A 50mm riflescope represents a significant step up in light-gathering capability, offering a brighter sight picture during the critical low-light moments of dawn and dusk. This larger objective lens, combined with the right magnification range, provides hunters and long-range shooters with a distinct advantage, allowing for clearer target identification and more precise shot placement when it matters most.
With so many options on the market, selecting the right scope for your needs and budget can be a challenge. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of top-performing 50mm riflescopes known for their optical clarity, durable construction, and excellent value. Whether you’re a big-game hunter, a target shooter, or a tactical enthusiast, this roundup will help you find the perfect optic to enhance your shooting experience.
Our Top Picks for 50mm Rifle Scopes
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×50 AO, Second Focal Plane Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
- Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Riflescope, Dusk & Dawn Hunting Riflescope
- CVLIFE 50mm Rifle Scope 4-16×50 with Free Mounts
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-16×50 Adjustable Objective
- Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12×50 BDC Reticle
- UTG 4-16×50 30mm Compact Scope, Emerald Illuminated
- Simmons 4-12x50mm Truplex Reticle Riflescope
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×50 AO
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×50 is a versatile scope built to handle varying ranges with confidence. Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle is specifically designed for hunting scenarios where estimating holdover is a concern, eliminating the need for dialing adjustments on the fly. The adjustable objective (AO) is a key feature, providing image focus and parallax removal for a sharper, more accurate view.
Fully multi-coated lenses work to maximize light transmission, delivering a bright and clear sight picture even in challenging light. Combined with a long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, this scope allows for quick target acquisition. The capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks and can be conveniently reset to zero after sighting in.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 First Focal Plane
For shooters who demand precision at extended ranges, the Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 offers exceptional value in a first focal plane (FFP) package. The FFP, glass-etched EBR-2C reticle ensures that its subtensions remain accurate and consistent at every magnification setting throughout the 4x zoom range. This is a critical feature for long-range target shooting and tactical applications where precise holdovers and windage corrections are necessary.
The optical system is built with extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses to provide a crisp, high-contrast sight picture with minimal color fringing. A precision-glide erector system ensures that magnification changes are consistently smooth, even under demanding conditions. This scope is engineered for reliability when it counts.
Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn series is engineered to give hunters an edge during the most active times of day. Its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses are optimized to cast a notably bright and clear image when light is fading, helping you make the most of your time in the stand. This high-power, variable scope is a solid choice for long-range centerfire shooting.
Built to be bright, accurate, and dependable, this scope features fully multi-coated lenses on all air-to-glass surfaces. This extensive coating process delivers high-contrast images for better target identification. It’s a reliable and purpose-built optic for hunters who frequently find themselves shooting in low-light conditions.
CVLIFE 50mm Rifle Scope 4-16×50 with Free Mounts
This CVLIFE scope presents an outstanding entry-level package for shooters on a budget. The 4-16×50 magnification range provides plenty of versatility for target shooting and hunting, allowing you to engage targets at various distances. A significant benefit of this offering is that it comes with free mounts, providing everything you need to get your rifle zeroed and ready to go without additional purchases.
It is built to offer reliable performance for plinking and general range use. The 50mm objective lens helps gather ample light for a clear view. For new shooters or those looking for a capable budget optic, this CVLIFE scope delivers considerable value and functionality.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-16×50 Adjustable Objective
Another excellent option from the Crossfire II line, this 4-16×50 model extends your effective range with its higher magnification. The adjustable objective is a critical feature for high-magnification scopes, as it allows you to focus the image and eliminate parallax error, which becomes increasingly important for accuracy at longer distances.
Like its sibling, it features fully multi-coated lenses for bright, clear views and a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing. The durable one-piece tube construction is sealed with O-rings to be fog-proof and waterproof, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions. It’s a robust and feature-packed scope for hunters and shooters who need extra reach.
Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12×50 BDC Reticle
The Nikon Buckmasters II is a scope built on a legacy of quality optics and rugged reliability. The 4-12×50 configuration is ideally suited for big-game hunting, providing a bright sight picture and the magnification needed for ethical shots at medium to longer ranges. The BDC reticle offers quick-reference aiming points for holdover, which can be a major advantage when a rapid shot is required.
Nikon optics are renowned for their clarity and light transmission. This scope continues that tradition, featuring a high-quality lens system that delivers a sharp, bright image from edge to edge. Built to withstand the rigors of the field, the Buckmasters II is a trusted companion for serious hunters.
UTG 4-16×50 30mm Compact Scope, Emerald Illuminated
The UTG 4-16×50 scope stands out with its feature set, including an illuminated emerald reticle. The illumination provides a clear aiming point in low-light conditions or against dark backgrounds, enhancing target acquisition. The 30mm main tube is robust and offers a greater range of windage and elevation adjustment compared to standard 1-inch tubes.
This scope is designed with a compact profile, making it a good choice for hunters who prefer a lighter and less bulky setup without sacrificing magnification or objective lens size. It incorporates features typically found on more expensive models, making it a compelling option for shooters looking for enhanced capabilities.
