Best Long Range Hunting Scopes for 2025 – Top 8 Picks

Last updated on April 2nd, 2025

After years spent chasing game through some wild places, I’ve had my fair share of time behind some of the best hunting scopes on the market. For 2025, I’ve rounded up the top contenders, especially for those of you who take your long range hunting seriously.

In a market flooded with options and hype, it can be tough to drill down on real world features and performance. That’s why this list is built on firsthand experience. I’ve spent hours glassing distant ridgelines, dialing, and dragging rifles through everything from dry red dirt to alpine scrub. Many of these scopes are built with lightweight mountain rifles in mind, compact yet packed with optical horsepower. They’re engineered to handle brutal conditions while delivering clear, crisp visuals and solid tracking when the trophy of a lifetime steps out into the open.

I regularly test and update this list to reflect what’s being released and whats working out in the field. And remember, most of these scopes come in different configurations, magnification ranges, and reticle options, so you can match the optic to your style of hunting and shooting.

Table of Contents

1. Best Overall Hunting Scope: Maven RS.4 5-30×56
2. Best Long Distance Hunting Scope: Steiner Predator 8 4-32×56
3. Most Durable Hunting Scope: Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21×50
4. Most Modern Hunting Scope: Burris Eliminator 6 4-20×52
5. Most Slimline Hunting Scope: Swarovski Z8i 3.5-28×50
6. Most Popular Hunting Scope: Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52
7. Best Value Hunting Scope: Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50
8. Best Field of View Hunting Scope: Zeiss Victory V8 4.8-35×60

Scope	Mag Range	Grams	Eye Relief	Illumination	Price (AUD)	Made In
Maven RS.4	5–30×56	1004g	92mm	Yes	$2,800	USA
Steiner Predator 8	4–32×56	773g	93mm	Yes	$3,100	Germany
Schmidt & Bender Exos	3–21×50	924g	90mm	Yes	$4,340	Germany
Burris Eliminator 6	4–20×52	850g	86mm	Yes	$2,500	USA
Swarovski Z8i	3.5–28×50	666g	94mm	Yes	$3,699	Austria
Leupold VX-6HD	4–24×52	734g	93mm	Yes	$2,299	USA
Vortex Razor HD LHT	4.5–22×50	615g	101mm	Yes	$1,499	Japan
Zeiss Victory V8	4.8–35×60	970g	95mm	Yes	$3,999	Germany

Best Overall Hunting Scope: Maven RS.4 5-30×56

First up are Maven Optics, who are based out of Wyoming in the USA. Maven have made a name for themselves in the hunting optics world by focusing on top quality without the retail markup. Enter the Maven RS.4, a great example of their ability to combine quality components with an innovative design to create a scope that for me has been nothing short of exceptional in the field.

The RS.4 is made for hunters who need reliability and quality in the rifle scopes. What really sets Maven apart from the rest is their unique direct to consumer model. By selling their gear directly through their website, they chop out the traditional retail middleman, delivering high end optics at a fraction of the price. This smart approach not only slashes costs but also builds a direct, personal connection between the company and the buyer. So, if you’re after a scope that ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank, Maven’s worth considering.

The Maven RS.4 5-30×56 is the scope that long range hunters like myself really need. This piece of kit combines great specs with features that anyone could use, making it a perfect match to my hunting rifle.

First off, it’s a first focal plane design and has a magnification range that stretches from 5x to 30x. This FFP setup is vital for shooters who need dead on holdovers no matter the magnification. With a 56mm objective lens and a 34mm tube, you’re getting a great field of view and good light gathering capability. It boasts a light transmission rate of 91.84%, meaning you get a bright, crystal clear image that I have come to know Maven scopes deliver.

The scope’s compact size and build quality is reflected in its overall dimensions and weight. At 325mm in length and weighing 35.4oz, it’s made to offer a compact durable package without overburdening your rifle system. It’s capable of still working up to 3m below water, along with a nitrogen purged tube, which make it both waterproof and fogproof, suitable for use in what ever weather conditions you find yourself in.

The Maven RS.4 is equipped with a good internal adjustment range, with 120 MOA/35.5 MIL for elevation and 50 MOA/14.6 MIL for windage, more than enough for long distance shots and varying wind conditions for those that prefer to dial. The turrets are tactile and as you would expect with all high end optics, it track consistently.

