Coyote hunting is all about quick thinking, sharp shooting, and adapting to unpredictable terrain. Coyotes are wily, fast, and often active at dawn, dusk, or after dark—making your scope one of the most important tools you’ll carry. Whether you hunt wide-open plains, dense woods, or at night, having the right optic will boost your odds of success. Here’s a full guide to picking the best scope for coyote hunting, with practical recommendations for every budget.
Quick Picks
- Best All-Around: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44
- Best for Night Hunting: ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
- Best Budget: Burris Fullfield IV 4-16×50
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Coyote Scope
Here’s what separates a great coyote hunting scope from the rest:
- Magnification: Most coyote hunters want a 3-15x, 4-16x, or 4-12x scope. This lets you shoot close in the brush but also reach out on longer fields.
- Low Light Performance: Large objectives (44mm-50mm), quality glass, and fully multi-coated lenses help gather precious light at dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Reticle Style: Simple duplex, BDC, or illuminated reticles are ideal. Fast target acquisition is more important than busy reticles with too many marks.
- Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, and shock-resistant construction is a must for unpredictable weather and rough terrain.
- Weight & Balance: A lighter scope is easier to carry, shoulder, and swing—key for fast coyote shots.
- Quick Adjustments: Resettable turrets or easy zeroing let you dial in for changing shot distances without losing time.
- Field of View: Coyotes move fast—wider field of view at lower power is an advantage.
Detailed Reviews: Top Scopes for Coyote Hunting
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44
Why it’s a top pick: This scope strikes the perfect balance of versatility, clarity, and speed. First focal plane reticle keeps your holdovers accurate at any zoom, and the glass is sharp even at dawn or dusk. Built to withstand hard knocks and tough weather, with zero stop turrets for quick adjustments. An illuminated reticle helps for twilight hunts.
Pros:
- Crystal-clear glass with wide magnification range
- Illuminated reticle for low light and fast shooting
- Zero stop turrets and easy adjustments
- Durable, waterproof, and fogproof build
Cons:
- Heavier than super-light hunting scopes
- Priced mid-high but worth every penny
Final Verdict: The Viper PST Gen II is a do-it-all predator scope that performs everywhere from brush to wide open fields—perfect for serious coyote hunters.
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
Why it’s a night hunting favorite: If you hunt at night or need digital day/night versatility, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro delivers. With its ultra HD sensor, you get crisp video and photo recording, plus ballistic calculators, rangefinders, and more. IR illuminator included for after-dark hunts. It mounts just like a regular scope on your AR or bolt gun.
Pros:
- Day and night vision modes in one optic
- Video recording and streaming features
- Smart ballistic and ranging tools
- Long battery life (up to 18 hours)
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than traditional scopes
- Menu system requires a learning curve
Final Verdict: For hunters targeting coyotes after dark, or those who want cutting-edge features, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is an unbeatable value.
Burris Fullfield IV 4-16×50
Why it’s a budget champion: This scope offers reliable performance for hunters who don’t want to spend a fortune. Glass is clear, field of view is wide, and the 4-16x zoom is versatile for brush or open country. Simple, rugged, and backed by a no-questions warranty.
Pros:
- Bright, clear optics at a great price
- Rugged, proven reliability
- Light enough for quick shots and long walks
Cons:
- Not as many features as premium scopes
- BDC reticle may not match all loads perfectly
Final Verdict: This is the best scope for hunters who want value, simplicity, and trusted performance on any rifle.
Other Notable Scopes
- Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×40: Legendary low light clarity and ultralight build, great for stalk hunters.
- Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP: First focal plane value scope, proven BDC reticle, affordable and rugged.
- Bushnell Engage 3-12×42: Great glass for the money, fast focus, simple and tough.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Best Features | Ideal For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II | 3-15×44 | FFP, illuminated, zero stop, tough | All-around coyote hunting | $700-$900 |
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | 5-20x | Day/night, video, IR, smart features | Night hunting, tech users | $700-$900 |
| Burris Fullfield IV | 4-16×50 | Wide view, reliable, budget price | Budget/backup scope | $250-$350 |
| Leupold VX-3HD | 4.5-14×40 | Low light, ultralight, classic build | Mobile/stalk hunting | $550-$700 |
| Primary Arms SLx FFP | 4-14×44 | FFP, affordable, proven BDC | Budget precision | $230-$300 |
| Bushnell Engage | 3-12×42 | Clear glass, easy controls | Simple reliability | $200-$280 |
FAQ: Coyote Hunting Scopes
What’s the best magnification for coyote hunting?
3-15x or 4-16x is the sweet spot for most hunters. You’ll get plenty of field of view for close shots, and enough zoom to reach out across pastures or clearings.
Should I get an illuminated reticle?
It’s a big help for early morning, late evening, or night hunting. If you hunt only in bright daylight, it’s optional—but for predators, illuminated reticles often mean the difference between seeing your crosshair and losing your shot.
What about night vision or thermal scopes?
If legal in your area, these are game changers for nighttime coyote hunting. Digital day/night scopes like the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro offer huge advantages and let you hunt around the clock.
Are first focal plane (FFP) scopes worth it?
For variable distance coyote hunting, FFP scopes are handy because holdovers remain accurate at every zoom. Second focal plane (SFP) scopes work fine for set distances or if you rarely adjust zoom while hunting.
What’s most important: glass or features?
Clarity is king—always get the best glass you can afford. Features are useful, but a clear, sharp image in bad light is the real game changer for coyote hunters.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best scope for coyote hunting isn’t always the most expensive—it’s the one that matches your land, your style, and your favorite rifle. If you want do-it-all flexibility and reliability, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II is the gold standard. For night and tech-savvy hunters, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro brings digital power to your hunt. Budget-minded? The Burris Fullfield IV is as tough and bright as scopes twice its price.
Mount your new optic well, sight in with the ammo you hunt, and practice in all light conditions. Coyotes are sharp—your scope should be, too!