Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle
Best on a Budget
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2
Best for 3-Gun Competitions
EOTech Vudu
- Build Quality: 4.8/5
- Optics: 4.4/5
- Battery: 3.4/5
You’ll never mount another scope on any of your rifles after this.
Check Price on AmazonWhat good is the internet if you can’t find the best 1-8x scope for your precision rifle, right?! We hear you! This is not your typical guns and shooting post, though, because we personally handpicked these reliable riflescopes for every type of shooter.
Table of Contents
- Our Top Picks
- A Quick Comparison of the Best 1-8x Scopes
- How to Choose the Best 1-8x Scope
- 6 Best 1-8x Scopes
- Best Overall: Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope
- Best on a Budget: Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 1-8×24 Riflescope
- Best for 3-Guns: EOTech Vudu 1-8x24mm Precision Riflescope
- Best Premium Option: NightForce NX8 1-8×24 F1 Scope
- Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24
- UTG Leapers Inc 1-8x28mm 30mm MRC Scope
- Conclusion
A Quick Comparison of the Best 1-8x Scopes
How to Choose the Best 1-8x Scope
When buying shooting gear, we want every purchase to be worth it. Here’s how to choose the right scope.
Category | Vortex Optics Strike Eagle | Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 | EOTech Vudu | NightForce NX8 | Swarovski Z8i | UTG Leapers Inc | Category Average |
Overall Score | 3.46 | 3.82 | 3.42 | 3.66 | 3.58 | 3.6 | 3.59 |
Ergonomics | 2.3 | 2.9 | 2.1 | 3.3 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.65 |
Build Quality | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 3 | 4.12 |
Optics | 4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 3.5 | 4.25 |
Battery | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.92 |
Value | 2.5 | 2.8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3.8 | 2.02 |
Optics
Images in low-quality scopes get blurry or distorted around the edges when at maximum magnification where a clear sight picture is critical. Stay away from those. You want your sight picture clear from the get-go with excellent light transmission properties and minimal-to-no distortion at higher magnification.
How do we rate it?
High marks go to scopes that offer excellent low-light performance and the ability to maintain a sharp, bright image under various conditions.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics refers to how well the scope fits you and your shooting style. Can you make all the adjustments easily? Does the scope feel like an extension of your eye when you’re lining up a shot? If the answer is “Heck, yeah,” then you’re on the right track.
Controls and Tracking
Audible and crisp controls are music to our ears as we can keep our eyes on the prize while making adjustments. Consistent or repeatable controls and adjustments are also a major plus.
How do we rate it?
Is the scope’s weight balanced, or does it make your rifle feel like you’re lugging around a medieval weapon? A top-rated scope in ergonomics should feel intuitive like it’s an extension of yourself rather than an awkward appendage.
Build Quality
A durable scope can hold zero well, even after rounds of heavy recoil or after getting bumped around. However, more solid scopes are also heavier. So weigh (pun intended!) which feature you want to prioritize – transportability or durability.
How do we rate it?
Is it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof? A high rating in this category means your scope is the tank of the optics world—reliable, tough, and ready for anything Mother Nature throws at it.
Value
Let’s face it, a scope’s reliability and all the features we listed above come with a price. And we know it’s a bummer to spend quite a lot on one piece of shooting equipment. But just think of it as an investment that you’ll benefit from long-term. Believe us, it’ll be worth it.
You’ll probably keep your scope for decades, so when you consider the value in that sense, going for quality and performance is a much easier choice. If you need to watch what you spend, we also have an affordable but reliable pick for you below.
How do we rate it?
A high rating in value means the scope offers the best blend of quality and features for its price point, striking that sweet balance between cost and functionality. Think of it as the difference between a deal and a steal.
Battery
If your scope has any electronic components, like an illuminated reticle, then battery life is your new best friend. There’s nothing worse than getting ready for the perfect shot only to find your reticle as dark as your chances of hitting the target without it. Long battery life is a must. You should also have easy access to replace batteries and shouldn’t have to think about it much until you need it.
