4 Best 1-8X Scopes of 2021
Lower-powered scopes like the 1-8x scopes are slowly becoming quite popular, and this is not only because of their more affordable price tag but also because they do not add a lot of weight to rifles.
With the best 1-8x scope, you get a mid-range scope that gives you the best of both worlds as it will be ideal for both short and long range shooting.
While they might not be as popular as others like the 3-9x, there are still many models available in the market. Below we review some top-rated 1-8x scopes and provide a buying guide to help you pick the best one for your rifle.
4 Best 1-8X Scopes – Review
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1. Trijicon RS27-C-1900026 (Dependable Tactical & Competitive Shooting Scope) |
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2. VisionKing VS1-8x26QZ (Unmatched Low Light Performance) |
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3. Primary Arms PA1-8x24SFP (Great All Round) |
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4. Minox 66590 ZP8 (Remarkably Clear Optics) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Trijicon RS27-C-1900026 (Dependable Tactical & Competitive Shooting Scope) |
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2. VisionKing VS1-8x26QZ (Unmatched Low Light Performance) |
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3. Primary Arms PA1-8x24SFP (Great All Round) |
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4. Minox 66590 ZP8 (Remarkably Clear Optics) |
1. Trijicon RS27-C-1900026 – Dependable Tactical and Competitive Shooting Scope
Photo: Trijicon
- Eye Relief: 3.9 to 4 inches
- Objective Diameter: 28 millimeters
- Length: 10.8 inches
- Weight: 25 ounces
Trijicon makes this top rated 1-8x scope with competitive shooters and tactical users in mind, and it will offer excellent performance for both applications.
Its ability to acquire a target rapidly is one of the key reasons why it will be such an amazing tactical scope, but it is not the only one because this scope is also designed to offer true 1x and 8x magnification settings.
Also, you can be confident of getting a wider field of view as you get up to 109.2 feet of view field at the 1x magnification and a generous eye relief of up to 4 inches.
The turrets are also designed to be easy to adjust and with audible clicks, and they are lockable to make them even more convenient. Most users will also love that this scope is still fully usable even without illumination.
At 25 ounces, this is the heaviest 1-8x scope on our list, but it will not feel that heavy when mounted on your rifle and many shooters will not even notice its extra weight.
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2. VisionKing VS1-8x26QZ – Unmatched Low Light Performance
Photo: VisionKing
- Eye Relief: 3.6 to 5.9 inches
- Objective Diameter: 26 millimeters
- Weight: 21.7 ounces
With the fully multicoated optics on this scope by VisionKing, you can be sure of getting an unmatched performance when using it in both bright and low light conditions.
It is a first focal plane reticle that is designed to make targeting and aiming a much easier process, and it will make it easy for you to shoot with both eyes open.
This 1-8x FFP scope also has an extra-wide field of view. At the 1x magnification, you can get a view field of up to 114.2 feet which is one of the largest on our list.
The solid one-piece aluminum main tube makes this a sturdier and more rugged scope that will give you many years of service, and it is also nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to make it 100% fog, water and shockproof.
The included user instructions are not very detailed and might not be good enough for beginners. Also, it does not come with the mounts. But mounting this scope and sighting it in should be straightforward even without good instructions.
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3. Primary Arms PA1-8x24SFP – Great All Round 1-8x Scope
Photo: Primary Arms
- Eye Relief: 3.3 to 3.5 inches
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Length: 10.4 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
With a top-notch all-round scope like this one from Primary Arms mounted on your rifle, you can be confident of more accurate shooting and easier target acquisition whether you are hunting or target shooting.
It is a solid aluminum scope designed to be solid and sturdy enough to withstand regular use and the heavy recoil that comes with it, and it is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to ensure fog, water, and shockproof performance.
The partially illuminated ACSS is BDC compatible and with 12 brightness levels for increased versatility. Also, it comes in a second focal plane design to ensure the reticle size remains constant throughout regardless of the magnification setting.
