Are you in the market for the best budget LPVO for hunting but having difficulty finding the ideal model for your shooting needs? Is, look no further. In this buying guide, we will take you through LPVOs for hunting that balance affordability with features such as clear glass, durable construction, and reliable reticles.
Low Power Variable Optics, LPVOs, have become the go-to optics for most hunting and firearm enthusiasts. They offer unmatched versatility in both close-quarters and medium-range engagements. Besides, they are ideal for a variety of hunting and shooting applications where quick target finding and acquisition are vital.
As LPVOs continue to become popular, so has the demand for budget-friendly options that don’t compromise essential performance. Today, innumerable models offer excellent optical clarity, durability, and useful features at a price that is hard to pass. Besides, these budget LPVOs are ideal for hunting in virtually all environments.
Benefits of LPVOs
Most hunting enthusiasts are switching to LPVOs for a good reason. In any hunting field, these optics offer multiple benefits which include:
Superior Versatility
This is the primary benefit of LPVOs. They offer variable magnification for engaging targets at close to medium ranges in virtually all hunting fields.
Rapid Target Acquisition
At 1x magnification, LPVOs work like red dot sights, enabling fast target acquisition with both eyes open for increased situational awareness.
Precision at Distance
The higher magnification in LPVOs allows for more precise shots at a distance and offers flexibility in various shooting scenarios.
Large Field of View
As magnification is inversely proportional to field of view, LPVOs have a large field of view which is vital for rapid target finding and acquisition.
Compact Design
LPVOs are relatively lightweight and compact compared to traditional rifle scopes. This makes them suitable for modern sporting rifles (MSRs) without adding unnecessary bulk.
Robust Construction
Furthermore, the best budget LPVOs are built rugged to withstand harsh conditions and last long. These optics are often built with shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof features for all-weather use.
Illuminated Reticles
Many LPVOs feature illuminated reticles which makes them effective in varying lighting conditions.
Best Budget LPVOs for Hunting
1) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 First Focal Plane Riflescope
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-8x
- Objective Les Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Reticle: EBR-8 MOA
- Focal Place: First Focal Plane
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
- Weight: 23.9 Ounces
- Length: 10.4″
The Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP is the best budget LPVO for hunting. It is designed and built with the avid hunter in mind where it gives accurate holdovers at any magnification, providing you with the ultimate short to medium-range scope.
The scope employs an EBR-8 reticle housed in the front focal plane. The reticle provides true red dot-like performance at 1x, holdovers out to 600 yards, and an included ranging feature in the reticle. Besides, there are 9 daylight settings so you can dial up illumination to perfectly match the scenario.
Optical finesse is another strong suit of this LPVO. It has an XD optical system and fully multi-coated lenses that deliver a crisp sight picture to pick out targets faster. Besides, the included throw lever makes for rapid magnification changes while the capped turrets keep your zero locked in.
To stand up to getting knocked around, the shockproof, 30mm tube is made of aircraft grade aluminum, a material that balances weight and durability. Moreover, the optical tube is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fog-proof performance. The Armortek coatings also add on durability by protecting the lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt.
In addition to all these features, the 2-inch offset cantilever mount positions the scope in a forward location, allowing the correct eye relief and head placement. The mount positions the center of the riflescope tube at a height of 1.59 inches (40.39 mm) from the base.
Pros
- Long eye relief
- First focal plane sub tensions remain accurate at any range
- Illuminated reticle eases use in low light and dark backgrounds
- Durable and shockproof construction
- Bright and crisp sight pictures
Cons
- Relatively heavy
2) CVLIFE EagleTalon 1-6×24 LPVO Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Les Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Reticle: BDC
- Focal Place: SFP
- Turrets: Capped
CVLIFE EagleTalon 1-6×24 is the best budget LPVO for beginners. It is built with ease of use in mind while offering versatile performance for precise short to medium-range aiming in all environments.
With the 1x magnification, this LPVO provides true red dot-like performance for quickly capturing close-range targets with both eyes open, and holdovers out to 600 yards. The upgraded BDC reticle is also illuminated to provide a clear aiming point in low-light conditions.
