Best Riflescopes for Hunting and Precision Shooting in 2026

TL;DR — Quick Summary▾

We compared the best riflescopes for hunting and precision shooting between $600 and $1,875. For long-range precision, the Athlon Cronus BTR GEN2 UHD 4.5-29×56 (MSRP $1,874.99) delivers UHD glass and the best turrets we've seen at this price. For hunting versatility, the Alpen Apex 2.5-15x50 ($603.95) offers FFP with BDC holdovers at an exceptional value. For an LPVO, the Alpen XP 1-6x24 SmartDot ($881.95) features SmartDot auto-illumination — a tilt sensor that activates the reticle when you raise the rifle. Best value overall goes to the Athlon Midas TAC GEN2 HD 6-24×50 — FFP with zero stop under $750.

Introduction

Choosing a riflescope is one of the most consequential decisions a shooter makes. The wrong glass can turn a capable rifle into a frustrating experience, while the right scope unlocks accuracy you didn't know your setup could deliver.

This guide covers the best riflescopes for hunting and precision shooting, priced between $600 and $1,875 MSRP. We feature two brands — Athlon Optics and Alpen Optics — that consistently deliver optical performance well above their price point. These aren't the $3,000+ scopes that PRS pros mount on their competition rifles. They're the scopes that deliver 90% of that performance for a fraction of the cost, and for most shooters, that remaining 10% isn't worth triple the price.

Quick Comparison

MC = Multi-coated. All Athlon scopes carry a lifetime transferable warranty with no receipt or registration required.

Our Picks: Best Riflescopes for Hunting and Precision Shooting

Best for Long-Range Precision — Athlon Cronus BTR GEN2 UHD 4.5-29×56

Athlonʼs flagship riflescope sits at the top of their lineup for good reason. The Cronus BTR GEN2 uses UHD extra-low dispersion glass with advanced fully multi-coated lenses and XPL protective coating, producing images with minimal chromatic aberration and true color reproduction.

The turrets produce some of the sharpest, most audible clicks in this price class. Independent reviewers have called them "the most audible and defined of any rifle scope we've tested." The precision zero stop lets you return to your confirmed zero without counting clicks, and tracking tests have shown dead-on accuracy through a five-point box test with no detectable variance.

The Christmas tree-style FFP reticle with a floating center dot works naturally for wind and elevation holds at any magnification. Three reticle options are available: APRS6 FFP IR MIL, APRS1 FFP IR MIL, and APLR5 FFP IR MOA — so both MIL and MOA shooters are covered.

Key Specs:

• Magnification: 4.5-29x | Objective: 56mm | Tube: 34mm
• Eye Relief: 3.6–3.8" | FOV @ 100yd: 24.8–3.83 ft
• Click Value: 0.1 MIL | Focal Plane: FFP | Illuminated: Yes (Red LED)
• Length: 14.4" | Weight: 35.8 oz
• Parallax: 25 yards to infinity | Gas: Argon purged
• Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof

Pros:

• UHD glass rivals scopes costing 2-3x more
• Excellent turret feel — sharp, precise clicks with audible feedback
• Perfect tracking verified in independent box tests
• Three reticle options (2 MIL, 1 MOA)
• Lifetime transferable warranty, no receipt needed

Cons:

• No locking turrets — exposed turrets can shift in rough field conditions
• Parallax knob can be stiff
• Turret markings are on the small side
• Does not include throw lever or sunshade
• At 35.8 oz, it's heavy for mountain hunting

Who itʼs for: PRS-style competition shooters, long-range target shooters, and hunters who prioritize optical quality over weight. A genuine contender for local PRS matches and training at a fraction of what top-tier competition glass costs.

Pricing: $1,874.99.

Best Long-Range Crossover — Athlon Ares ETR GEN2 UHD 4.5-30×56

The Ares ETR GEN2 shares the same UHD glass platform as the Cronus but adds a critical feature for hunters: locking turrets. Pull up on the turret to dial your adjustment, push down to lock it in place. This prevents the accidental turret bumps that can ruin a hunt after hiking miles to a shooting position.

At 4.5-30x, it offers slightly more magnification than the Cronus at the top end. The APRS12 FFP IR MIL reticle is a newer Christmas tree design with finer holdover detail. The scope ships with lens caps included, and Athlon lists a throw lever and sunshade as available accessories for the Ares ETR platform.

