| Rank | Model | Brand | Magnification | Price | Focal Plane | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ATACR 1-8x24 F1 | Nightforce | 1-8x | $2,900-$3,100 | FFP | 21 oz | Best Overall - Hell-and-back optic with uncompromising performance |
| 2 | PLxC 1-8x24 RDB | Primary Arms | 1-8x | $1,750-$2,000 | FFP | ~21 oz | Best Performance Value - ATACR-level glass in a lighter package |
| 3 | Razor HD Gen II 1-6x24 | Vortex | 1-6x | $1,400-$1,500 | SFP | 22 oz | Best Eyebox - Legendary ultra-forgiving eyebox and heads-up-display feel |
| 4 | Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24 | Vortex | 1-10x | $1,900-$2,100 | FFP | 27.5 oz | Best High Magnification - Premium 1-10x with daylight-bright FFP |
| 5 | Credo HX 1-8x28 | Trijicon | 1-8x | $1,800-$2,000 | FFP | 28 oz | Best Bombproof Duty Optic - Trijicon reliability with FFP versatility |
| 6 | Mark 6 1-6x24 | Leupold | 1-6x | $1,600-$2,000 | SFP | 17 oz | Best Lightweight Premium - Ultra-light SOF-proven option |
| 7 | Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24 | Vortex | 1-6x | $600-$800 | SFP | 21.6 oz | Best Mid-Tier Value - Sweet spot of performance and price |
| 8 | Tango MSR 1-6x24 | SIG Sauer | 1-6x | $400-$600 | SFP | ~22 oz | Best Budget Winner - Exceptional value with included mount |
| 9 | VUDU 1-10x28 | EOTech | 1-10x | $1,800-$2,200 | SFP | 25.6 oz | Best for Extreme PID - 10x magnification for long-range identification |
| 10 | P4Xi 1-4x24 | Steiner | 1-4x | $600-$800 | SFP | 16.7 oz | Best CQB Focus - Simple and fast for close-range work |
Looking for the best LPVOLPVO[Optics]Low Power Variable Optic. A scope that goes from 1x (no magnification) to 6x, 8x, or 10x. A versatile choice for close quarters to mid-range engagements. for your AR15 in 2026? After testing over 30 low power variable optics across all price points, we've ranked the top performers. From the Vortex Razor Gen III and Trijicon Credo HX to budget champions like the Primary Arms PLxC, this guide covers the best 1-6x, 1-8x, and 1-10x scopes. We break down FFP vs SFPFFP vs SFP[Optics]First Focal Plane (reticle grows with magnification, holdovers work at any power) vs Second Focal Plane (reticle stays same size, holdovers only accurate at max magnification)., eyebox challenges, glass quality, and why cheap FFP scopes are a trap. Whether your budget is $300 or $2,500, we'll help you pick the right LPVOLPVO[Optics]Low Power Variable Optic. A scope that goes from 1x (no magnification) to 6x, 8x, or 10x. A versatile choice for close quarters to mid-range engagements. for your mission.
Best Overall: Nightforce ATACR 1-8x ($2,900-$3,100) - Hell-and-back optic with exceptional ED glass, true 1x red dot brightness, bombproof durability. If you can afford it, this is the answer.
Best Performance Value: Primary Arms PLxC 1-8x RDB ($1,750-$2,000) - ATACR-level glass quality with RDB diffractive reticle technology. Lightweight, excellent eyebox, premium Japanese glass. Top pick for serious shooters.
Best Eyebox: Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6x ($1,400-$1,500) - Industry-leading ultra-forgiving eyebox, fast as a red dot at 1x. Still better than Gen III for eyebox performance.
Best Budget: SIG Tango MSR 1-6x ($400-$600) - Includes mount and flip caps, true 1x, 11 illumination levels. Best value under $600.
This guide assumes familiarity with these topics:
Ranked by overall performance across glass quality, eyebox, illumination, durability, and value. Each has been tested on AR15 platforms in CQB, mid-range, and precision scenarios.
