Finding a quality rifle scope is not that easy, especially when you want a mid-range optic that offers the functionality and magnification to take down close-to-long-range targets. However, two magnification powers are used on rifle scopes: 3-9x and 1-4x. Both options can be used for a range of shooting situations.
But if you are looking for an option that combines the features and power of both models, then you should consider a 1-8x scope. Using a 1-8x sight is ideal for your rifle as it gives you the ability to engage in close combat situations while enabling you to take down distant targets without using a sniper scope.
So, if you are looking for a rifle scope, we have shared a list of the top 1-8x scopes available on the market. But before you engage in purchasing a new scope, here are a few factors to consider to get the best optic out there.
What To Look For When Buying A 1-8x Scope?
- Durability
When finding a durable scope, you should look at the features like o-ring sealed, purged with nitrogen or argon, or aluminum housing to ensure your scope can withstand adverse weather conditions.
These features make your rifle sight resistant to water, shock, fog, and dust so that you can get the best out of your shooting experience. In addition, it is better to choose a rifle scope that comes with a magnesium fluoride coating as it will minimize glare and light loss.
- Magnification
Magnification helps bring the object closer and allows you to aim at your target with more precision accuracy. Using a 1-8x magnification power means you can get the image one to eight times wider than what you see from the naked eye.
You should check the diameter for an objective lens as it will help you get a clear view of the field. Using a wider objective lens gives out a clear view of the field, but it might weigh down your rifle, so it is better to choose a scope that features a compact and lightweight design.
- Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope. To get a crystal clear view of the target, you have to keep your eye at a distance. It will protect your eye from getting hit by the scope itself and allow you to acquire your target without any hassle.
So you should choose a scope that offers decent eye relief so that you can engage in both close combat and distant target shooting.
- Weight
It is better to find a lightweight riflescope to prevent discomfort during follow-up shots, as it will be easier for you to maneuver the rifle. Even the slightest difference in weight can help in enhancing your shooting experience as you won’t strain your muscle when hunting in the woods.
- Reticle Option
Today, scopes are integrated with multiple reticle options, allowing you to pinpoint accuracy on the target. Which reticle would be best for your shooting purpose will depend upon your preference. So, choose a reticle that fits your requirements and shooting style.
- Easy To Use
You should find a scope that is both easy to operate and useful during almost every shooting situation. Remember to check whether it integrates adjustment features like windage, elevation, parallax or not, as it will help you sight your scope to zero and allow you to shoot with high accuracy.
What’s The Difference Between FFP And SFP?
When finding the best riflescope on the market, you may come across the terms like FFP (first focal plane) and SFP (second focal plane). These are used to indicate the reticle location inside the scope. The reticle in an FFP scope will zoom in as the magnification increases. On the other hand, the reticle in an SFP scope will remain still regardless of the magnification power used.
You should know that each type of scope contributes a fair share of pros and cons. When using an SFP reticle, you will get an accurate measurement at a particular magnification power. It is suitable for shooters who engage in close combat situations as they don’t have to sight their scope over and over again.
However, you may struggle to get a precise and accurate aim at your target, especially when zooming in or out. It will be challenging to align the crosshair at a higher magnification power. But the best thing about SPF sights is that they are consistent in light transmission.
But when using an FFP sight, it is integrated with BDC (bullet drop compensating) reticles and is available in a variety of options. Once you are familiarized with both types of scopes, you will automatically understand and prefer the right reticle before you enter the woods for a hunting session.
What Is An LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic)?
An LPVO is a great alternative for fast target acquisition in short- and long-range engagements. You should know that these low-power variable sights are suitable for all kinds of shooting activities as they use a small objective lens and a mid-range magnification power to support every battle.
You will get a wider field of view with a scope using a 24-26mm objective lens and features a variable magnification power.
Top Rating 1-8x Scopes To Look
| Image | Product Name | Editor’s Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Primary Arms Slx8 1-8×24mm SFP Riflescope | ★★★★★ 5 Out Of 5 | Buy Now In Amazon |
 | Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24mm SFP Riflescope | ★★★★★ 5 Out Of 5 | Buy Now In Amazon |
 | Trijicon Vcog 1-8×28 Riflescope | ★★★★★ 5 Out Of 5 | Buy Now In Amazon |
 | Bushnell AR Optics 1-8×24mm | ★★★★★ 4.9 Out Of 5 | Buy Now In Amazon |
 | Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 1-8×24mm Riflescope | ★★★★★ 4.8 Out Of 5 | Buy Now In Amazon |
❶ Primary Arms Slx8 1-8×24mm SFP Riflescope
Primary Arms has a reputation for producing high-quality scopes that offer great functionality and reliability to deliver unmatchable performance. The SLx8 scope features a lightweight and compact design made from durable 6063 aluminum housing to make it resistant to water and fog.
Above all, it features a patented ACSS reticle with moving target leads, wind holds, and drop compensation. It comes with 12 brightness settings to adjust it according to day and night.
Features
- Made from 6063 aluminum housing.
- It weighs around 17 ounces.
- Uses a patented ACSS reticle.
- Magnification power ranges up to 8x.
- Uses multi-coated 24mm objective lens.
Pros
- Decent eye relief.
- Durable and rugged material.
- Comes with an illuminated reticle.
- Used capped illumination, elevation, and windage adjustment turrets.
Cons
- Lacks battery life.
❷ Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24mm SFP Riflescope
If you are looking for a mid-range SFP scope, then look no further than the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24mm. It features a 24mm multi-coated objective lens to ensure faster light transmission and provide you with a crystal clear view of the target.
