SCOPES

High-end Rifle Scopes: Top Notch Views

Rifle-scope-size
Written by Kane Dane

Riflescope can be useful and fun to shoot, but the fact of the matter is that there are times when you just want to make sure that you hit your target. Whether you are a hunter, or you just enjoy shooting for sport, you know that choosing a scope for your rifle will be one of the biggest factors in determining how accurately you will be able to shoot at your target.

There are all sorts of rifle scopes available to today’s shooter, from gun-specific models to all-purpose adjustable models and there are great options for every type of gun and every style of shooting.  Some of the most exclusive are the high-end rifle scopes.

PGS on grass

Riflescopes are designed to help you make long distance shots that count. They provide extra range, added clarity, and super-precise instruments for compensating for elevation, windage, and parallax. However, it can be pretty darn tricky to figure out which one will hit the target.

But the good news is, there’s a perfect scope for every shooter and every gun. Owning a good scope is a necessity for anyone with an air rifle; they allow you to zero in on a target and ensure a fast, humane kill when hunting. The table below shows some of the best high-end rifle scope available on the market.

Our Top Picks

Product NameMagnificationObjective LensLengthPrice
Bushnell Elite Tactical ERS4.5x - 30x50 mm13.5 InchesCheck price on Amazon
Hensoldt ZF4x - 16x 56 mm13.1 InchesCheck price on Amazon
Kahles K624i6x - 24x56 mm15.9 InchesCheck price on Amazon
Vortex Razor HD5x - 20 x50 mm15.8 InchesCheck price on Amazon
Carl Zeiss Diavari6x - 24x56 mm14.8 InchesCheck price on Amazon
Leupold Mark 63x - 18x44 mm11.9 InchesCheck price on Amazon
Nightforce The BEAST5x - 25x56 mm15.3 inchesCheck price on Amazon
Schmidt Bender PMII5x - 25x56 mm16.4 inchesCheck price on Amazon
US Optics ER-25 Illum5x - 25x58 mm18 InchesCheck price on Amazon
IOR Valdada6x - 24x56 mm16 InchesCheck price on Amazon

Features to Consider Before Purchase

There are many scopes on the market from many different reputable manufacturers, so choosing the best one can be a daunting task. When you’re shopping for the best high-end riflescope, you will need to consider your needs. So, before we dive deep into each, it’s important to mention a few key features you’ll want to consider.

Objective Lens Sizes

It is important to understand how what you’re actually looking at is made before you go out looking for a new scope. A large objective lens will let more light into the scope for a clearer picture. Large objective lenses tend to reduce aberrations, mirage, and produce a larger field of view than smaller lenses.

When selecting a scope with a large objective it is paramount to make sure that the rifle can accommodate such a scope without too much alteration. 

The Reticle

This is another factor to consider since it will greatly help you to determine what range of rifle scopes you want to be shopping in. The reticle represents an important feature and getting the wrong reticle in a scope, regardless of how good the scope is could render it useless.

There are a number of styles of the reticle that you can choose from, each with different benefits. Checking out on the riflescope reticle will help you identify which set of the reticle is going to help you maximize your hunting potential.

Magnification

For the sake of saving your wallet some stress and ensuring a productive hunt, put a little thought into what magnification you need. As the magnification decreases, the field of view increases, making the scope narrowly focused on a rather small field of view.

view through scope

This is a detriment when it comes to short range shooting, and the shooter will spend more time zooming in and out. In determining whether or not you need to consider this as a factor in your shopping spree for the best high-end riflescopes, you’ll need to take into account your types of targets, hunting distances, and magnification settings.

Parallax Adjustment

All riflescopes have adjustments for elevation (up and down), windage (lateral), and focus on the individual shooter’s eye. If the parallax adjustment is set for the wrong distance, your target will appear to be where it isn’t. This is called parallax error and causes you to shoot at the wrong spot.

The best parallax adjustment should feel secure and solid under your fingers, and provide very definite clicks as you change settings.

Eye Relief

This is the distance between the ocular lens and your eye. A closer eye relief let you get a better view using your scope and feels more natural.

