When you’re shooting at distance, your optic isn’t just an accessory; it’s the single most critical link between you and your target. As a Marine, I learned that a good long range scope needs to be more than just clear glass. It has to be a tank—able to handle recoil, maintain zero through hell and high water, and provide reliable, repeatable adjustments when a single click can mean the difference between a hit and a miss. The market is flooded with options, but only a select few meet the rigorous demands of true long range precision shooting, whether you’re on the range or in the field.
I’ve spent countless hours behind various optics, from the deserts of the Middle East to competitive matches back home. This list is built on that hands-on experience, focusing on durability, optical clarity, turret performance, and overall value. I’ve ranked these scopes based on what actually matters when the pressure is on, cutting through the marketing fluff to give you a straight-shooting assessment. Finding the right long range scope is about matching your specific needs to a tool that won’t let you down.
The 11 Best Long Range Scopes in 2025
- Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1
- Zeiss LRP S5 5-25×50
- Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56
- Swarovski X5 5-25×56
- Tangent Theta 5-25×56
- Burris Xtreme Pro 5-30×56
Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1
If I had to grab one scope for a mission where failure wasn’t an option, it would be the Nightforce ATACR. This thing is built like a brick house. The 7-35x magnification range is incredibly versatile, allowing you to spot your own shots at extreme distances. The glass is exceptionally bright and sharp, with minimal chromatic aberration even in high-contrast lighting. But where it really stands out is in its mechanical reliability. The turrets offer a crisp, tactile click that you can feel and hear, and they track with absolute perfection. It’s a scope that inspires total confidence.
I’ve used the ATACR on everything from a .308 to a .338 Lapua Magnum, and it has never lost zero. The ZeroStop feature is simple and effective, allowing for a quick return to your primary zero without any guesswork. The parallax adjustment is smooth and precise, making target focus at different distances a breeze. While it’s certainly a heavy piece of kit, that weight translates into ruggedness. This is a scope designed for professionals who need their equipment to perform under the most demanding conditions, and it delivers on every front.
Pros
- Unmatched durability and bomb-proof construction
- Outstanding optical clarity and light transmission
- Perfect, repeatable tracking with excellent turrets
Cons
- Very high price point
- Heavy compared to many competitors
Zeiss LRP S5 5-25×50
The Zeiss LRP S5 is the definition of German engineering excellence. The first thing you’ll notice is the glass—it’s simply spectacular, with a level of color fidelity and resolution that is hard to beat. The 5-25x range is a sweet spot for most long range applications, and the 50mm objective lens keeps the profile relatively low without sacrificing light gathering. The turrets on the S5 are a unique and fantastic feature; they offer both tactile and audible clicks but can also be switched to a nearly silent, spring-loaded mode for stealthy adjustments.
I was particularly impressed with the ZF-MRi reticle, which is available in several illumination settings. It’s clean and uncluttered at low power but provides all the necessary holdovers and windage marks when you crank up the magnification. The scope tracks with superb accuracy, and the build quality feels premium in every way. It’s a bit more refined than the brute-force Nightforce, but it’s every bit as capable. For the shooter who values optical performance above all else, the Zeiss LRP S5 is a top-tier choice.
Pros
- Exceptional, top-tier glass quality
- Unique silent/sound turret switching mechanism
- Excellent, user-friendly illuminated reticle options
Cons
- Very expensive
- Limited magnification range compared to some newer models
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56
Vortex absolutely knocked it out of the park with the Razor HD Gen III. This scope has become a dominant force in the PRS circuit for a good reason. The 6-36x magnification range is massive, giving you the ability to see bullet holes at 300 yards and beyond. Despite the high top-end magnification, the image remains sharp and clear across almost the entire range. The EBR-7D reticle is a masterpiece for competition, with a fine center dot and a tree that provides ample holdovers for wind and elevation.
