15 Best Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting in 2023

Whether you’re new to the world of hunting and shooting and you’re looking for your first deer scope for your hunting rifle, or you’re a seasoned pro looking to upgrade, we’ve put together a line up of optics to help you choose the best rifle scope for deer hunting at a variety of distances.

Deer hunting rifle scopes come in a range of specifications and price brackets, but in general the best rifle scope for deer hunters will be built from quality glass that offers brightness and sharpness, with little distortion, even in low light conditions and has a magnification and objective lens diameter configuration that’s suited to the type of deer hunting you plan to do. A trusty 3-9x40 or 4-12x40 configuration will work really well for most situations where you’re hunting deer but you may need more magnification for longer shots. In addition, a second focal plane (SFP) crisp and clear Duplex or BDC reticle for precise aiming is ideal. For mid to longer range shots, adjustable parallax control is ideal.

Our Top 15 Picks for Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes

In this product round up we’ll consider 9 scope models for standard hunting at around 200yds, 3 scopes for closer up hunting at around 100yds and 3 scopes for long range shooting over 200yds.

As the age old saying goes, it’s advised that you spend the same amount on your rifle scope as you did on your rifle and sometimes a little more. Our scope options for hunting deer will offer something for each price bracket so there’s an option for everyone who’s looking for the best scope for hunting deer in New Zealand.

Best Scopes For Deer Hunting at Standard Distances

• Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 Riflescope (HSR-5i MOA or MRAD Reticle)
• Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO Riflescope with Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
• Bushnell Banner 2 3-9x40 Riflescope (DOA BDC Reticle)
• Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40 Riflescope with V-Plex or Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
• Vixen VI Series 4-16x44 SF Riflescope (BDC Reticle)
• Bushnell Elite 4500 4X 4-16x50 Riflescope
• Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 Riflescope (Reticle #60, Capped or Exposed Turrets)
• Delta Optical Titanium HD 2.5-10x50 Riflescope (4A S Reticle)
• Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9X40 Riflescope (Plex Reticle)

Best Scopes For Deer Hunting at Short Distances

• Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Riflescope (Dead-Hold BDC Reticle)
• Vixen VI Series 2-8x32 Riflescope (Duplex or BDC Reticle)
• Nikko Stirling Octa 1-8x24 Riflescope (Illuminated 4A or BDC Reticle)

Best Scopes For Deer Hunting at Long Distances

• Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27x50 FFP GEN 2 Riflescope (APLR3 IR MOA or MIL or APRS5 MIL Reticle)
• Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50 Riflescope (VMR-1 MOA or MRAD Reticle)
• Nikko Stirling Diamond FFP SF 6-24X50 Riflescope (Illuminated PRR Reticle)

Our Top 15 Picks for Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes

Standard Deer Hunting Scopes

When we talk about a standard scope for deer hunting, we’re essentially referring to a magnification and objective lens configuration that will offer versatility and work well for short to mid range shots and for some slightly longer range shots. These scopes usually have a configuration of 3-9x40, 4-12x40 or 4-16x44 (or something similar). They’re a hunters best friend as they neither offer too little, nor too much, magnification. Here are our top 9 picks:

1. Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 Riflescope (HSR-5i MOA or MRAD Reticle) 

If you’ve got a decent budget and you want the best of the best for your deer hunting, then this awesome scope from Vortex will offer just that. Crisp, clear glass, accurate adjustments, just the right amount of magnification for those slightly longer deer shots. Plus, the worlds best warranty. What more could you want?

