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I Want Awesome Glass But Don't Want To Spend A Fortune

5835 Views 43 Replies 22 Participants Last post by BoilerUp, Oct 15, 2016

Hoosurdaddy

Discussion Starter · Oct 9, 2016

Here's my dilemma, I need a new scope for a 308 Bulid I'll be finishing at the end of the month. The problem I'm running into is which long range scope to buy, with the best glass possible, without breaking the bank.

The main use I'll be at the range and maybe hunting several times a year. I would like to stay below $1000 but I want Zeiss or Schmidt & Bender Glass :a21:

So, do I need all the good stuff like a zero stop, FFP, Etc. Etc. or should I just get a simple hunting style scope??

I'm a stickler for super clear glass and I've looked into a Leupold VX6 1-6 and Vortex Razor Gen 2 1-6. I have to say I was very impressed with the Vortex Razor. I would like that type of glass without the price tag attached to it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I would like someone to chime in with experience with the all the nicer scopes and some of the $500-$1000 scopes. Someone who has compared them side by side.

1 - 20 of 44 Posts

Xman

· #2 · Oct 9, 2016

Hoosurdaddy said:
The problem I'm running into is which long range scope to buy, with the best glass possible, without breaking the bank. .... I've looked into a Leupold VX6 1-6 and Vortex Razor Gen 2 1-6.

IMO, these are short range scopes. I wouldn't consider a scope long range unless it goes up to 16x. I also wouldn't get a long range scope to use for hunting that didn't have a 50mm objective lens so it collects enough light to use during dawn and dusk. I have a Bushnell 2.5-16x by 50 with a mil-dot reticle that does well and doesn't break the bank. When adjusted to just under 12x power (11.8x) and a 100 yard zero on my .270 Win with 129 LRX, the first mil-dot is 300 yards, 2nd is 400 yards, 3rd is 500, and fourth is 600 yards. No knobs to twist, just hold-over and shoot. I use a 3-9x Accupoint with green triangle for my 6.8mm zero'd at 200 yards. Middle of the triangle is 250 and bottom is 300.

OdDuMet

· #3 · Oct 9, 2016 (Edited)

OK, here you go. You said long range. The Zeiss conquest line has been updated with 5x multiple units. The new HD5 ones are 3-15 (3x5=15) . This one is 4.5-14. 4.5x vs 3x on the low end and 15x vs 14x on the high end, irrelevant for my hunting. This scope used to be about $1k+ and was still a massive bargain at that price. At $699 it almost seems like someone is doing something illegal. The glass on this thing is GORGEOUS like all Zeiss scopes I have ever tried out, and the mechanicals are rock solid like all the zeiss scopes I have owned, and I have 8 or 10 of them.

I own and have owned a ton of scopes, priced from multi-$1000's to $149, most all of the big name brands on the market. If you like "awesome glass", you will NOT be disappointed. For example, my Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x makes my Vortex Viper PST 4-16x glass look like walmart bushnell crap. Sure the Viper has a lot of whiz bang things like an illuminated FFP reticle and locking turrets with zero stop, but the basic heavy zeiss z-plex reticle has never not been easily visible for me on a shot I would actually take on an animal, even in very very low light. In my experience, illumination is only required to see complex fine reticle patterns or shoot shapes in really crappy light, i.e. combat, especially when you combine both of those. That was the last time I picked features over quality.

If you don't really need long range, Pick up a Conquest 3-9X. I have 6 of those, same story on glass and mechanical quality, just 9x max vs 14 and about 1/2 the cost. Comparable Leupold glass is VX-6 from my collection, and that is being generous, and they are 2x the cost.

4.5-14x
http://www.eurooptic.com/zeiss-conquest-45-14x50-riflescopes.aspx

3-9x
http://www.eurooptic.com/zeiss-conquest-3-9x40-riflescopes.aspx

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Scottytuned

· #4 · Oct 9, 2016

OdDuMet said:
. For example, my Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x makes my Vortex Viper PST 4-16x glass look like walmart bushnell crap.

