10 Best Illuminated Reticles 2025 in the United States

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.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x50 SFP Riflescope is a solid choice for hunters looking for an illuminated reticle. One of its main strengths is the V-Brite reticle, which illuminates the center dot in low-light conditions, enhancing target visibility. The scope offers a range of brightness settings, allowing you to adjust the illumination based on your environment. The eye relief of 3.8 inches is generous, making it user-friendly for quick target acquisition, and the fast focus eyepiece helps in quickly adjusting the reticle for a clear view.

Durability is another significant advantage; it's made from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring it withstands tough conditions. The O-ring sealed design and nitrogen purging provide waterproof and fogproof protection, which is essential for outdoor use. Plus, Vortex backs this product with a lifetime warranty, reflecting their confidence in its long-term performance.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the illuminated reticle is beneficial for low-light situations, it may not be as effective in bright daylight, where the illumination can sometimes wash out. The weight of the scope might also be a concern for some users who prefer lighter setups for extended carry during hunts. Additionally, the lack of night vision capability could be a limitation for those seeking to use the scope in very low light or darkness.

The ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 riflescope is a strong choice if you want a versatile and robust scope for long-range shooting or hunting. It offers a daylight visible illuminated reticle with red and green color options and five brightness levels, allowing you to adjust the illumination precisely for different lighting conditions. The illumination focuses only on the center of the reticle, which helps keep your aiming point clear and uncluttered. Made with high-quality metal, the scope boasts a durable 34mm main tube with thick walls, designed to handle rough use and shocks up to 1,500 g-force, so it's built to last even in tough outdoor conditions.

The optical quality is excellent thanks to extra low dispersion glass and special lens coatings that provide bright, clear images with 90% light transmission, which is especially helpful in low light situations. The reticle is first focal plane (FFP), meaning its size adjusts with magnification, keeping range estimations accurate at all zoom levels. One of its standout features is the large total elevation travel of 110 MOA, making it easier to make precise adjustments for shooting at long distances. The external locking windage turret and ballistic stop allow quick and reliable zeroing and wind corrections.

This scope is on the heavier side (over 2 pounds), which might be a consideration if you want a lightweight setup. It does not support night vision compatibility, which could limit use in complete darkness. If you need a rugged, bright, and highly adjustable illuminated reticle scope with excellent optics for serious long-range shooting or hunting, the ZEISS LRP S3 suits this role well.