Looking for the SFP hunting scopes? If yes, you have come to the right post. Having the right equipment can make all the difference when hunting and this post sheds light on the best second focal plane hunting scopes available on the market.
Whether you are tracking an elusive game at dusk or aiming at distant targets, a reliable scope enhances your accuracy and confidence. SFP scopes have gained a strong reputation among hunters for their simplicity and functionality. Besides, they are favored by most hunters for their ability to maintain consistent reticle size for precise shooting in variable hunting conditions.
However, with the vast array of options available today, finding the perfect SFP hunting scope can be overwhelming. Factors like zoom power, glass clarity, build quality, and reticle design play significant roles in determining the right choice for your hunting style and needs. Additionally, it is important to consider specific features such as ease of adjustment and compatibility with your rifle setup.
Top 8 Best SFP Hunting Scopes
This guide will explore some of the best SFP hunting scopes available and highlight their key features, pros, and cons to help you find the perfect companion for your next hunting adventure. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-15x
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle: FireDot Duplex
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.82 in
- Weight: 19.7 oz
- Length: 13.5″
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 75/75 MOA
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope is the best SFP hunting scope. It is crafted with advanced features and cutting-edge technology to take your hunting a notch higher.
The highlight of this scope is the CDS-ZL2 (ZeroLock 2). It provides two revolutions of elevation adjustment while eliminating accidental dial movement with the push-button ZeroLock system. It also features Leupold’s award-winning Custom Dial System (CDS), which allows shooters to order a laser-marked bullet-drop dial to match their exact ballistics and conditions.
Furthermore, the scope is built for use in any terrain. It features a guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating that sheds dirt and water for a maintenance-free, clear, crisp image. Moreover, the scope is designed with advanced sealing methods that withstand extreme temperatures, elevation changes, and shocks, so the internals of the optics keep moisture out and stay crystal clear for life.
Optically, the scope features high-definition lenses that ensure incredible clarity at all magnification levels. Other handy features included are a side focus parallax adjustment for fast, easy parallax focusing from any shooting position and a long eye relief that accommodates all users with or without eye wear.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Ease of use
- Incredibly bright and clear image views at all magnification levels
- Robust and reliable construction
- Great low-light visibility
Cons
- Big budget
2. Trijicon AccuPoint TR-34 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-18x
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle: FireDot Duplex
- Eye Relief: 3.4 – 4 in
- Weight: 27.1 oz
- Length: 376.17 mm, 14.81 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 60/60 MOA
The Trijicon AccuPoint TR-34 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope stands out as a high-performance optic for hunters. Its 3-18x magnification range is versatile, allowing for precision at varying distances, whether targeting close-range game or engaging in long-range hunting.
To complement the broad magnification, the scope features a large 50mm objective lens that provides excellent light transmission in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk. The scope’s fiber-optic and tritium illumination system is another highlight, offering a bright and clear aiming point without relying on batteries.
Regarding optics, the scope features crisp, multi-coated lenses that deliver sharp, high-contrast images, enhancing situational awareness and accuracy. The build quality is equally impressive, with aircraft-grade aluminum construction that offers rugged durability and weather resistance in extreme conditions.
Another impressive features of the AccuPoint TR-34 is its user-friendly design. The adjustable magnification is smooth and precise, and the large 50mm objective lens does not compromise portability. Additionally, the quick-focus eyepiece and easy-to-use windage and elevation controls click firmly into place for confident adjustments.
Pros
- Robust build
- Smooth and precise magnification adjustment
- Exceptional optical clarity
- Battery-free fiber-optic and tritium illumination system
Cons
- Heavy
3. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Reticle: V-Plex, Dead Hold BDC, or V-Brite Illuminated
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 in
- Weight: 15 oz
- Length: 12.1 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 60/60 MOA
The Vortex 3-9×40 Crossfire II riflescope is one of the best SFP hunting scopes for beginners. It is built with ease of use in mind and features quality features at an affordable price.
With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you’ll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. Besides, the fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing, vital in the hunting field.
The optical clarity of the scope is a force to reckon with. It is built with anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright and clear views even in low light settings.
Furthermore, the scope is crafted with durability in mind. It has a single piece tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum to ensure strength and shockproof performance. Additionally, the optical tube is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ease of use
- Robust construction
- Bright and clear optics
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Stiff windage turret
4. Steiner Predator 4 4.4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 4.4-16x
- Reticle: E3
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Weight: 23.7 oz
- Length: 14.7 in
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in, 90 mm
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 30/30 MOA
Steiner has a reputation for making top-tier optics and the Predator 4 4.4-16x50mm Rifle Scope is not any different. This high-performance optic is designed to cater to hunters and shooters who demand precision and reliability in a versatile package.
One of the most impressive aspects of this scope is its advanced optical system. It boasts Steiner’s renowned high-definition glass and proprietary Predator Diamond Coating that work together to ensures excellent clarity, sharpness, and contrast, even in low-light conditions.
The 4.4-16x magnification range is ideal for medium to long-range engagements, offering flexibility whether you’re tracking game in the brush or taking a precision shot across a field. Furthermore, the 50mm objective lens provides ample light transmission, making this scope particularly effective during dawn and dusk.