Where the Razor really shines is in its value proposition. It competes with scopes that cost thousands more. The turrets are crisp, the tracking is flawless, and Vortex’s VIP warranty is the best in the business—no questions asked. I’ve put this scope through its paces in all-day matches, and it never falters. It’s not a light scope, but the balance and ergonomics are excellent. For anyone getting into competitive long range shooting or wanting a top-end feature set without the absolute top-tier price, the Razor Gen III is the scope to get.
Pros
- Huge, usable 6-36x magnification range
- Excellent performance for the price
- Unbeatable lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Illumination can be a bit dim in very bright sunlight
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56
Leupold’s Mark 5HD is a fantastic blend of American innovation and lightweight design. Weighing in at just over 30 ounces, it’s significantly lighter than most of its competitors, making it a great choice for a hunting rifle where every ounce counts. Don’t let the weight fool you, though; this scope is tough. The glass is incredibly sharp and bright, thanks to the Twilight Max HD Light Management System, which extends shooting light in the early morning and late evening.
I’m a big fan of the TMR reticle—it’s simple, effective, and doesn’t clutter the view. The turrets are low-profile but provide positive clicks and reliable tracking. The Mark 5HD also features multiple revolutions of elevation adjustment, which is critical for shooting at very long distances without needing a canted base. For the shooter who needs a high-performance scope that won’t weigh down a precision hunting rifle, the Leupold Mark 5HD is an outstanding option that doesn’t compromise on optical or mechanical performance.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight for its feature set
- Excellent low-light performance
- Good value within the premium scope category
Cons
- Some users prefer more tactile turret feedback
- Illumination button can be awkward to access
Swarovski X5 5-25×56
Swarovski is synonymous with brilliant glass, and the X5 continues that tradition. The image through this scope is breathtakingly clear, with perfect color representation and a complete lack of distortion. It’s like looking through a window. The 5-25x range is complemented by a massive field of view on the low end, making target acquisition fast and easy. The turret system, with its push-button zero reset, is intuitive and precise.
This scope feels like a luxury item, but it’s built for serious work. The illumination control is cleverly integrated into the parallax knob, keeping the profile clean. While it’s certainly priced at the high end, you are paying for optical perfection. For the long range hunter or shooter who will not compromise on image quality and is willing to pay for it, the Swarovski X5 delivers an experience that is very hard to match.
Pros
- Possibly the best glass clarity on the market
- Wide field of view
- Intuitive and sleek turret design
Cons
- Extremely high cost
- Limited reticle choices compared to competitors
Tangent Theta 5-25×56
If money is truly no object and you demand the absolute pinnacle of mechanical and optical performance, you look at Tangent Theta. These scopes are hand-built to an incredible standard. The feel of the turrets is often described as “bank vault” solid, and that’s an accurate description. Every click is distinct, and the tracking is mathematically perfect. The optical system is designed to maximize resolution and contrast, providing a stunningly clear image.
Owning a Tangent Theta is like owning a piece of precision art. There are no compromises in its construction. It’s a tool for shooters who need to make first-round hits at distances where environmental factors are the primary challenge. The price is prohibitive for most, but for those who operate at the highest levels of precision shooting, the performance justifies the cost. It’s less a purchase and more an investment in the ultimate tool.
Pros
- Unrivaled mechanical precision and turret feel
- Exquisite build quality and attention to detail
- Superb optical performance
Cons
- Extremely expensive, the highest price point on this list
- Long wait times for custom orders are common
Burris Xtreme Pro 5-30×56
Burris has been making quality optics for decades, and the Xtreme Pro is their flagship offering for the serious long range shooter. It provides a lot of performance for a price that undercuts many competitors. The glass is very good, with a bright image and a forgiving eye box. The 5-30x magnification range is versatile, and the turrets offer solid, repeatable clicks. It also features Burris’s excellent Forever Warranty.