Adjustments are also made smooth and precise thanks to the top quality turrets which will also make some audible clicks. And this scope is also backed by a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
At the higher magnification setting, the sight picture might be a little blurry especially around the edges, but it is still clear enough to ensure you get a good shot. And even with their wanting quality the lens covers are still protective enough.
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4. Minox 66590 ZP8 – R emarkably Clear Optics
Photo: Minox
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Length: 11.6 inches
- Weight: 24.5 ounces
Minox’s ZP8 Tac scope is an accurate, highly reliable and high performing scope that will deliver remarkably clear optics. This scope will deliver a clear and bright enough sight picture even when using it in low light. And its reticle is also illuminated for increased versatility.
The company only uses top quality materials and components when making it for a lifetime of service, and these materials include a single piece aluminum main tube.
The zero stop and lockable illumination dial will ensure that there are no accidental adjustments. Also, this scope provides true magnification settings to ensure high speed at short range and maximum precision for long range shorts.
While the price is several times what you pay for most others on our list, given the quality and brand reputation, you will not regret spending more on this scope.
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How to Buy the Best 1-8x Scopes
Here are some considerations to keep in mind to ensure you make a great choice when shopping for a good 1-8x scope.
1. Reticle
Because the reticle is a key determinant of accuracy when shooting from any range, it is a key factor to consider when shopping for a 1-8x scope.
Depending on your preferences, shooting distances and rifle type, there are many reticle types to choose from, and you need to make sure that you know what works best for you.
For many beginners, the duplex, BDC and mil-dot reticles are the most preferred and which you choose among them depends on your shooting conditions.
While still at the reticle, you should also go for an illuminated on with multiple brightness levels like what you get on the Trijicon RS27-C-1900026 as it will offer a better performance and increased versatility.
2. Lens
Lenses are responsible for light transmission and will hence determine the quality of the sight picture that you get.
It is important to make sure that your scope uses some high-quality lenses with multiple coatings as this will ensure maximum light transmission for a clearer and brighter sight picture.
Also, the lenses should be fog and waterproof and also be resistant to scratches, dirt, and oil which can also affect the image quality.
3. Turrets
Turrets are what most scopes will use for windage and elevation adjustment, and they are also vital components as they affect your targeting and shooting accuracy.
Although different scopes will have different types of turrets, there are certain things that you should watch out for to ensure easy and convenient use.
This includes turrets with a low profile to prevent snagging, a lockable and resettable design and a solid material for durability.
Also, turrets with noticeable clicks like what you get on the VisionKing VS1-8x26QZ will give you an easier time as you can easily tell the number of clicks you need to get your preferred setting.
4. Durability
A good 1-8x scope is one that has been built to last and can withstand the shock that comes with shooting round after round.
Durability of the scope will often be determined by the choice of material and the construction design. For the material, nothing beats aircraft grade aluminum as it is not only solid and durable but also lightweight.
When it comes to the design, a scope that comes with a single piece main tube that has been argon or nitrogen purged and weather sealed is a great buy as it will last for a long time.
5. The Price
Price is an important factor to consider when shopping for a 1-8x scope, and this is even more so for shooters that are working with a tight budget.
While it is true some of these scopes will often just cost a fraction of what you would pay for the more powerful ones from top brand, the price still varies among different brands and according to the features and capabilities.
It is possible to get a decent quality 1-8x scope like the VisionKing VS1-8x26QZ for a few hundred bucks, but there are still some models that will retail for thousands of dollars.
Conclusion
The best 1-8x scope for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and what you intend to use your rifle for. But, you can be confident there is something for you on our review above.
And for those that do not want to spend a lot of cash on their scope but still want something that performs well the VisionKing VS1-8x26QZ is perfect.
But if you prefer a good all-round scope that performs well in all aspects and has a solid build go for the Primary Arms PA1-8x24SFP .
