Within this price range, the scope market offers a wide array of options, leaving buyers pondering where to invest their money. In the guide below we discover the best scopes under $200!
Are low-budget brands worthwhile, or do globally recognized names exist within this range?
The ideal match awaits novice and intermediate hunters seeking a rifle scope within the $200 range. All it takes is pinpointing your specific preferences. Are you seeking an extended range, a precise ballistic reticle, or exceptional optical clarity?
To sift through the myriad choices effectively, having an expert to guide you in distinguishing the gems from the ordinary is crucial. Luckily, we’re here to assist – consider us your knowledgeable guide on this journey!
Our curated selection of the finest rifle scopes under $200 is here to address your queries.
Top 6 Best Scopes under $200
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12X40mm
- Athlon Optics Neos 4-12x40mm Side Focus Rifle Scopes
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm
- Vortex Crossfire II 4-12X44mm Deadhold BDC MOA
- Burris Fullfield II 3-9X40mm
- Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12X40mm (Best Scope under $200)
Vortex scopes undeniably have a widespread appeal for numerous reasons, and we count ourselves among their dedicated fans.
Known for their affordability, top-notch quality optics, and remarkable durability, Vortex scopes often stand out in the market. The Diamondback rifle scope is a prime example, offering an impressive package of features that belie its relatively lower price point.
While it might lack some of the advanced features seen in pricier scopes, the Diamondback doesn’t compromise on essential qualities.
Its fully multi-coated optics ensure exceptional clarity and minimal reflections, typical of Vortex’s high standards.
Crafted from a single-piece tube body, it guarantees robustness, strength, and all-weather reliability. Additionally, the inclusion of argon gas makes it fogproof, safeguarding both image quality and internal components.
The fast-focus eyepiece and precision glide erector system contribute to a seamless and instant viewing experience, even in challenging environments.
Pros
- Top clarity
- Affordable
- Weatherproofing
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Exceptional fully multi-coated optics
- Precision glide erector system
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Eye relief could be better
Athlon Optics Neos 4-12x40mm Side Focus Rifle Scopes
Athlon Optics is known for its quality and affordability, and its Neos series epitomizes this reputation as its most cost-effective lineup. Among their offerings, the 4-12x configuration is hailed for its versatility in hunting and target shooting endeavors.
The Neos series presents three reticle options: Center X, BDC 500 IR, and BDC 22 Rimfire. While all options are commendable, the Center X reticle is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in game takedowns where intricate reticles aren’t necessary.
A standout feature of the budget-friendly Neos series is its remarkable optical quality, lauded for its wide-band FMC coatings that maintain clarity even at a maximum of 12x magnification, enabling precise groupings at 100 yards.
The side focus of the Neos allows focusing down to 10 yards, while the second focal plane (SFP) reticle remains highly visible in low-light conditions across the magnification range.
The capped ¼ MOA turrets facilitate adjustments for long-range shots, offering a generous 60 MOA of travel for compensating bullet drop.
While the approximately 3-inch eye relief might be considered somewhat short for those preferring more forgiving eye boxes or high-recoil rifles, it remains comparable to other scopes within its price range.
Moreover, the Athlon Neos undergoes rigorous shock, fog, and water tests, ensuring its reliability in challenging environmental conditions, and making it a dependable option for hunting during harsh weather seasons.
Pros
- Affordability
- Fully multicoated optics
- Side focus
- Weatherproof
- 3 reticle options
- Compact/lightweight
- Good day illumination
- Super clear
Cons
- Illumination knob is a bit stiff
- Short eye relief
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm Riflescope is a top-tier optic renowned for its unwavering performance in close to medium-range shooting scenarios.
Its optical quality stands out with exceptionally bright and clear glass, leveraging the Twilight Light Management System for impeccable clarity during low-light conditions.
The riflescope boasts a duplex second focal plane reticle, ensuring consistent reticle size regardless of magnification adjustments.
Featuring an eye relief spanning 4.2 to 3.7 inches and a generously sized eye box, this scope offers a forgiving setup, allowing shooters a broad field of view without perfect alignment.
Built to endure harsh conditions, the VX-Freedom is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum and sealed with O-rings, rendering it shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof—guaranteeing stellar performance regardless of environmental challenges.
