Rating of the best optical sights for 2022

For those who are fond of hunting, professional or amateur shooting, in addition to the weapon itself, an optical sight is an important and necessary device. Its functionality includes approaching and marking the target, which increases the speed and accuracy of fire. Due to the demand for such devices, the best manufacturers of weapons and various accessories for it regularly release new models on the market, improving and modernizing their characteristics. Therefore, as a rule, when choosing an optical sight, each potential user is faced with the problem of which one is better to buy. In this case, you should study the recommendations of people who have already bought and used specific models. In this article, based on their assessment, a ranking of the best optical sights for 2022 was compiled.

How to choose the right equipment

Starting the selection of a suitable device, you first need to know what sights are. First of all, their classification is carried out depending on the purpose of the application:

1. Tactical sights for high-precision shooting;
2. For pneumatics;
3. For crossbows;
4. For firearms.

It is clear that each owner of a weapon has personal criteria for choosing accessories for it, but even knowing the purpose of their use, many of them are faced with the problem of which company and which model is better to purchase. In the case of an optical sight, it is very difficult to give specific advice, but it is possible to point out what to look for when choosing. In this case, the characteristics of the device play an important role:

• Multiplicity. There are sights that provide constant or variable magnification. The first ones have a large aperture and image clarity, but can be used when the terrain conditions and the length of the distance are known. The latter are characterized by a darker image, therefore, when choosing them, the light transmission capacity should become the main criterion. They are used when the application conditions are not defined.
• Line of sight. The larger it is, the easier it is to find and capture the target. It should be noted that this characteristic does not depend on the lens diameter. Also, the higher the magnification of the device, the smaller its field of view.
• Exit pupil. It represents a reduced image of the lens fed through the eyepiece, the larger its diameter, the brighter the picture visible to the eye. Equally important is pupil distance or distance from the eye. To date, the maximum size of this characteristic reaches 13 cm.
• Lens or in other words a system of lenses (two or more). The larger its diameter, the stronger the luminosity of the device and the higher the brightness of the image.
• Parallax detuning (a noticeable change in the position of the aiming mark relative to the aiming point in conditions of a change in distance). The sights equipped with it are designed for shooting at long and ultra-long distances.
• Aiming grid. It can be in the form of a metal stencil made of thin wire or patterned glass, which is less susceptible to displacement. Helps to optimally align weapons without deviating from the target and has several variations: dot, circle, cross and others. A number of devices are equipped with an illuminated reticle, which increases the light range of the sight and allows it to be used in the dark.
• A system for entering ballistic corrections that performs the function of correcting the trajectory of a bullet for a specific distance. The price of the correction is measured in minutes of arc (MOA), which is reflected by the divisions of the correction mechanism on the drums. The greater the distance to the target, the smaller the division value should be.
• Protective equipment against environmental influences. This includes a very important characteristic: impact resistance (including recoil resistance). Equally important are tightness (protection from moisture) and nitrogen filling (protection of lenses from fogging).

The above list is only a small part of the main characteristics of optical sights.The acquisition of such a device with all its extensive parameters is a rather difficult task, and in order not to make a mistake when choosing, first of all, it is important to understand its intended purpose. Then you should pay attention to the cost and popularity of the device. After all, the best sights are not always expensive and popular models.

Top 10 best optical sights in 2022

10th place Veber PO 3-9×42 IR WOLF

Veber PO 3-9×42 IR WOLF is a versatile approach shooting model. The device is equipped with a metal (aerospace aluminum alloy) waterproof housing (protection class IPX7). The tube has a matte surface with a central diameter of 30 mm. The sight provides a smooth increase from 3x to 9x, filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging of the lenses.

Veber PO 3-9×42 IR WOLF provides a MIL-DOT type reticle with two-color illumination (blue and green), each of them has five brightness levels. The detail is located in the rear focal plane of the lens and does not change the value when changing the magnification. The correction input mechanism has high accuracy, is made in a closed form with a division value of 0.25 MOA. There are also locks for fixing the drums after pointing the accuracy and a scale for counting their full turn.

The main advantageous feature of the presented model is a powerful spiral spring, which does not lose its elasticity over time and ensures that the aiming mark does not change its position after the shot. The optics provide high-quality images thanks to multi-coated coatings and light transmission of more than 92%. The instrument is equipped with a sophisticated six-lens eyepiece that guarantees a wide field of view.

Equipping the Veber PO 3-9×42 IR WOLF with a number of technical solutions allows it to withstand firing with high-muzzle cartridges (7000 J) and operate in any weather conditions. Ideal for hunting.

The average price for Veber PO 3-9×42 IR WOLF in 2022 is 10,000 rubles.