Key Features:

• Up to 15x magnification for longer shots
• Illuminated reticle
• XR fully multicoated lenses
• 30mm tube for maximum adjustment
• 80 MOA / 23 MRAD adjustment
• Weighs 541g

Pros:

• Excellent, crystal clear high definition glass
• 30mm tube for lots adjustment
• Locking turret
• Zero stop
• Capped windage to prevent accidental adjustment
• ArmorTek scratch resistant lens protection
• Best warranty on the market

Cons:

• Push button illumination is a bit different to what some hunters are used to but it does save on weight

2. Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO Riflescope with Dead-Hold BDC Reticle 

Coming in strong from Vortex’s entry level line of riflescopes is this offering from the Crossfire range. But don’t let the price confuse you - this awesome scope from Vortex has everything you need for hunting. The large 50mm lens and fully multicoated optics make for bright clear images and the magnification range allows for slightly longer shots then a standard 9x. The BDC reticle offers precise aiming points and isn’t too cluttered.

Key Features:

• 50mm lens
• Up to 12x magnification for slightly longer shots and versatility
• Fully multicoated lenses
• Adjustable objective
• Second focal plane BDC reticle
• Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
• ArmorTek scratch resistant finish
• Weighs 584g

Pros:

• Slightly larger than usual 50mm lens for brightness
• Capped reset turrets allow re-indexing of the turret to zero after sighting in the riflescope
• Fast focus eyepiece for easy target acquisition and aiming
• Uncluttered BDC reticle
• Special finish on lenses to prevent scratches
• Adjustable objective parallax adjustment
• Amazing warranty

Cons:

• Some people prefer side focus parallax

3. Bushnell Banner 2 3-9x40 Riflescope (DOA BDC Reticle) 

Redesigned from the ground up for 2020, this is a modern retake on Bushnell’s ever popular classic Banner Dusk and Dawn riflescope, this awesome scope now offers improved optical performance and an easy to use DOA Quick Ballistic Reticle. The standard 3-9x configuration and great price makes it an ideal scope for beginner hunters who want excellent low light performance and images with exceptional contrast and clarity.

Key Features:

• Bullet drop reticle on second focal plane
• Multicoated lenses
• 100% waterproof, fogproof and shockproof
• Fast-focus eyepiece
• Rings included
• 1 inch tube
• Weighs 420g

Pros:

• Brand new design for 2020
• Special Banner lens coatings for performance at dusk and dawn
• Aluminium weaver rings included
• Good eye relief
• Forgiving eye box
• Finger adjustable turrets with audible clicks
• Lightweight

Cons:

• No zero stop but the turrets are finger adjustable so no need for a tool or coin
• No parallax adjustment

4. Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40 Riflescope with V-Plex or Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

Vortex Diamondback scopes are the brands mid level line that are ideal for hunters who want better glass than their entry level Crossfire line, but don’t want to spend too much. Featuring good quality glass and a couple of accurate reticle options, these scopes offer brightness, versatility and reliability. One of the best scopes for hunters on a budget who want to benefit from the awesome Vortex warranty too!

Key Features:

• Two reticle options
• Waterproof and fogproof
• 1 inch tube
• Hard anodised durable low-glare matte finish helps camouflage your position
• Weighs 408g

Pros:

• Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and reduce distortion
• Great glass quality for the price
• Capped reset turrets allow re-indexing of the turret to zero after sighting in the riflescope
• Fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing

Cons:

• No parallax adjustment

5. Vixen VI Series 4-16x44 SF Riflescope (BDC Reticle)

Unlike many riflescopes in their price bracket, these awesome Vixen models are made in world leading optical factories in Japan. Known for making the best rifle optics for hunting deer, Japanese factories produce glass that offers brightness, sharpness and accuracy.

Key Features:

• 16x magnification
• Side focus parallax
• Waterproof and fogproof
• 1 inch tube
• Weighs 414g

Pros:

• Excellent quality Japanese glass
• Slightly longer magnification range
• 44mm lens is slightly larger than a standard 40mm option

Cons:

• No zero stop

6. Bushnell Elite 4500 4X 4-16x50 Riflescope

Redesigned from the ground up in 2021, the Bushnell Elite 4500 is a newly improved version of the well loved favourite. Offering quality and value for under $1000, this awesome scope offers versatility thanks to it’s 4-16x magnification range, meaning it can be used for slightly longer shots. Brightness is achieved thanks to the fully multicoated 50mm lens that is also protected from scrapes and scratches with their special protective coating. The adjustable side focus allows you to precisely adjust for parallax. A fantastic option for hunters who want a scope that’s the next level up on their normal hunting scope.

