Since the days of slinging stones and spears with stone tips, humans have craved distance. And guess what? In the world of rifles, it’s no different. We all want to extend our range and hit that distant target with pinpoint accuracy, whether to catch a prey, win a competition or just tell a good story over a couple of cold ones with our friends.
This is why I am cashing in on decades of experience to build this comprehensive list of the top 5 long-range rifle scopes under €2000 – a price that is just around that hallmark for a good device.
Before continuing, though, I just wish to acknowledge that “long range” can mean many things to many people.
Think of it like this: a pebble you toss might travel 10 meters, while a well-thrown baseball can hit 70 meters. Calibers are similar. For this article, I’ll focus on popular choices like the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, where “long range” usually translates to distances between 600 and 1200 meters (or even a bit further for those with serious bragging rights).
Lastly, I assure you that you won’t find any shady affiliate recommendations in this list. Everything I write about is based on genuine experience. I especially wish to help the newcomers in the field, but more seasoned vets will also get their fair bit of value.
The List of the Top 5 Long-Range Rifle Scopes Under €2000
If you don’t wish to read about the ins and outs of a good, quality long-range scope, and just want to jump straight into the list, here it is. These are my top 5 long-range rifle scopes under 2000 EUR:
5) Vector Optics Continental 5-30×56 FFP
4) Delta Optical Javelin 4.5-30×56 FFP
3) Sightron SIII 6-24×50 LR Rifle Scope
2) Delta Optical Stryker HD 4.5-30×56 FFP
Continue reading to learn why we put them in this order.
Before You Buy: Key Features of a Good Long-Range Rifle Scope
These are the things you need to consider before buying a long-range rifle scope:
Maximum Magnification: It’s Not What Most Think
While super-high magnification might seem like the obvious answer to the long-range game, that’s not quite the case.
Scopes with super high zoom are actually better suited for shorter distances. Why? Because at long ranges, extreme magnification can intensify the effect of mirages, which is a real problem.
If you see a scope with a 10-60x zoom, it’s likely meant for a 100-300 meter range where you can crank up the magnification to see the bullet’s impact on the target. However, as you start shooting at 500 meters and beyond, lower magnification is your unexpected friend.
Here’s why: you need a wider field of view (FOV) to spot the effects of wind, which plays a much bigger role at long distances than up close. A wider FOV often allows seasoned long-range shooters to read the wind by simply observing how grass, bushes, and trees move.
Magnification Range and Zoom Factor
Here’s an example to explain the magnification range and zoom factor:
If your rifle scope’s minimal magnification is 3x, and its maximum magnification is 15x, its magnification range is 3-15x and the zoom factor is 5 (15/3=5).
In 2024, the most common zoom factor for long-range rifle scopes is either 5 or 6x.
Considering that the majority of the top long-range models on the market right now have a max magnification of 25 or 30x, this means that 5-30x or 5-25x magnification ranges are the most common occurrences. This is a good standard to strive for.
Additionally, a magnification range of 6-36x is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s also one of the viable options.
Objective Lens Diameter
Long-range scopes traditionally sported 56 mm front lenses. However, a trend towards smaller options (50 mm or even 44 mm) is emerging.
This shift is driven by the growing popularity of night vision or thermal clip-on attachments. A smaller objective lens creates a more compact scope, allowing for easier manipulation of clip-on controls.
Lighting conditions also play a role. Most long-range shooting occurs in bright daylight, where bigger lenses don’t play a crucial role. They might offer a slight benefit at dawn and dusk, but for most situations, they’re unnecessary.
MOA vs. MIL
There used to be a heated debate about MOA vs. MIL long-range scopes. But let’s be honest, that argument is over. MIL wins, hands down, and here’s why:
MIL-based scopes make calculations and estimations a breeze. Whether it’s distance approximation or holdovers, everything is simpler with MIL/MIL setups.
