Scopes and Optics

Best 50mm Scope

Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope

If you are on the hunt for the best 50mm scope, we’ve got you covered. We will review the top options available.

Riflescopes are essential in any hunting arsenal. A 50mm scope implies it has a 50 mm objective lens that gives you improved target visibility no matter the prevailing conditions.

Such a scope can provide spectacular low-light target views by increasing light transmission and gathering plenty of light. They offer a good medium-to-long-range shooting range.

Consequently, they must have excellent image quality and resolution. Additionally, they must be able to function in dimly lit environments.

Selecting the best one is not a walk in the park on a sunny day. Luckily, we have selected the best seven scopes that are of top-grade quality. A checklist also follows so that you are well-equipped.

But first, here are the best 50mm scopes.

7 Best 50mm Scopes

1) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50mm ticks all the boxes regarding affordability, reliability, and versatility; no wonder it kicks off our list of the best 50mm scopes. The single-piece tube is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. The anodized and durable matte black finish camouflages your position in the sun. You can rely on the Crossfire II 4-12x50mm to do the task no matter the conditions because it is completely waterproof and fog proof.

The objective lens can be adjusted to aid in fine-tuning focus. This gets rid of the undesirable parallax error for your shots. Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50mm also incorporates a quick focus eyepiece that speeds up target acquisition.

It is also worth pointing out that the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50mm boasts fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light-gathering power. Such power makes it ideal for low-light situations.

Nevertheless, the Crossfire II 4-12x50mm features capped turrets for optimal protection from elements and impact. Zeroing after sighting is a breeze with the Crossfire II 4-12x50mm.

Features

  • Adjustable objective lens
  • Sturdy aluminum build
  • A fast-focus eyepiece
  • Fully multi-coated to boost light transmission
  • Black matte finish
  • Weatherproof
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Capped turrets

Pros

  • Easy mounting process
  • Easy to zero
  • Unconditional lifetime warranty
  • Pristine optics

Cons

  • A little blur and glare at inclined magnifications.

 

2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm Riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm is another scope that is worth looking at. The scope guarantees excellent performance and reliability, making it a perfect companion at the range or in the field.

You can easily hit targets closer to you with a 3x low magnification range, while a 9x high magnification range enables you to make precise shots from a considerable distance.

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm sports the CDS Duplex reticle, allowing fast target acquisition in all situations.

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm has a sturdy build of robust aircraft-grade aluminum to endure any tempestuous situations. It can withstand powerful shock and strong recoils when hunting or shooting on rough terrain thanks to its tough build.

A military-grade lens is used in engineering this Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm scope to guarantee stability in various environments.

Regardless of the lighting situation, this high-quality lens delivers incredibly clear images.

Multiple anti-reflective coating layers are applied to its surface, boosting clarity and providing vivid target images in dim light. Add this to the fact that there is the Twilight Light Management System, and the VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm is undoubtedly leagues above other scopes.

Features

  • CDS Duplex reticle
  • Custom Dial System
  • Scratch-resistant lenses
  • Robust aluminum structure
  • Twilight Light Management System
  • 3:1 zoom ratio
  • One-inch main tube
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof

Pros

  • Durable housing
  • Ideal for all environments
  • A-grade lens
  • Crystal-clear images

Cons

  • Reticle crosshairs could use some enhancement.

 

3) Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm Riflescope

Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm Riflescope

Another 50mm scope from Vortex is the Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm. Many shooters and hunters love its versatility and minimalistic design, making it a go-to scope for hunting, target shooting, and other uses.

One feature that makes the Viper HS-T one of the most versatile ones available on the market is the magnification setting that it is built with. With magnifications from 6 to 24x, you will experience trouble-free shooting from short to long distances.

Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm hits all the marks regarding durability. It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which guarantees its durability and rigidity. It can survive the impact and recoil thanks to its engineering. In addition, it is sealed and purged with gas to suffice in all environmental conditions.

This Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm scope has the VMR-1 MOA reticle, which is set on the second focal plane to make hitting moving targets a duck soup.

XR and Armortek coatings make the Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm a world-class scope with excellent reliability.

The Armortek coatings protect from harm, while the XR coatings provide an improved light-gathering power that produces high-quality target images.