Key Specs:

• Magnification: 4.5-30x | Objective: 56mm | Tube: 34mm
• Eye Relief: 3.9" | FOV @ 100yd: 24.5–3.75 ft
• Click Value: 0.1 MIL | Focal Plane: FFP | Illuminated: Yes
• Length: 15.3" | Weight: 36.8 oz
• Parallax: 25 yards to infinity | Gas: Argon purged
• Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof

Pros:

• Locking turrets — essential for hunting in rough terrain
• Same UHD glass quality as the Cronus
• Lens caps included; throw lever and sunshade available
• Precision zero stop
• Slightly more magnification range (30x vs 29x top end)

Cons:

• Only the MIL reticle variant is currently in stock (no MOA option)
• 36.8 oz — one of the heavier scopes in this lineup
• 15.3" overall length adds bulk

Who itʼs for: Hunters who also shoot long-range, or precision shooters who want turret security in the field. The locking turrets make this the better choice over the Cronus if your scope sees time on a hunting rifle.

Pricing: $1,499.99.

Best Value for Long-Range — Athlon Midas TAC GEN2 HD 6-24×50

The Midas TAC has been a community favorite since Athlonʼs early days, and the GEN2 HD builds on that reputation. It packs FFP, a precision zero stop, and HD glass into a 30mm tube at a price point that undercuts most competitors offering similar features.

HD glass is a step below Athlonʼs UHD tier, but the difference is modest — youʼll notice slightly more color fringing at maximum magnification in high-contrast scenes. For practical shooting and hunting, the image quality is excellent for the price. The parallax knob adjusts from 10 yards to infinity, making it versatile from close-range varmint shooting to long-distance target work.

Three variants are currently available, giving you flexibility in reticle choice: APRS15 FFP MIL, APLR15 FFP MOA, and APRS14 FFP MIL.

Key Specs:

• Magnification: 6-24x | Objective: 50mm | Tube: 30mm
• Eye Relief: 3.7" | Parallax: 10 yards to infinity
• Glass: HD | Coatings: Advanced fully multi-coated + XPL
• Focal Plane: FFP | Gas: Argon purged
• Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof

Pros:

• FFP with zero stop under $750 — hard to beat on value
• HD glass delivers clean images for the price
• 10-yard parallax minimum (great for varmint and airgun use)
• Three reticle options in stock
• Lifetime transferable warranty

Cons:

• HD glass shows more fringing than UHD at high magnification
• 30mm tube limits total adjustment range vs 34mm scopes
• 26.3 oz — lighter than the 34mm long-range scopes
• Fewer included accessories than the Ares ETR

Who itʼs for: Shooters entering long-range shooting who want real FFP precision features without a four-figure price tag. Excellent for a first precision rifle build, a dedicated varmint rifle, or a hunting scope where dialing is preferred over BDC holdovers.

Pricing: $749.99.

Best Mid-Range Hunting Scope — Alpen Apex 4.5-27x50 WBDC-TACT

Alpen Optics brings a different philosophy to the riflescope market. While Athlon dominates the precision/tactical segment, Alpen focuses on the hunting shooter with practical features and clean, functional designs.

The Apex 4.5-27x50 puts an illuminated FFP reticle with WBDC-TACT hash marks into a 30mm tube — giving hunters bullet drop compensation without requiring turret adjustment in the field. The hash marks stay proportional at any magnification because of the FFP design, so holdovers remain accurate at 10x, 20x, or 27x.

With fully multi-coated lenses, 1/4 MOA clicks, and 40 MOA of elevation and windage adjustment, this is a capable scope for shots from 100 to 600+ yards.

Key Specs:

• Magnification: 4.5-27x | Objective: 50mm | Tube: 30mm
• Click Value: 1/4 MOA | Total Adjustment: 40 MOA elevation / 40 MOA windage
• Reticle: WBDC-TACT illuminated, FFP
• Glass: Fully multi-coated

Pros:

• FFP BDC reticle — holdovers accurate at all magnifications
• Wide 4.5-27x range covers mid to long distances
• Illuminated reticle for dawn/dusk hunting
• Competitive pricing at $763.95

Cons:

• Less detailed spec data publicly available than Athlon products
• 30mm tube limits maximum adjustment range
• Waterproof and fogproof per manufacturer data, but no specific IP rating published
• Warranty requires product registration within 60 days of purchase

Who itʼs for: Hunters who prefer BDC holdovers over dialing turrets, and who want a versatile magnification range from a treeline to across a valley.

