10 Best Illuminated Reticles 2026 in the United States

The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18x44 is a solid choice for shooters who want a versatile riflescope that performs well from mid- to long-range. Its first focal plane EBR-7C reticle is illuminated, making it easy to see and use in various lighting conditions. The reticle's illumination is designed to be clear and fast to read at any magnification, which is a big plus for dynamic shooting.

The scope is built tough with a nitrogen-purged, waterproof, and fogproof design, plus Armortek coatings that protect the lenses from scratches and dirt—important if you use it outdoors in rough conditions. Its 34mm tube and exposed turrets make adjusting for elevation and windage straightforward, with added features like locking turrets and a throw lever for quick zooming. At 2.7 pounds, it strikes a good balance between weight and durability, though it might be a bit heavy for those wanting an ultra-light setup.

The scope's clear optics and wide zoom range (3-18x) give users flexibility, but no night vision capability is included. Supported by a lifetime warranty, it is a dependable option for shooters who want a reliable illuminated reticle scope without overly complicated features.

The Vortex Crossfire HD 4-12x44 Second Focal Plane riflescope is a solid choice for hunters or shooters wanting a reliable illuminated reticle scope. It features an illuminated Dead-Hold 2A BDC reticle with a floating center dot, which helps with quick and precise aiming, especially in low light. While it doesn't offer multiple color options for the reticle—only the illuminated dot—it provides good brightness control to suit different lighting situations. The provided CR2032 battery is standard.

Optically, this scope uses high-quality glass and fully multi-coated lenses to deliver sharp, clear images with minimal color distortion, which is helpful when tracking targets at varying distances. The adjustable parallax and fast focus eyepiece make it easier to quickly get a clear view, whether in dense woods or open ranges.

Durability is a strong point here. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte black finish, it’s built to handle rough field conditions. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it can perform well in bad weather or after bumps. The 1-inch tube size and 44mm objective lens strike a good balance between size and light gathering ability. Although it doesn’t support night vision, this scope is well suited for daytime and low-light hunting scenarios. The lifetime warranty also adds peace of mind. If you’re after a dependable, straightforward illuminated reticle scope with good clarity and ruggedness, the Vortex Crossfire HD 4-12x44 fits well. However, if you need multiple reticle colors or night vision compatibility, you might want to explore other models.

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 riflescope is a solid choice for shooters who need versatility from close to long-range shooting. Its illuminated reticle, the EBR-7C, is designed with intuitive hold points that stay clear and uncluttered, making it easy to use in various conditions. The reticle brightness offers 10 intensity levels with off positions in between, which helps you find the right setting for different lighting situations, though it does not offer multiple color options beyond the standard illumination. The scope’s durability is impressive, thanks to aircraft-grade aluminum construction, water and fogproof sealing, and scratch-resistant Armortek lens coatings, so it can handle rough outdoor use well.

The first focal plane design ensures the reticle stays accurate and proportional across all magnifications (3x to 15x), which is great for making precise adjustments. Additional features like laser-etched turrets with a zero stop and fiber optic turret indicators help users quickly dial in settings, which is especially useful for hunters and target shooters who adjust for wind and bullet drop. One drawback is the lack of color reticle options, which some users prefer for different lighting or environmental conditions. Also, while the scope is well-built, it is somewhat bulky and heavier than some competing models, which might matter if you prioritize a lightweight setup.

This riflescope is well-suited for hunters and precision shooters looking for a durable, clear, and adjustable illuminated reticle with excellent optics and reliable performance.