Choosing a scope is a challenging business, especially if you are newcomers to shooting. Don’t worry too much, though. We’re to help!
We’ve looked through users’ testimonials and official information to compile this list of the 2019 best scopes under $200. These scopes are cheap, but just in their price. What they have to offer are exceptional.
We hope that it can make your shopping for the best scope under $200 exciting and fun! Otherwise, at least it can give you a more thorough understanding of what makes a scope worth the money.
Table of Contents
Best Scopes Under $200
Here are our recommendations on the best scopes under $200.
First, take time to see what make them outstanding!
| Product Name | Score | Product Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Best Scope For The Money Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Rifle Scopes  Highlights ● Offer great value for its price ● An indestructible body ● Provide incredible clarity ● Ensure maximum light transmission even in dimly lit areas ● Durable and reliable even in wind-hold | 9.5/10 | |
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12x44 SFP Riflescope Dead-Hold BDC MOA Highlights ● Fully multi-coated lenses ● Sharp and clear images ● Durable and solid ● Shock-proof ● Easy to operate | 9.4/10 | |
Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Accu-Range Reticle Highlights ● Easy and fast target acquisition ● Shock resistant, fog-proof, and water-proof within a long time of field use ● Transmit up to 99% light ● Generous eye relief | 9.3/10 | |
Burris 3-9 x 40mm Full-field II Ballistic Plex Rifle Highlights ● Premium optical glass for long-lasting durability ● Hi-Lume Multi-coated lenses for ultimate clarity and brightness ● Excellent light collection ● Strong, accurate, and solid ● Waterproof and fog-proof | 9.2/10 | |
Bushnell AR Optics, Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets and Side Parallax, 3-9x/40mm Highlights ● Compact and lightweight ● Shock resistant, fog-proof, water-proof, and rust-proof ● Premium lens for HD images ● Fully multi-coated body | 9.0/10 |
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC (MOA)
Pros:
- Come with a budget-friendly price
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fog-proof and water-resistant
- Perfect for big games in close-, medium-, and long-range
- Metal on metal precision turrets
- Come with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Poor eye-relief
- A little burry view at high magnification
Vortex is the leading manufacturer in the optics industry. It has long been producing performance-oriented riflescopes at a reasonable price. And the 4 12×40 Vortex Optics Diamondback is the most outstanding among them.
This durable single-piece is the best scope under $200 for AR 15.
The quick-set-systems give you peace of mind even in intense games. The multi-coated lens ensures the crystal-clear field of view. The fast focus eyepiece allows focusing reticle in the blink of an eye in any weather conditions.
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to zero
- Green and red dot options
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Ideal for shooting and hunting at any ranges (wind tweaks and fly range)
- O-ring seal and nitrogen purge for a solid body
Cons:
- Not completely water-proof
Another exceptional scope by Vortex is Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane. They designed the Crossfire II with value, performance, and durability in mind so that it is great for any shooting at any ranges.
The aircraft grade aluminum single-piece tube ensures a robust design. The fast focus eyepiece allows for a fantastic shooting performance. The anti-reflective lens transmits up to 98% of the collected light.
3. Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Accu-Range Reticle, Matte Black
Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Accu-Range Reticle, Matte Black
Pros:
- Suitable for the regular hunters and expert shooters
- Rapid Target Acquisition (RTA) eyepiece
- Easy to acquire your targets
- First-class lens and coatings
- Uncompromising durability
Cons:
- A little bit disappointing 3x – 9x magnification zoom
The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope is the best scope under $200 for regular hunters and expert shooters.
It comes with an effective system with tactical-style zero resettable finger-click turrets helping quickly zero in on your preys.
When time is critical, the lockable Rapid Target Acquisition (RTA) eyepiece allows for quick eye-eyepiece alignment. The superior lenses and coatings are for optimal durability and long-range precision.
4. Burris 3-9 x 40mm Full-field II Ballistic Plex Rifle
Burris 3-9 x 40mm Full-field II Ballistic Plex Rifle
Pros:
- Come at a pocket-friendly price
- A premium traditional riflescope for all hunters
- Hi-Lume Multi-coated lenses allow excellent performances in any conditions
- Sturdy integrated-eyepiece design
- Steel-on-steel clickers
- Nitrogen fill for water-proof body
Cons:
- Blurry images at the higher end magnification
The Burris 3-9 x 40mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle has everything you could find in the best scope under $200. That’s why we include it in our list!
The Hi-Lume multi-coated body and nitrogen fill are rugged enough to handle years of Mother Nature abuse and riflescope recoil. The integrative system helps you effortlessly control the power range and eyepiece.
The high-quality precision-ground lenses allow for the well-defined and crystal-clear field of view. Whenever you place your face to scope, you can enjoy the best light collection.
5. Bushnell AR Optics, Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell AR Optics, Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets and Side Parallax, Matte Black, 3-9x/40mm
Pros:
- Shooting range up to 500 yards
- Come with a lifetime warranty by Bushnell
- Fully multi-coated body and aluminum alloy
- Easy to handle in any conditions
Cons:
- Disappointing eyesight
The last model on our list of the best scopes under $200 is the Bushnell Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope.
