As a shooter, it is vital to consider the scope you intend to use for your shooting activities as a shooter. However, it could sometimes be challenging when planning to make this decision due to the various scopes available out there. Other important factors you might also want to consider include the required magnification you need, the kind of rifle you intend to use, and the kind of shooting you plan to engage in.
In terms of rifle scope magnification size, some of the common ones you’ll find available in the market today are the 3-9x and the 1-4x. If you’re using several shooting applications in carrying out your shooting activities, these magnifications will undoubtedly make a good choice for you. However, the 1-8x scope is another essential magnification that delivers all the features of the 3 – 9x and 1-4x scopes combined.
Suppose you’re a shooter that is more interested in the features of the 1-4x scope best for mid-range shooting and sniping abilities; you might want to consider the 1-8x scope due to its exceptional hunting abilities. The 1-8x scope comes with one of the most effective eye reliefs you’ll ever come across in the market, and the lightweight characteristics are what make it the best option for shooters in terms of versatility. With the 1-8x scope, you can carry out various shooting options, be it long-range or short-range shooting, amongst others.
Main Contents
Why Is the 1-8x Scope the Best Option?
The 1-8x scope combines the features of both long-range and short-range shooting, which is the perfect preference that suits the 1x magnification scope perfectly. It is why it can go beyond 100 yards.
How you know a scope is a perfect option for your rifle is its capacity to accommodate all the transitions connected with the magnifications setting. It doesn’t matter if a high or low illumination setting is utilized. So you might want to consider the 1-8x scope for its flexibility. It is why this scope is one of the best options you’ll find in the market.
Getting a smooth transition between various ranges is no big deal with this scope. Instant target acquisitions won’t require more effort and time to engage since there is no bullet force evaluation involved with the power modifications.
To add to the many benefits of this scope, a typical 1-8x scope should have water, shock, and fog-resistant. It is to ensure the scope can face any condition it is used in ideally without resulting in any setback or malfunction. No matter where you use this scope, you can rest assured that it will remain perfectly intact because of its durable and protective nature. You might also want to consider the lens specification when you plan to opt for the 1-8x scope. The lenses come in multiple colors that ensure the best light quality for the user and durability. This scope is called the best because the clarity is exceptional, and the adjustability is excellent. You get to hit your target perfectly without coming across any setback along the way.
1-8x Scope Versus the 1-6x Scope
Some great examples of multi-functional scopes are the 1-8x scopes and the 1-6x scopes. They will deliver excellent results for you at long, short, and mid ranges. However, have you ever considered what makes these two scopes quite different from each other? We’ll be looking at that shortly.
1-6x Scope
This scope comes with various magnification settings ranging from 1x – 6x. You can use this scope to carry out any shooting exercise of your choice. The shooting is high-speed at a proximity of 30 yards or less. The shooting speed is so fast at close range that you might even consider it to be as fast as a red dot shot. This scope is mainly used on SKS rifles or other various kinds of rifles used for home protection.
Using a 1-6x scope guarantees a magnification of 6x that you can carry out a shot of over 1000 yards though the accuracy might not be guaranteed. The best range to hit the target ideally is at 400 yards because the clarity is still perfect at this point. You could make use of this scope in shooting competitions and hunting expeditions.
1-8x Scope
This scope gives you an additional 2x magnification when carrying out your shooting activities. However, it’s not the best option for very short ranges. The best results the 1-8x scope can produce are between 300 to 500 yards. Therefore, it is perfect for your hunting expeditions, although it has some setbacks compared to the 1-6x scope.
Which is the Preferred Scope Between the Both?
Both scopes are great options. It depends on what you want as a shooter. The significant difference between both scopes is the eye difference. Some of the other differences are the weight in which the 1-8x scope is heavier than its counterpart and the cost in which the 1-8x scope is more expensive than the 1-6x scope. The 1-8x on the bright sides has an additional 2x magnification for further targeting, and they have a better glass clarity than the 1-6x scope due to the higher quality. However, the 1-6x scope is preferable on most occasions because it can be used in more ways than its counterpart. However, you should go for the 1-8x scope for long-range shooting.
The Differences Between the First and Second Focal Plane
The first and second focal length is where the reticle is located in the scope. The FFP scopes have higher magnification, unlike the SFP scopes that are constant. Both focal planes have their benefits and setbacks.
SFP scopes create consistent sight images at all times. However, when it comes to bullet drop compensation and the various holdover reticle styles, the FFP is the best option. Therefore, it is vital to know all the scope features before undertaking any shooting activities in the field.
Our Recommendations for 1-8x Scope
EOTech 1-8×24 Vudu Precision Riflescope
You will no doubt fall in love with the EOTech rifle scope optics. It has a lot of features that make you look forward to shooting. The EOTech also means Holographic Sights and this company truly lives up to its name.