Another feature that makes this LPVO stand out is its optical clarity. It is built with high-definition optics and fully multi-coated lenses to provide excellent light transmission and color reproduction with improved edge-to-edge clarity. Besides, the lenses have a hard scratch-resistant coating on the exterior surface for long-lasting clarity and visibility.
Regarding construction, the LPVO is rugged and long-lasting. It is built with a 30 mm one-piece tube that is hard-anodized with a black matte finish. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures durability and a lightweight design capable of withstanding up to 1000G shock. Additionally, the optical tube is nitrogen-purged and O-ring-sealed to provide excellent fog and water resistance.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Superior low-light performance
- Lighted reticle
- Rugged and long-lasting construction quality
- Ease of use
Cons
- Short eye relief of the high magnification settings
3) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-4x
- Objective Les Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Focal Place: SFP
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Weight: 16 oz
- Length: 9.8 in
- Adjustment Range: 100 MOA
Vortex is renowned for its quality yet cost-effective optics and the Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is no different. At its price point, it’s an outstanding value for hunters, competitive shooters, and anyone looking for a reliable scope without breaking the bank.
The selling point of this compact LPVO is its construction quality. It is well-built with solid and high-quality components to weather abuse and last long. Furthermore, the scope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to provide waterproof and fog-proof protection, essential for hunting in adverse weather conditions.
The 1-4x magnification is ideal for close to mid-range shooting, making it perfect for tactical and hunting applications where quick target acquisition is essential. Besides, the V-Brite reticle is illuminated with red LED for precise shot placement in varying light environments.
Optically, the scope has fully multi-coated lenses that deliver clear and bright images, even in low-light conditions. Over and above that, it boasts a fast-focus eyepiece that enables users to make quick reticle adjustments for a sharp sight picture.
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Clear, bright image views due to multi-coated lenses
- Versatile 1-4x magnification for close-to-medium range
- Durable, rugged construction for tough conditions
- Quick and easy target acquisition with a fast-focus eyepiece
Cons
- The clarity of the reticle is poor at higher magnification
4) Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 Gen III
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Les Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Focal Place: Second Focal Plane
- Eye Relief: 3.3in – 3.5in
- Weight: 16.9 oz
- Length: 9.8 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
Here is the best budget LPVO for hunting from Primary Arms. The 1-6×24 Gen III rifle scope is built with the avid hunter in mind and offers a flexible magnification range for quick target acquisition at 1x and precise aiming at 6x.
The stand-out feature of this rifle scope is its robust construction. It is made with hard-wearing materials for long-term use. Furthermore, it features a fully multi-coated lens system for maximum light transmission and a Type III hard anodized 6063 aluminum body, for reliability and durability in various conditions.
Regarding reticle, this LPVO features the patented ACSS reticle with bullet drop compensation, wind holds, and moving target leads. The reticle provides an intuitive and fast-sighting system for various distances. Besides, it has 11 adjustable brightness settings, including a daylight-bright option, powered by a CR2032 battery with a spare conveniently stored in the windage turret cap.
Well, that’s not all. This LPVO has an advanced design that is short and lightweight so it won’t get in your way of shooting. It also boasts an integrated magnification lever for easy magnification adjustments from any shooting position.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Advanced ACSS Reticle with daylight bright illumination
- Compact and lightweight design
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- Short battery life
5) Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-4 x
- Objective Les Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Focal Place: Second Focal Plane
- Field of View (ft @ 100 yds): 112ft @ 1x to 27ft @ 4x
- Eye Relief: 3.5in
- Weight: 18 oz
The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 Rifle Scope is a high-performance and versatile optic designed for both close-range and medium-range hunting. It offers solid performance in all situations making it an excellent choice for avid hunters looking to take their hunting a notch higher.
With its 1-4x magnification, the scope allows shooters to easily transition between quick target acquisition at low power and more precise shots at higher magnification. Additionally, it features a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle, specifically calibrated for AR-style rifles chambered in .223/5.56.
