Do LPVO Scopes Use Batteries in 2023?

LPVOs have become the dominant optic in many shooting circles due to their versatility. However, a common question when people purchase them is: Do LPVOs use batteries?

Find out if your scope needs one and, if so, what type of battery you should get.

Key Takeaways

• LPVOs use batteries to illuminate the reticle, assisting the user to aim at a target in low light conditions properly.
• The common batteries used with LPVOs are the CR2032 and the CR2450.
• LPVOs remain a popular choice in 2023, offering shooters versatility for close and medium-range engagements.

For more reading, see our guide to the best 1-8x LPVO scopes.

Do LPVO Scopes Use Batteries?

The simple answer is that most LPVOs use watch batteries. The battery illuminates the reticle, assisting a shooter in aiming at a target in low light conditions or at a dark target. 

With most LPVOs, you can switch off the illumination if you don’t need it. In fact, even if your battery dies on you, you can keep shooting. But generally, with an illuminated reticle, you can acquire your target more easily, even at night.  

Common Types of Batteries Used With LPVOs

There are two main types of batteries used in LPVOs. They include:

CR2032

The CR2032 is the most common type of battery used in LPVOs. Its diameter and thickness are 20mm and 3.1 mm, respectively. Some people refer to it as the coin battery.

One of the benefits of the CR2032 is that it’s readily available and versatile. You’ll find it in devices like watches, key fobs, calculators, etc. Their availability has saved me a couple of times when my LPVO battery has died, as I’ve used the one in my watch and replaced it later.

Another advantage is that even though they’re tiny, they’re very easy to handle and store. Some of the LPVOs that use this battery include NightForce NX8, Primary Arms SLX, Vortex Strike Eagle SFP, Vortex Strike Eagle FFP, and Tacticon Falcon V2.

CR2450

The CR2450 is also used in LPVOs but isn’t as common. The Steiner T5Xi LPVO is the most popular LPVO known to use this battery. It’s slightly larger than the CR2032, measuring a diameter of 24mm and a thickness of 5mm. 

Just like its counterpart, the CR2450 is also widely available and used in remote controls, electronic notebooks, car key fobs, garage door openers, calculators, and flame-less candles.

LPVO Battery Life

The battery life of an LPVO scope varies based on a few things. For instance, the brand you’re using will determine how long the battery lasts. With various manufacturers in the market, always go for reputable brands to ensure a battery lasts a long time.

Another thing to keep in mind is the battery type. For example, the CR2450 has a higher capacity than the CR2032, meaning it will last longer. 

Brightness settings also matter. If you’ve interacted with LPVOs before, you’ll know you can adjust the brightness settings to suit your needs. Using the reticle at a higher brightness setting will consume the battery more quickly than using it at a lower setting. 

In addition, your usage habits will determine battery life. If you use your LPVO with the reticle illuminated often, then the battery will run out faster. So, based on all these factors, an LPVO battery can last anything between 6 months and five years.

If you want to maximize battery life, use the reticle illumination sparingly and only when necessary.

Here’s a neat add-on Primary Arms has released to help extend their LPVOs’ battery life:

For more on LPVOs, see our guide to how to choose an LPVO scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can you shoot with a 1-6 LPVO?

You can shoot as far as 400 yards (365.7 meters) with a 1-6 LPVO.

What does push LPVO mean?

Push LPVO means to use a low-powered variable optic (LPVO) at its highest magnification setting. This is typically done when engaging targets at longer ranges, where a higher magnification provides a better view of the target.

Are LPVO obsolete?

LPVOs aren’t obsolete. In fact, these optics have become more popular, which incentivizes optic manufacturers to keep producing them.