Features

  • VMR-1 MOA reticle
  • 4 inches of eye relief
  • 30mm tube
  • XR fully multi-coated lenses
  • Scratch-resistant Armortek coating
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Radius bar
  • Exposed tactical turrets
  • Precision glide erector system
  • Side focus

Pros

  • All-weather construction
  • Wide magnification range
  • Great optical clarity
  • Simple design

Cons

  • A hard-to-adjust magnification control

 

4) Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50mm Riflescope

Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50mm Riflescope

Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50mm is a perfect scope for professionals and novel shooters. Its ease of use and transportation makes it a favorite for many. Besides, it guarantees to up your shooting and hunting game.

Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50mm houses a first focal plane reticle that allows you to maximize its capabilities even if you change the power settings. This gives you an accurate estimation of your intended target.  Many seasoned hunters and shooters look for this function as a big bonus.

The Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50mm lenses are fully multi-coated to optimize light transmission resulting in sharp and crisp views.

The Athlon BTR GEN2 6-24x50mm is a joy to use across all weather conditions as it is ruggedly built. Its tube is made from 6061 T6 aluminum that with endure anything and everything. This scope’s mechanical system is well-designed and sturdy and provides recoil-proof performance that has been tested to survive a powerful 1000G recoil.

You get extra protection against scratches, oil, and debris on the outside lenses thanks to XPL Coating.

Features

  • APMR IR MIL reticle
  • 30mm tube
  • Exposed turrets
  • 3 inches of eye relief
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum
  • First focal plane

Pros

  • Remarkable build quality
  • Reticle illumination
  • Easy to use
  • Waterproof and thermal stability

Cons

  • It doesn’t hold zero

 

5) Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope

Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope

Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm is another powerhouse. This is one of the scopes with appealing aesthetics. After all, a scope with A-grade functionality and looks stunning while at it is a huge plus. The Engage 6-24x50mm features a matte finish that keeps rust and scratches at bay. With this kind of finish, you get durability and beauty in one product. This function is extremely helpful for shooters who frequently hunt for outdoor activities.

The EXO Barrier lens coating guards against water, oil, fog, dust, and debris that could damage the interior components.

There are fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective properties on the Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm. This delivers clear and sharp views from dawn to dusk.

Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm offers some of the safest eye relief available. The 3.6 inches will give you peace of mind knowing that your eyes and head are protected in the event of an unanticipated powerful recoil.

Moreover, Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm has side-mounted dials that make parallax adjustments hassle-free. No additional tools are needed.

It would be enough to use just your fingers, and gloves are not necessary to operate these turrets.

Features

  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • 6 inches of eye relief
  • IPX7 waterproof rating
  • Deploy MOA reticle
  • Side parallax adjustment
  • Black matte finish
  • Tool-free locking turrets
  • EXO barrier lens coating

Pros

  • It suffices in all weather
  • Seamless parallax adjustment
  • Ample eye relief

Cons

  • Light transmission could be better

 

6) Sig Sauer SOT46111 Tango4 6-24x50mm Riflescope

Sig Sauer SOT46111 Tango4 6-24x50mm Riflescope

Another excellent contender for the best 50mm scopes is the Sig Sauer SOT46111 Tango4 6-24x50mm. It is hinged with many features to guarantee an enjoyable and fruitful expedition.

First, Sig Sauer Tango4 6-24x50mm is solidly built to ensure the challenging conditions associated with a hunt. It is also waterproof and shockproof for reliability and longevity in all conditions.

Notably, the Tango4 6-24x50mm is equipped with low-dispersion glass that offers industry-leading optical clarity in all lighting conditions. The MOTAC technology provides great performance on the field. When it detects motion, the MOTAC technology illuminates the device, making target identification easy. This feature is a plus in conserving battery life.

Besides that, Sig Sauer Tango4 6-24x50mm has an abrasion-resistant lens that prevents corrosion and ensures utmost clarity and sharpness.

The LockDown Zero System in the Sig Sauer Tango4 6-24x50mm optimizes the glassing experience. It includes a resettable zero, zero-stop, and auto-locks down at zero.