This rifle scope is created from the combination of T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and a strong-anodized finish. It can’t be destroyed because it is built to withstand very harsh conditions and environments
The lenses of the EOTech rifle scope are fully multi-coated and it has a high-density glass with unbelievable clarity. It also has a spectacular reticle. It comes with an illuminated BDC reticle that ensures no difference between dawn and dusk shooting because of it’s clear imaging. The reticle is located on the second focal plane.
You should consider the EOTech rifle scope if you want a high-performance optic that will supercharge your acquisition speed and give precise position of your targets, especially the targets at long distance.
Athlon Argos BTR Gen2
The features of the Athlon Argos 1-8×24 make it perfect for AR-15 and Marlin .45-70. It has an excellent glass quality that gives a clear image of targets with no distortion. It is also anti-reflective, reducing light reflection, making it perfect for drawing less attention.
This scope has an illuminated horse-shaped reticle that perfectly targets silhouettes and helps draw your eye to targets quickly. In addition, its illumination ensures that you can use it at any time of the day, either dusk or dawn.
This scope has an eye relief of 3.4 inches which ensures that you can use it for several hours without feeling tired and discomfort. The Athlon Argos BTR has a top-of-line turret. They give crisp audible clicks, and they never adjust no matter how heavy the recoil is. This scope also has a fixed parallax at 100 yards and a 1-8x magnification. Its real strength is in the close to mid-range, and it’s best used for close-quarters combat, hunting, and target shooting.
This scope is argon purged and completely waterproof. It works well, even in the roughest of terrains. Though this scope doesn’t come with mounting or rings, you highly recommend getting the Vortex Optics Pro Series Ring. If you want a scope with incredible glass quality, versatility, and durability, then this is your best bet.
Trijicon Credo HX 1-8×28 Optic
If you are looking for the most authentic and dependable tactical scopes in the world, you should check out the Trijicon Credo HX 1-8×28 Optic. This scope was made to be sturdy tactical optics and also to fit military protocols and standards. This scope is a one of a kind hunting scope that gives a new meaning to hunting altogether.
The Credo HX Optic has a 34mm tube and it has excellent light-gathering capacity. It also has a 28mm objective lens and fully multi-coated anti-reflective glass. When all these features come together, they give insanely clear glass clarity and impressive low light execution.
This scope has a sealed O-ring 6061 aluminum casing that ensures that it is completely waterproof. The Credo HX optic has been tested in temperature as low as -20 degrees and in temperature as high as 140 degrees and it has proven to be a scope you can depend on in the coldest and hottest part of the world to give premium performance.
Vortex Razor HD 1.5-8×32
The Vortex Razor HD 1.5-8×32 is, without doubt, the best hunting scope currently in the market. It has crystal clear glass clarity. The glass clarity is unequivocal and sharp with optically fully-multicoated indexed lenses. It also has an anti-reflective coating that helps to mask your position. In addition, this scope gives high-definition images in the field because of the HD elements of the lenses.
The Vortex Razor HD 1.5-8×32 comes with a G4 BDC reticle that is highly crisp, versatile, and clean. This reticle features five hash marks, and it’s a viable option for all types of rifles. In addition, this scope has an eye relief of 3.4 inches and a considerable eye box. It is, however, recommended to practice good cheek weld.
The Vortex Razor HD 1.5-8×32 has almost perfect elevation and windage turrets. They have capped turrets which gives them external protection, and their large diameters make adjustments accurate and easy to read. This scope has a magnification of 1.5× to 8×. It’s optimized for close and mid-range shooting, making it the best for hunting. The parallax is fixed at 100 yards.
Its compact size is recommended to mount this optic on the Vortex Optics pro series Riflescopes because they are short-action rifles. The tube is too short for a long-action rifle. In addition, this scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. The Vortex Razor HD 1.5-8×32 is undoubtedly an excellent optic every lover of hunting must-have.
Vortex Eagle Strike Optics 1-8×24
If you need a high-performance optic but you are under a tight budget, then the Vortex Eagle Optics Strike is for you. The length of this optic is 10 inches and it weighs a little over 17 ounces. It is recommended to mount this optic on an AR-15 or other modern rifles because of its compactness and the fact that it’s not heavy. This optic will support the firm balance of your rifle and it has enough rail space.
The Vortex Eagle Strike Optic has features that are better suited for fast-paced and long-range shootings. With its handy lever, You can easily switch from 1x to 8x for better and precise aiming and quick transitions.
This optic comes with a BDC3 reticle that is located on the second focal plane. And the reticle size doesn’t change no matter how much you increase or decrease the magnification. Like every other BDC3 reticle, it has a standard calibration of .223/5.56.