How do we rate it?
We give lower scores to scopes that require battery changes more often than you change your socks. High ratings go to models with efficient power usage and long-lasting battery life, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot, day or night.
6 Best 1-8x Scopes
Best Overall: Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Category | Vortex Optics Strike Eagle | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 2.3 | 2.65 |
Build Quality | 4 | 4.12 |
Optics | 4 | 4.25 |
Battery | 4.5 | 4.92 |
Value | 2.5 | 2.02 |
Score: 3.46/5
The Vortex Strike Eagle SFP riflescope comes with an AR-BDC reticle that’s specifically tuned to match the ballistic performance of popular .223 / 5.56mm and .308 / 7.62mm loads. This means you can achieve more efficient rapid shooting at distances from 20 to 600 yards. This illuminated reticle also provides holdover and ranging references from 0-600 yards and is great for low-light use. We’ve had hands-on experience with this product line, and it’s a really good value.
Pros
- Capped turrets
- Affordable
- Illuminated BDC3 reticle
- Side illumination dial
- Lighter than most scopes (18.5 oz)
Cons
- Eye box can be a bit unforgiving
- Glass clarity isn’t great at high magnification
What Customers Say
“I’m not an expert on optics. Much of what I know is based on product research and less on practical application. Nevertheless, based on my research and my experience with the scope so far, this is the best value available. You won’t find another scope of this quality, with these capabilities and features, from a manufacturer with a reputation like a Vortex anywhere close to this price range.”
Eric Stikes
“My range is only 500 TDs. Being a novice to bolt action rifles. This is bar none a great entry-level scope. Awesome glass and smooth adjustment. Definite buy. Locked in and adjusted hit 500 yds 8 inches round Ar500 plate all day long. You cannot beat the Vortex warranty. Lifetime. There is your cue to buy.”
Darren
Best on a Budget: Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 1-8×24 Riflescope
Category | Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 2.9 | 2.65 |
Build Quality | 4 | 4.12 |
Optics | 4.4 | 4.25 |
Battery | 5 | 4.92 |
Value | 2.8 | 2.02 |
Score: 3.82
The Argos BTR is one of Athlon’s most cost-effective scopes. It comes with reliable locking turrets and uses the second focal plane, so it’s great for long-range shooting. Argos guarantees quick target acquisition in all lighting conditions. It’s also zeroed easily and holds zero well. Plus it features a side parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. It’s more than capable of performing at long distances like high-end scopes. A few tradeoffs that you’d have to deal with are that there’s a slight image distortion at high magnification and it doesn’t have long eye relief.
Pros
- Compact
- Affordable
- Accurate windage and elevation adjustments
- Lightweight (16.1 oz)
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Image distortion at high magnification
What Customers Say
Easy to install on an AR-15. Great optics with easy adjustments for sighting in target. Optical covers flip-up on both the front and back.
Derby
This optic is very clear. Even at maximum magnification. I am using this on a Ruger MPR 5.56 and I am very impressed with the accuracy of this optic and rifle combination. I was able to consistently ring a 8” steel plate at 200 yards and also a 12” steel plate at 300 yards today at the range.
A. Morgan
Best for 3-Guns: EOTech Vudu 1-8x24mm Precision Riflescope
Category | EOTech Vudu | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 2.1 | 2.65 |
Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.12 |
Optics | 4.5 | 4.25 |
Battery | 5 | 4.92 |
Value | 1 | 2.02 |
Score: 3.42/5
The EOTech Vudu sports an ultra-clear high-definition glass that guarantees detail optimization and features a reticle that compensates for ballistic drop. Magnification adjustments are also made easier by its one-piece eyepiece with a removable throw lever. These impressive features are the reason why we love it for 3-gun competitions. You’d have to splurge a bit on this one, though.
Pros
- Resistant to shock, water, and fog
- Anti-reflective lenses
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
- Forgiving eyebox
Cons
- Expensive
- Made of average-quality material
- Second heaviest pick (20.8 oz)
What Customers Say
Have this mounted on an M1A. The glass on this unit is exceptional, and if you prefer minimalist reticles with basic holdovers, spring for this optic!