• equipping the aiming system with a strong spiral spring, which guarantees a stable position of the aiming mark after shooting;
• steel case with a protective class IPX7 (from dust and moisture);
• MIL-DOT type reticle, with two backlight colors (green and blue) and multi-level brightness;
• placement of the reticle directly on the glass;
• increased level of accuracy of the correction system;
• complex eyepiece design of six multi-coated lenses;
• high-quality nitrogen filling, excluding the formation of fungal spores and other similar contaminants.

• weak mounting rings;
• slow resetting.

9th place Yukon Sentinel 3x60

 Yukon Sentinel 3x60 is not just a weapon optic, but a whole night vision device, which stands out for its 3x magnification and high aperture. Its appearance is represented by the stylish design of the Yukon brand. The manufacturer also guarantees high reliability, ease of operation and a high level of functionality.

The equipment is equipped with good moisture protection (IPX4 according to IEC 60529), which allows you to use it even in bad weather. It also provides additional protection for the image intensifier tube, which provides exposure to recoil from the use of weapons of most popular calibers.For high-precision shooting in poor night lighting conditions, it is recommended to turn on the IR illuminator provided for by the design with a focusing function.

To ensure the operation of Yukon Sentinel 3 × 60, an autonomous power supply is provided, the maximum operating time of which (on two AA batteries) is 70 hours. The Sentinel's reticle is represented by two adjustment scales and has a two-color backlight (red and green).

Yukon Sentinel 3x60 is a versatile night vision device that can be used for both hunting and sports. Complete with it, depending on the modification of the model, a Weaver, “Elk” type mount and a side bar are provided.

The average price for Yukon Sentinel 3×60 in 2022 is 39,000 rubles.

• ergonomic design;
• the presence of an LED indicator that warns of the minimum battery charge;
• a proprietary voltage stabilization system that provides the device with high autonomy;
• huge field of view, the length of the observation distance reaches 200 meters;
• durable titanium case;
• built-in IR lamp for observation in total darkness with focusing function;
• the model provides for several versions, each of which comes with a different type of attachment.

• high price;
• great weight.

8th place Yukon Sentinel 2.5×50

 Another Yukon model, the Sentinel 2.5×50, occupied the position above. Its many technical characteristics are similar to the device described in the previous paragraph: the same proprietary design, reliability, ease of operation and protection class.The device also has two reticle adjustment scales, the same type of power supply and it also acts as a universal optic for night vision.

At the same time, the presented model has its own nuances of optics. First of all, the smaller size of the maximum observation distance (100 meters), which does not particularly affect night use, but is not suitable in cases of encountering predatory animals that are dangerous to humans, such as bears. The eyepiece diameter of the device is 50 mm. Unlike 3x60 sights, this sight has a smaller magnification, but a slightly larger viewing angle (13 instead of 11 degrees).

On the left side of the case, the device is equipped with an additional Weaver rail for attaching additional accessories to it:

• microphone
• laser pointer;
• an additional IR torch with the best parameters;
• laser rangefinder.

Just like the Sentinel 3×60, the presented model has several modifications depending on the provided mounting mechanism (included in the delivery package).

The average price for Yukon Sentinel 2.5 × 50 in 2022 is 34,000 rubles.

• modern design;
• compact dimensions;
• built-in IR torch with quick on and off;
• two-color aiming mark, which increases the convenience of aiming in the dark;
• the model provides a remote control option;
• due to the danger of light, a special lens cap is provided;
• rangefinder mark, reflecting the distance to the target;
• high strength titanium case.

• not a budget price;
• long shot required.

7th place Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 BDC

 In seventh place in the ranking is the riflescope model of the well-known brand of optical equipment Nikon - ProStaff 3-9 × 40 BDC. Due to the presence of a unique ballistic grid, the BDC is a purely hunting device, since the calculation of its magnification (adjustable from 4 to 9x) was carried out for a shotgun with a long-range cartridge. Even with a minimum indicator of 4 times, the accuracy of the sight within 100 meters is enhanced, and if it is increased to 12 times, then the distance viewing increases to 200 meters. Therefore, it is intended not just for amateurs, but for professional hunters engaged in hunting from the approach, in the storehouse and in the mountains.

The device is characterized by a solid construction, its special inch body is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and is equipped with a correctly knurled zoom ring. The handles and eyepiece are designed in such a way that they expand the visual field of view and thus increase the comfort of grip. The ProStaff 3-9×40 BDC optics themselves are made of the famous Nikon glass, which contains no lead or arsenic. The space between the lenses is filled with nitrogen to prevent any possibility of fogging, and the magnifying glasses themselves are provided with an anti-reflective coating that guarantees a bright, sharp and high-contrast image at any magnification.