Enhancing usability, the newly redesigned ergonomic power selector facilitates easy adjustments, even in adverse weather conditions or while wearing gloves.
While the elevation and windage turrets are robust, some users note that the audible clicks may not be as pronounced as in other Leupold scopes. However, most users find the overall performance satisfactory, despite the subdued adjustments.
Pros
- Exceptionally clear glass
- Reasonably priced
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction
- Ideal for close and mid-distance shooting
- Adequate eye relief
Cons
- Click adjustments may lack audible feedback compared to other Leupold models
Vortex Crossfire II 4-12X44mm Deadhold BDC MOA
The Crossfire II scope embodies simplicity without compromising on quality—a testament to Vortex’s knack for focusing on crucial features that truly matter.
It boasts fully multi-coated optics, ensuring minimal glare and excellent light transmission while maintaining simplicity in its design.
The single-piece tube body guarantees durability and precision during adjustments, with the added advantage of zero-reset turrets that remain protected by caps, making it suitable for rugged terrains and adverse weather conditions.
This scope’s resilience extends to its waterproof and fogproof capabilities, providing reassurance in unpredictable hunting scenarios involving drops, mud, or inclement weather.
Notably, the Vortex VIP Unconditional Lifetime warranty further solidifies this purchase as a compelling choice.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great eye relief
- Zero-reset turret
- Exceptional clarity
- Capped turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Image clarity is not as good as the high-end scopes
Burris Fullfield II 3-9X40mm
The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm scope is a widely favored and top-tier choice for traditional hunting pursuits, offered at an accessible price point.
It boasts high-grade optical glass that delivers exceptional brightness, clarity, and long-lasting durability, outperforming many scopes in its category.
With a wealth of online reviews, this scope emerges as a highly recommended and budget-friendly option within the Burris rifle scope range.
Featuring precision-ground lenses that surpass the size of those found in similar scopes, this optic ensures superior light transmission.
The Index-matched, Hi-Lume multicoating is a standout feature, enhancing low-light performance by eliminating glare, ultimately improving your hunting success in challenging lighting conditions.
The allure of the Fullfield II lies in its affordability coupled with quality, epitomizing the “old-school” charm that resonates with many users. Notably, its features include a Ballistic Plex reticle, weather and shockproof construction, lightweight design, and compact form factor.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Affordable
- Ballistic reticle
- Clear glass
- Easy to use
- Weather and shockproof construction
Cons
- Mushy clicks
Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO
The Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO scope stands as a reliable and consistent option that delivers quality every single day. Its performance is a testament to the quality ingrained within its design.
Equally adept at short-range plinking or taking down targets at distances like 150 yards, the adjustable objective (AO) feature facilitates parallax-free and crisp views, provided it’s appropriately utilized.
While it may not cater to extreme long-range shooting, it excels in varmint hunting, offering ample magnification.
However, the Vantage might not suit every buyer due to its utilization of ¼ MOA turrets and a mil-dot reticle, which could deter those less familiar with MOA and MIL systems.
The glass quality impresses, especially in terms of edge-to-edge clarity at maximum power, although reaching that power level is necessary given the rear focal plane placement of the mil-dot reticle.
Weather conditions won’t impede the Vantage’s performance, thanks to its waterproof and fogproof construction, making it reliable for pest control on ranches or hunting in adverse weather.
Pros
- Price
- Crisp and clear
- Adjustable objective
- Fully multi-coated optics for excellent clarity
- Side focus control for parallax adjustment to infinity
- Lightweight
Cons
- MOA/MIL
Conclusion
In the quest for the best scopes under $200, the market presents a diverse array of choices that can often leave buyers feeling overwhelmed.
Whether opting for a lower-budget brand or seeking globally recognized names within this price range, there’s an expansive selection catering to the needs of novice and intermediate hunters alike.
The key lies in pinpointing personal preferences—be it an extended range, a precise ballistic reticle, or exceptional optical clarity. Having a knowledgeable guide to navigate this assortment is crucial, and in this realm, comprehensive curated selections come to the forefront, offering top-tier options that balance affordability with quality.
Each scope within this range showcases unique features, from exceptional clarity to weatherproof durability and ease of use.
Ultimately, the quest for the best scope under $200 unveils a collection of offerings that suit various hunting and shooting requirements, providing an opportunity for shooters to find a reliable and effective optic without breaking the bank.