We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Illuminated Reticles 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm M5C3 FFP Side Focus Riflescope, Illuminated Tremor 3 Reticle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,300
Brightness Settings
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
26 reviews

Brightness Settings
The illumination enhances visibility, but the limited effective brightness settings can be a drawback in some conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is strong, yet some users experienced minor issues like the battery cover cable detaching and challenges with turret adjustments.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm M5C3 riflescope is a solid choice for hunters and shooters who want a reliable illuminated reticle with strong performance. Its Tremor 3 reticle is on the front focal plane, meaning the reticle scales with magnification, which helps with accurate ranging and holdovers across its broad 7-35x zoom range. The illumination feature enhances visibility in low light. Built tough, this scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it durable enough for harsh outdoor conditions. The M5C3 turrets offer precise 1/10 mil adjustments with tactile and visual feedback, which is helpful for fine-tuning shots and avoiding confusion during extended use.

The optical quality is designed to offer excellent light transmission for clear images even in challenging lighting, which is crucial for hunting at dawn or dusk. Weighing about 3 pounds and featuring a matte aluminum body, it balances sturdiness with manageable weight. One downside is that it doesn’t support night vision compatibility, and the relatively high price and weight might be heavier than what casual shooters want. For those seeking a high-end riflescope with an illuminated reticle that excels in precision and durability, especially for serious hunting or tactical use, this model is worth considering.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,300
Brightness Settings
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
26 reviews

Brightness Settings
The illumination enhances visibility, but the limited effective brightness settings can be a drawback in some conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is strong, yet some users experienced minor issues like the battery cover cable detaching and challenges with turret adjustments.
#2

Zeiss LRP S5 3-18x50/MOA Illuminated Reticle First Focal Plane 34mm Heavy-Duty Compact Hunting Scope

Rating
9.1
Reticle Design

Most important from
1 reviews

Reticle Design
The first focal plane reticle maintains accurate hold-over and range estimation at all magnifications.

The Zeiss LRP S5 3-18x50/MOA is a high-quality hunting scope designed for precision at long distances. It offers a very bright daylight-visible illuminated reticle with advanced digital control, making it easy to see your aiming point under various lighting conditions. The reticle is first focal plane (FFP), meaning it stays accurate when you zoom in or out, which is great for adjusting shots at different ranges. This scope excels in durability and weather resistance, built to endure strong shocks and harsh environments with tough materials and extensive testing.

Its turrets provide precise, tactile adjustments, helpful for making repeatable and accurate shots. With a 34mm objective lens and 3-18x magnification, it balances compact size and power, suitable for hunters targeting game up to 1,500 yards away. The glass quality is excellent, featuring premium coatings to maximize light transmission and image clarity. However, the scope is relatively heavy at over 1 kg, which might feel bulky for some users during long treks. Also, it doesn’t support night vision, so it’s best suited for daylight or dawn/dusk hunting.

This scope is an excellent choice for serious hunters seeking durable, precise equipment with bright, reliable illumination and high optical performance, though it may be heavier and less versatile for low-light or night use.

Rating
9.1
Reticle Design

Most important from
1 reviews

Reticle Design
The first focal plane reticle maintains accurate hold-over and range estimation at all magnifications.
#3

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO, 1-inch Tube, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Brite Illuminated MOA, Model Number: CF2-31029

Rating
8.8
Reticle Design

Most important from
13716 reviews

Reticle Design
The adjustable objective and second focal plane reticle ensure clarity and precision, especially when used at higher magnifications.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO riflescope is a versatile hunting scope with an illuminated reticle designed to aid in low-light conditions. Its V-Brite illuminated center dot stands out clearly with a single color option, while adjustable brightness settings allow customization to different environments. The battery-powered illumination is efficient, and the reticle design emphasizes simplicity for quick target acquisition without clutter.

Featuring a 6-18x magnification range and a 44mm objective lens, this scope delivers bright and clear images enhanced by fully multi-coated lenses and an adjustable objective for parallax correction. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring durability in harsh weather and rough use. The long eye relief and forgiving eye box facilitate a fast sight picture, suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters, while capped turrets with resettable MOA clicks offer precise adjustments.

The illuminated reticle is located on the second focal plane, so its size does not scale with magnification, which may affect holdover accuracy at varying zoom levels. Night vision compatibility is not included. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this riflescope provides solid value for hunters seeking a rugged, easy-to-use scope with reliable illumination but without multiple reticle colors or advanced night vision features.

Rating
8.8
Reticle Design

Most important from
13716 reviews

Reticle Design
The adjustable objective and second focal plane reticle ensure clarity and precision, especially when used at higher magnifications.

Buying Guide for the Best Illuminated Reticles

Choosing the right illuminated reticle for your scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, especially in low-light conditions. An illuminated reticle is a feature in some scopes where the reticle (the crosshairs or aiming point) is lit up, making it easier to see against dark backgrounds. When selecting an illuminated reticle, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your shooting activities.
Brightness SettingsBrightness settings refer to the different levels of illumination that you can adjust on the reticle. This is important because it allows you to adapt the brightness to various lighting conditions, ensuring the reticle is visible without being too bright and causing glare. Typically, scopes offer multiple brightness levels, ranging from low to high. If you plan to use your scope in diverse environments, look for a model with a wide range of brightness settings. For general use, a scope with 5-10 brightness levels should suffice, while more advanced users might prefer scopes with finer adjustments.
Color OptionsColor options refer to the different colors available for the illuminated reticle, commonly red or green. The color of the reticle can affect visibility and contrast against various backgrounds. Red is often preferred for low-light conditions as it is less likely to cause night blindness, while green can be more visible in daylight. Some scopes offer both colors, allowing you to switch based on your environment. If you frequently shoot in varying light conditions, a scope with multiple color options might be beneficial. Otherwise, choose the color that best suits your typical shooting environment.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the illuminated reticle will function before the battery needs to be replaced or recharged. This is crucial for ensuring your reticle remains illuminated during extended use. Battery life can vary significantly between models, with some lasting a few hours and others lasting hundreds of hours. If you plan to use your scope for long hunting trips or extended shooting sessions, look for a model with a longer battery life. For occasional use, a shorter battery life may be acceptable, but always consider carrying spare batteries.
Reticle DesignReticle design refers to the pattern of the crosshairs or aiming points within the scope. Different designs can aid in various shooting activities, such as hunting, target shooting, or tactical use. Common designs include duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). The design can affect how quickly you can acquire your target and how precise your aiming can be. Choose a reticle design that matches your primary shooting activity. For example, a duplex reticle is versatile and good for general use, while a mil-dot reticle is better for long-range shooting and estimating distances.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance refer to the scope's ability to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. This is important for ensuring the longevity and reliability of your illuminated reticle. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, as these features will protect the internal components and maintain performance in various environments. If you often shoot in challenging conditions, prioritize scopes with high durability and weather resistance. For more controlled environments, these features may be less critical but still beneficial for overall reliability.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now