Best Overall - Hell-and-back optic with uncompromising performance
Best Performance Value - ATACR-level glass in a lighter package
Best Eyebox - Legendary ultra-forgiving eyebox and heads-up-display feel
Best High Magnification - Premium 1-10x with daylight-bright FFP
Best Bombproof Duty Optic - Trijicon reliability with FFP versatility
Best Lightweight Premium - Ultra-light SOF-proven option
Best Mid-Tier Value - Sweet spot of performance and price
Best Budget Winner - Exceptional value with included mount
Best for Extreme PID - 10x magnification for long-range identification
Best CQB Focus - Simple and fast for close-range work
Purchasing through these links may generate a commission at no extra cost to you.
| Model | Mag | FP | Weight | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nightforce ATACR 1-8x24 F1 | 1-8x | FFP | 21 oz | $2,900-$3,100 | Best Overall |
| Primary Arms PLxC 1-8x24 RDB | 1-8x | FFP | ~21 oz | $1,750-$2,000 | Best Performance Value |
| Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6x24 | 1-6x | SFP | 22 oz | $1,400-$1,500 | Best Eyebox |
| Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24 | 1-10x | FFP | 27.5 oz | $1,900-$2,100 | Best High Magnification |
| Trijicon Credo HX 1-8x28 | 1-8x | FFP | 28 oz | $1,800-$2,000 | Best Bombproof Duty Optic |
The biggest selling point is the ability to go from true 1x for room-clearing distances to 6x, 8x, or 10x for identifying threats and making hits at 400+ yards. No other optic category covers this spread as effectively in a single tube.
Magnification isn't just about accuracy; it's about information. An LPVO lets you see what is in a target's hands or scan a woodline for movement way better than a red dot or even a 3x magnifier can.
Unlike a red dot, if your battery dies, you still have a black reticle. This offers a layer of reliability that electronic sights can't match without backup iron sights.
Modern LPVO reticles (like the ACSS or FC-DMx) give you tools to estimate range and hold over for wind or drop without touching your turrets. This makes them faster for engaging multiple targets at varying distances.
Physics is undefeated. An LPVO plus a sturdy mount will weigh between 20oz and 30oz. Compare that to a 5oz Micro Red Dot. This weight is also placed high and central, which can make the rifle feel top-heavy.
Even the best LPVOs have a limited "eyebox" (the area behind the scope where you see a full image). At 1x, it's forgiving, but as you dial up magnification, your head position must be perfect. This can be slower than a red dot in awkward shooting positions.
You have to manage a magnification ring, diopter, potential parallax adjustment, and eye relief. Under stress, fumbling with a throw lever can cost time compared to a "point and shoot" red dot.
Good glass is expensive. While you can get a duty-grade red dot for $400, a truly duty-grade LPVO setup often starts closer to $1,000 once you factor in the mount.
One of the most debated aspects of LPVO selection. Here's the truth about First Focal Plane (FFP) vs Second Focal Plane (SFP) for AR15 use.
How it works: Reticle scales with magnification. A 1 MOA hash is always 1 MOA, whether you're at 1x or 10x.
Pros: Accurate holdovers at any magnification. Perfect for precision work and ranging at distance.
Cons: Reticle gets tiny at 1x (hard to see without bright illumination). More expensive. Tighter eyebox in budget models.
Best for: Precision shooters, long-range work, SPR builds where you use magnification frequently.
How it works: Reticle stays the same size regardless of magnification. Always easy to see.
Pros: Bright, visible reticle at 1x. Simpler. More forgiving eyebox. Better illumination in budget models.
Cons: Holdovers only accurate at max magnification (or specific mag setting). Less precise for ranging.
Best for: Duty/patrol, CQB-focused, general purpose, users who stay at 1x most of the time.
For most AR15 users, SFP is the better choice under $1,000. You get brighter glass, better illumination, and a more forgiving eyebox. FFP only makes sense if you're buying premium (Razor, NX8, Kahles) where the engineering can handle the complexity without compromises. Budget FFP scopes (under $600) sacrifice too much to make the reticle scaling work.
First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes are great in theory—the reticle scales with magnification, meaning your holdovers are accurate at any zoom level. However, this comes at a significant engineering cost.
In budget scopes (under $600), FFP designs often suffer from:
Our advice: If your budget is under $1,000, stick to a high-quality Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope like the Primary Arms PLxC, Vortex Viper PST, or Trijicon Credo. You get brighter glass, a daylight-bright dot, and a more forgiving eyebox for the money. Save FFP for when you can afford a Vortex Razor Gen III, Nightforce NX8, or Kahles K16i.
Common questions about choosing the best LPVO for your AR15 in 2026.
The Nightforce ATACR 1-8x24 F1 is the best overall LPVOLPVO[Optics]Low Power Variable Optic. A scope that goes from 1x (no magnification) to 6x, 8x, or 10x. A versatile choice for close quarters to mid-range engagements. for AR15 in 2026. It offers uncompromising performance with exceptional ED glass clarity, true 1x with red dot brightness, bombproof durability, and an excellent eyebox throughout the magnification range. It's expensive ($2,900-$3,100), but it's a hell-and-back optic that will outlast your rifle. For the best performance value, the Primary Arms PLxC 1-8x24 RDB ($1,750-$2,000) delivers ATACR-level glass quality with innovative diffractive reticle technology in a lighter package.