Durability is another standout feature of the Predator 4. The scope is built with Steiner’s rugged housing, ensuring it can withstand harsh environmental conditions, from extreme temperatures to heavy recoil. It also features low-profile turrets for precise windage and elevation adjustment.
Pros
- Rugged and lightweight and designed to take the challenges in the field
- Consistently reliable regardless of your preferred rifle
- Illuminated reticle
- Advanced optical system
Cons
- Costly for budget buyers
5. NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-14x
- Reticle: Illuminated MIL-R
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Weight: 30 oz
- Length: 14.8 in
- Eye Relief: 70 – 80 mm
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 Mil Rad
- Adjustment Range: 90 – 70 MOA
This SHV hunting gun scope incorporates a feature set built for versatility. This makes it ideal for hunting game across vast environments from open fields to dense timber.
With the variable 4-14x magnification range, the scope offers an excellent combination of field of view and resolving power at higher magnification. The 50mm objective offers excellent light transmission at any time of day while providing a wide field of view essential for rapid target finding.
Furthermore, the SHV 4-14×50mm F1 gun scope delivers first focal plane performance in a versatile, mid-power package suitable for a wide range of shooting applications. This reticle gives hunters the option of precisely holding for elevation and wind at any magnification setting by using the intelligence built into the reticle.
Construction-wise, this SHV shooting scope has a 30mm main tube, which allows for a maximum adjustment range of 90 minutes or 26 Mil-radians. Over and above that, the tube is ruggedly built to withstand abuse and rough use. It is also 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and dust-proof.
Pros
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Illuminated reticle with 12 brightness settings
- Outstanding long-range precision
Cons
- Short eye relief
6) Burris Signature HD Scope 3-15x44mm
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-15x
- Reticle: Ballistic E3
- Tube Diameter: 1″
- Weight: 20.8 oz
- Length: 13.2 in
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 3.8 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 80/80 MOA
As one of the best SFP hunting scopes, the Burris Signature HD Scope 3-15x44mm stands out for its blend of precision, durability, and versatility. It delivers a premium performance that rivals more expensive models and perfect for use in all hunting fields.
With its impressive 3-15x magnification range and 44mm objective lens, the scope is ideal for both short-range and long-range shooting. Additionally, it offers exceptional optical clarity across the entire zoom range thanks to the premium, fully multi-coated lenses that deliver sharp and vibrant images even in low-light conditions.
The side focus adjustment is smooth and precise, allowing users to eliminate parallax for accurate shots. Additionally, the zero-stop feature in the turrets is a standout, providing confidence during rapid adjustments without losing your reference point.
The construction of the Burris Signature HD Scope is just as impressive as its optics. It is made of a solid, lightweight aluminum body that is both waterproof and shockproof. On top of that, the matte finish prevents glare, ensuring you stay concealed in hunting scenarios while the ergonomic design that includes easy-to-grip turrets and magnification rings, makes it easy to adjust even while wearing gloves.
Pros
- Ease of use
- Bright and clear optics
- Rugged dependability
- Great value for the price
Cons
- It is built on a 1-inch tube
7) Athlon Optics Argos HMR 2-12x42mm BDC 600 Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 2-12x
- Reticle: BDC 600
- Tube Diameter: 1″
- Weight: 19.8 oz
- Length: 11.75 in
- Eye Relief: 3.6in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 60 MOA
The Athlon Optics Argos HMR 2-12x42mm BDC 600 Rifle Scope suits you if you are seeking a versatile and high-performing optic. It combines clarity, durability, and advanced features in a well-crafted design, making it a valuable addition to any rifle setup.
The selling point of this rifle scope is its optical clarity. It features fully multi-coated lenses, which provide excellent light transmission and a bright, clear sight picture, even in low-light conditions.
Furthermore, the 2-12x magnification range is versatile enough for close-range engagements where it offers the precision needed for mid- to long-range shooting. The BDC 600 reticle is particularly useful, with hash marks that simplify holdovers for varying distances. On top of that, the reticle is etched onto the glass for durability and reliable performance under harsh conditions.
Built with a robust, aircraft-grade aluminum housing, the Argos HMR is designed to endure rugged environments and recoil from high-caliber rifles. It is also nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, ensuring it is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
The side parallax adjustment is another highlight, enabling fine-tuning for improved accuracy at long distances. Additionally, the turrets are crisp and tactile, offering precise adjustments with clear markings that make zeroing and dialing in effortless.
Pros
- Outstanding optical clarity
- Robust aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Glass-etched reticle
- Affordable
Cons
- Non-illuminated
8) Bushnell Engage 3-12x42mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-12x
- Reticle: Deploy MOA
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Weight: 19.5 oz
- Length: 14
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
The Bushnell Engage 3-12x42mm Rifle Scope marks our last SFP scope recommendation for hunting. Priced competitively for its class, the scope offers exceptional value with its blend of quality optics, durability, and thoughtful features making it ideal for anyone looking for a reliable and high-performing scope for hunting.
