In the market for a new optic? You're in luck. In this installment of our 2026 SHOT coverage, we tasked experienced hunter and longtime contributor Brad Fenson with rounding up the best new optics of 2026. Read on to see what made his exacting cut.
Trijicon Credo HX Riflescope Line Extensions
Trijicon has expanded its Credo HX riflescope lineup with new models designed for hunters who demand reliability, clarity and fast target acquisition in real-world conditions. The new 2.5-10x56mm, 2.5-15x42mm, 2.5-15x56mm and 4-16x50mm configurations are designed to cover everything from timber hunts to longer shots across open country.
Each of these new Credo HX scopes features an LED-illuminated second focal plane reticle with ten brightness settings, offering both red and green illumination and convenient off positions between levels to save battery life. Available with Trijicon’s BDC Hunter Holds reticle, these scopes make it quick and intuitive to hold for distance without dialing. Tool-less elevation turrets are easy to set in the field and provide a solid return to zero, while capped windage keeps adjustments protected. Clicks are crisp and repeatable at ¼ MOA for consistent precision.
Built on a 30mm tube with up to 100 MOA of adjustment, Credo HX scopes use fully multi-coated glass for excellent light transmission, true color,\ and sharp edge-to-edge clarity. Larger objective lenses boost low-light performance during early mornings and late evenings. A repositionable magnification lever and easy-grip controls make fast adjustments simple when opportunities come together quickly.
Like all Trijicon optics, Credo HX scopes are built tough and tested hard to handle recoil, weather and rough conditions anywhere you hunt. The real story is that it now has a toolless zero stop and the Power Dot Hunter Holds reticle. I took that .308 Win to the range, and the reticle was spot on out to 600 with a 200-yard zero on the crosshair. Stalking a big buck to 315 yards allowed me to use the reticle for a dead-on hold that had a magical ending. MSRP ranges from $1,408 to $1,799. Learn more at trijicon.com.
Hawke Vantage HD 34 FFP Riflescope
The Hawke Vantage HD 34 FFP scope line redefines what hunters and shooters should expect from a true value optic. Built to handle everything from long-range steel to serious field use, these scopes bring Hawke’s proven H2 optics into the tactical and competition arena. A massive 34mm main tube provides a generous adjustment range and durability. At the same time, fully multi-coated optics deliver excellent light transmission, sharp detail, and wide-angle views that help spot targets quickly. Four inches of eye relief adds comfort and confidence, especially on hard recoiling rifles.
Vantage HD 34 FFP scopes feature first focal plane optics, keeping subtensions accurate at any magnification for precise holds and ranging. Shooters can choose Mil or MOA illuminated reticles to match their preferred system. Zero-stop elevation turrets allow fast, repeatable returns to zero, while exposed locking windage turrets prevent unwanted movement in the field or on the line. These are serious features usually found on much higher-priced optics.
For hunters and shooters who want performance, reliability, and modern features without paying a premium, the Vantage HD 34 FFP line stands out as one of the most feature-packed scopes in its class. Prices start at around $699. Learn more at hawkeoptics.com.
Vortex AMG 1-10x24 FFP Riflescope
Built from the ground up to meet demands that traditional optics could not, the Vortex AMG 1-10x24mm FFP riflescope represents the evolution of the modern do-everything optic. The AMG line was born from elite end-user requirements, where durability, speed, and optical performance are non-negotiable. Those fundamental features carry over perfectly to hunters and shooters who want one scope that can handle close-range speed and extended-distance precision.
At the core is a class-leading HD optical system that delivers outstanding resolution and an exceptionally wide field of view. From thick timber to open country, image clarity stays sharp edge to edge with excellent color fidelity and light transmission. The first focal-plane reticle maintains subtensions accuracy at any magnification, while daylight-bright illumination ensures fast target acquisition.
Dual zero turrets allow shooters to quickly switch between suppressed and unsuppressed rifles or different loads without losing confidence in their zero. Toolless turrets make zeroing fast and simple in the field, with reliable tracking and repeatable micro adjustments. An integrated throw lever with a short 120-degree rotation allows rapid magnification changes while remaining low-profile to avoid snags.