Features

  • IPX7 waterproof rating
  • The illuminated reticle on the first focal plane
  • 4x optical zoom
  • 30mm tube
  • Motion Activated Illumination conserves battery life.
  • Abrasion-resistant lens
  • Low dispersion glass

Pros

  • Clear and robust lens
  • Long-lasting design
  • Zero stop is easy to set and use
  • Illuminated reticle

Cons

  • Limited eye relief

 

 

7) Burris Fullfield IV 6-24x50mm Hunting Scope

Burris Fullfield IV 6-24x50mm Hunting Scope

All the features that avid hunters and shooters require are found on the Burris Fullfield IV 6-24x50mm. The scope is multi-coated for excellent light transmission leading to maximum clarity and resolution. This makes it a perfect companion even in dismal lighting settings.

Burris Fullfield IV 6-24x50mm has a nitrogen-filled tube that keeps the glass from blurry in wet or chilly weather. It is made to withstand the recoil of powerful weapons. Therefore, this level of recoil won’t let you down. 

Even if you use it extensively for long-range shooting practice, it can last you a very long time.

The Burris Fullfield IV 6-24x50mm has an aircraft-grade aluminum housing. This connotes that the scope will do its job even in rough and rugged conditions.

It is easy to make adjustments on the Burris Fullfield IV 6-24x50mm. This is thanks to the turret knobs that are finger-adjustable. Moreover, it offers side parallax adjustment to give you the closest shooting range feasible.

Features

  • Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Nitrogen-filled for waterproofing and fog proofing
  • Finger-adjustable turret knobs
  • Side parallax adjustment
  • Three reticle options
  • Black matte finish
  • Second focal plane
  • Multi-coated lenses

Pros

  • Clear glass
  • Great eye box
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • No sunshade included

 

 

See Also

 

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best 50mm Scope

Lens coating

The lens coating is crucial because it guarantees the light transmission for the target to be visible. Additionally, it shields the scope’s lens from debris, moisture, and fog. Lenses for 50mm scopes are typically available with multilayered coatings.

Focal plane

The reticle can be found on the first or second focal plane.  The reticle is typically located in the first focal plane of scopes designed to handle long and short shooting ranges. It is located in the second plane for scopes designed for standard hunting or target shooting rifles to maintain the reticle’s size.

Magnification

It primarily aids in determining how far away your target is. The scopes may have a fixed shooting distance or the capacity to offer a large shooting distance. The scope you choose should have a range of magnifications because 50mm scopes are used to aim at medium to long distances.

Construction

If you want a scope that will survive even after constant use, the construction and materials utilized in its development are crucial aspects that you must consider.

You must purchase a scope built from top-grade materials to ensure that it will withstand the many difficult situations it may encounter in the field. Scopes constructed from inferior materials are proven to fail after only a few uses.

The standard material used is aircraft-grade aluminum. The scope also needs to have waterproofing, fog proofing, and shockproofing capabilities.

Glass quality

High-quality materials should be used to make the scopes’ glass. This guarantees that your view of your target is bright and clear.

 

See Also

 

FAQs on the Best 50mm Scope

1) How do I determine the objective diameter I need?

If you enjoy close-range hunting and own rifles with low recoil, you’ll require scopes with an objective lens diameter of no more than 28 mm. However, if you prefer high-power scopes to hunt in dim light, you should pick scopes with an objective diameter of 30-44mm.

You can even choose scopes with a diameter of 50mm or higher to shoot targets at extremely far distances while maintaining the same performance in dim light.

2) What is the advantage of a 50mm scope?

A 50mm riflescope has a larger exit pupil size, allowing for more head movement flexibility so you can approach closer to the target without the scope shadow getting in the way.

3) What makes first focal panel scopes costly?

The construction of FFP scopes is more complex since the crosshair must be precisely positioned before the lens group to guarantee proper magnification. As a result, these scopes are more expensive than their counterparts.

Conclusion

It’s no secret that this is the best 50mm scopes review. 50mm scopes offer a large viewing image, making them ideal for long distances. Getting the ideal scope should no longer be daunting. We hope you have gained insight into the fundamentals of a 50mm scope.

 

See Also