One of its most impressive features is the Deploy MOA reticle, which provides precise holdovers and windage adjustments, ensuring accurate shots at varying distances. The parallax adjustment knob further enhances precision, especially at higher magnifications.
Moreover, the scope is built to withstand rugged conditions associated with hunting. It also a boasts waterproof and fog-proof construction for dependable performance in challenging weather and an EXO Barrier Protection that keeps the lenses clear from debris, water, and oil, maintaining clarity in adverse conditions.
As impressive as the build quality is so is the optical performance. The scope has fully multi-coated optics that deliver crystal-clear images, even in low-light conditions.
Over and above that, this hunting scope features exposed turrets that are tactile and easy to adjust, allowing for quick and confident corrections in the field. The tool-less zero-reset feature is especially convenient, letting users reset their zero without fumbling with extra tools.
Pros
- Wide 3-12x magnification range for versatile use
- Bright and clear image quality, even in low-light conditions
- Durable, waterproof, and fog-proof design for rugged environments
- Deploy MOA reticle for easy windage and elevation adjustments
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Poor image clarity at maximum magnification
Read Also
- 8 Best SFP LPVOs
- 7 Best Varmint Scope for 22-250
- 7 Best FFP LPVO Scopes
- 7 Best Budget Spotting Scopes for Hunting
How to Choose the Best SFP Hunting Scope
Whether you are buying a SFP hunting scope for the first time or looking for an upgrade, the following are the key factors to consider when making your selection.
Magnification Range
The magnification power of SFP hunting scopes varies from one model to the other. Low power scopes like 6x or 2-7x are ideal for close-range hunting, such as in dense woods or brush, where quick target acquisition is key. On the other hand, you will need a medium power scope with 3-9x or 4-12x for most general hunting scenario and a high power scope of 5-20x or higher for long-range hunting in open terrain, where precision is critical.
Objective Lens Size
The larger the lens, the more light it gathers, improving visibility in low-light conditions of dawn and dusk. However, larger lens might add weight and bulk, which can be less desirable for mobile hunting. So, balance between size and portability to enhance your shooting experience.
Reticle Design
SFP scopes keep the reticle size constant, making it easier to aim at various magnifications. Opt for a reticle that suits your specific hunting needs like duplex for simplicity, BDC for long-range holdovers, or illuminated for low-light visibility.
Durability and Build Quality
Hunting is rough on optics and other hunting gear. It is therefore important to invest in a rugged scope that withstands abuse and rough handling. The best SFP hunting scopes should also be built waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof scope to withstand harsh hunting conditions.
Adjustments and Turrets
Ease of adjustment is essential in the hunting field for rapid target acquisition. The turrets should be easy to use for windage and elevation. It is also wise to get a scope with resettable turrets that help return to zero quickly after making adjustments and locking turrets to prevent accidental adjustments during hunting.
Eye Relief
The next important feature to consider is eye relief. Ensure sufficient eye relief at least 3.5 inches to avoid injury from recoil, especially when using high-caliber rifles.
Weight and Size
Lightweight scopes are preferable for mobile hunters who cover large distances on foot. On the other hand, larger, heavier scopes are better for stationary setups or specific tasks like long-range hunting.
Optics Quality
The best SFP hunting scopes feature premium ED or HD glass elements that enhance image sharpness and resolution. The scope should also have high-quality lens coatings that improve light transmission, enhancing clarity and brightness.
Budget
Set a budget and balance cost with essential features. Quality often increases with price, but there are excellent mid-range options available on the market.
Advantages of SFP Hunting Scopes
- Cost-Effectiveness. The best SFP hunting scopes are typically more affordable than First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes with similar features. This makes them accessible to a wider range of users.
- Enhanced Precision for Static Shots: These scopes offer a more precise aiming point for stationary targets, particularly at high magnifications.
- Clearer Low-Light Performance: With SFP scopes, the reticles remain thin and easy to see in low-light conditions, unlike FFP reticles that may appear faint at low magnifications.
- Less Distraction in Dynamic Environments: The reticle’s unchanging size is less visually distracting during fast-paced situations, such as moving game.
- Better for Long-Range Shots with Specific Magnification: Hunters can fine-tune their magnification for precise long-range shots without the reticle altering size.
- Widely Available and Versatile: Moreover, SFP scopes are available in a broad range of models and designs, catering to diverse hunting needs.
Disadvantages of SFP Hunting Scopes
- Inconsistent Reticle Sub tensions: The reticle size remains constant, causing holdover points to be accurate only at a specific magnification (usually the highest).
- Magnification Dependency: The shooter must frequently adjust to the correct magnification, which can be cumbersome in fast-paced situations.
- Potential for Over-Reliance on Magnification: The need to shoot at higher magnifications for accuracy may lead to a narrower field of view, making it difficult to track fast moving targets.
Final Words
Hopefully, this buying guide has been insightful and helpful. Keep in mind that your hunting needs and budget play a vital role in determining which scope you get. Whether you prioritize a lightweight design for portability, a wide magnification range for versatile hunting conditions, or premium optics for clarity and precision, there is a quality scope out there waiting for you.