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum and made in the USA with US and global parts, the AMG 1-10x24mm is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof for real-world use, with an MSRP of $3,999. Learn more at vortexoptics.com.
Burris Veracity Riflescopes
Burris is rolling out the next generation of Veracity riflescopes for 2026, building on a platform that has earned a reputation among serious hunters for precision, durability, and no-nonsense performance. This is a full redesign, not a minor update, and it shows in the glass, the handling, and the flexibility built into every scope.
The new Veracity lineup is offered in three practical 5x magnification ranges including 2.5-12x42mm, 3-15x44mm and 5-25x50mm, covering everything from close timber hunts to long shots across open country. Burris trimmed the size and weight while improving balance, making these scopes easier to handle in the field without sacrificing strength or adjustment range. Fully multi-coated lenses paired with premium ED glass deliver brighter images, better color accuracy and sharp edge-to-edge clarity, especially in low light when legal shooting time matters most.
Hunters will notice Burris’ new R.E.D. industrial design immediately, with a red-accented ocular and aggressive knurling on turrets and the magnification ring for a secure grip in cold, wet or gloved conditions. A major upgrade is the new Knob Synergy System, which allows shooters to configure turrets to match how they hunt. Every scope ships with a capped windage turret and a two-turn, exposed-elevation turret with a zero-click stop, offering fast, repeatable dialing when precision counts.
Five reticle options are available across first- and second-focal-plane models, including the new RCT-MOA reticle, which delivers clean, modern holdovers without clutter. MSRPs range from $1,019 to $1,559. Learn more at burrisoptics.com.
Swarovski AT/ST Balance
Swarovski Optik has never been content to follow trends, and the new AT/ST Balance proves it once again. This premium spotting scope introduces image stabilization to the Swarovski Optik lineup, creating a tool that fundamentally changes how hunters and shooters observe the world. The AT/ST Balance delivers a shake-free image even when handheld, allowing you to glass with confidence at high magnification without a tripod. That matters when weight, speed and adaptability are critical in the field.
At the heart of the system is SwaroBalance image stabilization, which compensates for even the smallest movements in real time. The result is a clear, steady image at magnifications up to 45x, with virtually no lag. Whether you are picking apart distant timber, confirming antler detail, or digiscoping in challenging conditions, the AT/ST Balance lets you identify faster and with less effort. Compact size and light weight make it practical for backcountry hunts, mountain glassing sessions and range work where mobility matters.
Available in two configurations, the AT Balance 18-45x65mm carries a MAP price of $3,999, while the ST Balance 14-35x50mm is priced at $3,849. Both models will be available through authorized retailers and online. Learn more at swarovskioptik.com.
Bushnell R5 10x42mm Binocular
The Bushnell R5 10x42mm binocular is built for hunters and shooters who want dependable glass without paying premium prices. With a versatile 10x42mm configuration, it delivers the reach you need for open country while still performing well in timber and low light. The view is sharp, bright and true to color thanks to dielectric and phase prism coatings that reduce light loss and distortion from first light to last.
R5 binoculars are made to handle real field conditions. The lenses are protected with an EXO Barrier coating that sheds water, dirt, and fingerprints and the IPX7 waterproof rating means rain, snow and hard use will not slow them down. The lightweight roof prism design balances well in hand and rides comfortably on your chest during long days behind glass.
Comfort and usability matter when you are covering ground, and the R5 delivers with a wide field of view, smooth focus, and twist-up eyecups that work well with or without glasses. Each binocular comes ready for the field with a Vault LITE binocular harness and a comfortable neck strap to keep optics secure and accessible. Backing it all is a lifetime unconditional warranty exclusive to the R Series, giving you confidence season after season.
The R5 10x42mm binocular weighs just under 24 ounces and is tripod adaptable for extended glassing sessions. MSRP is $249.95. Learn more or order directly at bushnell.com.
The R5 binoculars are also available in 12x50mm and 8x42mm configurations in addition to the 10x42mm. That gives you options for more magnification and larger lenses for long-range viewing or a slightly wider field of view and lighter weight, depending on how and where you hunt.