Simmons 4-12x50mm Truplex Reticle Riflescope
Simmons delivers a straightforward and reliable hunting scope with the 4-12x50mm model. The classic Truplex reticle is simple and uncluttered, making for fast target acquisition at common hunting distances. The 50mm objective lens is the centerpiece, designed to pull in maximum light for improved performance during dawn and dusk.
This scope is built to offer dependable service without complexity. It features a durable waterproof and fog-proof construction, ensuring it can handle adverse weather conditions. For hunters seeking an affordable, no-frills 50mm scope from a recognized brand, the Simmons 4-12×50 represents a solid value.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a 50mm Rifle Scope
Choosing the right 50mm objective lens scope can feel like a big task with all the options out there. I have spent a lot of time behind various scopes, and the first thing I consider is the main use for the rifle. A scope perfect for long-range target shooting might be overkill and too heavy for a hunter who does a lot of walking. Think about your typical shooting distance and environment. If you are mostly in thick woods at short ranges, a lower magnification range like 3-9x is a great fit. For open fields or the benchrest, you might want something that goes up to 16x, 24x, or even higher.
Next, let’s talk about the glass quality itself. The whole point of a 50mm lens is to gather more light for a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. But a big lens is useless if the glass and coatings are poor. Look for terms like Fully Multi-Coated lenses. This means every air-to-glass surface has multiple layers of anti-reflective coating. This maximizes light transmission, reduces glare, and gives you a clearer, sharper picture. I always prioritize glass quality over fancy features.
Another critical element is the reticle. It is the heart of your aiming system. For hunting, a simple duplex reticle is fast and effective. For long-range precision, a Mil-Dot or MOA-based Christmas tree-style reticle is almost necessary for calculating holdovers. Make sure the reticle is in the first focal plane (FFP) if you plan on using its markings for measurements at different magnifications. If you prefer a reticle that stays the same size, a second focal plane (SFP) is fine, just remember the markings are only accurate at one specific power, usually the highest.
Durability and repeatability are non-negotiable. A scope lives a hard life, dealing with recoil and the elements. It must be waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. I look for scopes filled with inert gases like nitrogen to prevent internal fogging. The turrets, the knobs you use to adjust for windage and elevation, should feel crisp and track accurately. If you dial your shots, you need to trust that a click truly equals a quarter-inch at 100 yards (for 1/4 MOA turrets). Finally, consider the eye relief, especially for high-recoil rifles. A generous eye relief keeps the scope from hitting your eyebrow. When looking for the 8 best 50mm rifle scopes for the money, balancing all these factors with your budget is the key to a satisfying purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 50mm scope too big for my hunting rifle?
It depends on your setup and preferences. A 50mm scope will be heavier and sit higher on your rifle than a 40mm or 44mm model, requiring higher rings. For a hunter who covers a lot of ground on foot, this added weight and less streamlined profile might be a drawback. However, the benefit is superior light gathering in the critical early morning and late evening hours. For a stand hunter or someone shooting in low light, the trade-off is often worth it.
What is the advantage of a 50mm objective lens over a 44mm?
The primary advantage is light transmission. A 50mm lens has a larger surface area, allowing it to gather more available light. This results in a brighter sight picture during dawn, dusk, or in heavily shaded areas. The difference might not be dramatic in bright midday sun, but in those marginal lighting conditions where game is often active, that extra brightness can make it easier to identify your target and place an accurate shot.
Do I need extra high scope rings for a 50mm scope?
In most cases, yes. The larger bell housing of a 50mm objective lens means it has a larger diameter. To clear the barrel of your rifle, especially on models with a heavy contour, you will likely need high or even extra-high rings. It is crucial to test the fit before finalizing your setup to ensure there is no contact between the scope and the barrel, and that you can achieve a comfortable cheek weld with the higher scope position.
Are more expensive 50mm scopes really that much better?
Generally, yes. While you can find decent budget options, the law of diminishing returns is at play. More expensive scopes typically use superior glass materials and more advanced coating technologies, providing a noticeably clearer, sharper, and color-true image. They also feature more robust construction, more reliable and precise turrets, and better sealing against the elements. You are paying for optical performance and ruggedness that can withstand years of hard use.
What does “First Focal Plane” mean and why does it matter?
The focal plane refers to the location of the reticle inside the scope. In a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle is in front of the magnification lens. This means the reticle appears to grow and shrink as you change magnification. The key advantage is that the subtensions (like the Mil-Dots or MOA marks) remain accurate at any magnification. This is essential for long-range shooters who use the reticle for holdovers and ranging. For my money, when reviewing the 8 best 50mm rifle scopes for the money, an FFP scope is a must for any serious precision work.
Can I use a 50mm scope on a high-recoil rifle like a .300 Win Mag?
Absolutely, as long as the scope is rated for the recoil impulse of your specific cartridge. The size of the objective lens does not directly relate to its ability to handle recoil. That comes down to the internal construction, the quality of the components, and the manufacturer’s testing. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the scope is built for magnum calibers. A scope failing under recoil is not just an inconvenience; it is a safety hazard.