The SIG Tango MSR 1-6x24 ($400-$600) is the best budget LPVOLPVO[Optics]Low Power Variable Optic. A scope that goes from 1x (no magnification) to 6x, 8x, or 10x. A versatile choice for close quarters to mid-range engagements. for AR15 in 2026. It offers exceptional value with surprisingly good glass quality, included mount (saving $100-200), true 1x performance, and the excellent BDC6 reticle. The glass clarity punches well above its price point, and SIG's warranty is solid. For ultra-budget, the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x ($300-$400) is a reliable entry point, though the glass quality is noticeably softer.
For general purpose use, a 1-6x or 1-8x LPVOLPVO[Optics]Low Power Variable Optic. A scope that goes from 1x (no magnification) to 6x, 8x, or 10x. A versatile choice for close quarters to mid-range engagements. is ideal for most AR15 applications. It covers CQB to mid-range (0-400 yards) without excessive weight or tight eyebox issues. A 1-10x LPVOLPVO[Optics]Low Power Variable Optic. A scope that goes from 1x (no magnification) to 6x, 8x, or 10x. A versatile choice for close quarters to mid-range engagements. is best for precision-focused builds or when you need extreme magnification for positive identification at distance. However, 1-10x scopes are heavier, have tighter eyeboxes at max mag, and cost more. Most shooters are better served by 1-6x or 1-8x unless they specifically need that extra magnification.
For most AR15 users, SFP (Second Focal Plane) is the better choice under $1,000. SFP scopes like the Vortex Razor Gen II 1-6x have brighter glass, better illumination, more forgiving eyeboxes, and a visible reticle at 1x. FFP only makes sense if you're buying premium (Nightforce ATACR, Vortex Razor Gen III, Primary Arms PLxC RDB, Kahles K16i) where the engineering can handle the complexity without compromises. Budget FFP scopes under $600 sacrifice too much—you get tiny reticles at 1x, tight eyeboxes, dim glass, and weak illumination.
The Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x is worth the $1,900-$2,100 price tag if you need 10x magnification. You get excellent glass clarity, daylight-bright illumination in FFP (a rare achievement), the versatile EBR-9 reticle, and Vortex's legendary VIP warranty. However, the eyebox isn't as forgiving as the Gen II 1-6x, and it's heavy (27.5oz). If you don't need 10x, the Razor Gen II 1-6x ($1,400-$1,500) has a legendary ultra-forgiving eyebox that's still unmatched. For absolute best performance regardless of price, the Nightforce ATACR 1-8x ($2,900-$3,100) or Primary Arms PLxC RDB 1-8x ($1,750-$2,000) are superior choices.
Use a high-quality 1.70" or 1.93" height mount for your LPVOLPVO[Optics]Low Power Variable Optic. A scope that goes from 1x (no magnification) to 6x, 8x, or 10x. A versatile choice for close quarters to mid-range engagements. on an AR15. Popular options include the Badger Ordnance C1 (1.70" or 1.93"), Scalarworks LEAP (1.57" or 1.93"), ADM Recon (1.93"), and LaRue LT204 (1.5"). The 1.93" height has become the standard for modern LPVOLPVO[Optics]Low Power Variable Optic. A scope that goes from 1x (no magnification) to 6x, 8x, or 10x. A versatile choice for close quarters to mid-range engagements. setups—it allows a more natural head position, faster target acquisition, and easier passive aiming with night vision. Avoid cheap Amazon mounts—they won't hold zero and can damage your scope.
Ready to continue? Here's the recommended next guide:
Learn proper AR-15 optic mounting with practical steps for eye relief, rail placement, threadlocker application, torque specs, and accessory positioning for repeatable zero.
Or explore a related topic:
How to Zero AR-15 Optics->Continue exploring with these related resources
Choose the best AR-15 optic for your mission. Compare red dots, LPVOs (1-6x, 1-8x), prism scopes, and magnifier setups with weight data, mounting heights, and use-case decision tables.
Learn proper AR-15 optic mounting with practical steps for eye relief, rail placement, threadlocker application, torque specs, and accessory positioning for repeatable zero.
Master optic zeroing with step-by-step process for iron sights, red dots, and LPVOs. Includes range prep checklists, mechanical offset tips, and confirmation drills.
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