Optical capabilities on air rifle scope

As a general rule for a hunting rifle, a scope should have a bare minimum of 3 inches of eye relief, on a heavy shooting gun, 4 inches is the least you need.

Turret Systems

Turrets are an important factor to consider. This is a fundamental feature that all scope users must be able to nail. A user-friendly and high-quality rifle scope’s turret system should allow you to hold its zero and get it sighted faster, no matter the amount of recoil.

Field of View

Field of view is generally measured at every 100 yards. It is the amount that you are actually able to see from right to left at a distance through your scope. Your field of view will be adjusted when adjusting the magnification of your scope. If you decrease the magnification of your scope your field of view will actually increase and vice versa.

Top Products on the Market Today

The marketplace is pretty hard for the average person to navigate. Choosing the best high-end scope can be a very difficult task and we understand this so therefore, we have done the hard work of researching the market for the best options out there.

man with rifle

Whether you’re a beginner and want to see what a difference scopes can be when shooting or you’re an experienced shooter looking to enhance the fun, you’ll find a scope that meets your need on our list.

So, we suggest you read further and take a look at some of the best high-end rifle scope we found out for you. Here, you will find the riflescope that meets all your shooting requirements. 

Bushnell Elite TacticalBushnell Tactical

Price: Approx. $865

Weight: 21 ounces

Dimensions: 21.5 x 5.8 x 3.5 inches

Specific features: Ultra wide band coating, fully multi-coated optics, magnum recoil proof construction, argon purged, rainguard hd breaks up moisture and keeps lens clearer

Best use: Clamping, heavy caliber rifles

Description: The Bushnell Elite Tactical worked diligently with military experts and law enforcement to design the finest family of tactical shooting instruments in the industry. The scope is equipped with a Mil Dot aiming reticle and target turrets for quick and precise target acquisition.

Band coating and fully multicoated optics for light transmission and image clarity. The 4.5-30x 50mm features Ultra Wide Band Coating to boost brightness at dawn and dusk, plus argon purging for the absolute finest in long-term reliability. If you are looking for reliability when it counts, trust Bushnell Elite Tactical.

PROS:

  • Clear and bright
  • Easy adjustment of the turrets with solid clicks
  • Return to zero was very accurate after changes

CONS:

  • Mounting issues

Check the price on Amazon

Hensoldt ZF Hensoldt ZF

Price: Approx. $2570

Weight: 31.75 ounces

Dimensions: 13.1 x 3.7 x 3 Inches

Specific features: Illuminated 1st image plane mil-dot reticle, delivers an outstanding optical image, extremely robust aluminum housing, matte black finish

Best use: Clamping

Description: The Hensoldt ZF delivers an outstanding optical image. Furthermore, these riflescopes are comparatively light weight, quickly ready for use and easy to use. In addition to military applications, these products from Hensoldt are also well suited for special police units particularly when they are required to protect people at greater distances.

With more than 90% transmission and ZEISS T multi-coating, these rifle scopes produce a bright, high-contrast image.

The reticle is equipped with continual variable illumination which also allows precise target acquisition during low-light conditions. The increased transparency in the blue spectral range leads to improved visual performance, particularly under low-light conditions.

PROS:

  • Comparatively lightweight
  • Extremely robust aluminum housing
  • Precise targeting with bullet drop compensation

CONS:

  • The windage adjustment click is not at all crisp

Check the price on Amazon

Kahles K624i Kahles K624i 

Price: Approx. $3000

Weight: 33.5 ounces

Dimensions: 20 x 6 x 5. 1 inches

Specific features: Premium optics, illuminated sm2 reticle, high-grade one-piece aluminum scope tube, matte black finish

Best use: Clamping

Description: The Kahles K624i offers long range shooters and a masterpiece of a scope. This optic sets new standards with incredible resolution, contrast, and 95% light transmission.

It combines unmatched optical performance and advanced reticle options are just a few of the reasons why the top shooters in the industry are switching to the K624i. The elevation adjustment has a second rotation indicator and the most refined zero stop and dial reset available.