Key Features:

• Fantastic glass
• 16x magnification
• 50mm lens
• 30mm tube
• Capped turrets
• Side focus parallax
• Waterproof and fogproof
• Multi-X reticle
• Weighs 567g

Pros:

• Long eye relief
• 30mm tube offers extra windage and elevation adjustment
• Enhanced lens coatings for clarity and brightness
• EXO lens barrier to protect lenses
• Capped turrets with tool-less return to zero

Cons:

• Only available in a simple multi-X reticle and some hunters may prefer a BDC option

7. Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 Riflescope (Reticle #60, Capped or Exposed Turrets)

The ideal scope for hunters who want nothing but the best in terms of quality, the Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 Riflescope offers the perfect balance between field of view and magnification range, making this high quality riflescope idea for all types of hunting. The entire line of Zeiss Conquest scopes were optimised in early 2020. The awesome new V4 line of high-performance riflescopes combine the tried-and-true ZEISS optics concept with a rugged and functional design. In terms of quality, we’d class this as Zeiss’s introductory line of riflescopes, however compared to many other scopes on the market it offers incredible quality and allows many hunters who were previously looking for the best scope for deer hunting but couldn’t afford Zeiss scopes, an entry in to the line.

Key Features:

• Up to 16x magnification
• 44mm lens
• T* lens coatings for fantastic light transmission
• Lens coatings to repel water
• Shockproof - tested to withstand the shooting load of the .460 Weatherby Magnum calibre
• Waterproof
• Illuminated #60 duplex style reticle
• Capped turrets or a mix of capped and exposed
• Side focus parallax
• Ballistic stop
• Weighs 640g

Pros:

• Made in Japan for excellent optical quality and brightness
• 30mm tube for extra adjustment
• Illuminated reticle has off settings in between each of the 10 brightness settings to make it easy to turn if off quickly

Cons:

• Slightly on the heaver side but this is pretty negligible and not of huge importance when there are so many positives

8. Delta Optical Titanium HD 2.5-10x50 Riflescope (4A S Reticle)

This awesome scope from South African brand Delta bridges the gap in the hunting scope market by offering an awesome, high quality scope that caters for slightly closer or further away shots that you can’t quite get a good look at with other scopes. The 50mm objective lens lets in heaps for light which is then transmitted through the ultra clear high definition optics and 30mm tube right to your eye. This allows your Delta Titanium scope to produce bright, clear images with exceptional clarity, even at low light.

Key Features:

• Wideangle HD eyepiece
• Compact design ideal for smaller arms
• High image quality
• Second focal plane illuminated reticle
• Waterproof
• 30mm tube
• Weighs 700g

Pros:

• High definition glass
• Air rifle rated

Cons:

• Slightly on the heavier side

9. Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40 Riflescope (Plex Reticle)

The Crimson Trace Brushline scope provides an affordable option for hunters who want a deer hunting riflescope that won’t break the bank. Tried and tested on high recoil rifles, the standard 3-9x configuration is loved by hunters around the world.

Key Features:

• Fully multicoated lenses
• Second focal plane reticle
• MOA adjustments
• 1 inch tube
• Capped turrets
• Tested on high recoil rifles
• Waterproof and fog proof
• Clean and simple plex reticle
• Weighs 424g

Pros:

• Affordable
• Clean and simple reticle
• Accurate turrets
• Generous eye relief

Cons:

• No parallax adjustment but this shouldn’t be an issue at these low magnifications

Long Range Deer Hunting Scopes

Some hunters like to test themselves and their rifles and take shots at 200yds or more. For these situations, having a scope with a little more magnification reach can be a bonus. Here are our top picks for long range deer hunting scopes. You can also find out more about choosing long range scopes here. 

10. Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27x50 FFP GEN 2 Riflescope (APLR3 IR MOA or MIL or APRS5 MIL Reticle)

 

This feature rich riflescope is sure to impress thanks to HD Glass and advanced fully multicoated optics that deliver crisp bright images for taking long range shots. Three first focal plane reticle options are available with all models having a 30mm tube for extra adjustment. This scope is a little different to many of the other models suggested in the guide but if you’re in to high end optics and would like a first focal plane option then this is scope will impress.

Key Features:

• Up to 27x magnification
• 50mm lens
• 30mm tube
• Exposed turrets
• First focal plane illuminated reticles
• HD glass
• Advanced fully multicoated lenses
• Zero stop
• Weighs 773g

Pros:

• Awesome quality glass
• Great price point for a first focal plane reticle and exposed turrets
• Three, pin sharp illuminated reticle options available
• Also great for long range target shooting

Cons:

• Slightly on the heavier side than other hunting scopes
• No locking turrets

11. Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50 Riflescope (VMR-1 MOA or MRAD Reticle)

Blending many of the best features from Vortex's incredibly popular Viper PST and Viper HS riflescopes, the Viper HST riflescope is packed with features that make it ideal for hunting and shooting. The quality and construction of this scope is second to non thanks to its extra low dispersion lenses that provide bright, clear images. It’s rugged and durable and built for high powered rifles. It comes with the Vortex warranty which is the best in the business.

Key Features:

• High 24x magnification
• 50mm lens
• 30mm tube
• Exposed turrets
• Two reticle options
• Side focus parallax
• Zero stop
• Weighs 640g

Pros:

• Exceptional quality glass
• Tactile turrets with audible clicks
• Zero stop
• Incredible warranty
• Great with high powered rifles such as .223 and .308
• 10cm of eye relief
• Lightweight for its size
• Second focal plane is great for hunting

Cons:

• Could have a bit more internal adjustment

12. Nikko Stirling Diamond FFP SF 6-24X50 Riflescope (Illuminated PRR Reticle) 

This awesome budget scope is a great option for hunters on a budget who are aiming to venture into the world of longer range shooting with a first focal plane scope. It offers an illuminated reticle, 30mm tube and lockable target turrets for half of the price of some other models, making price a great selling point for it.

Key Features:

• 24x magnification
• 50mm lens
• Side focus parallax
• First focal plane illuminated reticle
• 30mm tube
• Lockable target turrets
• Weighs 680g

Pros:

• Great features and quality for its price point
• Lockable turrets that are well marked, dial firmly and have good audible and tactile clicks

Cons:

• Reticle can become hard to use at the top of the magnification range
• Short Range Deer Hunting Scopes

If you’ll be hunting in the bush and typically taking shots at big game at around 100yds, then some scopes are overkill. Opting for a bush hunting scope that’s more compact and with lower magnification can be a great option. Here’s our top options:

13. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Riflescope (Dead-Hold BDC Reticle)

Coming in strong as a great scope for shorter shots, this affordable scope from Vortex has fully multicoated optics for bright, clear images, and a fast focus eyepiece to get you on target quickly. The 7x magnification allows you to stretch out for some slightly longer shots.

Key Features:

• Up to 7x magnification
• Compact 32mm lens
• Capped turrets
• 1 inch tube
• Fixed parallax
• BDC second focal plane reticle
• Weighs 405g

Pros:

• Compact
• Decent internal adjustment of 60MOA
• Good eye relief
• 7x magnification will allow for longer shots
• BDC reticle allows for accurate shots at longer distances
• Forgiving eye box
• Finger adjustable capped turrets

Cons:

• No parallax adjustment

14. Vixen VI Series 2-8x32 Riflescope (Duplex or BDC Reticle)

Proudly made in Japan, Vixen optics bring fantastic quality at a great price. Indeed, you won’t find many scopes in the same price bracket as this one that are made in such a world leading optical location. Lightweight and compact and available in a few reticle options to suit your needs. A great option for beginner hunters on a budget who want the best.

