Introduction

It’s no secret that I am an optics nerd, riflescopes are probably number two for me, right after precision rifles. As such, I get to spend a great deal of time playing with riflescopes of all kinds. Whether it be a five-thousand dollar optic, or a five-hundred dollar optic, I really enjoy seeing what can be done with riflescopes. A secret pleasure of mine is finding high performing rifle scopes at low price points, and today I am on that mission again. The subject of our review today is the Lucid Optics MLX 4.5-18X44 riflescope.

Lucid Optics

Lucid Optics is a relatively new optics manufacturer based in Wyoming, where the air is as clear as the glass in their scopes. It seems that part of getting into the optics business is starting with some no-nonsense slam-dunk products like long-range rifle scopes. I don’t know for sure, but I’d say it’s a fair bet that the open country and big game animals of Wyoming inspired somebody to create an affordable rifle scope for conquering the western landscapes.

Click here to read Concluding Thoughts on the Lucid MLX

Lucid MLX Riflescope

The Lucid Optics MLX is a 4X precision riflescope with a 4.5-18 power magnification. Built on a 30mm tube with a reticle in the first focal plane, the scope features MRAD turrets and reticle, both of which have become more and more desirable in the last decade. Inside the scope you’ll find the MLX reticle. It has a good mix of whole and half-MIL measurements as well as fine aiming points and a mostly open center.

The turrets themselves are 6 MIL per revolution. My preference would have been 10-MIL turrets, as they are easier to track. The turrets are lockable by pushing down for a positive click, and lifting them disengages the lock. In addition to all these great features, the MLX comes with a couple other nice little extras.

Included in the box was a 44mm sunshade as well as a threaded “cattail” or throw lever for the magnification ring. Also included were the cheap flip caps you often find on most imports, as well as a stretchy scope cover to protect it from the elements.
 

Mounting the Lucid MLX

With the MLX in hand, I wasted no time getting it ready for its debut. I happened to have a brand-new Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon handy, which would make an excellent host for the MLX. Since the rifle already has a scope base, all I needed was a set of scope rings to mount it. I found a pair of Burris rings that were just the right height, and after messing around with tools for a bit, I managed to get the scope mounted and leveled.

Two Years later:

Updating this in 2026; the Lucid scope is still going, having spent some time on several host rifles over the years. Overall I still like the scope, but I will say that the parallax turret has developed some varied tension that I dislike. To be fair it could be a result of getting banged around in an ATV during hunting season. It still works, but the tension disparity is a little concerning. It makes me wonder if the parallax setting is off as a result. Other than that the scope continues to work fine. As the market has deepened with other options, it seems the Lucid price point might be a bit steep as well, I have found better scopes for less money since getting this one.