The ProStaff 3-9×40 BDC adjustment system provides for a vertical and horizontal scale in 1/4 arc minute increments. The spring-loaded handles are clearly marked and, if necessary, are easily and quickly reset to "zero".

The average price for Nikon ProStaff 3-9 × 40 BDC in 2022 is 12,500 rubles.

• the device is equipped with a "bullet drop compensation" reticle, which makes it possible to take out the aiming point, taking into account the drop in the trajectory of the bullet without adjusting the drums;
• multiplicity change from 3 to 9, which allows shooting at short and long distances;
• high level of light transmission provided by multi-coated lens;
• waterproof design;
• no restrictions on the power of the applied calibers;
• guarantee of protection of the shooter from injuries when using weapons with high recoil, provided with a good indicator of removal from the pupil (9.1 cm);
• reliable and durable case with compact dimensions;
• belongs to the category of budget sights.

• insufficient number of revolutions of the correction flywheels;
• lack of grid illumination;
• opacity of protective covers.

6th Nikon Monarch 7 1-4x24

 On the sixth line of the rating is another hunting optical sight model from Nikon - Monarch 7 1-4 × 24. The device is suitable not only for shooting at various distances, but also for driven hunting. And above all, because its quality is expressed in a clear “unit” of the minimum multiplicity (as opposed to the common 0.8 or 1.2). It allows you to quickly and accurately shoot at a target even offhand, while it has the ability to adjust the magnification for aiming at different distances with accurate measurements in the range from 1 to 4x.

The material used for the housing is durable aluminum alloy, the tube diameter is 30 mm. The latter is completely sealed and combines high-quality "Nikon" lenses and the correction mechanism into one. All the characteristics presented allow the device to withstand quite serious loads.The optical device is characterized by multi-layer coating, providing up to 95% aperture. The reticle is located in the second focal plane, has a two-color illumination (red and green) and a 32-step adjustable brightness.

According to buyers, the important advantages of the model are its "indestructibility" and the ability to withstand the "elephant-piercing" recoil of 12-caliber cartridges. This feature is indispensable when hunting large game.

The average price for Nikon Monarch 7 1-4 × 24 in 2022 is 46,000 rubles.

• guarantee of a fair minimum multiplicity;
• adjustable multiplicity with clear indicators;
• high aperture, clear and bright image in all weather conditions;
• high level of moisture protection;
• reliability, "indestructibility", exposure to recoil from large-caliber weapons;
• famous brand.

• high price;
• heavy body (more than 500 g).

5th place Leupold VX-R 2-7x33

The Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 optical sight for spring-piston pneumatic magnum-class Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 has already entered the top five. Refers to the novelties of Leupold - models with VX-R reticle illumination and motion sensor.

The fiber-optic principle of the reticle (Fire Dot) provides the device with an optimal combination of daylight with high-quality transmission and high image contrast in low light conditions. The device is equipped with an excellent backlight system, the main advantage of which is Motion Sensor technology, represented by the work of motion sensors provided for by the design.Thanks to it, the backlight is automatically turned on (when the weapon is stationary for more than 5 minutes) and turned off when motion is detected. This feature also has an impact on extending the autonomy of the battery. Ease of use of the sight is also ensured by eight-level brightness adjustment by pressing a button on the drum.

Every Leupold VX-R comes with Absolute Waterproof Integrity, a second-generation sealing system that replaces nitrogen gas with a mixture of argon and krypton instead of nitrogen. This provides the Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 with complete tightness, able to withstand any sudden temperature drop.

The diameter of the high-strength metal tube of the sight exceeds the standard inch dimensions and is 30 mm. The device provides a system for adjusting corrections, where the division price of one click is 1/4 MOA. Importantly, the reels can be rotated by hand without the use of a "coin". Also, one more feature of the presented model cannot be ignored - the multi-layer coating of the surface of the DiamondCoat2 lenses, which surpasses military standards in strength and wear resistance, as a result of which it protects the optics from mechanical damage in a high quality.

The average price for the Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 in 2022 is 64,000 rubles.

• eight-level backlight intensity adjustment;
• the use of unique VX-R technology with a motion sensor;
• durable tube with a large diameter of 30 mm;
• light weight, not overloading the mass of the gun, even when shooting from hand;
• a special optical system Index Matched Lens with high light transmission, providing a high-quality picture in any light conditions;
• unique wear-resistant coating of the lens surface DiamondCoat2;
• second generation moisture protection system;
• multi-year manufacturer's warranty (30 years).