Еvеrу ѕhоt уоu tаkе with this unit by Bushnell is second to none. It has the longest range capability among all models in our collection. Aiming at a target 500 yards far away is not a big deal.
It has various heights of stands to help hunters handle and cover their targets with ease.
Things To Consider When Choosing Scope Under 200?
Which size is perfect? What magnification to choose? What is the most durable material? We’re going to tell you the differences between them all. We hope that the list of things to consider will help you choose the best scope under 200!
Optical
Optical is an irreplaceable part of any scopes through which shooters can see their targets and preys. So, it has to produce bright, clear, and sharp images.
Also, it should come with lens knob, fog-proof, shock-resistant, and water-proof facilities, and coating. Scopes under $200 rarely offer strong magnification power, but you still can own a high-quality optical with a ton of pros.
Knobs
An easily adjustable turret allows you to correctly zero in. That’s why a scope with easy-to-adjust knobs is more preferable. Not too long or not too small; they should have ideal size.
Reticle
Reticle plays a vital role in controlling your bullets. This visual marker comes in different kinds such as Dual, BDC, and crosshair.
Among them, crosshair reticles are the oldest design. With this price range, they are not the best option for hunting enthusiasts. Meanwhile, BDC and Dual reticles are practical and great for hunting.
Magnification
Scopes under $200 are not synonymous with low magnification power. Spend more time shopping around; then you will find scopes with the average magnification power.
Magnification allows you to zoom in or zoom out your prey. The higher the magnification power is, the closer you see your targets.
You can have a good quality view with a 3-9X. Go ahead and purchase a 12X scope for higher-quality images.
However, don’t be stressed out if your favorite scope does not possess high magnification. In this case, you can fully take advantage of an excellent optical.
Light Transmission
Light transmission is another notable thing to consider. For less than $200, hunters are still privileged with a scope with high light transmission. The more light it transmits, the more precisely you shoot even in the low light conditions.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is a standard distance from your eyes to the eyepiece within which you can get the full field of view. Make sure to check this advantage when choosing the best scope under $200!
Ideally, a good scope should own a large eye relief. However, not all models in this price range come with this essential advantage. There is no other way but to find these scopes out.
We recommend choosing a scope with decent eye relief at least. 3”.
Durability
Durability is among the essential factors. Within their life cycle, any scopes have to go through a series of wear and tear.
You will travel with them through snow, rain, heat, and sleet. You might bang them against trees and rocks. Not to mention the strong impulses that their body has to suffer from whenever you fire off rounds.
Make sure that your scope can handle and perform impressively in all weather conditions.
High-quality Materials
Durability goes hand in hand with the quality of materials. Ideally, they should withstand any recoil and terrain for your weapons as well as your shooting style.
Most models reviewed in our list below are built from tough and ductile aircraft-grade aluminum allowing them to get massive force loadings.
The coated lens and nitrogen purged inside compartments protecting them against moisture should come as a plus. These fog-proof and waterproof features contribute to your scope’s longevity.
Accessories
Optics accessories such as sun shades and flip up caps which protect your scope lenses from attack are essential. Unfortunately, the scopes do not often come with them. You should get these authentic accessories for the best protection.
Price
Each riflescope manufacturer might offer a different price range. The notion that only the high-end scopes are worthy is a fallacy.
The expensive scopes are suitable for tactical skill practice. But they cannot perform that well in hunting games at close range.
Personal Preference
To find out the models which pack all of your desired features, you should read and research a bit about scopes. That way, you will have an idea of the best scopes to pick.
Warranty
Not all scope brands offer the same sort of warranty. Since warranty can save scope owners a lot of money, it is a factor to consider when choosing which manufacturer to go with.
For the five best scopes under $200 in our article, it ranges from a 1-year limited guarantee to a lifetime warranty.
PAY ATTENTION! There is no policy replacing a scope if you lose it or someone steals it. They only specifically cover the failures by the scope manufacturers. Also, they are responsible for any intentional damages.
FAQs
Which Is The Best Scope Under $200 Brand?
Counterfeits exist among a lot of scope brands out there. You should purchase your scope from reputable outlets only. Vortex Optics, Redfield, Burris, and Bushnell are the best ones for us.
Where Can You Purchase Scopes Under $200?
Find them on their official websites or other platforms such as Amazon, Brownells, Optics Planet, or EuroOptic.
What Is The Best Size For Flip-Up Scope Covers?
As I’ve told you before, your purchase does not include flip-up scope covers. However, you can get them at the following sizes: a 13-15 for the objective lens and a 14-15-16 for the eyepiece.
At What Yardage Is The Parallax Set For Scopes Under $200?
100 yards is great for a normal scope.
Do All Scopes Under $200 Have A Dot In Their Center?
It depends on the model you choose.
What Is The Best Scope Under $200 For The Money?
Which is the best scope under $200? These five best models reviewed above top any charts. But, if we have to choose only one scope, the Vortex Optics Diamondbackis the one to go with.
For less than $200, we never settle for less than a standard scope. The Vortex Optics Diamondback packs a handful of excellent features making it outstanding among the crowds.
Shooters will appreciate how well it mixed durability, performance, and reliability at an affordable price.
It’s our favorite. How about you? Let us know in the comment box below!
Related Articles