With all due respect, I'd get that checked out if you aren't exaggerating. I have a Conquest as well, and my PSTs are every bit as clear and do as well in low light as my Zeiss. If that's true, I'll be happy to offer you Walmart Bushnell money to get that out of your hands.

With that that being said, if I had that budget, I might look beyond the PST line even though I think they perform beyond their price.

I would concur the VX6 is great. A 2-12 duplex with the CDS can be had for 770 right now, which is a good deal IMO. The 3-18 can be had for 1100 with Firedot. All from Cabelas. great scopes, track well. There's always the Nightforce SHV, which does a lot, but has a premium as well. Also Vortex does have a new Razor HD LH lineup. That'll run roughly 900 for a 3-15. No experience with one yet, but I do like the rest of Vortex stuff I have.

I personally don't care if I have FFP or SFP, but knowing if you have a preference may be useful.

sreyemj

· #5 · Oct 9, 2016

Scottytuned said:
With all due respect, I'd get that checked out if you aren't exaggerating. I have a Conquest as well, and my PSTs are every bit as clear and do as well in low light as my Zeiss. If that's true, I'll be happy to offer you Walmart Bushnell money to get that out of your hands.

It may not be true on all for all PST's, but it's true for some. I had had two Viper PSTs but the image and resolution lagged far behind the (now discontinued) Conquest and even an old Vari-X III. Wish the Conquest had the same zero stop and reticle as the Viper though!

diesel1959

· #6 · Oct 9, 2016

For around $1,000--and expecting a variable power scope--it would be hard to do better than a Leica ER-5 2-10x50. GREAT glass, first focal plane, 30mm tube, etc. Leica's rep is stellar.

You can get even better glass quality if you'd be willing to run a fixed-power optic. Just saying.

BoilerUp

· #7 · Oct 9, 2016

When trying to get the most out of your dollar, get the best glass you can with only the features you really need. FFP and illuminated reticles are generally the first things to go. Stick with capped turrets for the field.

Swarovski is running 20% off their Z5 line right now and if you call around to some of the shops that specialize in European optics, I bet you can get even below that. They're a bit over your $1K mark, so the Z3 line is available to keep it under that. Amazing glass. BRH is a good hunting reticle.

Hoosurdaddy

Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 9, 2016 (Edited)

Xman said:
IMO, these are short range scopes. I wouldn't consider a scope long range unless it goes up to 16x.

I was only using the 1-6 Razor as a glass reference, but I do understand what you're saying.

I actually don't care about all the bells and whistles, such as illuminated reticle and zero stop. I'd prefer to have zero stop, but would take better glass instead.

I'm not opposed to having a fixed power scope for the range. I can always swap it for a variable if I want to take it hunting. The majority of my time will be spent at the range.

BoilerUp

· #9 · Oct 9, 2016

diesel1959 said:
For around $1,000--and expecting a variable power scope--it would be hard to do better than a Leica ER-5 2-10x50. GREAT glass, first focal plane, 30mm tube, etc. Leica's rep is stellar.

Definitely worth checking out. While the ER 5 line has a side focus/parallax adjustment, I believe they are Second Focal Plane optics.

PostalBound

· #10 · Oct 9, 2016

If good glass is the most important criteria, you'd be hard pressed to
beat a Leica. Go to store and look through several compared to a
Leica. I first noticed this when looking for a new rangefinder. The
difference is noticeable.

wildfowler

· #11 · Oct 9, 2016

I have a Leupold Mark IV 1 x 5 and a Trijicon 3 x 9 x 40 that both cost more than my Zeiss conquest rimfire. The Zeiss conquest is by far the most superior clear scope I own.