Key Features:

• Up to 8x magnification
• 32mm lens
• 1 inch tube
• Capped turrets
• Duplex or BDC reticle
• Made in Japan
• Weights 317g

Pros:

• Exceptional Japanese glass
• Great price point
• Compact
• Plenty of internal adjustment
• Decent eye relief
• Great magnification range for close and longer shots

Cons:

• No parallax adjustment
• Eye box isn’t as forgiving as other scopes so must be properly positioned on your rifle

15. Nikko Stirling Octa 1-8x24 Riflescope (Illuminated 4A or BDC Reticle)

The Nikko Stirling Octa 1-8x24 Riflescope is a perfect scope for close range bush hunting of big game. Built with an 8x optical zoom, this awesome scope combines the best mechanics with bright clear glass to make it the ideal companion for your next hunt.

Key Features:

• Up to 8x magnification
• 24mm objective lens
• 30mm tube
• Illuminated second focal plane reticle
• Fixed parallax

Pros:

• Decent eye relief
• Lots of internal adjustment
• Great price point
• 1x true magnification for super close up shots

Cons:

• No side focus parallax
• 24mm lens is on the small side so not great in low light

Features to Consider When Choosing a Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting

Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best scopes for deer hunting, let’s take a moment to summarise the key features to look for in a hunting scope. If you want to find out more about choosing a hunting scope you can also read or helpful blog here. 

• Magnification - The magnification you choose should reflect the type of hunting you plan to do, and at what distance. Close up shoots will be fine with up to an 8x magnification, standard shots, up to 9x and longer shots can go anywhere out to 24x. New to hunting and looking for a standard hunting scope? You can’t go wrong with a 3-9x.

• Objective lens - Objective lens size is closely linked to the magnification range you choose. A 40mm lens is always a good option for low light use. 

• Eye relief - If you’re using a high calibre rifle then eye relief becomes pretty important as you don’t want the recoil of the gun causing the scope to hit your eye. Most scopes come with adequate eye relief and many of the scopes above come with extra. 

• Brightness - Look for a scope with good quality lenses. This is usually reflected in the price, with high definition glass costing more. Choose the best quality glass for more brightness and spend as much as you can. 

• Focal plane - In general, a second focal plane reticle will be a great choice for a deer hunting scope. For some longe range shots you may want to opt for a reticle that is on the first focal plane so that the size of it changes as you zoom in.

• Turret type - Most hunting scopes are best placed with capped turrets to prevent accidental knocks to them. If you decide to go for exposed turrets then choose ones that are lockable.

• Field of view - Most scopes with a lower magnification will offer a wider field of view than their counterparts that have a higher magnification. Field of view isn’t hugely important when it comes to choosing a riflescope as you should be using binoculars or a spotting scope to scan the landscape to find your target before pulling your rifle out. 

• Focus and parallax - Being able to adjust for parallax is important at longer distances so most scopes will either have side focus parallax or an adjustable objective lens. Having parallax adjustment at lower magnifications is nice to have but not always vital.

• Reticles - Duplex or BDC reticles make for excellent deer hunting scopes. 

• Clarity - The clarity of the image produced by a riflescope all comes down to the quality of the glass. Always spend as much as you can afford on a hunting scope so that it doesn’t let you down.

• Repeatability - Whether you’re hunting or target shooting having windage and elevation turrets that are accurate and repeatably perform is important. It’s vital that you know that the clicks you make will be the same every time to keep you on target. Most good quality scopes have turrets that are audible and trustworthy. 


Where to Buy High-Quality Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes? 


Now that we’ve taken a look at the key features to look for in the best scope for deer hunting, and suggested and reviewed a range of riflescopes for close, mid and long range hunting shots, why not take a look at what our wide range of hunting scopes has to offer? Shop our line of quality riflescopes now!