Oversized magnification adjustment knob makes changing from one to six power effortless, allowing 100% of a marksman’s focus to be on the varying situation Ultra-precision adjustments and it is constructed of hardened steel machined to the most demanding tolerances, deliver a lifetime of wear resistance and 100% accuracy.

PROS:

  • Eye Box
  • Parallax Control
  • SKMR-3 Reticle
  • User defined Windage dial
  • World Class Light Transmission

CONS:

  • Illumination dial

Check the price on Amazon

Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 Vortex Razor HD

Price: Approx. $1700

Weight: 35.2 ounces

Dimensions: 7 20 x 5 x 5 inches

Specific features: Illuminated ebr-2b reticle, side focus parallax adjustment, flip-up objective cap with built-in ard, extra-low dispersion glass elements

Best use: Clamping

Description: The Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 is a state-of-the-art long-range performer designed on a solid 35mm one-piece tube of aircraft grade aluminum and packed with more than a dozen unique performance and optical features. It is a flexible scope that can be used for tactical shooting or hunting to get the results you want.

This riflescope is designed with multi-layered lens coating, high-definition glass technology and an ultra-hard coating on glass surfaces which includes XT optical design, XD objective lens elements, XR lens coatings and ArmorTek top coat.

Heavier windage dot references on the drop lines increase visibility at all magnifications as well as during low light conditions. It is built literally from the ground up to meet the demanding needs of shooters seeking long-range precision.

PROS:

  • Good construction
  • Ideal for rapid close and mid-range shooting

CONS:

  • Little more bulk

Check the price on Amazon

Carl Zeiss Optical Diavari Carl Zeiss Optical Inc Diavari 

Price: Approx. $3100

Weight: 30.36 ounces

Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 14.8 inches

Specific features: Rapid-z 1000 reticle with shooting turret, fluoride glass, waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof housing, high light transmission, and high contrast

Best use: Clamping

Description: The Carl Zeiss Optical Diavari  is the ultimate choice for varmint hunters and long-range target shooters. It has excellent performance in twilight conditions and a high magnification, making them great for target shooting and hunting.

The rifle scope is sealed tight, preventing dust and moisture from entering, and is also nitrogen filled making it fog proof. The external lens surfaces have been treated with an ultra-hard scratch and water resistant LotuTec coating. The riflescope also features a rugged construction that is built to survive the toughest of conditions.

PROS:

  • High Light Transmission
  • Light weighted and easy to handle

CONS:

  • Quite pricey but worth it

Check the price on Amazon

Leupold Mark 6 Leupold Mark 6 

 Price: Approx. $2980

Weight: 23.6 ounces

Dimensions: 17 x 4 x 3.2 inches

Specific features: Side focus, front focal plane, tactile power selector, blackened lens edges, lockable fast-focus eyepiece

Best use: Clamping, tactical/military application

Description: The Leupold Mark 6 offers state-of-the-art features that are common throughout Leupold’s Tactical product line. This riflescope sets a new standard for high performance in a small, lightweight package.

This scope has the very best combination of selectable magnification, very high-end glass, light weight, relatively small size, ruggedness, speed, unobstructed view, red dot capability, first focal plane range assessment, and TMR accuracy.

Its DiamondCoat already exceeds military standards for hardness and durability. Leupold Mark 6 is excellent choices for both long-range hunting and varmint, likewise long-range competitive shooters.

PROS:

  • Extreme clarity
  • Easy to use turrets
  • Well thought-out ergonomics
  • Illumination of full reticle and positive activation
  • Premier Tactical Reticle for Milling, Elevation and Wind Holds

CONS:

  • Very short sunshade

Check the price on Amazon

Nightforce The BeastNightforce The BEAST 

Price: Approx. $4270

Weight: 23.6 ounces

Dimensions: 13 x 4 x 3.2 inches

Specific features: Intelligent i4f elevation controls, digillum digital illumination, exceptional contrast, and resolution, first focal plane reticle

Best use: Clamping

Description: The Nightforce The Beast provides multi-scope capability in one sophisticated package.  This rifle scope by Nightforce cuts no corners and the concept known as “a beast” is born, both for the difficulties it presented and for the times when it seemed they had created a monster.

