Hunting with a crossbow at night is a challenging task. You only have one chance to land that critical shot, and if you can’t see the reticle clearly, you are in for some frustration and a waste of time. The wrong illuminated scope can literally make or break your hunt. We have spent countless hours scouting the market to bring you the best illuminated crossbow deer hunting scope.
A quality illuminated scope is indispensable for any serious hunter who wants a bountiful harvest.
Different scopes are available, and not all are suitable if you want surgical precision at the hunting grounds. You can trust us to help you find a top-notch scope that matches your shooting and hunting needs. The scopes illustrated here are made for real-world hunting situations.
Difference Between a Crossbow Scope and a Rifle Scope.
A crossbow scope is typically calibrated for the slower projectile speeds of crossbows, featuring reticles with multiple aiming points to account for the trajectory drop over short distances, usually up to 100 yards. They often include illuminated reticles for low-light conditions and adjustments for different crossbow bolt velocities.
In contrast, a rifle scope is built to handle the higher velocities and longer ranges of rifle bullets. It often provides higher magnification, longer eye relief, and finer reticle adjustments for precision shooting over distances exceeding 100 yards. Additionally, rifle scopes are constructed to withstand the more intense recoil produced by firearms.
Best Illuminated Crossbow Deer Hunting Scopes
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Crossbow Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm crossbow scope stands out as the best illuminated crossbow deer hunting scope, offering a blend of exceptional features designed to enhance your hunting experience.
This scope is equipped with fully multi-coated lenses, ensuring maximum light transmission for bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions, crucial for dawn and dusk hunting.
The rugged construction is shockproof and can withstand the harsh recoil and impact typical of crossbow hunting, ensuring durability and reliability in the field.
One of its standout features is the XBR-2 reticle, meticulously designed for crossbows with a 40-yard zero, providing fast and accurate holdovers from 20 to 100 yards. This allows hunters to make precise shots over varying distances without the need for constant adjustments.
The proprietary coatings further enhance light transmission, giving hunters an edge in early morning or late evening hunts.
Additionally, the Vortex Crossfire II is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, making it waterproof and fog proof, so it performs flawlessly in all weather conditions. This scope combines advanced technology with robust build quality, making it an indispensable tool for serious deer hunters seeking accuracy and reliability in their equipment.
Features
- Includes flip caps and neoprene cover
- O-ring seals and nitrogen purging for weather resistance
- XBR-2 reticle
- Wide field of view
- Proprietary coatings on the lenses
- 32mm objective lens
- 2x to 7x magnification
- 7 inches of eye relief
- Weighs 14 oz
- Matte finish
- 5 inches in length
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity
- Construction quality
- Price
Cons
- The reticle is not suitable for those who prefer a complex design
2) Ravin Illuminated Scope
The Ravin Illuminated scope is designed to accommodate a range of 20 to 100 yards, making it versatile for various hunting scenarios.
It includes FPS adjustment with variable speed and arrow drop compensation, specifically calibrated for crossbows rated between 300 and 425 fps, ensuring precise targeting regardless of your crossbow’s speed.
Its red and green illumination is a major highlight, which enhances visibility and aiming accuracy in different lighting conditions.
The fully coated lenses provide clear, sharp images that are critical for identifying and targeting deer even in low light. They increase the amount of light that enters the scope for pristine images come rain or shine.
The scope is fogproof, waterproof, shockproof, and recoil-proof, guaranteeing consistent performance in all weather conditions and rugged terrain. It will remain brand new regardless of what you expose it to day and night.
Further, the scope comes with flip-up protective lens caps to safeguard your optics when not in use and includes mounting rings for easy installation. Once installed, it will be a perfect fit for your crossbow, allowing you to hit the target accurately and consistently.
Features
- Variable 1.5 to 5x magnification
- Fully multi-coated optics
- The reticle is etched on glass
- Rheostat-controlled reticle illumination
- Yard range of 20 to 100
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Flip up lens caps
Pros
- Includes mounting rings
- Super easy to use
- Crystal-clear
Cons
- Slightly expensive
3) Hawke XB30 1-5x36mm IR Crossbow Scope
The Hawke XB30 is the next intelligent investment undoubtedly worth your consideration. The scope is outfitted with 14-layer fully multi-coated lenses that heighten light collection for admirable images.