The reason? The decimal system. In long-range shooting, calculations with MILs are straightforward and easy to understand. MOA, on the other hand, can be a bit of a headache.
So here’s a pro tip: always choose a scope with MIL click values and a MIL reticle. These are called MIL/MIL scopes, and they ensure all your measurements are in the same system.
I’ll only be featuring MIL/MIL scopes in this list.
FFP vs. SFP
Just like the MOA vs. MIL debate, choosing between FFP (First Focal Plane) and SFP (Second Focal Plane) reticles has a clear winner: FFP.
FFP reticles change size along with the target as you adjust magnification. This means the reticle markings are always accurate for estimating distance or holdovers, no matter the zoom level.
SFP reticles stay the same size when you zoom in or out. This makes them unreliable for anything but one specific magnification setting. In real-world situations, hitting that exact setting every time is nearly impossible, making the holdover marks useless.
Here’s another issue with SFP scopes, especially cheaper ones: the point of impact can shift with magnification changes. Imagine aiming dead-center and your shot landing who-knows-where because you zoomed in. Not ideal. High-end SFP scopes can minimize this problem, but why risk it?
My advice? Stick with FFP scopes for long-range shooting.
Eye Relief and Eye Box
Imagine lining up for your shot, only to have a fuzzy picture because your eye isn’t in the right position. That’s where eye relief and eye box come in.
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece lens for a clear sight picture. It’s usually between 80-100 mm, with 90 mm being a common standard.
Eye box, on the other hand, is the wiggle room you have to move your eye around while still seeing the full image. Think of it like a sweet spot around the center axis of the scope. A generous eye box means you can maintain a clear view even if your eye isn’t perfectly aligned with the eyepiece.
Unfortunately, there’s no standardized way to measure a good eye box. Luckily, though, I test all the scopes in our store, so I can give you advice from experience.
Turret Type
The best type of turrets for long-range scopes are uncovered tactical turrets. Zero stop on them is a must and in today’s world, it is hard to find tactical rifle scopes that don’t have them. Better Tactical scopes usually also have double-turn turrets with mechanical turn indicators. Additionally, they can also feature a locking mechanism.
Recently, high-class manufacturers like S&B and Khales started to produce tactical rifle scopes of the highest class with covered tactical turrets for windage adjustment.
A good long-range rifle scope will also have crisp and audible clicks.
Adjustable Parallax
High-powered scopes for long-range shooting need an adjustable parallax, which allows you to line up your reticle with your target object in a proper plane. This brings you proper focus, better sight image, and better accuracy.
Most scopes have a side focus knob for easy adjustment, but some high-end models might have a unique adjustment ring near the elevation turret or even around the main tube. Regardless of the style, a good parallax adjustment is crucial for long-range precision.
Windage & Elevation
For long-range shooters, windage and elevation adjustments are crucial for hitting targets beyond the typical 150-meter range. Here’s a quick rundown:
Windage adjustments are important to combat the effects of the wind on your bullet and more common sighting problems. Most scopes have enough windage clicks for normal conditions, especially in this price range.
Elevation, on the other hand, is a bigger problem. Elevation adjustments let you compensate for gravity’s pull on long distances (commonly known as bullet drop) by raising your aiming point, just like hunters are aiming slightly higher for a distant running rabbit.
For long-range shooting, look for a scope with over 25 MILs of elevation range. This ensures you have enough room for adjustments even with angled mounting rails that are commonly used. High-quality scopes can offer up to 40 MILs, giving you even more flexibility.
Tracking Accuracy
Tracking accuracy refers to how precisely your scope’s adjustments translate to actual bullet impact. Each click on the windage and elevation turrets should move the reticle (the aiming point) by a specific amount, and the bullet should follow suit.
Advancements in scope technology have minimized click errors. Top-tier long-range scopes boast near-perfect tracking, ensuring your adjustments translate to real-world accuracy.
In simpler terms, you can trust your clicks with a high-quality scope. This wasn’t always the case, but leading brands now offer rifle scopes you can rely on for precise long-range shooting.
