Low power variable optic, also known as LPVO, is a type of optic that starts at a true 1x magnification. That is, its magnification power starts at 1x and extends to anywhere. For an optic to be an LPVO, it must first have a magnification power starting from a true 1x and then have multiple magnification levels.
LPVOs have soared in popularity as tactical carbines and AR rifles usage skyrockets. The optics gives you a booster for short to medium-range shooting and improve your general shooting speed. This type of optics is perfect for shooting in close quarters and fast-moving scenarios.
The general need for a quality scope for your weapon cannot be overemphasized. Without a proper optic that matches the features of your weapon, you’ll struggle with accuracy, especially when the distance is more than the naked eye can reach. Depending on your needs, you may want to switch over to a different power level, including magnification at all (1x). This is why low power variable optics have become quite popular in recent years. Its most common power ranges are 1-4x, 1-6x,1-8x, and 1-10x.
Typically, the more expensive optics have a wider power range. And, price indeed is a serious factor many shooters consider when adding gadgets to their collection. In this guide, we’ll only mention LPVOs that are under $1000.
Best LPVOs Under $1000
If you don’t have an unlimited budget and you would want a more affordable LPVO, this section explains some of the best in this range.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Vortex Optics 1-6×24 Strike Eagle | • Magnification of 1-6x • Objective lens diameter of 24mm • Fast focus eyepiece | View Price |
 | Leapers UTG 1-8x28 Rifle Scope | • Magnification of 1-8x • Objective lens diameter of 28mm • Capped turrets that hold zero | View Price |
 | Primary Arms 1-8x24 SFP Scope | • Magnification of 1-8x • Objective lens diameter of 24mm • 11 brightness settings with red illumination | View Price |
 | Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4x24 Scope | • Magnification of 1-4x • Objective lens diameter of 24mm • Illuminated V-Brite reticle | View Price |
 | Athlon Talos BTR 1-4x24 Scope | • Magnification of 1-4x • Objective lens diameter of 24mm • Ideal for low like shooting | View Price |
#1. Vortex Optics 1-6×24 Strike Eagle
Topping our list of the best LPVO is this vortex strike eagle scope with 1-6x magnification, allowing you to reach a farther distance. It is a true 1x that helps to immediately aim and shoot at point-blank range. The accompanying objective lens has a 24mm diameter that lets the light pass into the optic for better image quality.
Even though this is far from a budget scope, it is an affordable optic with features able to match that of high-budget options. It uses a bullet drop compensator reticle, and this boosts its long-range shooting ability.
One of the reasons it has very little distortion and clear image even at 6x is the great optics quality used. The lenses are fully multi-coated, which helps protect the surface from damages and dust. It also improves light transmission and prevents the reflection of light through the help of its low dispersion glass.
You’ll find the fast focus eyepiece helpful when you want to quickly aim and shoot. This one-piece vortex scope is also a durable beast made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is shockproof as the 30mm tube can withstand recoil pressure while the body is also purged and O-ring sealed to keep fog and water out.
Pros
- Magnification of 1-6x
- Objective lens diameter of 24mm
- Fast focus eyepiece to help you capture your target and shoot quickly
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Illuminated BDC reticle for better long-range shots
- Unlimited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Does not come with a mount
- Turrets can be mushy
#2. Leapers UTG 1-8×28 Rifle Scope
This scope represents our best budget option at under $200. UTG scopes are known for their affordability, but this scope does more than being affordable, as you’ll soon see. It sports a magnification range of 1-8x, giving you more range options and a longer shooting distance. This magnification is supported by a 28mm objective lens diameter.
The flexibility of this scope allows you to quickly switch between short-range and long-range shooting while in the field. It sports a 30mm tube with a durable aluminum body. The lenses are coated for better light transmission and durability.
This UTG scope comes with the mount, which makes its price even more affordable. The total weight of the setup, including mount and battery, is 1.8 pounds. It uses a reticle system that provides an incredibly accurate shooting no matter the number of times you use it. The etched glass mil-dot reticle used here draws a lot of users.
The turrets are capped so they can hold zero very well, even when moving through rough terrains. There’s also a resettable windage and elevation adjustment added to the system. It is a multicolor system with 36 different colors. The colors are enhanced through the help of the special RZ-TAP illumination enhancing (IE) systems.