The proprietary coatings, coupled with the wide-angle optical system, emphasize clarity and low-light performance. You will be able to see clearly regardless of the ambient lighting.
This flexible and high-performing scope has a variable 1x to 5x magnification range and an impressive speed selector that allows seamless matching of the magnification with any crossbow.
The 30mm tube chassis is fashioned to withstand punishing crossbow recoil. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, which is arguably the best material on the market.
The optics are nitrogen-purged to prevent lens fogging. They are also waterproof to prevent the entry of moisture and dust. This combination makes the XB30 a reliable companion for all your hunting endeavors.
This black matte crossbow scope also comes with integrated adjusters for windage and elevation that help provide a better hunting angle. The excellent engineering and build quality ensure that the XB30 will provide the accurate and precise vision you need, cementing it as the best illuminated crossbow deer hunting scope.
Features
- A rheostat provides 5 brightness levels of red and green illumination
- Positive click ½ MOA capped turrets
- 30mm mono-tube chassis
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Built from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Wide angle optical system
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Glass-etched reticle
- High torque zoom ring
- Locking speed selector ring
- 50 yards fixed parallax distance
- Threaded objective for optimal accessories
Pros
- Decent construction
- Sharp, clear image
- Multiproof
- Reliable adjustments with positive clicks
Cons
- The reticle blurs with glasses on
4) Killer Instinct’s Lumix Speedring Crossbow Scope
The Killer Instinct’s Lumix crossbow scope is a top-tier choice for hunters. It is designed to provide exceptional performance and reliability.
It features the advanced Killzone XB100 reticle, which includes a ballistic semi-circle for superior contrast in low-light conditions, enabling fast and accurate target acquisition. This reticle is specifically crafted to enhance visibility during critical hunting moments at dawn and dusk.
One of the defining features of this scope is the speed ring, which allows hunters to instantly match the scope to any crossbow shooting speeds between 270 fps and 450 fps. This ensures versatile compatibility and precise calibration for a wide range of crossbows.
This best illuminated crossbow deer hunting scope is equipped with premium flip-up covers, which are spring-loaded to keep the reticle dry and clean, providing instant protection and readiness in any weather condition.
It is made of 6061-T6 aluminum and boasts a Type-III hard coat anodizing in a stealthy matte black finish, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance. The rugged metal chassis of the scope is fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof, offering lasting durability and dependable performance in the toughest hunting environments.
More than that, it includes a CR2032 battery, ensuring you have the power needed for extended hunting trips. The Killer Instinct Lumix Speedring Crossbow Scope is designed to deliver superior accuracy, durability, and ease of use, making it an ideal companion for any serious crossbow hunter.
Features
- Red/blue illuminated reticle
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Includes a CR2032 battery
- Spring-loaded covers to protect the lenses
- Built-in speed ring
- 32mm objective lens size
- Hard coat anodized black matte finish
- Killzone XB100 reticle
- 5 to 5x magnification level
Pros
- Very bright and clear
- Unrivaled quality
- Spring loaded dust covers
Cons
- Clicks on the turrets could be better
5) EXCALIBUR Tact-100 Crossbow Scope
Last but not least in this review of the best crossbow deer hunting scope recommendations is the Excalibur Tact-100.
It features the Fast Point 100 Yard Illuminated Multi Reticle, designed to deliver a fast, clean multi-reticle aiming system that ensures accurate adjustments up to 100 yards. This capability boosts your confidence in making precise shots, especially at sensible hunting distances when it matters the most.
The scope’s multi-coated lenses significantly increase light transmission, ensuring bright and clear images even in low-light conditions while offering a 15 percent wider field of view. This makes target acquisition quicker and more efficient, providing an edge during early morning or late evening hunts.
Despite its advanced features, this best illuminated crossbow deer hunting scope remains compact and lightweight, with rugged construction built to withstand the demands of crossbow hunting.