The B.E.A.S.T. achieves over 90% light transmission outperforming every existing riflescope in poor light conditions. The Nightforce BEAST RifleScope eliminates a number of variables, resulting in greater speed and ultimately in greater accuracy in high-stress environments.

This truly advanced scope also features XtremeSpeed adjustments which provide 60 MOA of elevation in a single rotation.

PROS:

  • Lots of features
  • Great resolution
  • Great reticle for CQB and long distance shots

CONS:

  • Pricey, but you get what you pay for.

Check the price on Amazon

Schmidt Bender PMII Schmidt Bender PMII 

Price: Approx. $3600

Weight: 38.5 ounces

Product Dimensions: 18 x 5 x 3.2 inches

Specific features: Aluminum tube, 34mm without rail, hard anodized black surface, reticle in first focal plane, parallax adjustable from 50m to infinity

Best use: Clamping

Description: Law enforcement professionals will find the Schmidt Bender PMII applicable to a number of specialized long-range applications and weapons. The riflescope includes coded elevation knob and Schmidt Bender unique color that gives the shooter eye blink reference to where the elevation is set.

Expanded functions of the adjustment turrets make the scope even more suitable for today’s applications This Schmidt and Bender riflescope has an illuminated reticle with 11 graduated settings offering precise control relative to ambient light.

The parallax compensation already used successfully in many other Schmidt & Bender scopes allows the user to focus on targets at a distance.

PROS:

  • Awesome optical clarity
  • Good repeatable turret adjustment

CONS:

  • Ridiculously high MSRP
  • Elevation turret could have a lower profile

Check the price on Amazon

US Optics ER-25 Illum US Optics ER-25 Illum

Price: Approx. $2440

Weight: 40 ounces

Dimensions: 20 x 8 x 5.5 inches

Specific features: Rugged type iii hard anodizing and bulletproof construction, erector repositioning elevation knob, front focal plane construction (ffp) for accurate ranging and reticle holdovers

Best use: Clamping

Description: The US Optics ER-25 Illum riflescope is great for circumstances where a high-quality riflescope is extremely important to success.  Optical clarity is attainable through a precision engineered lens system; careful deliberation is given to the use of lens coatings.

The FFP reticle allows for ranging and holds off points. Whether you are shooting an AR10, AR15, M14, or a bolt action rifle, this optic will meet or exceed the needs of most situations.  If you are looking for the perfect riflescope to match your shooting requirements, then select the US Optics ER-25 MDMOA FFP Illum Riflescope.

PROS:

  • This scope is big and solid
  • Elevation knob (EREK) works easily and smooth
  • Reticle is perfect with good extended shooting range

CONS:

  • Large size scope

Check the price on Amazon

IOR Valdada IOR Valdada 

Price: Approx. $2100

Weight: 38 ounces

Dimensions: 16 x 6 x 5.1 inches

Specific features: Modified mp-8 dot reticule, 0.1 mrad adjustments, exceptional field of view, high-quality german glass

Best use: Clamping

Description: The IOR Valdada is the finest riflescope ever built. It is loaded with great features and offer optical clarity and brightness that will allow the shooter to see details like never before.

Glass quality is outstanding, including the tracking and repeatability of the scope. If you want the 6.24×56, 35mm configuration, this is a good choice because it is a robust, sturdy, quality piece of equipment and comes in Mil/Mil, with the MP-8 Xtreme X1 Reticle.

PROS:

  • Crisp, bright picture in the optics
  • Great eye relief and mag lock support system

CONS:

  • Little more bulk

Check the price on Amazon

Bottom line

A quality scope is a piece of gear that should last a long time and can span multiple rifles. It doesn’t matter what your budget is, if you’re new to the sport or a long-time zealot, there’s a rifle scope that’s been made just for you. Selecting a scope is an important decision and sometimes can be more important than the rifle itself.

scope

These reviews do not only educate you on the essential requirements of a riflescope, but also make it far easier for you to decide which model best suits your needs. We wish you all the best in searching for the best high-end rifle scope that fits your exact needs.

We would like to encourage you to let us know about your experiences with any of this riflescope in our comment selection below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kane Dane