I would suggest looking into the Zeiss lineup.

zr600

· #12 · Oct 9, 2016

If your looking for long range and a good all around scope check out the Burris xtr ii line of scopes I looked at a 5-35 the other day right next to a nightforce Nxs and couldn't tell the difference but I was inside the store not outside which I will do a comparison when I have time now that I know a local shop has them instock.

ack495

· #13 · Oct 9, 2016

Great scope for the money that uses Japanese glass is the Weaver tactical 3-15. Great power range for the 308 as well. FFP, side parallax, and illumination as well. Can be found for around $600-700. I regret selling mine now. The clarity was on par with the 5.5-22x nightforce that's on my work rifle. I've owned a vortex razor 1-6x and while the glass was not quite as good. I'd say it was close, 90%+ for sure.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Woodstock

· #14 · Oct 9, 2016

Another vote for the Zeiss Conquest series. They may not be making them but they are still out there. I have one of them and several Leupolds and the Zeiss has the better glass.

Hoosurdaddy

Discussion Starter · #15 · Oct 9, 2016

Woodstock said:
Another vote for the Zeiss Conquest series. They may not be making them but they are still out there. I have one of them and several Leupolds and the Zeiss has the better glass.

Well so far it sounds like Zeiss and Leica has the most votes for top quality glass at a decent price point. I'll have to go check them out side by side. Thanks for the responses everyone, I'm still opened to suggestions, so if anyone else wants to chime in feel free to.

Firearrow

· #16 · Oct 9, 2016

I usually try not to comment on glass because it is all personal opinion. But, My last outing for our PRS 1000 yard practice session I was shooting my rifle that had a NF and I was also shooting my friends rifle to get some data for his drops. His rifle had a Vortex PST. When we started shooting first thing in the morning the NF was more clear and a little brighter, but once the sun was up and the mirage kicked in I couldn't tell the difference between glass, as long as ainremember to adjust my parralex. I noticed this from distances of 600 yards out.

So so long story short, ya might consider the PST for your price range. Just my .02 cents worth

Woodstock

· #17 · Oct 9, 2016

Hoosurdaddy said:
Well so far it sounds like Zeiss and Leica has the most votes for top quality glass at a decent price point. I'll have to go check them out side by side. Thanks for the responses everyone, I'm still opened to suggestions, so if anyone else wants to chime in feel free to.

Carl Zeiss is the oldest optical glass maker in the world. I think if you did a little research you would probably find that Leica is owned by Zeiss as well. Most High end European optics use Zeiss glass.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Zeiss_AG

Oregun

· #18 · Oct 9, 2016

For the $900-$1250 price point, you can step up into the Nightforce SHV line - FFP or SFP, illumination, legendary durability, zero stop, nice mil reticles, superior turrets and glass.

http://nightforceoptics.com/shv

JDB1980

· #19 · Oct 9, 2016

.308 Scope Choices

Hoosurdaddy said:
Here's my dilemma, I need a new scope for a 308 Bulid I'll be finishing at the end of the month. The problem I'm running into is which long range scope to buy, with the best glass possible, without breaking the bank.

The main use I'll be at the range and maybe hunting several times a year. I would like to stay below $1000 but I want Zeiss or Schmidt & Bender Glass :a21:

So, do I need all the good stuff like a zero stop, FFP, Etc. Etc. or should I just get a simple hunting style scope??

I'm a stickler for super clear glass and I've looked into a Leupold VX6 1-6 and Vortex Razor Gen 2 1-6. I have to say I was very impressed with the Vortex Razor. I would like that type of glass without the price tag attached to it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I would like someone to chime in with experience with the all the nicer scopes and some of the $500-$1000 scopes. Someone who has compared them side by side.

I have enjoyed the Leupold VX6 4-24 w/52 mm objective on my .308 and have had good experience with the Sightron glass also...very clear.

tbready

· #20 · Oct 10, 2016

ack495 said:
Great scope for the money that uses Japanese glass is the Weaver tactical 3-15. Great power range for the 308 as well. FFP, side parallax, and illumination as well. Can be found for around $600-700. I regret selling mine now. The clarity was on par with the 5.5-22x nightforce that's on my work rifle. I've owned a vortex razor 1-6x and while the glass was not quite as good. I'd say it was close, 90%+ for sure.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

+1 on this. Just got one, glass is amazing. Extremely well built optic.

1 - 20 of 44 Posts