• not for every budget (cost over 50 thousand rubles);
• average for this level of optics indicators of change in magnification (maximum 7x);
• inferior to cheaper models in terms of lens diameter (33 mm) and, accordingly, the light penetration zone.

4th place HAKKO Hunter 3-9×40 BNL-3940

HAKKO Hunter 3-9×40 BNL-3940 belongs to the category of inexpensive, but high-quality optical sights. The model represents a series of optical equipment for weapons of the Japanese brand HAKKO, assembled and supplied from China. The device is designed for medium-caliber weapons and carbines (.223 Rem, .222 Rem, .308). At the same time, it has a wide magnification range of 3-9x, which allows shooting at long distances.

The body of the equipment is made of durable aluminum alloy, sealed and completely filled with nitrogen, making it waterproof and fog-proof. The diameter of the central tube is 25.4 mm, as well as rings for its fastening of the same diameter.

With a low budget, the sight is equipped with high-quality optics with multi-coated lenses, which guarantees a clear and bright picture throughout the field of view. Another standout feature of the device is the illuminated reticle, adjustable in 11 levels of brightness (using a washer placed on the eyepiece). The mesh model is duplex (R:6CH).Its appearance provides for a thickening of the lower marks and a luminous red cross in the center.

The average price for a HAKKO Hunter 3-9×40 BNL-3940 in 2022 is 9,000 rubles.

• inexpensive cost of the device (less than 10,000 rubles), especially considering the Japanese brand;
• illuminated reticle with eleven brightness levels;
• the presence of mounting rings in the delivery set;
• high quality optics;
• protection against moisture and mechanical damage is provided;
• durable metal case;
• compact dimensions.

• difficulties with the question of how to shoot, since an additional tool is needed to make amendments;
• simple reticle design without range markings;
• limitation on the caliber of weapons.

3rd place Hawke Endurance 30 WA 1-4x24

The third place in the rating is occupied by the model of the little-known English brand Hawke, but at the same time it is in no way inferior to the established modern brands - Endurance 30 WA 1-4 × 24. This wide-angle optical sight can be used by both professional hunters and amateurs for running or driven hunting at short and medium distances. Thanks to the perfect combination of a wide field of view with a high aperture created by multi-layer coating (18 layers), the device is suitable for catching big game.

The device is equipped with an L4A Dot reticle (in the focal plane of the eyepiece), which is a system of three narrow lines of “stumps” and their thin crosshairs with a dot at a distance of 3.5 MOA. In a particular model, the grid marking is applied to the glass lens, which makes the mark more durable than in cases with a metal thread, it will not wear off or break even with strong recoil.For convenience of work in twilight and low visibility, the central point is illuminated in red with a six-level adjustment of the brightness of the glow.

The monolithic tube of the technique is made of aluminum alloy, has a 30 mm diameter and is equipped with a special spring stabilization system. These characteristics provide the optics with full exposure to the recoil from powerful airguns and large caliber firearms. The device is provided with complete tightness of the structure and high-quality filling of its space with dried nitrogen. Thanks to this, the user receives a guarantee of reliable protection of the device from moisture (water, rain, fog) and internal fogging during temperature changes.

The average price for a Hawke Endurance 30 WA 1-4×24 in 2022 is 28,000 rubles.

• wide-angle optics;
• wide field of view and a large distance from the pupil to the eyepiece;
• high multilayer enlightenment (almost 100%);
• monolithic impact-resistant aluminum case;
• high impact resistance when using large calibers;
• providing high-quality moisture protection;
• reticle type L4A Dot, illuminated (red dot, 6 brightness levels) and engraved on the glass;
• Easily adjustable closed-type correction system with low-profile drums;
• setting the settings to a new "zero";
• special coating of the multiplicity adjustment wheel (Posi-Grip).

No significant deficiencies were identified. An insignificant minus can only be called the non-proliferation of the brand on the territory of Russia, because of which the device has to be ordered and expected to be delivered.

2nd place Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44

The second position in the list of the best is occupied by an inexpensive optical sight Vortex Crossfire II 4-12 × 44, which, due to its wide list of features, is a strong competitor to similar and more expensive models of the modern optical equipment market. When reviewing the technique, first of all, it should be noted the presence of a multi-layer coating of lenses, which increases light transmission and prevents the formation of glare on the lenses and eyepiece glass.

The aiming mark is placed in the second focal plane, with increasing magnification its scale is unchanged. The device is equipped with a large range of multiplicity adjustment (4-12x), which makes it possible to use it at various distances. The reticle is a conventional duplex with thin lines in the center and range marks and does not provide illumination. But at the same time, it is important that the lines themselves are engraved on the eyepiece lens, which allows you to maintain the sharpness of the image at any distance setting, and also provides the device with durable operation.

