With other LPVO options, such as 1-6x LPVOs and 1-10x LPVOs available, does a 1-8x LPVO deliver the best value for money? Or should you go for something more specific for your shooting scenario?

A 1-8x LPVO has an effective shooting range of around 600–800 yards (depending on your rifle and caliber, bullet drop, wind compensation, and your shooting skills, etc), which makes it a great option if you want a middle-of-the-road LPVO that provides you with versatility both for short-range and medium-range shooting.

But is it just a good jack-of-all-trades LPVO, or is it a solid option if you are looking for a long-term optic? 

To help you decide, we are taking a closer look at the best uses for 1-8x LPVO, and the different shooting applications in which it would excel, and even outshine the others in very significant ways.

1. It Can Be Used as a Designated Marksman Rifle

A 1-8x LPVO should be at the top of your list if you want an LPVO to use with a Designated Marksman Rifle. It gives you both the reach and versatility needed for the designated marksman position.

With the 1-8x zoom, you get precision out to 600-800 yards, while still having the ability to shoot up close at 1x. 

Compared to a 1-6x LPVO ( which goes up to about 600 yards), a 1-8x LPVO provides target identification and holdover precision at a longer range, which is important when you are holding a DMR and looking out for unexpected threats that might pop up at any distance.

Though a 1-10x might offer more range, a 1-8x LPVO should be sufficient to do the job with less weight and at a lower price point.

2. It is Great for Hunting, Especially Small Game

While you may not be able to go after big game with a 1-8x LPVO, it is an effective, affordable option for hunting coyotes, hogs, varmints, and deer at various distances. 

With the 1-8x zoom range, you can easily spot, identify, and shoot at different types of small game in both brushy terrain (1x mag) and across open fields(8x), which is about as much range as you will get in small game hunting.

Compared to a 1-6x LPVO, the extra magnification will help you make cleaner, ethical shots at a distance.

About 30% of all hunters in the U.S. are engaged in small game hunting, and in a 1-8x LPVO, you have everything you need to get started without having to splash further on a 1-10x or a more expensive hunting scope. 

3. 3-GUN or Tactical Competitions

1-6x LPVOs are generally better for 3-gun competition, but a 1-8x LPVO is still a practical and viable option. In fact, it may even provide certain advantages over lower-zoom LPVOs in challenging competitions.

Firstly, a 1-8x LPVO allows about the same quick transition from short to long-range targets that most preferred 3-gun optics do.

Also, some 3-Gun competitions have steel targets at 400+ yards: the 8x zoom gives you more confidence and faster hits.

As long as your 1-8x LPVO has clear lenses and is not too bulky, you should be fine with it in a 3-gun competition, especially if you are a skilled competitor. It saves you from having to splash out on another optic for competitions.

4. Law Enforcement / Tactical Applications

A 1-8x LPVO is a great LPVO for law enforcement and tactical applications. It provides the versatility needed for most law enforcement and tactical applications, with extra zoom range to guard against the surprises that can be lethal in these scenarios. 

An officer, for example, can use the 1x for building clearing or street-level work, then switch to 8x for overwatch, vehicle threats, or rural response.

Compared to a 1-6x zoom, the 8x zoom can mean better facial identification, license plate reading, or target assessment at greater distances.

5. Home Defense/CQB

Most Americans primarily use their rifles for home defense, and a 1-8x LPVO, especially with a daylight-bright illuminated reticle, is not a bad option. At 1x with a daylight-bright illuminated reticle, a 1-8x LPVO can act like a red dot and offer a decent performance in home defense scenarios.

In pure Close Quarters Battle, lower-power LPVOs like 1-6x LPVOs or red dots may be slightly faster due to lighter weight and wider eye boxes, but a 1-8x is still a good option to have. 

If you are primarily into home defence, you might want to check out why 1-6x LPVOs might be the best tactical optics for that particular application.

Comparison: 1-4x vs 1-6x vs 1-8x LPVO

Reasons to Choose a 1-8x Over 1-6x or 1-4x

• More magnification = better precision at range.
• You don't give up 1x speed if the optic has a good eye box and daylight-bright reticle.
• As LPVOs have improved, many 1-8x scopes now match or outperform the older 1-4x/1-6x models in clarity, weight, and durability.

Consider the ODIN 1-8x LPVO From Gunnr

The ODIN 1-8x FFP LPVO is designed for various shooting applications and offers unmatched versatility and optical clarity, both of which are very much needed in any of the above scenarios. Here’s what you get with this LPVO:

1. It is crafted with German Schott ED Glass to ensure outstanding image clarity and color accuracy. 
2. Most LPVOs include illumination, but the ODIN 1-8x comes with a 6-level illuminated reticle that performs superbly in diverse lighting conditions. 
3. You not only get daylight brightness at 1x, but also different brightness for use from dawn to dusk.
   The first focal plane (FFP) reticle provides precise distance calculations at any magnification, enhancing accuracy in every shot. 
4. With extended 1 MOA hash marks, the tree reticle design facilitates accuracy for windage and elevation adjustments. 
5. The zero-stop mechanism is intuitive and effective at preventing the turret from moving past the pre-set zero, and makes it simple to return to your original zero.
6. Made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant.
7. It is tested to withstand 1,000 impacts at 1,000G and 2,000 live fire rounds, making it tough enough to handle heavy recoils and accidental drops.

1-8x LPVOs can do almost everything, but if you are defending your home, hunting in varied terrain, competing in a 3-Gun match, or looking for the best AR optic, a 1-8x LPVO will give you everything you need to adapt and put up a proud performance, while adapting to almost any scenario. 

Consider this LPVO buying guide for a more detailed comparison with other options.