Deer hunting is one of the most thrilling activities in the outdoors. Looking down your scope to see a big buck or due can boost your adrenaline to high levels, but if your scope if inaccurate or poor and you miss, the experience may be ruined.
Getting a good scope for a reasonable price may be a bit tedious which is why we will be showing you the top eight best rifle scopes for deer hunting on the market today. Doing your research beforehand can help the process flow much more smoothly and get you back out to the wilderness in no time.
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1. Swarovski Z8i
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We will start out by looking at the very best scope you can find out there, although it is a bit more pricey. The Swarovski Z8i has one of the highest quality images among that top scopes on the market. The resolution is pristine and comes with an illuminated reticle.
The reticle is tinted orange and has varying glow power. Its non-flare feature allows you to shoot without hesitance, which could be a key factor for hunters looking to get their game to the next level. There is also a detachable turret included that increases multi-range accuracy. This 30mm tube scope costs about $2700, which can be a bit too high for some budgets.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30mm.
- Objective Lens: 1-8x24mm.
- Focal Plane: 2nd.
- Weight: 18.2oz.
- Length: 11.9in.
2. Vanguard Endeavor RS IV
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If an affordable option sounds much more attractive to you, the Vanguard Endeavor may be the product you are looking for. Its 24oz 30mm tube only costs $480. This scope does not have any high-tech or groundbreaking features, but it is the gold-standard for reliable scopes.
The Vanguard Endeavor is weather resistant, has pristine accuracy, and a high-resolution image. For the hardworking hunter looking to save money, this trusty scope should be considered in your best rifle scopes for deer hunting.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30mm.
- Objective Lens: 2.5-10x50mm.
- Focal Plane: 2nd.
- Weight: 24oz.
- Length: 13.9in.
3. Bushnell Engage
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Another affordable option available to hunters is the Bushnell Engage. This scope has a locking turret and easily accessible adjustments. The range of the scope is high quality and offers excellent accuracy. The only downside of this scope is its thin reticle. Depending on what you are using the scope for, make sure your required reticle thickness is matched by that of the Bushnell Engage. Overall, it is a solid scope and has on of the lowest prices of the best rifle scopes for deer hunting, costing $300.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30mm.
- Objective Lens: 2.5-10x44mm.
- Focal Plane: 2nd.
- Weight: 19.3oz.
- Length: 13.6in.
4. Nikon MONARCH 3 4-16×50
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For $500, another high-value 30mm scope considered by users is the Nikon MONARCH 3 4-16×50. This scope has a great low light ability, giving hunters the opportunity to get out and get shot at the earliest or latest of hours. It has an adequate amount of mounting space and makes attaching an ease rather than a chore for hunters. If cost and quality are your priorities, go check out the Nikon Black Scope.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30mm.
- Objective Lens: 4-16x50mm.
- Focal Plane: 2nd.
- Weight: 23.8oz.
- Length: 14.8in.
5. Zeiss Conquest
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Looking at a little higher quality scope, high powered zoom could be what you need to hit those long range targets. The Zeiss Conquest features a 6X zoom ability which can increase accuracy and opportunity. Although it has a very high powered range, the turrets do not have the ability to lock, and the knob does not have enough markings, which can be a hindrance for users inexperienced with this scope. The scope costs $1800 and also contains a highly rated low light, which could make you decide this is the scope for you.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30mm.
- Objective Lens: 3-18x50mm.
- Focal Plane: 2nd.
- Weight: 22.2oz.
- Length: 13.3in.
6. Leica Mangus i
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The best image on the market in 2019 is offered by the Leica Magnus I scope. It comes with a high price tag, but is quality is your highest priority, this product might be on your radar. The Leica Mangus I have been vigorously tested for optical performance, and consistently beat its competitors.
The scope is not necessarily for shooters looking for the long-range ability, but for a solid hunting scope with the highest resolution and image quality. It also comes with a ballistic reticle option with an illuminated dot. The final price tag is $3000; research before purchasing.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30mm.
- Objective Lens: 1.8-12x50mm.
- Focal Plane: 2nd.
- Weight: 24.7oz.
- Length: 13.4in.
7. Nightforce ATACR F1
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A highly rated all around scope and considered as one of the best rifle scopes for deer hunting is the Nightforce ATACR F1. This product does not have one feature that stands out, it has each feature optimized to the fullest, making it a well-rounded option. It scored extremely high in visibility, range, accuracy, and image quality. This is a very large scope is designed for long-range hunters and costs $3500. Longer range and higher quality could boost your hunting experience, are the greatest aspects of this scope.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 34mm.
- Objective Lens: 7-35x56mm.
- Focal Plane: 1st.
- Weight: 39.3oz.
- Length: 16in.
8. Leupold VX-5HD CDS-ZL2
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The final option contained in our list of best rifle scopes for deer hunting has an interesting feature. The Leupold VX-5HD CDS-ZL2 has a customizable dial that allows the hunter the calibrate their turret to their personal ammunition.
The scope has a great overall score and comes with five different reticle choices. It is more compact compared to most scopes and is designed to be lightweight for convenient transportation. Not only does this scope have great compatibility, but it is also designed for multiple weather conditions, making it a more versatile option for hunters. At $1100, this rifle made our best rifle scopes for deer hunting countdown for its affordable quality.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30mm.
- Objective Lens: 3-15x44mm.
- Focal Plane: 2nd.
- Weight: 19oz.
- Length: 13.5in.
The Bottom Line
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Finding a quality scope can be a challenge for many deer hunters, especially when there are so many different options available. By taking a look at the top eight best rifle scopes for deer hunting, you will have a clearer picture of what scope fits your needs. Comparing range, visual quality, compatibility, turret lock, reticle, and overall price can make this task become a little bit more manageable.
These options have some of the highest rated features out there so go check them out. Examining scopes with great quality will hopefully give you the best hunting experience you’ve ever had.
