Best 1-8x Scope – Top 10 Best Rated 1-8x Scopes Review

What is a 1-8x Scope?

1-8x refers to the scope’s magnification range. At the low end, the scope offers zero magnification. Although no magnification may sound useless, the scope’s reticle provides an aiming point that is often easier to use than iron sights, especially when tracking fast-moving targets. 

When you zoom to the highest magnification, these scopes provide a sight picture that appears eight times larger than what you see with the naked eye. Most 1-8x scopes feature detailed reticles with BDC and holdover markings that allow for precision accuracy on mid- to long-range targets. 

Best 1-8x Scopes on the Market Reviews

 1   EOTech Vudu 1-8x24 Precision Riflescope

The EOTech name is synonymous with holographic sights. While there’s plenty to love about the company’s holo line-up, we may actually be more in love with the Vudu LPVO. 

This rock-solid scope is made from a single piece of T6 aircraft grade aluminum with a hard anodized finish. Built for rough use in tough environments, this scope is virtually indestructible. 

The optic also delivers insane clarity with high-density glass and fully multi-coated lenses. 

The reticle on the EOTech Vudu is also pretty amazing. This daylight-visible illuminated Triplex BDC reticle is located on the second focal plane. Everything about this high-performance optic is designed to boost acquisition speed while providing precision aiming points for those tough long-distance targets. 

 2   Trijicon Credo HX 1-8x28 FFP

Trijicon makes some of the most rugged and reliable tactical scopes on the face of the planet. The Trijicon Credo HX was designed with a different purpose in mind - bagging trophy game. However, Trijicon made this premium hunting scope just as durable as their tactical optics. 

The Credo HX is tested to military standards and protocols. This tough-as-nails optic is made with a 6061 aluminum housing that is o-ring sealed and fully waterproof. Guaranteed to perform reliably in Africa-to-Alaska conditions, the scope has been shock-tested in temperatures ranging from -20 degrees to 140 degrees Fehrenheit. 

The main tube is an ample 34mm, which provides magnificent light gathering abilities. When combined with the optic’s fully multi-coated, broadband, anti-reflective glass and 28mm objective lens, the result is razor-sharp clarity and remarkable low light performance.  

 3   Leupold Mark 8 1.1-8x24

Leupold makes some of the most popular riflescopes in the shooting world. Their scopes are popular for one reason - they provide incredible quality for the money. While we readily admit some of their models are on the pricey side,  in the world of optics, you almost always get what you pay for.

Leupold’s Mark 8 is ideal for a variety of shooting applications. However, it is particularly well-suited for 3-Gun and tactical shooting. 

The scope features an illuminated, front focal plane reticle that provides accurate ranging and holdovers through the entire magnification range. Although the reticle provides useful BDC marks for long-range shooting, it is still relatively uncluttered. This means it is just as easy to use for close-range engagement. 

The scope is tough, durable, and super reliable. It also features Leupold’s exclusive Twilight Max Light Management System. This system incorporates unique lens coatings to improve image quality, especially in low light conditions. 

 4   Primary Arms SLx8 1-8x24

Primary Arms has built a reputation for innovative optics with rock-solid reliability. They definitely hit it out of the park with their SLx8 riflescope. 

This scope is relatively lightweight (just under 17 ounces) and compact (a mere 10 inches long), but it is incredibly durable despite the size and weight. The housing is made from a single piece of 6063 aluminum, and it is completely fogproof and waterproof.

The SLx8 features the Primary Arms patented ACSS reticle. This illuminated FFP reticle incorporates bullet drop compensation, wind holds, and moving target leads in one easy-to-use design. 

Thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality glass, the optical clarity of the SLx8 is characteristic of a far more expensive scope. 

 5   Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8x24

The Vortex Strike Eagle proves you don’t have to spend a wad of cash to get a high-performance optic. The Strike Eagle weighs only 17.6 ounces and measures just 10 inches long. Its compact, lightweight design makes it a perfect match for an AR-15 or other modern sporting rifle. Not only will this optic leave you plenty of rail space, it also won’t compromise the balance or maneuverability of your rifle.  

The Strike Eagle feels right at home on a tactical rifle, and it’s packed with features suited for fast-paced shooting. For quick distance transitions, this LPVO features a handy throw lever that allows you to switch from 1x for CQB to 8x for precision long-range shooting. 

Shooters will love the Strike Eagle’s BDC3 reticle. Located on the scope’s second focal plane, the reticle remains the same size no matter which magnification level you have dialed in. The markings on the BDC3 reticle are calibrated for standard .223/5.56 loads. With easy-to-read holdover marks, shooters can make accurate shots on known-distance targets out to 650 yards. However, the red broken center gets your eye on target quickly, even on close-range targets. 