The scope’s compact design is comfortable and easy to use. The eye relief varies from 78-92mm at 5x magnification to 86-92mm at 30x, providing a good range, even for those that wear glasses. The field of view at 100 yards ranges from 23.3ft at 5x to 3.9ft at 30x magnification, which gives a good overview at lower magnifications and more detailed focus at the higher end. The RS.4 features a glass etched reticle which is available in several different variants including MOA-2, SHR-W, SHR-MIL, and CFR-MIL, catering to different preferences. The illuminated reticle is adjustable in red and green and is a great feature on a hunting scope to enhance the reticle under changing light conditions, adding to the scope’s versatility.

Comparatively its slightly heavier than other optics on the list but the RS.4 is still one of the best hunting scopes available in 2025 due to its short tube and huge 120 MOA elevation adjustment. As I use a Maven RS.3 and the RS.4 on my hunting rifles, I can tell you that when Maven says the RS series have an ‘Exceptionally Clear, Bright, High Contrast Image’ they aren’t lying.

Quick Stats: Maven RS.4

Glass	Japan
Magnification	5-30×56
Weight	35.4oz / 1004g
Eye Relief	3.62” / 92mm
Illumination	Yes

Best Long Distance Hunting Scope: Steiner Predator 8 4-32×56

When it comes to optics that can take a beating and keep delivering clear visuals, Steiner is a name I immediately trust. Having extensively used their tactical scopes over the years, I was eager to see how their hunting scopes measured up. Thanks to a loan from Beretta, I was able to spend some serious time behind the Predator 8 3-24×50, and I can confidently say it deserves its place among the best hunting scopes of 2025.

The standout feature for me is without doubt the customizable ballistic turret. Steiner has nailed the execution here, you’re able to set your own reference distances using movable rings, which makes elevation adjustments incredibly fast and intuitive. Whether I was dialing in for long shots across open country or making mid range corrections, the system was easy to use. It’s the kind of turret design that simplifies your shooting process.

In terms of performance, the Predator 8 offers a good field of view, from 12.6m at 100m on 3x magnification, down to 1.6m at 24x. Testing it out, this wide range helped enormously in two ways first, for quickly acquiring game at closer ranges, and second, for identifying targets at long distances. The clarity held up well throughout the magnification range, with edge to edge sharpness and excellent contrast, even in low light.

I also appreciated the generous eye relief at 95mm (3.7 inches), which gave me plenty of flexibility when mounting the scope. At 373mm in length (15.1 inches) and weighing just under 900g (32 oz), it’s a reasonably long scope, but you’re getting a substantial 3-24x magnification range, so that extra length is easily justified. The body is nitrogen filled and fully sealed, so it handled early morning fog, temperature shifts, and dust without skipping a beat.

When it came to dialing, the ¼ MOA click values were nice and precise, with a total adjustment range of 40 MOA for both windage and elevation. I found this more than adequate for typical hunting distances, and the tracking stayed true through repeated adjustments. The side parallax adjustment is smooth and starts at 20m, stretching out to infinity. Ideal for the kind of varied terrain I usually hunt in.

One small detail I appreciated was the capped windage turret, a smart design move that keeps things protected during travel and stalking, while still giving you exposed elevation for quick adjustments in the field. There are two reticles available, the SCR (left) and E3.

Finally, the illuminated reticle powered by a CR2032 battery was bright enough in full daylight and subtle enough for predawn or dusk conditions. Combined with Steiner’s glass, it makes target acquisition at any time of day a real pleasure.

The Steiner Predator 8 find a nice spot in the optics market between a tactical scope and hunting practicality. After testing it out for a few months, I found it to be tough and capable scope. Whether you’re hunting thick bushland, open paddocks, or wide mountain country, this scope has the features to adapt to your environment with ease. It’s not the lightest or shortest scope out there, but if you’re chasing performance and reliability, it’s a top contender.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to serious hunters looking for premium performance without stepping into the ultra high end price bracket.

Quick Stats: Steiner Predator 8

Glass	Germany
Magnification	4-32×56
Weight	27.3oz / 773g
Eye Relief	3.7” / 93mm
Illumination	Yes

Most Durable Hunting Scope: Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21×50

The Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21×50 isn’t just the most expensive scope on this list, it’s the kind of optic that redefines what a high end scope is capable of. This is premium European engineering at its finest, and while it might dent your wallet, the return in performance is worth it. I got the chance to run this scope on a mate’s hunting rifle, and within minutes, I understood why he bought it and why it’s so highly regarded. It’s the best glass I’ve ever used.

Everything about the Exos feels refined and deliberate. From the moment you shoulder the rifle, the optical clarity and build quality are instantly noticeable. The 3-21x magnification range gives you flexibility in the field, whether you’re glassing at 100 metres or taking shots at extended distances. The 50mm objective lens funnels in heaps of light and delivers a field of view from 13m down to 1.9m at 100m, which is excellent for both situational awareness and target identification.

