10 Best Illuminated Reticles 2025 in the United States

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.

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 Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm hunting scope is designed for rugged use in extreme conditions. It features robust durability, withstanding harsh environments like extreme temperatures, dust, sand, salty air, and water. The scope includes Tenebraex flip-up covers, a cleaning kit, and a multi-tool, which add to its practicality in challenging scenarios.

The ZeroStop elevation adjustment allows for quick and precise return to your set zero point, enhancing consistency during long-range shooting sessions. The 50mm objective lens provides excellent resolution and light transmission, while the parallax adjustment allows close focus down to 11 yards, making it versatile for various distances.

The 8X magnification range is beneficial for both close and long-range engagements, and the integrated Power Throw Lever helps with swift magnification changes. The MIL-C F1 reticle offers a clear and fast aiming point with numbered Mil-Radian holds, useful under stressful conditions.