I found the Xtreme Pro to be a reliable workhorse. It may not have the same level of fit and finish as a Nightforce or Zeiss, but it gets the job done without any fuss. The illuminated G2 reticle is well-designed for holdovers. This is a great scope for someone who wants to step up into the world of precision shooting without breaking the bank, but still demands proven reliability and a strong warranty backing.
Pros
- Excellent value for the features offered
- Reliable tracking and solid construction
- Backed by a strong, no-fault warranty
ConsBuying Guide: 11 Best Long Range Scopes in 2025 | (Ranked by a Marine)
Picking a long range scope isn’t just about the highest magnification. From my time behind a rifle, I learned it’s about a balance of features that work together under pressure. Whether you’re a competitive shooter or a hunter, getting this right is critical. Here’s what I look for.
First, think about magnification range. A common mistake is going too high. For most shots, you won’t need more than 15-25x. A scope that starts at 4x or 5x on the low end is much more versatile for acquiring targets at closer distances. A 5-25x scope is a very popular and effective range for most long range applications.
Next, the reticle is your brain’s connection to the target. First Focal Plane (FFP) reticles are my strong preference. The reticle’s markings stay true to the target at any magnification, so your holdovers are accurate whether you’re at 5x or 25x. Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes are only accurate at one magnification, usually the highest, which can cause problems in a hurry. Look for a clean, uncluttered reticle with useful markings like MIL or MOA hash marks.
Turrets are how you adjust for wind and distance. They need to be tactile, with clear, audible clicks. You should be able to feel and hear each adjustment without looking. They also need to be repeatable; when you dial 10 MILs up and then back down, your point of impact should return to exactly the same spot. Exposed turrets are standard for long range work because you need to make adjustments quickly.
Finally, don’t ignore optical clarity and durability. A scope with poor glass is useless in low light. You need bright, sharp images from edge to edge. As for build, it has to withstand recoil and the elements. Look for scopes built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum and purged with argon or nitrogen to prevent fogging. A good warranty from a reputable company is a sign they stand behind their product. When you’re looking at the 11 best long range scopes in 2025, these are the non-negotiable features that separate the best from the rest.
FAQ
What is the most important feature for a beginner’s long range scope?
For a beginner, I’d say forgiveness and ease of use are more important than any single high-end spec. This means a scope with a generous eye box (making it easier to get a sight picture), a clear and simple reticle (like a basic MIL-based tree), and turrets that are easy to read and adjust. It’s better to master a reliable, mid-range scope than to be overwhelmed by a complex, feature-heavy model you don’t yet understand.
Is First Focal Plane (FFP) really necessary?
For serious long range shooting, yes, it is. While you can make SFP scopes work, FFP removes a major variable. With FFP, your holdover measurements are correct at any magnification. This is crucial in dynamic situations where you might need to zoom in and out to spot your own shots or engage multiple targets at different distances. It simplifies the mental math and reduces errors.
How much should I expect to spend on a quality long range scope?
This is the big question. You can find entry-level options that are capable around the $500-$800 mark. However, for a scope that will perform reliably in all conditions with excellent glass and bulletproof construction, you’re looking at $1,500 to $3,000. The top-tier models go even higher. Think of it as an investment; the scope is often the most critical part of your long range system.
What does “tracking” mean and why is it so critical?
Tracking refers to how accurately the internal adjustments of the scope move the point of impact. When you click your turret 10 MILs up, the crosshair should move exactly 10 MILs on the target. If it only moves 9.5 MILs, your tracking is off and you’ll never hit consistently at distance. Perfect tracking is the foundation of long range shooting. This is a key reason why the scopes that make a list of the 11 best long range scopes in 2025 are tested so rigorously for this specific performance metric.
Can I use a hunting scope for long range target shooting?
You can, but there are compromises. Hunting scopes are often lighter and may have a wider field of view, but they typically have more basic turrets that aren’t designed for frequent, large adjustments. Target and tactical scopes have robust, exposed turrets meant for constant dialing. If you plan on doing a lot of shooting at a fixed range, a dedicated target scope is a better tool for the job.