At 340mm in length and weighing 925g, the Exos strikes a good balance between strength and manageability. The 34mm main tube adds durability and allows for generous internal adjustment range. Eye relief is a comfortable 90mm, and with over 90% light transmission, the image remains bright and sharp even in those crucial first and last shooting hours. I tested it in low light and found target clarity remained sharp, just the edge I needed when the light was failing but the shot window was still open.

The Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21×50 offers two reticle options: the D7, a clean second focal plane reticle ideal for fast target acquisition, and the LRH-MOA, designed for long-range hunting with MOA-based holdovers and windage marks, perfect for those who prefer to hold rather than dial.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Exos is its dialing precision. You have the choice between 0.1 MRAD or ¼ MOA click values, both of which are satisfyingly tactile and incredibly precise. Schmidt & Bender’s turret feel is arguably the best on the market, each click is distinct, with zero mush or slop. It’s the kind of mechanical quality that inspires confidence with every adjustment.

And if you’re hunting across a wide range of environments, the Exos is temperature-tested from –25°C to +55°C, so whether you’re chasing deer in the snow or pigs in the summer heat, this scope won’t let you down. The illuminated reticle is another feature worth noting, it’s crisp, daylight-visible, and finely adjustable for low light shooting. During testing, I found the illumination control easy to use, with just the right brightness levels for dawn or dusk conditions.

If you want the absolute best and are willing to pay for it, the Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21×50 is as good as it gets. The glass is impeccable, the mechanics are flawless, and the build quality feels bombproof. After getting hands-on time with it, I can say it’s not just a luxury,it’s a genuine advantage. For hunters who demand perfection and reliability in the toughest conditions, the Exos is the ultimate high-end option.

Quick Stats: Schmidt & Bender Exos

Glass	Germany
Magnification	3-21×50
Weight	32.6oz / 924g
Eye Relief	3.54″ / 90mm
Illumination	Yes

Most Modern Hunting Scope: Burris Eliminator 6 4-20×52

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the latest Burris Eliminator 6, and for anyone who enjoys combining technology with practical field shooting, this scope is an absolute must-have. What sets the Eliminator 6 apart is its integrated ballistic calculator. With the press of a button, the scope instantly ranges your target and displays an illuminated holdover point directly on the reticle. It’s like having your own ballistician inside the scope, quietly doing the maths while you focus on the shot. And let’s be honest—it also looks a whole lot sleeker than its predecessor, the Eliminator 5. Burris has clearly listened to the feedback and streamlined the design without compromising on features.

The Eliminator 6 is built around a 4-20x magnification range, making it highly versatile for everything from medium to long-range hunting. Whether you’re working your way through tight scrub or glassing open plains, the magnification range gives you all the reach you need. Paired with a large 52mm objective lens, the scope excels at gathering light in early mornings and late evenings times when many hunting opportunities present themselves. During testing, the image remained impressively sharp across the magnification range, with edge-to-edge clarity and excellent contrast in varied light conditions.

The X177 reticle sits in the second focal plane, meaning it stays the same size regardless of magnification. It’s specially designed to work with the internal laser rangefinder and ballistic engine, delivering precise aiming solutions with minimal effort. Once you’ve input your ballistic profile, the system calculates bullet drop and wind drift based on distance, angle, and atmospheric conditions. Press the remote or scope mounted button, and the firing solution appears as an illuminated dot in the reticle, ready for you to break the shot.

Burris has also built in an impressive amount of mechanical adjustment for traditional dialing when needed. The Eliminator 6 offers 40 MOA of both elevation and windage travel, with fine 1/8 MOA adjustment increments. These clicks are crisp and predictable, giving you precise control over your zero and any manual corrections. It also features a parallax adjustment range starting from 22.8 meters all the way out to infinity, which is perfect for refining image focus and eliminating error at extended distances.

Despite all the tech packed into the Eliminator 6, it remains surprisingly lightweight and compact for what it offers. Weighing in at just 850 grams (30 ounces) and measuring cleanly along a 34mm tube, it’s easy to mount on a variety of rifles without drastically upsetting balance or handling. The outside objective diameter is 60.1mm, so you’ll want to make sure your mounting system accommodates it comfortably. Eye relief is generous at 86mm, offering plenty of flexibility for positioning, particularly useful when setting up for prone or awkward field shooting positions.

The digital components are powered by a CR123A battery in the scope and a separate CR2032 battery for the wireless remote. In terms of range capability, this optic is designed for serious distance, it can range targets out to 2,400 yards (2,194 meters), far beyond the reach of most traditional hunting scopes. And once calibrated to your specific ammunition, the system removes nearly all the guesswork from long-range engagements.

