When a deer appears at mid to long range, your success hinges on the quality of your optics. A superior riflescope is not just a magnifying tool; it’s your window to making an ethical and precise shot when it counts. The right scope brings clarity, confidence, and critical aiming points to the field, turning a challenging shot into a manageable one.
With so many models boasting various reticles, magnification ranges, and features, selecting the perfect scope can be a daunting task. This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present you with a selection of top-tier optics specifically suited for deer hunting from a distance. We’ve compiled a list of reliable scopes that offer the performance and features you need without unnecessary complexity, ensuring you can focus on the hunt.
Our Top Picks for Mid to Long Range Deer Hunting Scopes
- BURRIS FullField II 4.5-14×42 Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×50 AO Riflescope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm Riflescope
BURRIS FullField II 4.5-14×42 Scope
The BURRIS FullField II is a standout choice for hunters who need extended range capability. Its 4.5-14x magnification is ideal for identifying and aiming at deer across wide-open fields or canyons. The scope is built to handle the recoil of powerful hunting rifles while maintaining zero, ensuring reliability season after season.
It features the Ballistic Plex reticle, a simple yet effective trajectory-compensating system that helps you make accurate holdover shots without dialing. The parallax adjustment is a critical feature for long-distance shooting, allowing you to correct for parallax error and improve shot precision. This combination of features makes the FullField II a powerful tool for the serious deer hunter.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP Riflescope
For the hunter who appreciates modern tactical features, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical offers exceptional value. The 4-16x magnification range provides versatility for various shooting scenarios, while the First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle means the subtensions remain accurate at any magnification level. This is a significant advantage for making rapid, precise shots at unknown distances.
The exposed tactical turrets allow for easy and repeatable adjustments, which is perfect for dialing in your elevation for a long-range shot. The optics are fully multi-coated, providing a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions. Built with a robust one-piece tube, it is both shockproof and waterproof, ready for harsh field conditions.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom represents a legacy of American quality and optical performance. The classic 3-9×40 configuration is a proven favorite for deer hunting, offering a wide field of view at low power for close-range opportunities and enough magnification for longer shots. Its lightweight design won’t weigh down your rifle during long stalks.
Featuring the Twilight Light Management System, this scope extends your shooting light in the critical minutes at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. It is rigorously tested for durability and is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The scratch-resistant lenses are guaranteed to provide a lifetime of clear, bright images.
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC Riflescope
Nikon’s Buckmasters II is a trusted name in the hunting world, known for delivering high-quality optics at an accessible point. The 3-9×40 setup provides a perfect balance for most deer hunting situations. The BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) reticle is designed to give you instant holdover points for shots at varying distances.
With fully multi-coated lenses, this scope maximizes light transmission for a bright and high-contrast view. It is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be both fog-proof and waterproof, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions. The spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets make for easy and precise windage and elevation adjustments.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×50 AO Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×50 AO is an excellent scope for hunters who need extra light-gathering capability. The large 50mm objective lens pulls in more light, resulting in a brighter image during the low-light periods of early morning and late evening. The 4-12x magnification gives you the flexibility for both medium and longer-range shots.
A key feature is the Adjustable Objective (AO), which allows you to correct for parallax at specific distances, enhancing accuracy. The dead-hold BDC reticle is useful for shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is required. Like all Vortex optics, it is built to last and comes with their unconditional lifetime warranty.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Sig Sauer brings its renowned precision and engineering to the hunting scope market with the Whiskey3. This 3-9x40mm scope is designed for ruggedness and reliability in the field. Its waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures you can count on it when the weather turns bad.
The scope features Sig’s proprietary HDX optical system for exceptional resolution and color fidelity. The simple yet effective duplex reticle provides a clean and uncluttered sight picture for fast target acquisition. With precise 1/4 MOA adjustments, you can dial in your rifle’s zero with confidence.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 APLR FFP IR MOA
If your definition of long-range is truly extended, the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 is built for the task. With a massive 6-24x magnification and a 50mm objective lens, this scope allows for precise shot placement at extreme distances. The First Focal Plane illuminated reticle ensures your holdover points are accurate across the entire magnification range.