Glass Quality and Edge Clarity
While there aren’t set protocols for measuring a scope’s resolution across the entire image, comparing them side-by-side reveals a clear difference in sharpness and clarity.
Light transmission is the one optical quality frequently tested. It tells you how much light passes through the scope at different wavelengths. A higher percentage translates to a brighter image in low-light conditions.
By analyzing light transmission graphs, you can assess how well the scope performs in low light and how accurately it represents colors. A flat curve across most of the visible light spectrum indicates good color representation.
However, other factors like contrast, sharpness, and chromatic aberration also define optical quality. Unfortunately, there’s no single shortcut to assess these – directly comparing scopes remains the best way to judge their overall performance.
Remember, though: High optical quality often translates to a higher price tag.
Warranty
Most of the European premium brands offer over 10 years of warranty on their products, with some exceptions even offering 30 years of warranty. Such companies also make sure to have the required spare parts in stock for these defined periods.
So if the warranty is something you care about, and if this is something you deem worthy of investing in, then I suggest you opt for a reputable company that cares about its reputation and will make sure you stay satisfied even decades from now.
How Much Should I Spend on a Rifle Scope?
The price range for long-range rifle scopes stretches from entry-level options around €500 to premium models exceeding a staggering €7,000. Your experience level might influence your budget.
€1000 – €2000 is a good starting point. This mid-range sweet spot is a popular choice for many beginning long-range shooters and veterans alike, with €1500 being a common entry point for many. In this range, you’ll find good quality tactical scopes that offer a great balance between features and affordability.
If you want a premium long-range scope, on the other hand, your starting budget is about €3000.
The list of five scopes under €2,000 I provided focuses on excellent value for beginners. As you gain experience and delve deeper into long-range shooting, you can explore the world of premium scopes exceeding this range.
What Distance Is “Long-Range” Shooting?
As I mentioned above, the definition of “long-range” shooting depends heavily on your rifle’s caliber. There are interesting trends in long-range shooting in the EU and USA, particularly due to limited access to dedicated long-range facilities.
In the EU and US, many shooters use smaller calibers for long-range practice. Competitions with rifles chambered in .22 LR are somewhat popular, and for such a small caliber, even 200 meters can be considered a long-range challenge. Believe it or not, hitting a target at that distance with a .22 LR can be more demanding than using a standard .308 Winchester at 1000 meters.
On the other hand, if you’re using a powerhouse like the .375 Cheytac, then “long-range” only begins at 2000 meters and onwards.
The good news is that you can often use the same type of scope on various rifles. The most crucial factor is finding a scope with sufficient elevation adjustment. Running out of adjustment is a nightmare for any long-range shooter, regardless of the caliber.
What Is the Purpose of a Long-Range Rifle Scope?
Maybe you’re just exploring new ideas for your hobby or you’re looking to expand your inventory, and you’re wondering if a long-range rifle scope is something you need. Or better yet, what does it provide and is it worth the money?
To state the obvious, long-range rifle scopes are meant for – drumroll, please – shooting on long ranges. Their essence, though, is to provide sufficient elevation range, making sure that you don’t run out of adjustments on extreme distances.
If it also features an FFP reticle with hash marks and dots, shooters can leverage this reticle to reach even further distances by applying proper holdover, even if they reach the limits of the elevation turret.
Furthermore, a long-range rifle scope’s role is to deliver adequate visibility beyond the capabilities of a normal hunting rifle scope. High-quality scopes often enable shooters to observe bullet impacts or even trace the bullet’s trail through the air—a phenomenon known as bullet “vapor trail.”
Ultimately, the goal of a long-range rifle scope is to enable shooters to consistently hit targets at challenging distances.
Top Picks for Long-Range Rifle Scopes Under €2000
Here it is: My comprehensive list of the top 5 long-range rifle scopes under €2000. I’ll provide detailed explanations for each pick, beginning with the fifth-ranked scope and concluding with my top choice.