Pricing: $763.95.

Best All-Purpose Hunting Scope — Alpen Apex 2.5-15x50 WBDC-A

Not every hunter needs 27x magnification. The Apex 2.5-15x50 hits a sweet spot for the all-around hunter: enough low-end magnification for timber and brush work at 2.5x, enough top end at 15x for open-country shots out to 400-500 yards, and a generous 50mm objective for light gathering during the critical dawn and dusk hours.

The WBDC-A reticle in the first focal plane provides four holdover points for quick bullet drop compensation without touching the turrets. At 1/4 MOA per click with 40 MOA of elevation and windage adjustment, you still have the option to dial if the situation calls for it.

Key Specs:

• Magnification: 2.5-15x | Objective: 50mm | Tube: 30mm
• Click Value: 1/4 MOA | Total Adjustment: 40 MOA elevation / 40 MOA windage
• Reticle: WBDC-A, FFP, 4 holdover points
• Glass: Fully multi-coated

Pros:

• Extremely versatile 2.5-15x range covers close to mid-long range
• FFP BDC — holdovers stay accurate across the zoom range
• Large 50mm objective for low-light performance
• Accessible $603.95 price point

Cons:

• 15x max limits extreme long-range capability
• Spec details limited compared to Athlon's published data
• Waterproof and fogproof per manufacturer data, but no specific IP rating published

Who itʼs for: The hunter who carries one rifle and one scope for everything — whitetail in the timber, pronghorn on the plains, elk on the mountainside. A genuine do-everything hunting optic.

Pricing: $603.95.

Best Premium LPVO — Athlon Cronus BTR GEN2 UHD 1-6×24

Part of Athlon's Cronus BTR GEN2 line, this compact 1-6x LPVO uses UHD glass with advanced fully multi-coated lenses and XPL protective coating. The second focal plane design keeps the ATSR2 reticle a consistent, visible size at all magnifications — critical for the fast target acquisition that LPVO shooting demands.

The 30mm tube keeps weight manageable while providing sufficient internal adjustment range for LPVO distances. The illuminated reticle helps drive the eye to the aiming point in dynamic shooting scenarios.

Key Specs:

• Magnification: 1-6x | Objective: 24mm | Tube: 30mm
• Reticle: ATSR2 SFP IR MOA | Focal Plane: SFP
• Glass: UHD | Illuminated: Yes
• Length: 10.4" | Weight: 18.8 oz

Pros:

• UHD glass with XPL coating in a compact LPVO — premium optical clarity
• 30mm tube keeps weight down for fast handling
• SFP keeps reticle consistent for fast shooting
• Illuminated for both-eyes-open shooting at 1x

Cons:

• SFP means subtensions are only accurate at 6x
• Limited magnification for shots beyond 300 yards
• At $999.99 (store) / $1,249.99 (MSRP), it's premium for a 1-6x

Who itʼs for: 3-Gun competitors, home defense, hog hunting, and any scenario where speed matters more than precision at distance. Shooters who want the best glass possible in a compact package.

Pricing: $1,249.99.

Best LPVO with Smart Features — Alpen XP 1-6x24 Duplex with SmartDot

Alpenʼs XP line sits above their Apex series, and this 1-6x24 showcases why. The headline feature is SmartDot — a built-in tilt sensor that automatically activates the illuminated reticle when you raise your rifle to a shooting position and turns it off when you lower it. No fumbling for an illumination button when a target appears at 50 yards in heavy brush.

Alpen also includes FluoDigits — fluorescent zoom numbers on the magnification ring that glow in low light, letting you confirm your power setting without a flashlight. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver high light transmission, and the scope carries an IPX7 waterproof rating with nitrogen purging.

The extremely wide field of view — approximately 113 ft at 100 yards — makes target acquisition fast and natural at 1x.