Pros
- Magnification of 1-8x
- Objective lens diameter of 28mm
- 36 available colors in its color mode
- Capped turrets that hold zero well
- Affordable scope
- Comes with a mount
Cons
- Optics gets blurry at higher magnification
- Difficult to see the red illumination during the day
#3. Primary Arms 1-8×24 SFP Scope
Another LPVO to make this list is the primary Arms second focal plane scope with magnification of 1-8x. It sports a true 1x and stretches to 8x. The objective lens diameter is 24mm. Its objective lens diameter is not the biggest for a scope with 8x magnification. You can aim smoothly for up to 600 yards away with this scope.
The ACSS reticle helps solve the issue of moving target lead. You’ll also find wind hold and bullet drop compensator in this reticle and a second focal plane scope that keeps the reticle size the same at any magnification. Also, there are 11 brightness settings available too. And it’s powered by a CR2032 battery, a common battery you can easily replace. The scope’s black anodized tube is made from aluminum. It is nitrogen purged and sealed to prevent fog and water from entering the scope.
The fast acquisition system allows you to quickly capture your target, especially for distances under 300 yards. It looks clean with its black matte finish.
Pros
- Magnification of 1-8x
- Objective lens diameter of 24mm
- ACSS reticle
- 11 brightness settings with red illumination
- Fast target acquisition
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof
- Second focal plane
Cons
- Objective lens diameter can be better
Bonus Read: 5 Best Ruger 10/22 Scope to Buy in 2022
#4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 Scope
Yet another vortex scope makes this list, this time, in the form of vortex optics crossfire II. If you’re looking for an LPVO scope with a much smaller magnification range, this crossfire II may just be it. With a magnification range of 1-4x, you’re focused on short to medium-range shooting only. The objective lens diameter of 24mm is just right for such a scope giving you as much light as needed to provide an excellent image quality.
This scope is quite durable with its almost indestructible body. The scope is also made fog-proof and waterproof to go with the shockproof feature. In the event something breaks, vortex covers the user under its unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty. The good thing about its durability is that it holds zero even after undergoing harsh conditions. You will not need to recalibrate your zero.
There is no distortion of any form, at any power when using this scope. The lines are sharp and image crisp with fully multi-coated lenses and quality lenses boosting the image quality. It uses a V-brite reticle placed on the second focal plane to ensure the reticle size remains the same no matter the power used.
The scope is lightweight and compact, now you can move around with it without feeling too much extra weight. It has a 4-inch eye relief that ensures you can see through the scope without having to be directly in line. This is especially important when shooting at an angle.
Pros
- Magnification of 1-4x
- Objective lens diameter of 24mm
- Wide eye relief and eye box
- Illuminated V-Brite reticle
- Excellent optics with quality images at all magnification levels
- Lightweight and compact
- Shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof
Cons
- Small magnification range
- Not great in low light
#5. Athlon Talos BTR 1-4×24 Scope
Another small range LPVO on this list is the Athlon Talos BTR scope with magnification from a true 1x to 4x. It comes with a 24mm objective lens diameter for light transmission through the scope. As it is known for its rugged build and toughness, it can withstand a lot of pressure.
The reticle is illuminated and is ideal for low-light shooting, a typical requirement for most hunting situations. The reticle used is an AHSR mil reticle etched into the glass, providing better durability and recoil protection. The lenses are fully multi-coated with the ability to influence better light transmission, reduce light reflection and protect the lens better.
It is a one-piece heat-treated tube made from aluminum material for extra strength and to keep water and fog away. The eye relief is 3.5 inches, and it comes with a favorable eye box.
The turrets have an audible click when you turn them, which makes zeroing your scope quite easy. There’s also a return to zero feature for the turrets, so you can continue using the already calibrated zero when you switch magnification.
Pros
- Magnification of 1-4x
- Objective lens diameter of 24mm
- Glass etched AHSR reticle
- Durable scope
- Audible tactile turrets
- Ideal for low light shooting
- Return to zero feature
Cons
- Pretty heavy
- Turrets are exposed
Summary
If you’re looking for a scope with variable magnification and a true 1x, this guide with the best in the market will prove quite useful. You need a scope that is durable and can quickly pick up targets within the short to medium range.
