Some of the more common scopes you can find on the market include your 1-4x or 3-9x. But arguably a more versatile niche of scopes is the 1-8x. It basically acts like two scopes in one.
In most cases, a 1-8x scope will have a 24-30mm objective lens. These scopes are great for midrange hunting, and that 8x power allows you to expand your horizons a little.
Because we’re not crossing into sniper-level magnifications, you still get fantastic eye relief. Also, these scopes never get too heavy.
The selections here range from simplistic, “nothing fancy” style scopes to some of the highest quality pieces you’ll find online.
 | Us Optics 1-8x24mm Riflescope |
| $755   Shop NowClick to read my review |
 | Primary Arms 1-8x 24 mm Scope |
| $389   Shop NowClick to read my review |
 Top Pick | Vortex Optics Strike Eagle |
| $499  Shop NowClick to read my review |
 | Trijicon Credo Riflescope |
| $1150   Shop NowClick to read my review |
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What is a 1-8x Scope?
1-8x scopes are popular among shooters due to their high speed and versatility. The scope is useful for target shooting, hunting, and big game. Shooters can use this scope at magnifications ranging from 1x to 8x. When you reach 8x power, you may be able to engage in battles over 800 yards. Isn’t it fantastic?
What Makes a Great 1-8x Scope?
This is one of the aspects we are looking at, so it is important to understand. The scope is excellent if it can manage the transitions involved with optical settings whether used on a bright sunny day or in low light conditions. Another thing to keep in mind is that a 1-8x scope is adaptable. It allows the shooter to transition from close range to long range with minimal effort. Furthermore, the best 1-8x scope for AR should be resistant to fog, shock, and water. Your scope should withstand any unpredictable weather conditions.
Factors to Consider in Buying a 1-8x Scope
Before purchasing a 1-8x scope, consider the following factors:
Magnification
This refers to the range over which the naked eye’s vision could be multiplied. 1-8 indicates a magnification of one to eight times. The objective lens’s diameter in millimeters is 28. Keep in mind that the larger the diameter of the lens, the greater the field of vision, but the greater the bulk and weight of the scope.
Durability
If you want a high-quality scope, you should look into this. Waterproof or fog-proof scopes are ideal for hunters who must seek their prey in adverse weather or in watery conditions. These scopes are typically excellent buys. To reduce light loss and glare, lenses have a magnesium fluoride coating. As a result, it is necessary to consider these factors before purchasing a scope.
Eye Relief
The distance between the scope and your eye matters. To avoid a fuzzy image and a great bruise in your eye from the scope hitting you, you need the scope to handle a bit of separation between your eye and itself. The ideal distance is one where your eye can rest at a safe distance while still seeing the entire image provided by the scope.
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Reticle Type
When selecting a scope consider what type of reticle you prefer. There are a huge number of options available, ranging from proprietary, standard crosshairs to mil-dot reticles built by the manufacturer. All are good, so pick the one that fits you.
Weight
Choose a lightweight riflescope to avoid discomfort and interference with follow-up shots. Even an extra ounce can make a difference when you are out in the woods for hours on end stalking your prey.
Ease of use
It is preferable to have a scope that is both useful and simple to operate. Parallax, elevation, and windage are all common elements that you can adjust on most scopes. How the scope allow the user to manage these adjustments determines how easy it is to execute while hunting.
Now that we’ve seen the factors to consider when choosing and purchasing a 1-8x Scope, let’s move on to our top picks.
The 4 Best 1-8x Scopes
Us Optics 1-8x24mm Riflescope
Materials – U.S. Optics has been a leading manufacturer of custom riflescopes and optics in the United States. The design innovation and solid engineering principles, usefulness, durability, and clarity of their optics have improved over time.
This US Optics scope features a 30mm tube, and a 24mm objective lens. You can choose between the JNG MIL and the RBR (Rapid Ballistic Reticle). This reticle selection is fantastic, and it’s designed to appeal to a wide range of shooters. The scope also weighs 17.9 ounces and has nice type-3 hard anodized coatings.
Performance – There are 11 distinct illumination settings on this scope, with eleven being the brightest. It isn’t particularly visible during the day, but it does have 3.3-night vision settings. It’s a feature you don’t see very often in optics of this type, and it’s a plus. The scope also has a fixed parallax of 100 yards, a 1-8x variable scope with a first focal plane illuminated reticle. You definitely get a glass clarity with this scope, with images that are very crisp and clear. With 8x magnification, you get a lot of light through even when you are shooting long-range. The only drawback to this scope is that it creates a slight color distortion when exposed to sunlight, yet it’s perfectly typical and not a major issue.
What we say – This riflescope is currently one of the most adaptable low variable power optics available. The scope has all of the functionality of a $1500 scope, but it only costs roughly $750. US Optics also offers a lifetime warranty, thus with this one, you’re getting a lot for your money.