J
Works very well with excellent glass and a forgiving eyebox. Illuminated dot is crisp, clear and is day bright. 1x presents extremely well allowing fast target acquisition at close range. At 8x you get very good edge to edge clarity.
Dave
Best Premium Option: NightForce NX8 1-8×24 F1 Scope
Category | NightForce NX8 | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 3.3 | 2.65 |
Build Quality | 4.6 | 4.12 |
Optics | 4.4 | 4.25 |
Battery | 5 | 4.92 |
Value | 1 | 2.02 |
Score: 3.66/5
With the NightForce NX8 F1 scope, you won’t experience image blurriness or distortion when at the highest zoom setting, only bright and razor-sharp images. It features Nightforce’s proprietary MOAR F1 reticle. This extraordinary reticle features a floating center crosshair that’s two MOA wide and two MOA tall; so zeroing in the tiniest targets at extreme distances is a breeze.
Pros
- No blurriness at max power
- Lightweight (17 oz)
- Generous eye relief
- MOAR F1 reticle
- Ample battery life (96 hours)
Cons
- Expensive
What Customers Say
“This fits my FAL DMR and the optic is top-notch quality. It’s extremely high priced but I have no issues with it and it has an extremely hardcore zoom for a DMR, the downside to this optic is it’s heavy on an already heavy rifle.”
Michael Heathcock
Excellent glass. Great eye relief. Easy zeroing. Love the toggle for easy adjustment on magnification. This is my first NightForce, I will definitely be making these my go to optics.
Henry
Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24
Category | Swarovski Z8i | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 2.6 | 2.65 |
Build Quality | 4.6 | 4.12 |
Optics | 4.7 | 4.25 |
Battery | 5 | 4.92 |
Value | 1 | 2.02 |
Score: 3.58/5
The Swarovski Z8i features a highly luminous reticle that offers reliable brightness and clarity at first and last light where getting a clear and bright sight picture is critical. It also delivers unparalleled detail at high magnification and increased accuracy at longer distances.
Pros
- Accurate
- Wide field of view
- Smooth adjustments
- Long battery life (180 hours)
Cons
- Very expensive
- Heaviest pick (21.9 oz)
What Customers Say
Unbelievable… The clarity is hands down the best I’ve seen!!! It’s worth every penny! Definitely recommend!
Jessica Davis-Kropff
UTG Leapers Inc 1-8x28mm 30mm MRC Scope
Category | UTG Leapers Inc | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 2.7 | 2.65 |
Build Quality | 3 | 4.12 |
Optics | 3.5 | 4.25 |
Battery | 5 | 4.92 |
Value | 3.8 | 2.02 |
Score: 3.6/5
UTG Leapers scope offers the cleanest and most responsive windage and elevation adjustments. It’s also constructed from recoil-resistant aluminum and its emerald-coated lenses offer excellent light transmission. Its intuitive BG4 etched reticle comes with rangefinder markings (out to 600 yards) and ballistic drop compensation.
Pros
- Affordable
- Shockproof, fogproof, and water-resistant
- Resettable target turrets
- Lightweight (18 oz)
- Etched reticle
Cons
- Average-quality illumination
What Customers Say
Fit and finish is very nice. The reticle is clean and fine. It’s rated for 5.56 but I love putting a product to the test. I put this on my .458 SOCOM. Once zeroed it held zero and I only had minimal loosening of only 2 screws. I shot a 1 1/8” group at 25 yards.
Chad
Looks and feels very sturdy and mounted in the Accu sync mount with no issues. Overall I am highly impressed with what this optic has to offer! I will update when I finish my rifle and get it to the range!
Anonymous
Conclusion
That’s it – the only list of scopes you’ll ever need for close to mid-range shooting applications! Don’t hesitate to give them a test run at a physical store if you get the chance. Have fun at the range!
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Images from Amazon Product API