Using a low-power variable optic (LPVO) has become a popular choice lately and can help you in close quarters as well as across the range.
But have you ever heard of daylight-bright LPVO? Here’s everything you need to know to help you make the most of your purchase.
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What is Daylight Bright?
Daylight bright is a term used to describe the illumination level of a scope’s reticle. For example, red dot sights are daylight bright because you can easily see the reticle, even in the brightest sunlight.
But red dots are not the only daylight bright sights available. You can also purchase LPVOs that are daylight bright.
While daylight bright scopes and sights are meant for daytime use, LPVOs often include a few night vision settings too. However, they don’t compare to night vision-specific scopes that are more capable of seeing with no light.
Daylight Bright vs. Daylight Visible vs. Aimpoint Bright
The difference between daylight bright and daylight visible is just the illumination ability of a sight. Aimpoint bright is a term often used to describe red dots from Aimpoint that are clearly visible in the brightest of lights.
The key to visibility in such high-lighting conditions comes from illumination. Both red dot and LPVOs incorporate illuminated reticles that are great for close-quarter combat.
Aimpoint bright red dots typically don’t include magnification or parallax adjustments. However, they do contain unlimited eye relief at a more affordable cost than their counterpart, the low-power variable optic.
LPVOs, on the other hand, range from 1X to 10X magnification. These low-profile types of scopes are best for adjusting for parallax across short and long distances.
Many shooters choose red dots as they make it easier to acquire targets quickly. However, an LPVO allows you to compensate for wind and elevation.
What Is The Best 1-8x Scope?
If you’re looking for specific recommendations on the best 1-8x scopes out there, check out our full article on the topic.
Popular Daylight Bright LPVO Brands
LPVO brands vary in terms of investment. Depending on your application, you may want to prioritize quality and performance over sticking to a budget.
EOTECH Vudu Daylight Bright
The EOTECH Vudu LPVO features 1-6X, 1-8X, and 1-10X magnification variants. You can choose between the first or second focal plane and 24 mm or 28 mm objective lenses.
These LPVOs weigh about 1 to 1.5 pounds and come in Mil Rad or MOA format. While the EOTECH Vudu LPVO might be more expensive than others, it offers tons of value. (1)
Steiner P4Xi
Slightly more affordably priced, the Steiner P4Xi LPVO comes with 1-4X magnification. It’s compact and weighs just over 1 pound. It also comes in the second focal plane only and has 11 brightness settings for the illuminated reticle.
Made with both MOA and Mil Rad configurations, the Steiner P4Xi is meant to be used with both eyes open.
Burris XTR II
The Burris XTR II is best for both long-range precision and tactical use. It’s a first focal plane LPVO with both Mil Rad and MOA configurations.
Burris XTR II is slightly larger than the other two, weighing just under 2 pounds. It features 3X to 15X magnification and also includes 11 brightness settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What LPVO has the best eye relief?
The best eye relief on an LPVO is at least 3.5 inches (8.9 cm). The EOTECH Vudu, Steiner P4Xi, and Burris XTR II scopes all offer 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) or more of eye relief.
What magnification LPVO should I get?
You should get an LPVO with a magnification of at least 1-8x. This range allows you to acquire targets close up as well as those that are further away and makes the LPVO versatile.
Is LPVO good for close range?
Yes, LPVO is good for close range because it allows you to see your target with true magnification, even at lower power levels. However, it’s also versatile enough to extend beyond close range to acquire targets over 300 yards (274.3 meters), depending on the magnification power rating.
Can you use an LPVO without battery?
Yes, you can use an LPVO without a battery. However, you will not see an illuminated reticle.
As long as the reticle itself is etched into the glass, you should still be able to see it in proper lighting conditions.
References
- Reticles, ZEISS Riflescopes, Retrieved from: https://www.zeiss.com/consumer-products/us/hunting/content/reticles.html
For more reading, take a look at our article explaining how you use a LPVO scope.
I have been writing firearms and outdoor material for over 50 years to date. I have hunted across the world, including Russia, and a great deal of time professional hunting in Australia. I currently live in the American West and hunt all across the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Big Horn Mountains. I have specialized much of my work as a load developer in shotguns and rifles. I have run a small company that builds suppressor barrels of my design and load tests for writing purposes and consulting. My commercial names include Ballistics Research & Development / Metro Gun Systems TM.
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