The lens is arguably the most important physical component to consider. You’ll want to find a lens that works in both high and low magnifications, presenting a crystal-clear image either way. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a lens that allows you to read the wind correctly. Wind becomes even more of a factor when taking a long-range shot, so it’s imperative that you have a proper reading.

Tell-tale signs of wind include flags and trees. However, you could see these with nearly any scope. When taking a long-range shot, the slightest breeze could have you missing your target by hundreds of feet. You’ll need to find a scope that allows you to see details such as the way the wind or dust is blowing.

You’ll want to ensure that you find a scope made of the finest materials. This helps determine how durable your scope is. Hopefully, you’ll be getting frequent use out of your new scope, so you want to ensure that it withstands the test of time. One of the best materials for scopes is aircraft-grade aluminum. Additionally, your scope should be a single-piece design, made from one piece of aluminum.

Many beginner marksmen believe that the bigger the objective lens size, the better because a larger objective lens typically allows for more light transmission. While this is true, you eventually reach the point where it’s possible to have an objective lens that is too big without providing any additional light transmission. This typically occurs once you surpass a 50mm objective lens.

The problem with using objective lenses that are too large is that you can significantly alter your shot. That’s because to mount the glass, you need a higher scope mount. The higher the scope mount, the less precision you’ll see when firing your rifle. As a general rule of thumb, the closer the mount height is to the barrel, the more accurate the shot. Look for objective lenses ranging from 42mm to 50mm.  

If you plan to use your scope strictly for long-range shots, then you may want to find the strongest magnification power possible. But if you would like to be able to adjust your scope for both short and long ranges, you may want to look for a bit more versatility in your magnification options. Magnification powers around 16 are an excellent choice for hybrid shots.

​Whether shopping for a new scope or looking for a replacement, finding the right optics for your rifle can undoubtedly be a challenge. A lot of brands. A lot of options. A lot of choices. Not only that but you want to ensure the scope you purchase is worth the money and ends up a being a smart long-term investment.

One scope in particular that has become increasingly popular is the UTG BugBuster. Made by Michigan based Leapers Inc., the BugBuster line has several different variations and our review today will focus on the most widely used of these, the UTG 3-9x32 1” Compact BugBuster.

First, let's get a feel for what you get with your purchase and the general specs.

The UTG BugBuster comes with everything you need for an optics upgrade except the rifle itself. Along with the scope, your accessories include two flip-open lens caps, a 2” sunshade, and a pair of detachable rings.

The rings are an excellent inclusion, made with a heavy grade metal and able to fit Picatinny and Weaver rails. You also get a couple of batteries for the reticle.

Unlike some other compact scopes, the UTG BugBuster has a solid, but not overly weighty feel to it. Built on Leapers’ True Strength Platform, the scope’s construction includes a single piece aluminum central tube and a system called the Smart Spherical Structure or SSS.

What the SSS achieves are control over the primary outer tube and the inner cylinder. This interaction between the two tubes helps to ensure the windage and elevation adjustments remain accurate and the scope itself holds up over long-term use.

The True Strength Platform is something we’ve seen in Leaper optics for some time now, and they do perform very well and holding up regardless of the punishing extremes they might face.

Beyond that, the accessories are also durable and well-made. The flip-open lens caps are a high-grade plastic that won’t rip away. The 2” screw-in sunshade is aluminum, just like the scope, which helps to make it a seamless extension.

As we mentioned, the included ring mounts are sturdy. Constructed of steel, the two mounts wrap nicely around the scope and sit with a very low profile. They are compatible with Picatinny and Weaver rails and are easy to attach and secure with quick detach lever locks.

Overall, the UTG BugBuster has a very sound build. It has a heft that provides confidence it will stand up to whatever elements you may toss at it. Additionally, that soundness comes without it adding any excess weight to your rifle.

In fact, we were most impressed that it blends well and makes itself a continuous part of your firearm instead of just an add-on accessory.

The installation of the BugBuster is a breeze. As we noted, it comes with two rings that are compatible with Picatinny or Weaver rails. While the stock rings are serviceable, well built, and will do the job they're intended for; the scope does allow a lot of flexibility with its mounting capabilities.

If you prefer you can utilize a ring set with a riser to allow yourself a bit more functionality such as the addition of a reflex sight or laser.

Before we get into the performance of the scope optics, let’s touch on what controls those visual tools, the knobs or turrets. The BugBuster has three main targeting knobs: Windage and Elevation adjustments and an RGB (Red, Green, Blue, which we’ll touch on in a bit) reticle illumination rheostat. The turrets lock in place but can be reset.

The turrets are well designed and offer firm, and to some degree rigid, adjustment feedback. Some would think this a bit of a minus, but we like that the knobs are tight right out of the box. Even with some force, you don’t feel they will snap off. With regular use, they should loosen up and become even more responsive.

Ultimately, no real surprises as most of what you get here are fairly standard. However, we do like the firm feedback the knobs give during adjustments, as well as how well they set into place. Overall, we would consider this a slight step up from similar sights.

Construction and appearance are great, but what’s the point of a good looking scope if it's a challenge to operate. Thankfully the nitrogen filled sighting tool hits is high point with the actual optics.

The features in this regard are plentiful: generous eye relief, RGB illumination, a wide FOV (Field of View), parallax-free viewing, and an impressive mil-dot reticle. Let’s take a closer look at these individually.

Eye Relief

The scope eye relief runs from three to four inches which fall within the industry norms. This ensures the BugBuster will fit within a wide range of uses and for varying skill levels, keeping your brow out of harm's way regardless of the nature of your shoot. Both the beginner and more seasoned hunter can utilize it with little difficulty.