Key Specs:

• Magnification: 1-6x | Objective: 24mm | Tube: 30mm
• Reticle: Duplex illuminated, SFP
• FOV: 113.4 ft at 100 yards (1x) | Glass: HD, fully multi-coated
• Waterproof: IPX7 | Gas: Nitrogen purged
• Recoil Rating: 1000g
• Adjustment: 0.1 MRAD clicks

Pros:

• SmartDot tilt sensor — unique auto on/off illumination
• FluoDigits for low-light zoom confirmation
• IPX7 waterproof rating — best in this lineup
• HD glass with fully multi-coated lenses
• Extremely wide field of view at 1x
• 1000g recoil rating

Cons:

• SFP — subtensions only accurate at max magnification
• 30mm tube vs the Cronus's 34mm
• Less community presence and fewer independent reviews than Athlon
• No MSRP data for savings comparison

Who itʼs for: Driven hunt and brush hunting shooters who value fast, intuitive optics. The SmartDot technology is a genuine innovation — if automatic illumination activation appeals to your hunting style, nothing else in this price range offers it.

Pricing: $881.95.

Best Budget LPVO — Alpen Apex 1-6x24 AR-BDC

The entry point in this guide at $603.95, the Apex 1-6x24 AR-BDC is purpose-built for modern sporting rifles. The AR-BDC reticle sits in the first focal plane, meaning the holdover points stay proportionally accurate at any magnification — a notable advantage over SFP alternatives in this price range. It provides holdover points calibrated for common AR-15 cartridge trajectories, and the illuminated center dot aids fast target acquisition.

With 1/4 MOA click adjustments and 60 MOA of total elevation and windage travel, this scope offers precise adjustment capability that belies its price. The 20.7-degree field of view at 1x gives a wide, natural perspective for close-quarters shooting.

Key Specs:

• Magnification: 1-6x | Objective: 24mm | Tube: 30mm
• Click Value: 1/4 MOA | Total Adjustment: 60 MOA
• Reticle: AR-BDC illuminated, FFP
• FOV: 20.7° at 1x
• Glass: Fully multi-coated

Pros:

• Best price in the lineup at $603.95
• FFP AR-BDC reticle — holdovers accurate at all magnifications
• Standard 1/4 MOA adjustments for precise zeroing
• Wide 20.7° FOV at 1x
• Illuminated center dot

Cons:

• FFP reticle may appear small at low magnification in low light
• Limited spec data available
• AR-specific BDC calibration less versatile for non-AR platforms
• 30mm tube

Who itʼs for: AR-15 owners looking for an affordable LPVO with a reticle designed for their platform. A solid choice for home defense, recreational shooting, and hunting with a modern sporting rifle.

Pricing: $603.95.

What to Look for in a Riflescope

FFP vs SFP

First focal plane (FFP) scopes scale the reticle with magnification — the hash marks, holdover dots, and windage references stay proportionally accurate at every power setting. This matters when you're holding for wind or elevation using the reticle rather than dialing turrets.

Second focal plane (SFP) scopes keep the reticle the same apparent size regardless of magnification. The reticle subtensions are only accurate at one magnification (typically the maximum). SFP is preferred for LPVOs and close-range applications where a consistent, visible reticle matters more than subtension accuracy.

Choose FFP if you dial or hold for elevation and wind at varying magnifications. Choose SFP if you shoot at close to mid-range and want consistent reticle visibility.

MIL vs MOA

MIL (milliradian) and MOA (minute of angle) are both angular measurement systems. Neither is objectively better — what matters is consistency between your turrets and your reticle.

• MIL: 0.1 MIL clicks, metric-friendly, dominant in PRS competition and military applications. One MIL equals 3.6" at 100 yards.
• MOA: 0.25 MOA clicks, imperial-friendly, popular with hunters. One MOA equals approximately 1.047" at 100 yards.

Pick one system and stay with it. Matching a MIL reticle with MOA turrets creates unnecessary mental math under pressure.

Glass Quality: HD vs UHD/ED

Glass quality directly affects image sharpness, color accuracy, and chromatic aberration (color fringing at high contrast edges).

• Standard multi-coated glass handles most shooting situations adequately.
• HD (High Definition) glass uses low-dispersion elements for reduced color fringing and better contrast. Athlonʼs Midas TAC line uses HD glass.
• UHD/ED (Ultra High Definition / Extra-Low Dispersion) glass represents the premium tier with minimal chromatic aberration and the sharpest images. Athlonʼs Cronus and Ares ETR lines use UHD glass.

The practical difference between HD and UHD is most noticeable at high magnification in challenging light. For shooting under 15x, HD glass performs well. Above 20x, UHD glass delivers noticeably cleaner edges.

Tube Diameter: 30mm vs 34mm

Tube diameter affects the scopeʼs internal adjustment range and, to a lesser degree, light transmission.

