The magic hours of dawn and dusk offer some of the best hunting opportunities, but they also present the ultimate challenge for your optics. As the sun dips below the horizon, traditional scopes struggle to gather enough light, turning a clear target into a fuzzy silhouette. This is the critical window where game is most active, and having the right equipment can make the difference between a successful hunt and a missed chance.
Low light scopes are specifically engineered to maximize light transmission and clarity during these transitional periods. Whether you prefer advanced digital night vision, thermal imaging, or high-quality traditional optics with superior coatings, there is a solution to extend your hunting day. We have compiled a list of the top-performing scopes that excel when the light fades, helping you maintain a sharp sight picture from first light to last light.
Our Top Picks for Low Light Hunting Scopes
- Sightmark Wraith 4K 4-32×40 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Multi-X Reticle
- Scope Throw Lever for Nikon ProStaff P-Rimfire 3-9x40mm
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
- Pulsar Digex C50 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- ATN Thor 4 Thermal Rifle Scope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP Riflescope
Sightmark Wraith 4K 4-32×40 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Wraith 4K is a powerhouse for the hunter who demands 24-hour capability. Its 4K CMOS sensor provides exceptional full-color HD imaging during daylight hours, ensuring your view is crisp and detailed. When the sun sets, a simple button press activates the digital night vision mode, offering a remarkable detection range of up to 300 yards. This seamless transition means you are prepared for any lighting condition without changing your setup.
Central to its performance is the high-resolution 1280×720 display, which delivers a crystal-clear sight picture in both day and night modes. This clarity is vital for positive target identification in challenging light. The Wraith 4K effectively bridges the gap between a traditional daytime scope and dedicated night vision, making it an incredibly versatile tool for extended hunting sessions.
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Multi-X Reticle
For hunters who prefer a classic, dependable optic, the Bushnell Banner is a proven choice. It features the proprietary Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coating on its lenses, which is engineered to provide a brighter and clearer sight picture during the low-light periods when game is most active. This technology maximizes light transmission, giving you those precious extra minutes of shooting light.
Built in the popular 3-9×40 configuration, this scope offers versatile magnification for a wide range of hunting scenarios. A significant benefit is its extended 6 inches of eye relief, which provides a greater margin of safety and comfort, especially on rifles with substantial recoil. With fully multi-coated lenses on all air-to-glass surfaces, the Banner consistently delivers high-contrast, bright images where it matters most.
Scope Throw Lever for Nikon ProStaff P-Rimfire 3-9x40mm
While not a scope itself, this accessory is a critical addition for any hunter who needs to make rapid adjustments. This throw lever is custom-made in the USA to fit the Nikon ProStaff P-Rimfire 3-9x40mm perfectly, ensuring a secure and seamless installation. It allows you to quickly and easily change your magnification with a simple flick of the finger.
Constructed with carbon fiber reinforced 3D printing, the lever is both lightweight and exceptionally durable. In a fast-paced hunting situation, where a target may appear at an unexpected distance, the ability to swiftly adjust your scope’s magnification can be as important as optical clarity. This lever adds a layer of speed and convenience to your low-light setup.
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is a feature-rich smart scope that brings advanced technology to the field. It offers high-resolution 4K video recording, allowing you to capture your hunt in stunning detail. With its smart features like ballistic calculators and one-shot zero, this scope simplifies the process of making accurate long-range shots in various conditions.
As a day/night vision scope, it provides excellent performance during daylight and extends your hunting capability well into the night. The built-in rangefinder and recoil-activated video are just a couple of the innovative features that make this scope stand out. It is designed for the tech-savvy hunter who wants an all-in-one digital optic solution.
Pulsar Digex C50 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
Pulsar is renowned for its high-quality digital optics, and the Digex C50 continues that tradition. This digital night vision riflescope is built to deliver superior performance in the most challenging low-light environments. It combines a high-resolution sensor with a quality display to provide a sharp and detailed image when traditional scopes fail.
The Digex C50 is known for its robust construction and user-friendly interface, making it a reliable partner for serious hunters. Its versatility across different lighting conditions and its ability to record video make it a comprehensive tool for both hunting and observation. This scope represents a significant step up in digital night vision technology.
ATN Thor 4 Thermal Rifle Scope
For the ultimate advantage in total darkness or through light obscurants like fog or brush, the ATN Thor 4 thermal scope is a game-changer. Instead of relying on ambient light, it detects heat signatures, allowing you to see animals and objects that are completely invisible to the naked eye and traditional optics.
The Thor 4 series offers high-resolution thermal imaging, smart features similar to the X-Sight, and extended battery life. This technology allows for detection at impressive ranges, giving you the ability to spot game long before it spots you. It is the top-tier choice for hunters who frequently find themselves in pitch-black conditions.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Sig Sauer brings its reputation for precision and quality to the hunting scope market with the Whiskey3. This scope is designed with fully multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission, making it effective during the critical dawn and dusk periods. Its waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures reliability in all weather conditions.