More importantly, this reticle is illuminated, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. Moreover, the optics are fully multi-coated to reduce glare and ensure excellent light transmission and clarity.
Durability is another standout feature of the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24. It is built with a robust, waterproof, and fog-proof design that makes it suitable for use even in adverse weather conditions. Its rugged one-piece tube construction also enhances its ability to withstand heavy recoil, ensuring reliable performance on both AR platforms and other rifles.
Pros
- Compact size and lightweight build
- Durable, waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction
- Capped turrets for secure adjustments
- Easy to use
Cons
- Tight eye relief
- Limited reticle brightness settings for daylight
6) Monstrum G3 1-6×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-6 x
- Objective Les Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Focal Place: First Focal Plane
- Eye Relief: 4 – 4.5 in
- Weight: 1lb
- Length: 10.7 in
Monstrum G3 1-6×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope is a high-performance tactical rifle scope with 1-6x magnification. This zoom power makes it ideal for close to mid-distance hunting out to 300+ yards.
The scope boasts a functionally designed MOA reticle, with easy-to-read ranging information. The reticle is housed in the first focal plane so it remains constant regardless of magnification, for faster range estimation and holdover correction. Additionally, it has a dial-controlled illumination in multiple brightness intensities, for better reticle visibility in low-light environments
Solid construction is another strong of the Monstrum G3 1-6×24 LPVO. It is housed in a 30mm body tube which provides ample room for adjustments and reticle movement. The body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, a high-quality material that is lightweight and hard wearing.
Above all, the Monstrum G3 1-6×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope is sealed on both ends and nitrogen-charged for resistance to water, dust, and fog.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Lightweight design
- Good construction quality
- Versatile magnification power
Cons
- Poor reticle illumination
7) Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-6 x
- Objective Les Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Focal Place: Second Focal Plane
- Field of View, Linear: 119.9 – 19.27 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 20.3 oz
- Length: 10.67 in
If you are looking for a quality and reliable LPVO to take your hunting a notch higher, look no further than the Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. It offers a perfect blend of performance and versatility without the high-end price tag.
The optical finesse of this optic is a force to reckon with. It features a state-of-the-art optical design that creates a wider field of view without sacrificing eye relief. This aids in rapid target finding and acquisition.
Furthermore, the true 1x provides a flat, fast-sight picture, a great eye box, and superior brightness even at full magnification. The BDC reticle aids in range estimation and has 12 illumination brightness levels, 2 of which are super low light compatible.
In addition to all these features, the Swampfox Arrowhead 1-6×24 LPVO is crafted with push/ pull locking turrets lock in any position to prevent unwanted adjustments without using tools.
Pros
- State-of-the-art optical design
- Wide field of view
- Generous eye relief
- Solid and durable construction
Cons
- Heavy
8) Hawke Vantage 30 WA IR Riflescope 1-4×24
Specifications
- Chassis: 30mm Mono-tube
- Optical System: 1-4×
- Objective: 24mm
- Reticle: L4A Dot
- Illumination: Red / Green – 5 Levels
- Focus/Parallax: Fixed – 91m / 100yds
- Field of View: m @100m / ft @100yds 42 – 10.5m / 126 – 31.5ft
- Eye Relief: 90mm / 3.5″
- Length: 282mm / 11.1″
- Weight: 421 g / 14.9 oz
The Hawke Vantage 30 WA IR Riflescope is our last recommendation for the best budget LPVO for hunting. Irrespective of the budget-friendly price, this optic doesn’t cut corners on quality or performance. It offers excellent performance for hunters and shooters looking for a versatile optic that excels in both short-range engagements and fast target acquisition.
The variable 1-4x magnification range provides flexibility for various hunting scenarios, from close-quarters to mid-range. It is complemented by the wide-angle design that aids in rapid target finding and acquisition.
Furthermore, the scope features an illuminated reticle, with multiple brightness settings for visibility in low-light conditions. The reticle is glass-etched for permanency and to ensure that it remains sharp and precise throughout the magnification range.