If you’re the type of hunter who wants a scope that does more than just magnify, the Burris Eliminator 6 4-20×52 offers a futuristic, all-in-one solution that merges high quality optics with cutting-edge technology. It’s fast, intuitive, and surprisingly easy to set up. For anyone chasing long-range accuracy with maximum efficiency in the field, this scope is absolutely worth a look.

Quick Stats: Burris Eliminator 6

Glass	USA
Magnification	4-20×52
Weight	30oz / 850g
Eye Relief	3.4” / 86mm
Illumination	Yes

Most Slimline Hunting Scope: Swarovski Z8i 3.5-28×50

If someone was the ask me about the verrrry best of the best of hunting rifle scopes, the Swarovski Z8i is the one. This is the Bentley of hunting optics. Made in Austria, who are renown for producing excellent optics, the Z8i has been turning heads since it rolled off the production line in 2019. And why wouldn’t it? It’s got a pedigree that makes it the go to choice for hunters who want nothing but the best.

First off, the glass on this thing is so clear, you’ll be blown away. Hunters around the world rave about its rugged build and its easily some of the best glass you can get your hands on today. It’s not just talk either, this high end piece of kit has a 10 year warranty. That’s a decade of reassurance that you’re holding the apex of optical engineering in your hands.

The Z8i gives you a magnification range from 3.5x all the way up to 28x. Whether you’re stalking deer in the woods or taking down a pronghorn in the open plains, this scope is up to the job. The field of view is impressive too, ranging from 1.5 meters at 100 meters on the high end to a sweeping 12.1 meters on the low end.

With 95mm of eye relief theres plenty of room to get comfortable behind the scope. The turret is lockable, giving you precise adjustments with each click at 0.1 MIL. The multi turn elevation turret offers a great 14 MRAD or 50 MOA of elevation and 7 MRAD or 25 MOA windage adjustment. The reticle, sitting comfortably in the second focal plane, stays consistent no matter your magnification.

The optic comes with a red illumination. Perfect for daylight and it even has an auto turn off feature to save battery. Weighing a mere 665 grams and measuring 381mm, it’s light enough to carry all day without feeling like you’re lugging a lead pipe through the woods. It’s nitrogen filled too, so no worries about fogging up or getting water inside.

With fully multi coated lenses, you get an impressive 93% light transmission. That’s some of the best transmission levels in any optics in the world. And with a 30mm tube diameter, it’s a solid, standard choice for any hunter. In conclusion, the Swarovski Z8i is the epitome of lightweight, compact design paired with the unparalleled quality of European glass. If you’re looking for the best hunting scope available in 2024, this is it.

Quick Stats: Swarovski Z8i

Glass	Austria
Magnification	3.5-28x
Weight	23.5oz / 666g
Eye Relief	3.74″ / 94mm
Illumination	Yes

Most Popular Hunting Scope: Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52

The Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 has built a reputation as being the reliable partner of hunting optics world. If Leupold were a car, it would be a Land Rover Defender tough, reliable, and designed to survive anything you can throw at it. The VX-6HD series is loved by long range hunters all over the world, and for good reason. The price to quality ratio what impresses with this scope. You’re getting top shelf performance without having to remortgage your house.

One of the standout features and this is brilliant is the push button locking mechanism on the turrets. So when your out in the field with adrenaline pumping, the last thing you need is your turrets having moved on you. With this mechanism, your turrets stay locked in place until you say otherwise. Then there’s the electronic reticle level indicator, which is a nice addition. This little gadget alerts you if your scope is off center. If it’s tilted even by a single degree, the illuminated reticle gives a blink to snap you back to reality.

Comfort is key when you’re out hunting for hours, and the VX-6HD delivers with a generous 3.7 inches of eye relief. Add to that the illuminated reticle, and you’re ready for anything from dawn to dusk. Of course, it’s waterproof and fogproof like the others here on the list. Making it a reliable partner no matter the conditions you face.

The glass is one of the surprisingly good features of this scope for the price point. It’s bright and crisp and it gives the European scopes a run for their money. Rugged construction and high end optics make the VX-6HD a force to be reckoned with. The Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 is the ultimate workhorse of the hunting optics world. It’s reliable, packed with smart features, and built to last.

Quick Stats: Leupold VX-6HD

Glass	USA
Magnification	4-24×52
Weight	25.9oz. / 734g
Eye Relief	3.7″ / 93mm
Illumination	Yes

Best Value Hunting Scope: Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50

Looking for something on the lower end of the price scale but still wanting reliability and performance? Enter the Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 from Vortex. This scope is remarkably lightweight, weighing a mere 21.7 ounces. The Razor is built from a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum, making it tough enough to handle anything nature throws at it. The 30mm tube houses a great HD optical system that delivers good performance.