• 30mm tubes are lighter, more common, and compatible with the widest range of mounts and rings. Sufficient for most hunting and mid-range precision shooting.
• 34mm tubes provide more internal space for the erector system, translating to greater total elevation and windage travel. Necessary for long-range shooting where you may need 25+ MIL of elevation adjustment. Slightly heavier and requires specific mounts.

If youʼre shooting beyond 800 yards regularly, 34mm is worth the weight penalty. Under 600 yards, 30mm works well and saves weight.

Zero-Stop Turrets

A zero-stop mechanism lets you dial elevation for a distant shot and return to your confirmed zero by simply spinning the turret back until it stops. No counting clicks, no guessing, no overshooting your zero in the dark or under stress.

For dial-and-shoot long-range methodology, zero stop is essential. For hunters using BDC reticle holdovers instead of dialing, it's less critical but still convenient.

Locking turrets (like those on the Athlon Ares ETR) add a second layer of security by preventing accidental turret movement during transport and field use.

Illuminated Reticles

Illuminated reticles are most valuable at low magnification during dawn and dusk. A lit center dot against dark timber at 1-4x can mean the difference between acquiring a target in time or losing the opportunity.

At higher magnifications and in daylight, illumination matters less — the black reticle is perfectly visible against the magnified image. Some scopes offer red and green illumination options to match different background vegetation.

Consider illumination a "nice to have" rather than a requirement for scopes above 6x minimum magnification. For LPVOs used at 1x, it's nearly essential.

Eye Relief and Parallax

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the rear lens where you see the full image. Minimum 3.5" is recommended for centerfire rifles to prevent scope bite from recoil. Magnum calibers benefit from 4" or more.

Parallax is the apparent shift of the reticle against the target when you move your eye behind the scope. A side-focus parallax adjustment knob lets you eliminate parallax at your shooting distance, which matters for precision work. Most scopes in this guide offer parallax adjustment from 10–25 yards to infinity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What magnification do I need for hunting vs long-range shooting?▾

For most hunting, 2.5-15x or 4-16x covers the practical range from timber to 500 yards. For long-range precision shooting and PRS-style competition, 4.5-29x or 5-30x gives you the magnification needed for target identification and precise shot placement at 800-1,200+ yards. LPVOs (1-6x or 1-8x) are purpose-built for close-quarters scenarios under 300 yards.

Is FFP or SFP better for hunting?▾

Both work well. If you primarily use BDC holdovers at varying magnifications, FFP keeps those holdovers accurate at any zoom level. If you shoot at one magnification setting or prefer a consistent reticle appearance, SFP is simpler and often lighter. Most dedicated hunting scopes have historically been SFP, but FFP has gained significant ground in hunting applications.

MIL vs MOA — which should I choose?▾

Choose whichever system your shooting community uses, or whichever feels more intuitive. If youʼre entering PRS competition, MIL is the dominant standard. If youʼre a hunter who thinks in inches, MOA may feel more natural. The only wrong choice is mixing systems between turrets and reticle.

Is a 34mm tube worth the extra weight?▾

For long-range shooting beyond 600-800 yards, yes. The additional internal adjustment range means more available elevation travel, which you need for distant targets. For hunting under 500 yards and LPVO use, 30mm tubes work well and save several ounces of weight on your rifle.

Why are Athlon scopes cheaper than Leupold or Vortex?▾

Athlonʼs business model focuses on direct-to-consumer and authorized dealer pricing with lower overhead and marketing costs than legacy brands. They manufacture to high tolerances with quality glass. The result is optical performance that independent reviewers consistently compare to scopes costing 2-3x more. Their lifetime transferable warranty — with no receipt or registration required — matches or exceeds the warranty programs of most premium brands.

Do I need illuminated reticles for hunting?▾

For LPVOs and close-range brush hunting, illumination is extremely valuable at dawn and dusk. For mid-to-long range hunting at higher magnifications, it's a convenience rather than a necessity. All scopes in this guide with illumination allow you to turn it off when you donʼt need it, so thereʼs no downside to having it available.

What does "zero stop" mean and do I need one?▾

A zero stop is a mechanical stop built into the elevation turret that prevents you from dialing below your confirmed zero. After sighting in your rifle, you set the zero stop, and the turret physically stops at that point. This lets you dial up for distant shots and return to zero by feel — even in the dark. For any scope where youʼll dial elevation adjustments rather than using holdovers, zero stop is highly recommended.