It also features an adjustable multiplex crosshair system that allows for precise 10-yard increment adjustments tailored to your shooting range needs. It includes a speed dial that accommodates velocities from 300 to 450 fps, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of crossbows.
Features
- 30mm objective lens diameter
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Multi-coatings on the lenses
- Adjustable speed dial for changing arrow velocity
- 30mm tube
- Fast Point 100-yard illuminated multi-reticle
- Suitable for target and long range
Pros
- Reliable and precise
- Awesome sturdiness
- Terrific illuminated reticle
- Adjustable speed
Cons
- The rheostat’s durability is not the best
Choosing the Best Illuminated Crossbow Deer Hunting Scope
Before buying a scope, you need to know the parameters to watch out for to make a well-informed decision.
Optical Quality
The first thing to look at when buying the best illuminated crossbow deer hunting scope is the scope’s optical quality. This is important as it affects the overall image quality in terms of brightness, sharpness, and clarity. It also affects the scope’s performance in low-light conditions. Even the most powerful scope will be impractical if it doesn’t produce clear and bright images.
A scope with fully multi-coated lenses maximizes light transmission, allowing you to see far-away objects easily. A gas-filled scope is also essential, as the feature prevents lens fogging.
You need to understand that high-quality optics is more crucial than illumination. This means you are better off with a standard non-illuminated scope with better glass quality than an illuminated reticle scope with substandard glass, making it perform poorly in low-light conditions.
Mounting Options
Modern scopes come with various mounting options, such as Weaver, Picatinny, and Dovetail. Some folks do not understand the mount options provided in their crossbow package. This can lead to integration issues between the scope and the crossbow and hinder the accuracy of your shots. The scope should hold firmly to the crossbow after mounting.
Magnification
Thirdly, consider the magnification of the best illuminated crossbow deer hunting scope. The appropriate magnification depends on your shooting and hunting needs. Lower magnification is more suitable if you are shooting at close quarters, but you can go higher if you are shooting at longer ranges. Too much magnification can, however, be overkill.
Durability
A good crossbow scope should be able to endure the recoil and shock of a crossbow’s powerful shot. Most of the best illuminated crossbow deer hunting scope picks are constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum.
The scope’s lens should withstand foul weather conditions like rain, thunderstorms, and thick fog without affecting accuracy. That’s why a waterproof and fogproof scope is a must-have.
Size
You should also consider the scope’s size before owning a crossbow scope. A good size is one that easily integrates into your crossbow and gives you an ergonomic experience while taking aim. Larger scopes can increase the weight of the crossbow, which you don’t want.
Field of View
The field of view is the width you can see at 100 yards when looking through the scope. It is measured in feet; ideally, the wider it is, the better.
A wider field of view enables you to see more. It is easier to find prey through the scope and also easier to plan a shoot when you can see where the animal is headed and what obstacles are between you and the target.
What is the Best Distance to Zero a Crossbow Scope?
The best distance to zero a crossbow scope varies depending on the specific crossbow and the scope employed. However, the standard recommendation is 20 yards or less, as this is the typical distance at which most crossbow hunting shots are taken.
What Is a Variable Speed Crossbow Scope?
Variable-speed or speed-calibrated crossbow scopes are made to allow the shooter to fine-tune point of impact to match crossbow and arrow weight combinations across the practical shooting range. This is accomplished by a scope with a second focal plane design.
How Far Can a Crossbow Shoot?
A crossbow can shoot at varying distances, typically influenced by its design, draw weight, and bolt type. Modern crossbows generally have an effective hunting range of about 30 to 50 yards, where they can reliably deliver accurate and lethal shots. Beyond this range, factors such as bolt drop and wind drift become more pronounced, making precise targeting challenging. Some high-performance crossbows can shoot bolts up to 100 yards or more, but such distances are more suitable for target practice rather than hunting, as the accuracy and ethical considerations for a clean kill diminish significantly at longer ranges.
Conclusion
We hope this best illuminated crossbow deer hunting scope review has been insightful. Remember that determining the best scope is a matter of individual preference and shooting requirements. Get one that shoots accurately, and don’t look back. All the scopes above are absurdly accurate, hence good choices. You need the arrow to go where you want it to, so choose wisely.
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