This article breaks down the results of Outdoor Life’s 2025 optics test, turning their field findings into practical advice for hunters, shooters, and wildlife watchers. With decades of optics experience behind me, I’ll guide you through the standout riflescopes, binoculars, thermal optics, red dots, and spotting scopes—pointing out what set each model apart and what that means when you’re actually in the field.
The Top Riflescopes of 2025: Precision Meets Practicality
Riflescopes really are the backbone of most shooting setups. This year’s test zeroed in on low-light performance, tracking repeatability, resolution, and how each scope handled real-world abuse—dust, recoil, and quick adjustments all included.
Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2: Best Riflescope
The Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 took home Best Riflescope honors thanks to its proven reliability and some sharp engineering. Inside, it borrows mechanics from Leupold’s Mark 5HD line, which shooters have trusted for years for its tracking and toughness.
Those upgrades mean you get smoother, more reliable turret movements and better zero stability over time. It’s also lightweight, which matters if you’re hiking all day with your rifle. The SpeedSet tool-less turret system is a real game-changer—no tiny tools needed to make adjustments or re-zero in the field.
The main catch? You get limited elevation revolutions, so it’s not really built for extreme long-range shots. For most hunting distances, though, it absolutely delivers.
Sig Sauer TANGO-SPR 4–16×44: Best Value Riflescope
On the other end of the budget, the Sig Sauer TANGO-SPR 4–16×44 snagged Best Value Riflescope for cramming in features you’d expect on pricier glass. Testers pointed out:
All of this comes in at an impressively low sub-$200 price. It’s a tempting pick for new shooters, folks watching their spending, or as backup glass that still needs to work when it counts.
Binoculars: From Premium Glass to Smart Value
Binoculars are often a hunter’s most-used optic. You’ll notice performance differences right away, especially in low light or long glassing sessions.
Zeiss SFL 10×50: Best Binocular
The Zeiss SFL 10×50 came out on top as Best Binocular, mixing high-end optics with a surprisingly compact feel. Those 50mm objectives pull in a lot of light, giving you bright, high-contrast views, yet the design keeps it closer in size to a typical 42mm binocular.
The magnesium chassis keeps things light but tough. If you’re serious about hunting or wildlife watching, the SFL really shines at dawn and dusk, when better glass makes all the difference.
Tract Toric UHD 8×32: Best Value Binocular
If you want something lighter and easier on the wallet, the Tract Toric UHD 8×32 earned Best Value Binocular. The 8×32 layout keeps weight and bulk down, but you still get solid optical performance for the price.
It’s a smart pick for mobile hunters, hikers, or anyone needing reliable glass in a smaller, budget-friendly package.
Thermal Optics: Expanding Your Vision in the Dark
Testers put thermal devices through the wringer, focusing on real detection range, sensor quality, and how they actually work out in the field.
Athlon Cronus ATS Pro 25P-250: Great Buy Thermal Scope
The Athlon Cronus ATS Pro 25P-250 got the nod as Great Buy Thermal Scope. It’s a solid entry into thermal hunting, with a sensor and optics combo that works out to about 200 yards—plenty for most night hunts targeting hogs or predators.
No, it’s not a top-tier thermal with maximum range or resolution, but its affordable price makes it a strong pick for anyone just getting into thermal optics.
Nocpix Vista H50R and AGM Adder V2-60: Best Thermal Monocular and Scope
Stepping up in price and performance, the Nocpix Vista H50R won Best Thermal Monocular. It packs a sharp 640-class sensor and a crisp AMOLED display, so you get clear images that really help you pick out animals from the background.
There’s an integrated laser rangefinder and slick device-to-device connectivity for sharing imagery or data—handy for team hunts or keeping records.
The AGM Adder V2-60 took Best Thermal Scope overall. With its higher-res sensor and longer detection range, it’s made for serious night hunters who want every bit of clarity and reach, and don’t mind paying for it.
Red Dots and Spotting Scopes: Fast Aiming and Long-Range Insight
Red dots and spotting scopes fill important roles—quick target acquisition, long-range observation, and all the little details in between.
Best Red Dot Winners
Outdoor Life’s test called out several red dots for different jobs:
Leica APO-Televid 82 Kit 25–50×82: Best Spotting Scope
For this test, the Leica APO-Televid 82 Kit 25–50×82 took the title of Best Spotting Scope. This optic really jumps out for its elite optical clarity, color fidelity, and sharp resolution.
It keeps delivering, even at higher magnifications where most scopes start to fall apart. The 25–50× zoom range, combined with an 82mm objective lens, gives you a lot of flexibility.
It’s a solid choice for serious hunters, precision shooters, and long-range observers. If you’re calling hits on steel at distance or trying to pick out antler points across a canyon, the APO-Televid gives you the kind of steady, crisp image that makes the price tag feel a bit more reasonable.
Here is the source article for this story: The 12 Best Optics We Tested This Year