5) Vector Optics Continental 5-30×56 FFP
If you want high-end features without breaking the bank, then Vector Optics, a rising star in the scope world, is the right choice for you.
Vector Optics are like the “new guys on the block” who are shaking things up, just like Holosun did for red dot sights. They offer impressive value for money across their whole range and they are successfully fighting the stereotypical “China means low quality” mentality.
Their Continental line is truly excellent, and this 5-30×56 FFP scope is a great example. It deserves its spot on this list. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the Vector Optics 5-30×56 FFP:
Pros:
- Great turret design: The turrets offer a user-friendly design for easy windage and elevation adjustments.
- Mechanical turn indicator: A handy feature that visually confirms your adjustments.
- Extensive elevation range: Plenty of room for dialing in precise long-range shots.
- Decent optical performance: While not top-tier, the optics deliver clear views, especially considering the price point.
- Zoom factor: The 5-30x magnification range is just about the sweet spot for a long-range scope.
- Solid build quality: The scope feels well-made.
Cons:
- Reticle design: The reticle might not be to everyone’s taste, so be sure to check its design before purchasing.
- Optical performance compared to premium rifle scopes: The optical quality won’t compete with top-of-the-line models, but that’s reflected in the price.
- Track record: As a relatively new company, Vector Optics lacks the long-term reputation of established brands.
- Service: Currently, service is only available in China, which could be an inconvenience for some.
4) Delta Optical Javelin 4.5-30×56 FFP
Delta Optical might not be a household name in the US, but in Europe, they’ve been a trusted optics brand for over 20 years. They’re known for top-notch value, offering Japanese-made scopes that rival American brands at a much friendlier price.
Originally focused on hunting optics, they’ve gained a loyal following among target and tactical shooters with their Stryker line.
The Javelin series, on the other hand, is basically just a more affordable cousin of the highly successful Stryker line, and the Delta Optical Javelin 4.5-30×56 FFP is a strong contender for budget-conscious long-range shooters seeking a feature-rich scope from a trusted brand.
Pros:
- Price point: Delta delivers on its reputation for excellent value. The Javelin is a feature-rich scope without a hefty price tag.
- High elevation range: It makes sure you don’t run out of clicks.
- Reticle Design: The reticle offers everything you need from a long-range scope.
- Established Brand: Delta Optical isn’t new to the game. Their two-decade history ensures you’re getting a scope built on experience and quality.
Cons:
- Overall length: Compared to some competitors, the Javelin is a bit on the long side.
- Narrow FOV: The FOV could be a bit wider. Especially some of the scope’s main competitors are stronger in this field.
- Size and weight: It’s not the most lightweight scope. Consider this if portability is a major concern.
3) Sightron SIII 6-24×50 LR Rifle Scope
Sightron is a Japanese brand, known for top-notch glass and dependable tracking, especially for target shooting. They aren’t aggressive with their marketing, nor are they over the top with the visual appearance of their scopes. Their scopes aren’t “flashy”, but they offer some serious performance.
The 3rd on my list, the Sightron SIII 6-24×50 LR Rifle Scope, is the epitome of the “performance above all else” ethos.
This scope is the top choice for those who wish to get the best possible optical performance for their money.
Pros:
- Optical performance: Very clear image, even at a long distance.
- Tracking accuracy: Makes adjusting your sight for different ranges a breeze.
- Reliability: Reliable scope you can count on even in some tougher conditions.
- Great value: This is truly a top-notch scope that won’t leave a premium dent in your wallet.
Cons:
- Simpler design: This scope focuses on function over fancy features.
- No zero stop (on some models): The lack of this function can be a deal-breaker for some.
- No mechanical turn indicator: While I don’t expect “flashiness” from Sightron, this is a feature that feels almost too basic to not include.
- 30 mm tube.