- Glass clarity
- 11 different illumination settings
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Inexpensive
- Produces slight color distortion
Primary Arms 1-8x 24 mm Scope
Materials – The Primary Arms scope houses itself in a tube that has been treated to be fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof. The 24 mm objective lens is multicoated for optimal light transmission and a clear picture. Additionally, the ACSS reticle has bullet drop compensation technology. The sight system also includes wind holds and moving target leads, all in a second focal plane design.
The sight system can be instinctive up to three hundred yards, and it will have precise accuracy up to eight hundred yards. The reticle has twelve brightness settings, and there are flip covers for both the lens and the eyepiece. Primary Arms includes a lifetime warranty with its product.
Performance – Now we are stepping it up with some reticle technology. Especially for this price tag, Primary Arms offers an upgraded reticle with bullet drop compensation that will fine-tune your hunting skills. What is also nice is that there are covers for everything. Not only for both the eyepiece and the objective lens, but even the adjustment turrets have covers. Perhaps this is a little fussy when you’re outdoors, but the covers are nice to have for transportation.
Twelve levels of brightness are an ideal amount for daylight and lowlight shooting scenarios. If you go to the maximum magnification, you might lose a tad of accuracy with the BDC reticle, but some adjustments can compensate for that.
What we say – This is the best 1-8×24 scope for those still looking to save on some costs but needs help from a BDC reticle. You may not have the 36 colors to choose from, but the brightness levels available are pretty standard and should get you through the day.
- Protective covers for everything
- 12 brightness levels
- BDC reticle
- Max magnification may lose some accuracy
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle
Materials – The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle scope has a 24 mm objective lens, which has been multicoated with anti-reflective treatments for a sharp and clear picture. The bullet drop compensation reticle is etched into the glass. It features a single dot with a surrounding halo. The reticle is illuminated and can be visible in most low-light situations.
Even at the maximum 8x magnification power, you can utilize the estimating range, holdover, and wind drift correction technology accurately. Included with this scope is a single-piece Cantilever offset ring mount. Everything is housed in a matte black tube that has been treated to be fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof.
Performance – Vortex Optics is a highly approved brand for scopes by everyday gun owners and professionals alike. While it shares a lot of similarities with the Primary Arms scope, this one is a little better at maintaining its accuracy as you increase the magnification power. This choice also comes with a scope mount, unlike Primary Arms. You have to be happy with the single-piece mount, however.
This may be the best choice then for AR rifles, and you can expect the resistance to shock to be high. Truly, the brand name alone guarantees its claims of having a clear picture and an uninhibited field of view.
What we say – This is the best 1-8×24 scope for shooters with AR rifles, thanks to the single piece mount that is included with the purchase. You’ll get some truly accurate shooting with the BDC reticle, even at its maximum magnification.
- Includes scope mount
- Accurate even at 8x power
- BDC reticle
- Limited to single piece mount
Trijicon Credo Riflescope
Materials – This 1-8x scope is slightly larger than the others with a 28 mm objective lens. As always, this option is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The objective lens has been treated with multiple coatings for a crystal clear view.
The segmented circle crosshair reticle is positioned on the first focal plane, and it’s illuminated with green LED technology. Elevation and windage are adjustable. Long-range precision and rapid target engagement are possible at even the maximum magnification power. This scope allows an eye relief of up to four inches.
Performance – Finally, we come to one of the most high-end brands for scopes but also the most expensive. We make quite the leap in price from Vortex to Trijicon. However, you can expect one of the clearest pictures and accurate targeting from this scope. If you plan to utilize that 8x magnification as much as possible, you’ll want to make an investment in a quality brand scope. Most notable is the larger objective lens.
The scope may be a little bit heavier than the others, but you get a wider field of view and even more light transmission. The green LED reticle will give you the best view possible during daylight, but it is still usable at night. Other than those few points, there isn’t too much to boast. This scope has its special features, but the overall performance really speaks for itself.
What we say – The Trijicon Riflescope is the best 1-8x scope for those who plan to do a lot of long-range hunting or shooting. If most of your time with this scope will be used during strong daylight, this will also be the best option for you.
- Wider objective lens
- Green LED illuminated reticle
- One of the best brands for clear views
- Very expensive
Our Favorite 1-8x Scope
We chose the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle as our favorite 1-8x scope out of the bunch. With this style of scope, you can expect it to be installed on a lot of AR rifles or rifles doing a lot of mid-range shooting. Hunting or otherwise, these rifles will likely pack a punch when fired. This Vortex scope will do an efficient job of resisting shock and requiring little adjustments or re-zeroing. Plus, Vortex offers a decent quality piece of equipment at an affordable cost.
While Trijicon is a fantastic brand, it is pretty pricey. With Vortex, you still get a BDC reticle and a clear and crisp picture. This is also one of the better choices for using at the highest magnification. You won’t need to be concerned with losing the clarity of your reticle as you zoom in to 8x. With the Cantilever mount, you can snap this baby on and go!