It includes an Advanced Precision Zero Stop system, allowing you to return to your original zero quickly after making elevation adjustments. The side focus adjustment provides easy parallax correction. This feature-packed scope is an incredible value for hunters looking to push their effective range on a budget.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner lives up to its name by being specifically engineered for performance during the dusk and dawn hours. Its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated optics are designed to provide maximum light transmission when you need it most. The 3-9×40 configuration is a timeless and effective choice for deer hunting.
This scope is built on a one-piece tube, making it durable and reliably waterproof and fog-proof. The Multi-X reticle is a simple, non-cluttering design that allows for quick and easy aiming. For hunters seeking a dependable scope that excels in low-light conditions, the Banner is a proven and affordable option.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Mid to Long Range Deer Hunting Scope
Choosing the right scope for deer hunting, especially when you’re planning for mid to long-range shots, can feel overwhelming. I’ve been through it, staring at a wall of options at the store. It really comes down to a few key features that will make a huge difference in the field. Let’s break down what you should be looking for.
First up is magnification. For most deer hunting situations, you don’t need a massive, high-power scope. A variable scope with a range like 3-9x or 4-12x is incredibly versatile. The lower end is perfect for quick shots in thick timber, while the higher magnification lets you place a careful shot across a field or canyon. I find that going much higher than 16x or 18x is often overkill and can actually make it harder to find your target quickly.
The objective lens size is next. This is the lens at the front of the scope, and a larger one (like 40mm, 44mm, or 50mm) gathers more light. More light means a brighter, clearer image, especially during those critical low-light periods at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Just remember, a bigger objective lens often means you need higher scope rings to mount it properly on your rifle.
Then there’s the reticle. For mid to long-range shooting, a simple duplex reticle might not cut it. You’ll want to consider a scope with some form of holdover points or a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle. These markings help you aim at different distances without constantly twisting the turrets. Pairing a BDC reticle with a scope that has exposed, finger-adjustable turrets is a great setup. This allows you to dial in your elevation for a precise long-range shot and then easily return to a zero stop.
Finally, don’t overlook the build quality. Your scope needs to be tough. Look for features like being fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof. A scope that can’t handle a bump or a sudden rain shower is a liability. The quality of the glass is paramount, too. Clear, sharp glass with good resolution is what lets you identify your target and make an ethical shot. When you’re looking at the 8 best scopes for deer hunting [mid to long range], you’ll see they all excel in these core areas: solid magnification range, good light transmission, a useful reticle, and rugged construction.
FAQ
What magnification scope is best for deer hunting?
For most deer hunting, a variable scope in the 3-9x or 4-12x range is the sweet spot. It gives you the flexibility for close-range, fast shots and the ability to zoom in for a more precise shot at longer distances. I rarely find myself needing more than 12x magnification, even for longer shots in open country.
Is a 50mm objective lens better than a 40mm?
A 50mm objective lens gathers more light than a 40mm, which can provide a slightly brighter sight picture in very low light. However, the difference is often subtle, and a 50mm scope is heavier and requires higher mounting rings. For most hunters, a high-quality 40mm or 44mm scope provides excellent performance without the added bulk.
What does “First Focal Plane” vs. “Second Focal Plane” mean?
This refers to where the reticle is placed inside the scope. In a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle grows and shrinks as you change magnification, so the holdover points are accurate at any power. In a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle size stays the same, and the BDC markings are only accurate at one specific magnification (usually the highest). SFP scopes are more common and perfectly suitable for most deer hunting.
How much should I spend on a good deer hunting scope?
You can find decent scopes starting around $200, but I recommend setting a budget in the $300 to $600 range for a reliable, feature-packed model that will perform well in all conditions. This investment gets you better glass clarity, more durable construction, and reliable tracking for those mid to long range shots.
Do I need an illuminated reticle?
An illuminated reticle is not a necessity, but it is a very nice feature to have. It helps you see your crosshairs against a dark background, like a deer in heavy shadows or during the last few minutes of legal shooting light. For many hunters, it’s a worthwhile upgrade.
What is the best scope for deer hunting on a budget?
Several brands offer excellent value. Look at options from Vortex, Leupold, and Nikon (if you can find remaining stock). Models like the Vortex Diamondback or Leupold VX-Freedom series provide great optical performance and solid durability without breaking the bank, making them a top choice for a budget-friendly deer hunting scope.