Riton 5 Primal 15x56 ED Binoculars
When the hunt demands serious glass and long looks, the Riton 5 Primal 15x56mm ED binoculars are built to deliver. This is an optic designed for hunters who spend real time behind glass and need clarity, comfort, and confidence from first light to last. Whether you are picking apart distant ridgelines or locating subtle movement in wide open country, these binoculars help you spot game before it spots you.
The 15x56mm configuration gives you the reach needed for western hunts and big terrain, while advanced extra-low-dispersion glass delivers sharp, high-contrast images with excellent color fidelity. That clarity reduces eye strain during long glassing sessions and keeps details crisp when it matters most. With 90-percent light transmission and fully multi-coated lenses with low light enhancement, performance stays strong even in challenging conditions.
Built from a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis, the 5 Primal is lightweight yet rugged enough for hard use. The rubber-armed exterior provides a secure, comfortable grip and added protection in the field. Center focus operation is smooth and precise, making it easy to stay locked in on your target.
Despite its power, the 5 Primal remains pack-friendly and practical for extended hunts. Included accessories like a carrying bag and binocular strap round out a ready-to-hunt package. The Riton 5 Primal 15x56mm ED binoculars have an MSRP of $829.99 with a MAP of $749. Learn more at ritonoptics.com.
Zeiss SFL 50 Binocular
When time behind the glass matters, quality optics can make the difference between guessing and knowing. The Zeiss SFL 50 binoculars are built for hunters and shooters who want maximum low-light performance without carrying extra weight, and that balance is what sets them apart. Zeiss managed to pack the light-gathering power of a 50mm binocular into a compact, well-balanced platform that feels more like a traditional 42 mm on your chest, making it ideal for long days in the field or extended time on the range.
At the heart of the SFL 50 is Zeiss UHD glass with up to 90-percent light transmission. The result is crisp detail, accurate color and excellent contrast when animals are most active and light is at a premium. A generous exit pupil keeps your eyes relaxed during long glassing sessions, while Zeiss T and LotuTec coatings boost clarity and shed water, dust and fingerprints when conditions turn against you. Whether you are judging antlers at last light or scanning steel at distance, the image stays sharp and dependable.
The lightweight magnesium housing keeps fatigue to a minimum without sacrificing durability, and the SmartFocus system allows fast, precise adjustments from close range to infinity in just over a turn. Available in 10x50mm and 12x50mm configurations, the Zeiss SFL 50 is a serious optic for serious use. Pricing starts at $1,799. Learn more at zeiss.com/sports-optics.
Holosun 407C-X3 and 507C-X3
For hunters and shooters who rely on a pistol optic that simply works, the Holosun 407C and 507C have earned their reputation the hard way, through real use in the field, on duty and at the range. For 2026, Holosun builds on that proven foundation with the new X3 generation, refining two of its most trusted sights with updates that matter when lighting changes, conditions get rough and consistency counts.
The 407C-X3 and 507C-X3 retain the familiar feel and footprint shooters already trust, but feature a redesigned housing and improved light-sensing behavior that keeps the reticle clean and properly balanced as you move from shade to full sun or indoor lighting. A forward-facing photodiode helps the optic react more naturally to changing environments, delivering a clearer sight picture and more consistent brightness without distraction.
The 507C-X3 continues to offer Holosun’s Multi Reticle System, allowing shooters to run a precise 2 MOA dot, a fast 32 MOA circle or the combined circle dot depending on the task. The 407C-X3 keeps things simple with a crisp 2 MOA dot that excels for hunters, range shooters, and anyone who prefers an uncluttered aiming point. Both use a 7075-T6 aluminum housing, RMR footprint compatibility and a durable window size that balances precision with awareness.
Side-loading CR1632 batteries, up to 50,000 hours of runtime, Shake Awake technology and Solar Failsafe on the 507C-X3 round out a system built for readiness. The Holosun 407C-X3 starts around $244.99, while the 507C-X3 starts around $309.99. Learn more at holosun.com.
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Wondering why there's no number 10 on this list? Nine sure is an awfully odd number for a roundup. Well, as it happens, Brad did have a 10th selection, but it will not be released to the public until February 4. Check back at americanhunter.org then to read all about it.
