Looking for the right 200 yard scope? That is something of a subjective choice, but there are factors that separate the junk for the gems. While it is true that modern manufacturing methods in China have allowed for a plethora of unbranded optics to flood the market, and it is true that generally those scopes are suitable for most work, we aren’t going to look at those.

This is about the best 200 yard scope, not the best 200 yard scope for the cost of a case of beer. Instead we are juggling cost, performance, and quality in an effort to find a suitable assortment of 200 yard scopes for almost any purpose and pocketbook.

Here are our reviews of the 4 best 200 yard scopes on the market:

200 Yard Scope Contender 1: Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn

The lowest price offering in our reviews, the Bushnell Banner is admittedly an entry-level 200 yard scope, but it is a well built one. A fairly standard 3-9×40 scope, this optic is a prime example of how to make an inexpensive scope that just does the job. Built to be fog and shock proof, and made with multicoated optics for improved light transmission, this scope simply works.

While it may not be a high grade sniper scope, or match grade optic, it is more that sufficient to take a 200 yard kill shot on game or to punch holes in paper. If your budget leans this way, there is no shame in running a Bushnell Banner on your rifle.

200 Yard Scope Contender 2: Leupold VX-2

What a difference some dough can make. While the specs are identical to the Bushnell Banner, the quality, construction and customer service are radically different. It is true, you get what you pay for, and in this case, you are paying for generations of Leupold expertise and commitment to building a premium grade rifle scope.

Built with hunters and sport shooters in mind, but echoing decades of experience in serving the needs of the US military, the VX-2 features fine ¼ MOA adjustments for precision long range shooting, and premium grade lead free glass for superior image clarity. The VX-2 is an ideal 200 yard scope for shooters in the know.

200 Yard Scope Contender 3: Nikon ProStaff

When you are shooting at 200 yards, there is a sweet spot in terms of magnification and objective lens size, and the Nikon ProStaff hits that spot. With a 4-12 power magnification, a nicely sized 40mm objective lens, and the sort of rugged, durable construction one expects from a Nikon scope, the ProStaff has a lot in store for the 200 yard shooter.

This scope is especially engineered to provide a clear sight picture in low light conditions at long ranges, making it ideal for hunting, where the best shots can be in some of the lowest light. Add in spring loaded, zero reset turrets, and you’ve got yourself a real winner!

200 Yard Scope Contender 4: Vortex Viper HS-T

Now if you really want the top 200 yard scope, you’ve got to step up to the big leagues. It is a truism that you get what you pay for, and while there are exceptions, they are notably for being exceptions. The Vortex Viper is one of those “buy once, cry once” scopes, where you only have to buy one optic for the life of your gun.

The HS-T has a reach-out-and-touch-something 4-16 power magnification, an oversized 44mm objective lens, and the sort of half magic, half science optics that give you such a crystal clear image, you’d hardly believe you were looking through glass at all. Add an industry leading unconditional lifetime warranty, and you can start to see why this is the best 200 yard scope. Vortex builds optics for military and law enforcement clients, so why shouldn’t you trust their scope on your long range rifle?

Choosing the Best 200 Yard Scope

“Best,” of course, depends on a lot of things. When money is not an issue, high-end scopes like the Vortex Viper are pretty much a no brainer. But not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to make a choice like that without blinking. Besides, even then, depending on what you are doing with your rifle, it is possible to buy too much scope. Stop and think about what you are doing with your gun for a moment.

Are you hunting varmints in ideal weather on sunny days? You don’t really need a super fancy scope that is little more than a sniper grade optic in fancy dress. On the other hand, going cheap may not be the best choice either. Truth is, for most shooters, most any scope of respectable quality will do the job. Most of us aren’t professional shooters, hunters, or military. Anything we’ve looked at here will work, it’s mostly a matter of money and ego.

On the other hand, if you are doing something more than a basic knockabout rifle, then it’s time to start making some rational choices. Just what are you shooting at? Paper? Meh. Pick a scope and be happy with it. Hunting bears in Alaska? You need a scope that will hold up to harsh weather, harsh use, and give you a crystal clear sight picture. Your life might depend on it. And, of course, for somewhere between casual target shooting and professional grade shooting is a middle ground that is well served by optics like those made by Leupold.

Ultimately, the best 200 yard scope depends on you making the right choices for your particular needs and budget. Fortunately, every scope we have reviewed is a fine 200 yard optic, and outside of the most demanding parameters, the more modestly priced optics will do whatever you ask of them.

Picking the best scope is easy, making use of it is harder. Pair the scope to your needs, and then master the scope and rifle combination. Anyone can slap a pile of expensive gear together and claim to have an accurate shooting rifle, but not everyone will take the time to make that set of gear work in harmony. That’s the part you have to do, and we hope our scope choices will help guide you down that path. Good luck!