The central case diameter is 25.4 mm. The tube has a one-piece design and is made from a single block of aircraft-grade aluminum. The sight protection system includes:

• complete sealing of the body, provided with sealing rings (from dust and moisture);
• internal space filled with nitrogen (from fogging lenses);
• high impact resistance (withstanding any recoil when firing and protection from impacts);
• anodized (matte) coating (from glare that gives out the shooter).

The correction system drums are easy to rotate by hand and do not require the use of additional tools. They are fitted with screw caps as weather protection.It also provides for a quick installation of the drums for entering amendments to the zero mark. The presented model is also appreciated by the good working distance from the eyepiece to the eyes, which is 99 mm.

The average price for Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 in 2022 is 18,000 rubles.

• uncompromising quality at a reasonable price;
• large removal of the eye from the eyepiece;
• rigid all-metal tube with a central diameter of 25.4 mm;
• wide viewing angle;
• Completely hermetic design, filled with nitrogen;
• multilayer lens coating for maximum light transmission;
• magnification adjustment (4-12x), which allows using the device for shooting at different distances;
• a simple system for introducing corrections, output to "zero".

• decrease in image quality when the magnification is set above 9x;
• lack of grid illumination;
• not strong fastenings at plastic protective covers.

1st place Yukon Jaeger 3-12×56

In first place in the ranking of the best optical sights in 2022 is the model of the Belarusian manufacturer Yukon - Jaeger 3-12 × 56. The device is protected against moisture class IPX7 (IEC 60529 standard), which allows it to be operated in conditions of natural precipitation of any intensity and used underwater. Its optical path is completely filled with nitrogen, which guarantees the protection of internal optics and the outer surface from fogging during temperature changes. The design of the Jaeger 3-12×56 is designed so that a night and thermal imaging attachment can be installed on its eyepiece.Any version of the presented model has high shock and vibration resistance, which makes it possible to install it on smooth-bore and rifled weapons and use it for large calibers and spring-piston air rifles.

The Yukon Jaeger 3-12×56 reticle has several modifications:

• X01i;
• X02i;
• T01i;
• M01i;
• M02i.

Regardless of the type, the aiming mark is placed in the second (rear) focal plane, does not change thickness with increasing magnification and does not overlap the target image. The tag has a central illumination, the brightness of which is easily adjusted due to a convenient wheel with intermediate "zero" marks. In turn, the device is equipped with a high-intensity backlight, providing for its operation in the night vision device mode.

The device provides for a wide range of magnification change (4-12x) and a significant diameter of the objective (56 mm), all this speaks in favor of its better functionality. The advantage of the Jaeger 3-12×56 over similar models is a wide viewing angle and the ability to quickly visually capture an image when the gun is raised. The sight also stands out for its correction input system, which, thanks to the special design of the drums, allows you to instantly reset the alignment value after zeroing.

The average price for Yukon Jaeger 3-12×56 in 2022 is 30,000 rubles.

• large lens diameter of 56 mm, increasing the light penetration of the optics;
• red illumination of the central point and adjustment of its brightness;
• closed, impact-resistant and fully sealed tube design;
• adjustable multiplicity in a wide range from 3 to 12 times allows you to hunt and observe at any distance without changing position;
• wide viewing angle;
• good luminosity and guarantee against fogging (filling with nitrogen), allowing you to clearly see the target in any light and air temperature;
• acceptable distance from the pupil to the extreme lens (90 mm), which allows the use of optics in glasses.

• off-budget cost;
• for the operation of the backlight (without which the optical device performs the function of binoculars with markings), a tablet battery is required;
• a heavy sight (more than 500 g), overloads the weapon when firing from the hands (a bracket is used to facilitate it).

Results

The well-deserved popularity of optical sights among owners of rifles and shotguns is explained, first of all, by the fact that only with their help can one really unlock the potential of a weapon. It is worth remembering that it is very difficult to find two similar similar devices, and even more difficult - two identical ones. They are all different from each other, even if they are too similar in appearance. In addition, there are devices that look identical, have similar characteristics, and differ in price many times over. But each of them has its own purpose: some are universal, suitable for various types of hunting weapons, for carbines and pneumatics, while others are intended for use only for recreation, or in the sports field (for example, airsoft scopes) or even for sniper rifles. Therefore, before buying a scope, it is important to understand exactly what purpose it will be used for. But, and then, you should already study the description of the best devices, compare the advantages and disadvantages, find out how much it costs and reviews.To simplify the search, a rating of the best optical sights based on the characteristics and user ratings presented in this article has been compiled.