The Whiskey3 offers a clean and simple reticle choice, avoiding clutter for fast target acquisition. The build quality and optical clarity you expect from the Sig Sauer name are present here, providing a trustworthy and high-performing optic for hunters who value a straightforward, effective tool for their rifle.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical is a versatile scope that excels in low light and for precision shooting. Its First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle means the reticle’s size changes with magnification, ensuring holdover points are accurate at any power. The 4-16x magnification range is ideal for hunters who may need to take longer shots in fading light.
With a 44mm objective lens and fully multi-coated optics, this scope gathers ample light to provide a bright image. The exposed tactical-style turrets allow for precise and repeatable adjustments. Built with Vortex’s rugged standards, it is a robust optic that offers advanced features typically found on more expensive models.
What to Look For in a Low Light Scope
When you’re hunting in the dim light of dawn or dusk, your regular daytime scope just won’t cut it. The game is most active during these low-light windows, and having the right optic can be the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. I’ve spent a lot of time testing scopes in these conditions, and I’ve learned that a few key features are non-negotiable.
First and foremost is light transmission. This is the scope’s ability to gather available light and deliver a bright image to your eye. The quality of the glass is the biggest factor here. Look for scopes made with extra-low dispersion (ED) or high-density (HD) glass. These premium materials significantly reduce chromatic aberration (that color fringing you see on edges) and create a sharper, clearer, and brighter picture. The lens coatings are just as critical. Fully multi-coated lenses are the standard to look for, as they minimize light reflection and maximize the amount of light that passes through the scope to your eye.
The second critical element is the objective lens size. This is the lens at the front of the scope, and a larger one (like 44mm, 50mm, or even 56mm) can gather more light. However, bigger isn’t always automatically better. A huge objective lens requires higher mounting rings, which can compromise your cheek weld. It also adds weight. I find that a 44mm or 50mm objective offers a fantastic balance for most hunting rifles, providing excellent light gathering without becoming too cumbersome.
Finally, pay close attention to the reticle. In low light, a thick, black reticle can easily get lost against a dark background. Illuminated reticles are a game-changer. A simple red or green dot at the center of a duplex-style reticle allows for quick target acquisition when your target is a shadowy figure. Look for models with multiple brightness settings, including a very low setting for the darkest conditions that won’t destroy your night vision. When you’re picking from the 8 best low light scopes for dawn and dusk hunting, these three factors—premium glass, appropriate objective lens size, and a useful illuminated reticle—are what you should be comparing first.
FAQ
What makes a scope good for low light hunting?
A scope excels in low light primarily due to its light transmission capabilities. This comes from using high-quality glass like ED or HD glass and applying advanced, fully multi-coated lenses to reduce light loss. A larger objective lens (e.g., 50mm) helps, but the glass quality is more important than size alone. An illuminated reticle is also a huge advantage, allowing you to see your aiming point clearly against a dark animal in shadow.
Is a 50mm objective lens always better than a 44mm for low light?
Not necessarily. While a 50mm lens has the potential to gather more light, the quality of the glass and coatings matters more. A high-end scope with a 44mm objective lens and premium components will often outperform a cheaper scope with a 50mm lens. The 44mm also keeps the scope’s profile lower and lighter, which is better for handling and carrying. It’s about finding the right balance for your specific needs.
How important is the reticle type for dawn and dusk hunting?
It’s extremely important. A standard black duplex reticle can vanish against a dark target in low light. An illuminated reticle is the best solution, providing a clear aiming point. Look for a simple illumination pattern—often just a center dot—with multiple brightness settings. The lowest settings are crucial as they provide a visible dot without creating a blinding flare that washes out your target and ruins your night vision.
Can I use a first focal plane (FFP) scope for low light hunting?
You can, but it has pros and cons. The advantage of an FFP scope is that the reticle size changes with magnification, so holdover points are accurate at any power. The downside is that at low magnification in dim light, the reticle (especially the finer markings) can become very thin and difficult to see. For most dawn and dusk hunting scenarios where quick shots are needed, a second focal plane (SFP) scope with a bold, illuminated center is often the more practical and user-friendly choice.
What magnification range is best for low light hunting?
I prefer a versatile variable scope, like a 3-9×40 or a 4-12×50. You’ll typically use the lower end of the magnification range (3x to 6x) because it provides a wider field of view and a brighter image. Higher magnification narrows the field of view and can darken the image. Having the higher power available is good for identifying your target at longer ranges in better light, but when the light is fading, you’ll be dialing it down. When reviewing the 8 best low light scopes for dawn and dusk hunting, you’ll notice most offer a practical variable range that starts low.