The build quality is also outstanding. The scope features a 30mm tube that offers better light transmission and durability. Over and above that, the optics are fully multi-coated to boost light transmission and deliver bright and clear images, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
To top it all off, the scope is nitrogen-purged, waterproof, and shockproof to ensure that it can withstand rough conditions in the field.
Pros
- Robust construction quality
- Wide angle optical system
- Glass-etched reticle with red and green illumination
- Superior optical clarity
Cons
- Fixed parallax
Next Read
How to Choose a Budget Low Power Variable Scope
Here are the key factors you should consider when shopping for the best budget LPVO for hunting.
Reticle Type
The reticle system of LPVOs varies from one rifle scope to the other. BDC, MOA, and MIL reticles are the most common types.
BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticles are pre-calibrated for specific calibers and ranges, making it easier to compensate for drops. MOA or MIL reticles on the other hand provide more precision and flexibility but require a bit more knowledge to use effectively.
Determine your shooting needs and environment, and choose the reticle that suits you best.
Optical Quality
The optical quality of an LPVO can make or break your shooting. Choose a model that is built with high-quality glass elements. The best budget LPVO for hunting should also have quality lens coatings to reduce glare, increase light transmission, and improve clarity, especially at higher magnification levels.
Weight and Size
Low power variable optics can range from lightweight (under 16 oz) to heavier models (over 20 oz). Lighter optics are better for mobility, but heavier models might offer more durability and features.
With size, consider the overall size and how it balances with your rifle, especially if weight is a concern. It is best to get a compact size if you will be carrying it around with your rifle.
Construction Quality
Look for LPVOs with shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof construction. Such scopes offer reliable performance in all weather conditions. The best budget LPVO for hunting should also have a robust construction and durable finish that can withstand wear and tear.
Adjustment Turrets
Turrets of LPVOs are either exposed or capped. Exposed turrets are easier to adjust on the fly but are susceptible to accidental bumps. Capped turrets on the other hand provide more protection in the field.
The best budget LPVO for hunting should also come with a Zero Reset or Zero Stop. This is a feature that helps you return to your initial zero quickly and easily.
Reticle Focal Plane (First vs. Second)
In First Focal Plane (FFP) LPVOs, the reticle changes size with magnification, so holdovers are accurate at any magnification level. Such scopes are best for precision shooting at medium to long ranges. Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles on the other hand stay the same in size regardless of magnification and holdovers are only accurate at a specific magnification.
Eye Relief
If you are buying an LPVO for hunting for the first time, eye relief is the distance from the scope’s eyepiece to your eye. To avoid injury from recoil, especially with powerful rifles, opt for a scope that has adequate eye relief. We recommend an eye relief of at least 3.5 inches for the best budget LPVO for hunting.
FAQs
- What are LPVOs good for?
Low power variable scopes, LPVOs are good for close and medium-range hunting where rapid target acquisition is vital. These optics are also good for recreational shooting and tactical applications.
- What is the best magnification for hunting with an LPVO?
The best magnification for hunting depends on the game you will be hunting and the hunting terrain. A magnification of 1-6x is typically ideal for most hunting scenarios, allowing for both close and moderately distant shots. For larger game or open terrain, a 1-8x or 1-10x is more beneficial.
- Are budget LPVOs worth it?
Absolutely. LPVOs offer flexibility with magnification, making them useful for various shooting distances. These optics are also easy to use and suitable for all shooters, including beginners.
- Can LPVOs be used for home defense?
While LPVOs are versatile and applicable for home defense, a quality red dot sight is often regarded as the better option due to its accuracy and speed. LPVOs are better suited for hunting and shooting applications where one engages targets at various distances.
Final Words
As the optics industry revolutionizes, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality and reliable low power variable optic for hunting. Modern LPVOs are made with advanced features and come at reasonable prices to meet the budget needs of every firearm enthusiast out there. Hopefully, this buying guide has helped you find the best budget LPVO for hunting for your specific needs.