Even if it comes with an SFP reticle, you can easily switch between zoom settings. Using 1x magnification is ideal for fast acquisition in close combat situations, while the 8x is perfect for distant shooting. The company has used forgiving eye relief and a quick-focus dial to make it easier to aim at your target.
You can instantly focus on your target and get a clear view of the field. With its sturdy construction, the scope is resistant to fog and water. It allows you to swap between 11 illuminations to make your target visible under all lighting conditions.
Features
- Uses a 24mm multi-coated objective lens.
- Comes with an SFP reticle.
- Turrets for windage, elevation, and illumination.
- Integrated with 11 illumination settings.
- It weighs around 1.2 lbs.
Pros
- Effective BDC reticle.
- Durable design.
- Illuminated reticle.
- Multi-coated lenses.
Cons
- No turret for parallax adjustments.
❸ Trijicon Vcog 1-8×28 Riflescope
Trijicon has a reputation for producing high-quality scopes, and the VCOG 1-8×28 scope is not an exception. This optic has gained popularity due to its unique crosshair dot reticle, multiplatform usability, and easy-to-use features.
The company has used aircraft-grade aluminum to make versatile and rugged designs without weighing out your firearm. It integrates exceptional glass lenses to minimize glare and image distortion so that you will get a crystal clear view of the target.
Unlike other riflescopes, it comes with an MRAD crosshair reticle, which helps in quick target acquisitions. The best thing is that you can easily mount this scope on a variety of barrel lengths, ammunition weights, calibers, and many more.
Even though it uses FFP, you will get a clear view of the target even at maximum magnification.
Features
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
- Suitable for almost every firearm.
- Uses a 28mm multi-coated objective lens.
- Battery life up to 633 hours.
- Comes with an MRAD crosshair reticle.
- Integrates 11 different brightness settings.
Pros
- Rugged and versatile design.
- Lasting battery life.
- Easy to use, adjust and mount.
- Maximum light transmission.
Cons
- It is pretty expensive.
❹ Bushnell AR Optics 1-8×24mm
The Bushnell AR Optics 1-8×24mm integrates a throwdown lever to customize the mounting size to two different heights. As a result, you can quickly acquire your target with a 24mm objective lens and fully multi-coated lenses to ensure optimal light transmission.
That means you can’t go wrong with this AR optics II scope by Bushnell for any shooting experience. The company has included adjustable turrets for windage and elevation to ensure pinpoint accuracy. Plus, these turrets offer tactile and audible feedback, which makes it easier for you to sight this scope easily.
It comes with a BDC reticle and vertical holdover to determine the bullet drop to hit distant targets. Plus, the company uses an illuminated reticle to adjust the brightness according to the lighting conditions.
Features
- Uses a 24mm fully multi-coated objective lens.
- Comes with a BDC reticle and vertical holdover.
- Adjustable turrets for windage and elevation.
- It weighs around 467 gm.
- Made from high-quality glass material.
- Offer a 3.6-inch eye relief.
Pros
- Illuminated BDC reticle.
- Durable to withstand adverse weather conditions.
- Easy to adjust mounting heights.
- Audible click for easy adjustments.
Cons
- BDC reticle is not suitable for long-range shooting.
❺ Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 1-8×24mm Riflescope
If you are looking for an all-rounder scope, then nothing can beat the performance of Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II scope. This versatile scope is suitable for combat and hunting situations as it comes with an illuminated reticle that ensures maximum visibility under all light conditions.
The company has set the reticle on SFP to keep the size the same regardless of the magnification used. The GEN II uses a 24mm multi-coated lens for optimal light transmission and crystal clear visibility of the field. Each lens is covered in an XPL coating to make it resistant to dust and debris.
Features
- Made from sturdy aluminum.
- It weighs around 16 ounces.
- Uses a 24mm multi-coated objective lens.
- Compatible with all rifles.
- Purged argon for faster light transmission.
Pros
- Illuminated reticle.
- Comes with capped turrets.
- Resistant to adverse weather conditions.
- High-quality lenses.
Cons
- Turrets don’t have markings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is The Ideal Sighting Range Of 8x Scope?
Usually, most military snipers are integrated with 7-10x scopes, which means you will get decent field coverage ranging from 300 to 1000 yards with an 8x scope. However, the quality of the image will depend upon the lenses used in the scope.
- Which One Is Better: High Or Low Magnification?
In most tactical and combat situations, you can use a scope with a decent magnification power up to 9x. But if you are shifting to long-range shooting, then it is better to use a higher magnification power like 25x or 30x.
- Can You Mount A 1-8x Scope On A Shotgun?
Yes, you can easily mount a 1-8x scope on a shotgun as long as it comes with a mounting rail and perfectly fits your firearm.
- Which One Is Better: FFP Or SFP?
A scope with a First Focal plane allows shooters to bring the crosshair closer and higher magnification power. On the other hand, Scopes with Second Focal Plane does not change the reticle size regardless of the magnification.
Conclusion
1-8x magnification makes a scope more versatile and enables you to hunt in almost every situation. With a solid reticle and 1x magnification, you can easily engage in a close combat situation. While the magnification power up to 8x enables you to take down long-range targets, especially when your scope is integrated with the BDC reticle. You can use a 1-8x scope for close and long-range shooting. Whether looking for a scope for tactical situations, competitions, or hunting, we have shared a list of the best 1-8x scope on the market to cater to every need.
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