The magnification range of 4.5-22x provides a versatile range, perfect for everything from spotting deer in dense woodland to picking off targets at long distances across open fields. The 50mm objective lens soaks in light, ensuring high contrast images in the dimmest dawn or duskiest twilight.

But what truly sets this scope apart is the XLR-2 reticle in the first focal plane. It provides precise holdovers and adjustments that scale perfectly with your zoom. Whether you prefer MOA or MRAD, the Razor HD LHT has both covered, and the reticle can even be illuminated for those tricky low light situations. The RevStop Zero System is highly regarded, allowing for a quick and reliable return to zero with a flick of the lever, ensuring you never miss a beat or a shot. The exposed elevation turret locks securely, while the capped windage turret ensures you don’t accidentally mess up your settings. Adjustments are as crisp and satisfying as biting into a fresh apple. Each click is a testament to Vortex’s commitment to quality.

For those concerned with practicality, the Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 isn’t just about looks and performance. It comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect, tethered lens covers, a sunshade, a lens cloth, and even a CR2032 battery for that illuminated reticle. And the best part? Vortex’s VIP warranty means you’re covered for life, no matter what happens.

In conclusion, the Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 isn’t just a riflescope, it’s a fantastic example of modern scope engineering at a great price point. Its designed to give you everything you need without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect blend of form, function, and indestructible build quality, all wrapped up in a sleek, matte black package. If you’re serious about hunting and aren’t looking to break the bank, this is the scope you want by your side.

Quick Stats: Vortex Razor HD LHT

Glass	Japan
Magnification	4.5-22×50
Weight	21.7oz / 615g
Eye Relief	4” / 101mm
Illumination	Yes

Best Field of View Hunting Scope: Zeiss Victory V8 4.8-35×60

Brace yourselves for what might seem like a telescope compared to the competition, the Zeiss Victory V8 4.8-35×60. If you’re the kind of hunter who likes to spot and shoot your game from the next county over, this is your first choice. With a mind bending magnification range of 4.8 to 35×, the Victory V8 puts almost all other hunting scopes to shame.

The Zeiss has a colossal 60mm objective lens. Combined with the robust 34mm tube, making it a veritable beast in the world of scopes. The massive objective lens is not just for show, it delivers an astounding 92% light transmission. That means you can see your target a little easier at dawn or dusk when the light is low and the game is most active.

Now, you’d think something with this kind of firepower would weigh a ton. But no, the Zeiss Victory V8 is surprisingly light at just 35.1 ounces / 995 grams. It’s not quite a featherweight champion in the world of optics but it is manageable for the magnification it brings. And it’s not just about the weight, the scope has a huge eyebox for rapid target acquisition, which is crucial when every second counts.

It has a parallax setting that starts at 50 meters and stretches out to infinity, which is perfect for those long range shots. It’s also equipped with Zeiss’s LotuTec water repellent coating, ensuring your view remains clear even in the worst weather conditions. The Victory V8 also has a ballistic turret and ASV for quick and precise elevation adjustments. And there’s more, the scope comes with FL (fluoride) lenses for brilliant color fidelity and image definition. Combine that with it six layer transmission coating and you’re looking at some amazing clarity and brightness. It’s also nitrogen filled to prevent fogging, and it’s waterproof up to 400 mbar.

In short, the Zeiss Victory V8 is a well thought out long distance hunting scope. It’s tailor made for those moments at dawn and dusk when you need to see clearly and shoot accurately. So, if you’re serious about your long distance hunting shots and demand nothing but the best, the Zeiss Victory V8 is your weapon of choice.

Quick Stats: Zeiss Victory V8

Glass	Germany
Magnification	4.8-25×60
Weight	35.1oz / 995g
Eye Relief	3.62” / 92mm
Illumination	Yes

Summing Up

When it comes to selecting the best hunting scope for 2025, it’s clear that a number of key factors are essential. From considering your budget and balancing it with the necessary features, to understanding the pivotal role of glass quality for clear, long range engagements, each element plays a role. Navigating through the price points, from cheaper options like the Vortex Razor HD LHT to high end such as the Schmidt & Bender Exos, it’s important to consider what’s most important to you.

Finding the best hunting scope in 2025 is about striking the right balance across these key features. It involves a careful consideration of what you value most, ensuring that the chosen scope meets your expectations and allows you the best tool for the job.

If you are looking for a long distance target or competition scope checkout the best premium scope list.