 6   Bushnell AR Optics 1-8x24

Bushnell is best known for designing high-quality hunting optics. This LPVO was engineered specifically for the AR-15, so if you enjoy hog or predator hunting with an AR, this is the optic for you. 

The scope features an illuminated BDC (bullet drop compensating) reticle with marks that match .223/5.56 holdover measurements. The reticle is located on the second focal plane, so the marks are only valid at one magnification level.

Bushnell uses premium glass and fully multi-coated lenses to provide bright visibility, even in low light conditions. 

Built for rough use, the Bushnell AR Optics scope has a rugged aluminum housing that is o-ring sealed to keep out dirt and moisture. The scope can withstand submersion in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes without failing. The scope also has quality capped turrets, so you never need to worry about losing your zero, even during hard use. 

 7   TRUGLO Omnia Tactical 1-8x24 Riflescope

TRUGLO designed their Omnia Tactical riflescopes specifically for modern sporting rifles. The 1-8x magnification range pairs nicely with the illuminated, glass-etched APTR (All-Purpose Tactical Reticle). Combining the best of both worlds, the APTR provides an uncluttered sight picture for easy CQB target acquisition. It also provides precision measurements for accurate long-range shooting. 

The scope features low-profile, locking ½-MOA target turrets and a quick zoom lever. The Omnia Tactical riflescope also features multi-coated lenses and an ample 30mm main tube for enhanced image clarity and light-gathering abilities. 

This thing is built tough. The main housing is milled from a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum. With its nitrogen-filled, fogproof construction, the Omnia Tactical provides reliable performance even in rough, soggy conditions. 

 8   Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 1-8x24

This versatile riflescope from Athlon Optics is a great option for hunting, home defense, and 3 Gun competition. The Argos BTR is an ultra-reliable close-range optic that has plenty of potential for engaging mid- to long-range targets. 

The scope features fully multi-coated optics for a brighter sight picture and additional XPL coatings for added protection from dirt, oil, and scratches.

Competitive shooters will easily fall in love with the ATSR5 SFP IR MOA reticle. Don’t be intimidated by all those letters, this reticle is easy to use, especially with practice. 

Located on the scope’s second focal plane, the illuminated ATSR5 is calibrated for .223/5.56 BTHP (boat tail hollow point) loads. Not only does the reticle provide detailed info on holdovers out to 600 yards, the center red horseshoe helps you engage close-range targets. The 19 MOA horseshoe is also perfect for ranging silhouette targets. The shoulders of a human silhouette target fit perfectly within the arms of the horseshoe at 100 yards. 

 9   Riton Optics Tactix X3 1-8x24

Riton Optics is a relative newcomer to the rifle scopes scene. Founded in 2013, this veteran- and family-owned business is focused on producing practical optics for real-world applications. 

The Tactix X3 is one of the company’s more affordable options, but it has features we usually expect only from high dollar optics. Shooters will appreciate the low-profile, capped, zero resettable turrets, as well as the fast focus eyepiece and integrated throw lever. 

Rugged and reliable, the Tactix X3 is made from CNC-machined 6061-T6 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. The scope is 100 percent fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof.

The optic is furnished with an illuminated SFP OT reticle. The reticle’s intuitive design features a simple circle dot with eight wind and four elevation holds. The OT reticle works well for both CQB and mid-range engagements. 

 10   Leapers UTG 1-8x28 Multi-Range Combat Riflescope

If you’re a shooter on a shoestring budget, the Multi-Range Combat (MRC) Riflescope from UTG is a dream come true. This scope has a ton of features for a scope priced under $200, including an etched-glass Mil Dot reticle, 36 Multi-Color mode illumination, and a One-Click Illumination Memory Feature. This last feature allows you to quickly set back to the previous brightness setting with the simple flip of a switch. 

The MRC is built on UTG’s “true strength platform”. The scope is completely sealed and nitrogen purged for reliable fogproof performance. Although this scope is plenty solid for most shooting applications, it is pretty weighty. This thing tips the scale at almost two pounds. 

The UTG MRC is sturdy, but not nearly as durable as the high-end optics on our list. If you’re rough on optics, you should probably go ahead and invest a little more cash in a more durable model. As the saying goes, “Buy once, cry once”, and nobody likes crying.  

Final Thoughts

1-8x magnification makes for a highly versatile scope. With true 1x magnification and a solid reticle, it becomes easier to engage close range targets. Dial your optic up to 8x and you have enough magnification for long-range targets, especially if your scope has a BDC reticle. 

1-8x scopes help bridge the gap between CQB and distance shooting. Whether you need a scope for hunting, competition, or tactical applications, finding the best 1-8x scope for your individual needs will help increase your odds of shooting success.