RGB Illumination

First developed almost 15 years ago, we’ve always found the red and green illumination of the reticle a fantastic feature on UTG scopes. Significantly improving the versatility of the BugBuster for use in almost any type of weather or lighting condition, this alone makes this optic a good buy for more extreme excursions.

The side knob control further enhances the RGB tool as it makes adjustment incredibly easy and much less awkward than the old school eyepiece positioned rheostat.

Field of View

The field of view at 100 yards runs from close to 38 feet at 3x magnification down to 14 feet at 9x. While the latter is relatively standard, the 38 feet FOV does provide almost three more yards than other scopes in this product range.

Parallax Free View

Speaking of excellent viewing angles, the BugBuster has an adjustable objective to provide you with a parallax-free view from as few as three yards up to infinity (essentially beyond 200 to 250 yards). Like some of the other features on this scope, this addition is something you tend to find on your higher end models, so it's a nice inclusion here.

Mil-Dot Reticle

Much like the RGB illumination, the mil-dot reticle is another long-standing innovation from UTG, which ultimately was adopted industry-wide. For the BugBuster, they utilize UTG’s Tactical Range Estimating mil-dot reticle. Lining up the reticle clearly shows you the superiority of the BugBuster versus other scopes with its mil-dot array.

Most scopes have between a four and six mil-dot reticle.  These dots span out in the sight, up, down and left, right. This array provides from nine up to 15 total points of targeting, respectively, across windage and elevation aims (note: the three additional points come from the reticle origin point and the two inside edges of the outer duplexes).

The BugBuster blows these away with a nine mil-dot reticle. That means aiming with both windage and elevation you’ll have up to 21 targeting points, when including the origin point and inner edges of the outside duplex for each line. To ensure you calculate the measurements correctly, the BugBuster comes with a range estimating card.  

As part of the design and build process, the BugBuster scope is made to withstand numerous conditions and the bumps and dings that come with the outdoors. With shockproof engineering, the scope is tested on airguns and recoil heavy elephant rifles.

While our tests did not reach the extremes of the latter, the sight tool will perform well in normal hunting conditions.

As far as weatherproofing, this scope does carry out its functions will little issue when inclement conditions rule the day. The scope performs like a champ in rain and snow and even cuts through the reduced visibility of light to moderate fog.

One minor concern is that based on the design of the turrets, we don’t recommend submerging the scope in water for any length of time.

As we’ve seen, the UTG BugBuster is an excellent, multiple purpose scope. But are there others in the particular segment that might rate equal or potentially higher? Let’s take a look at three other similar sighting tools to see if there’s a better buy available.

If you’re looking for a step up from the UTG BugBuster, the Nikon P-223 is a pricier though less versatile option to consider. The first factor separating the two scopes is the Nikon’s multi-coated optics, which provides 98 percent light transmission and brightness in variable light conditions.

The second big difference is Nikon’s carbine reticle. With the P-223 you get a 200-yard crosshair and 400 and 600-yard hashes. This is clearly a scope for high-level hunters and does not offer the multi-purpose range of the BugBuster. From an aesthetic standpoint, we do like the UTG more and feel its a better piece of equipment.

When looking at UTG scopes, they offer a lot of the same baseline constructs, aluminum casing, sealed and nitrogen filled tube, and similar guarantees against regular use amongst the elements.

However, even though the mil-dot spread is the same with a total of 36, the 3-12x44, which is part of UTG’s Accushot line, replaces the RGB illumination with an Illumination Enhancing 36-color EZ tap toggle. This means that you can customize the view to suit your eye.

For some, especially beginner or novice hunters, this may not be a huge concern, but the customization will unquestionably appeal to more seasoned shooters who want a stronger personal experience. Beyond that, the tube of the 3-12x44 is a 30mm, which for some is a preferred size as it allows for more windage and elevation adjustments.

If you’re getting the sense that UTG has a particular segment of the market cornered, its because they do. Solidly built with a close attention to detail, regardless of your price range, there’s a good chance you can find a UTG to your liking. The 4-16x44 is no different.

Although we still appreciate the BugBusters fluidity across different user groups, the 4-16x44 is the upgrade to consider once you’re ready to make a switch. It’s 30mm tube, versus the 1” BugBuster, makes the 4-16x44 a more versatile tool.

It also falls within the Accushot line and offers a parallax-free view that starts at nine yards instead of three. Overall, this is probably the best scope mentioned here, but as we said the BugBuster is an excellent all-around option to work with first before investing in the 4-16x44 as your next level up.  

Final Recommendation

As we noted at the start of this article, finding the right scope can be a challenging endeavor. A lot of options exist that in turn mean you have to figure out the right combination for you and your rifle. It’s hard to find a scope versatile enough to meet multiple needs without breaking the bank.

To put it bluntly, we are big fans of UTG’s 3-9x32 1” BugBuster scope. It’s a compact and solidly built sighting tool that would look good atop any hunter’s rifle. The simplicity of the overall scope certainly appeals to a wide range of users, and that’s perhaps one of the key benefits of this scope versus others in its class.

As we mentioned in the install section, you even have some flexibility to enhance the scope with a couple of add-ons. It’s just that kind of scope. A beginner or novice will like the ease of use. A far more experienced hunter, for their part, can find an advantage with the no-frills setup and general operation.

Ultimately, the BugBuster scope lets you focus on your passion. While we understand it may not be for everyone, there’s a lot to be said for not having to fuss too much over a tool aimed at helping you better enjoy your leisure time. The UTG 3-9x32 1” Bugbuster scope allows you to do just that.