2) Delta Optical Stryker HD 4.5-30×56 FFP
Delta Optical’s Stryker line is a favorite among tactical shooters in the EU and for a good reason. They’ve put years of experience into perfecting these scopes, and the HD models are packed with features long-range shooters always appreciate.
On top of this, they also have a great track record of reliability and almost no warranty issues.
These are the pros and cons of the Delta Optical Stryker HD 4.5-30×56 FFP:
Pros:
- Optical performance: When I consider all of its features and couple them with an excellent optical performance, this scope is almost a steal at this price point.
- Reliability: Delta made sure this scope won’t let you down even in some of the tougher conditions.
- Turret design: The turrets of Optical Strykers are intuitive and simple to use.
- Length: This scope is not too short nor is it too long. It’s just right.
Cons
- Weight: This isn’t the lightest scope on the market, but the extra weight helps with stability.
- No mechanical turn indicator.
- Reticle options: There aren’t a ton of reticle choices available.
1) Minox Long Range 5-25×56
Earning the top spot on my list of top 5 long-range rifle scopes under €2000 is the Minox Long Range 5-25×56 rifle scope, and I’ll tell you exactly why.
Decades ago, Minox bought Optronika GmbH. With combined efforts, they formed a new company, known as German Sport Optics (GSO). The main people behind the GSO project were formally behind a renowned brand called Premier Reticles.
Premier Reticles rifle scopes are no longer on the market, but they were, and to some extent still are to this day, known for their quality
One of GSO’s first rifle scope lines was the very well-known ZP5 series. The 5-25×56 model from this series was recognized as one of the best models on the market in terms of optical performance and build quality, and it remains extremely popular in the EU to this day.
The downside of the ZP5 line was its premium price, and in an effort to offer similar capabilities at a more affordable price, Minox introduced its Long Range series, and the rest is history.
The Long Range series offers – and I say this without a shred of doubt – by far the best value for money of any rifle scopes series out there.
It is almost indistinguishable from the older, premium ZP5 line, leaving one to wonder why would anyone even want to pay a premium price if you can get practically the same product in the Long Range series for a much lower sum.
The manufacturer tries to answer this question by explaining that the mechanisms and the optical construction in the Long Range line are not the same as in the ZP5, but in my opinion and experience, you will be hard-pressed to notice any difference, especially if you’re not a professional user.
Everything about Long Range rifle scopes – from optical performance and build quality to features and reliability – is so good that the Minox Long Range 5-25×56 would easily top even higher price bracket lists.
It’s truly the best deal for your money, and if you’re looking to make an investment that’s gonna keep paying off for decades to come, this rifle scope is the choice for you.
These are the pros and cons of the Minox Long Range 5-25×56 rifle scope:
Pros:
Practically everything this scope has to offer, especially in this price range.
Cons
It’s actually difficult to list any downsides of this riflescope. If I had to name any, I’d say it could be a bit shorter and perhaps a bit lighter, but that would be nitpicking.
Bonus for the Total Beginners: Arken Optics EP5 5-25×56
If you’re just testing the waters in the world of long-range shooting and you aren’t fully prepared to invest much in a rifle scope, then the Arken Optics EP5 5-25×56 is a safe bet for you.
It is very affordable and offers more than decent quality for the price. This rifle scope won’t give you the prime experience of long-range shooting, but it is more than enough to offer you a taste of all the features you will later look for in a more premium LR rifle scope.
Conclusion
This list provides a strong starting point for your long-range shooting journey. While there’s a significant price range between the top and most affordable options, all these scopes offer solid performance.
While I recommend investing as much as your budget allows to get better features, I understand that newcomers might want to start more modestly. This list offers a great mix of value and performance at different price points.
Lastly, I want to again assure you that I’ve extensively tested these scopes and compared them to many others, so I’m truly speaking from experience.
However, the long-range shooting world is constantly evolving. If you believe another scope deserves a spot on this list, feel free to reach out – I’m always open to discussing new contenders!