The Vortex Eagle Strike Optic has easy-to-use marks that ensure accuracy in shots for a distance as far as 650 yards. It is also a perfect choice for shooters that love shooting at close-range.
Bushnell AR 1-8×24 Optics
The Bushnell AR 1.-8×24 optic is one of the best high-quality optics for hunting. If you own an AR-15 and you love being the hunter, hunting every prey you see, you should consider getting this optic. It makes hunting fun.
This scope has an illuminated BDC reticle located on the second focal plane that has the .223/5.56 holdover marks measurements. These marks are, however, only visible on the 1× magnification because of the location of the reticle. This optic also has fully multi-coated lenses and insanely sharp glass clarity that provides clear imaging, even in low-light environments.
Bushnell optic cannot be destroyed because it is built to survive rough usage and terrains. It has capped turrets which provides additional protection and a rugged aluminum casing that prevents dirt and moisture. You can use this optic in water, as it can survive over 20 minutes in close to three feet of water.
You should get this Bushnell Optic if you want to add a different idea of fun to your hunting.
Swarovski Optics L Z8I 1-8×24
Without any doubt, The Swarovski Optics L Z8l 1-8×24 is the clearest scope currently in the market. You can mount it on any 30mm ring set, but it is recommended to use it on Vortex. In comparison to other scope optics that transmit 70% of visible light, the L Z8i line has a near-perfect glass clarity and fully multi-coated lenses, which transmit 93% of visible light, making it the clearest view through an optic you will ever find.
You don’t need a spotter with this scope, as you can see targets even beyond 500 yards. Its Flex-Change 4A-IF reticle has a fully adjustable red dot, and the illumination has 64 different intensity levels. In addition, the ingenious battery-saving mode ensures the red dots go off after being idle for a while.
This scope also has a standard eye relief of 3.74 inches which is impressive. Its turrets also turn with 0.1 MRAD clicks which are compact and very easy to hang. You can upgrade your turrets to a higher standard that can swap out for both the elevation and windage standards from the factory. They are called Ballistic Turrets Flex(BTF).
This Swarovski scope has a near perfect 1-8x magnification range. With its 8x, You can hit steel targets 6 inches strong from 800 yards. The Swarovski L Z8i 1-8×24 is nitrogen purged to prevent fogging, and its aluminum is strong. This is the best scope you can buy because it has set a bar for visual clarity other optic companies are trying to reach without success.
Leupold Mark 8 1-8x
You cannot mention popular rifle scopes companies in the world without mentioning Leupold. Their main signature is that their scopes have magnificent quality and they give value for every penny spent. Leupold’s Mark 8 is also not different. It is another scope by Leupold that is a perfect choice for different shooting implementations. This scope is, however, better suited for tactical shooting and 3-Gun.
It has an illuminated FFP(front focal plane) reticle that ensures precise holdovers and ranges throughout the magnification levels. The reticle is crisp even though it provides BDC markings for long-range shooting. So you can still use it easily for close-range shooting.
This scope has premium lens coatings that help to work on image quality. It also has the famous Leupold’s exclusive Twilight Light Management System.
If you want a tough, reliable and durable scope, you should check out the Leupold’s Mark 8 Optics. This scope is , however, expensive but you are sure to get value for your money.
SLx8 Primary Arms 1-8×24 Riflescope
When it comes to building optics that are innovative and reliable, Primary Arms has created a household name for themselves. They further confirmed their ingenuity with the SLx8 rifle scope.
Don’t let this scope fool you. Despite its weight of under 17 ounces and size of just 10 inches long, this scope is exceptionally durable. It has a piece of 6063 aluminum casing that makes it waterproof and fog-proof.
This scope has the patented ACSS reticle of Primary Arms. It also features an illuminated FFP BDC reticle, holdovers, and moving target leads that are incorporated in this easy-to-use scope.
The SLx8 rifle scopes also have fully multi-coated lenses that ensures attention is not drawn to you. It also has high-density glass with insane glass clarity.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best scope for your rifle is challenging. And that is because you have to consider many factors before you finally decide on the one that fits your needs. However, a 1-8x scope will always be a perfect choice for whatever you want to use the scope for. And from the ten 1-8x scopes listed above, the heavy lifting has been done for you. Now, you know the conditions each scope will work best in. All you have to do is choose the ones that fit your needs and start shooting.
Travis Mike is a firearm enthusiast and author passionate about all things guns. With 10 years of experience in the industry, Travis Mike has gained a wealth of knowledge on the subject. He is skilled in gunsmithing and tactical training. In addition to professional experience, Travis Mike is an avid hunter and shooter, regularly participating in local shooting ranges and hunting trips.