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Posted: 9/19/2019 9:31:48 PM EDT
[Last Edit: bob9181]
Thought I would open a hornet's nest and get this started and see what our ARFCOM members top and favorite optic sets up are. For the purpose of this discussion, let us limit them to only hunting purpose optics.
So, max price limit ~$3-3.5k; weighing under or near 1.5 pounds/24 oz. I'll get started with my favorite - At that price range, the Swarovskis come to mind, the Z6is around $2000 and Z8i series around $3k. Hard to beat the Swaro quality in their price range. |
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Posted: 9/19/2019 10:07:31 PM EDT
[#1]
Nothing compares to Schmidt & Bender. So look at their line up first.
But Swarovski is very good. |
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Posted: 9/19/2019 10:54:38 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JPK:
Nothing compares to Schmidt & Bender. So look at their line up first. But Swarovski is very good. |
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Posted: 9/19/2019 11:30:53 PM EDT
[#3]
Always been a Swarovski fan myself for hunting rifles.
The Nightforce SHV is also a nice choice. |
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Posted: 9/20/2019 6:35:22 AM EDT
[#4]
I've never used any S&B, but I have a couple Swaro Z6s on hunting rifles..
1.7-10 and 2.5-15, both with BRH reticles. Fantastic scopes! |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 9/20/2019 7:04:21 AM EDT
[Last Edit: bdicki]
[#5]
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/20/2019 11:59:44 AM EDT
[#6]
A little bit over the weight limit, but I like Nightforce ATACRs. |
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Posted: 9/20/2019 3:01:35 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bdicki:
https://i.imgur.com/OlvJZjwh.jpg |
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Posted: 9/20/2019 3:01:56 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Demphna2:
https://i.postimg.cc/wv6KQRwn/Screenshot-20190920-105801.png A little bit over the weight limit, but I like Nightforce ATACRs. |
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Posted: 9/20/2019 4:36:18 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SuperJlarge]
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JPK:
Nothing compares to Schmidt & Bender. For an optic that is close to the ATACR in glass, but lighter and still has the features of adjustable turrets, the Vortex AMG (28.8oz) is pretty solid. It’s a great optic for a triple purpose range/match/hunting rifle. AMG on the 224Valkyrie 
AMG 6-24, 4.5-27 Razor Gen2, ATACR 5-25 during resolution evaluation. 
AMG 6-24 and ATACR 5-25 
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Posted: 9/21/2019 2:44:59 PM EDT
[#10]
Not super top-end, but the Razor HD LH is really nice if you are fine with 15X and don't need a lit reticle.
Only 16.5oz for the 3-15x42. |
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Posted: 9/21/2019 2:58:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: bob9181]
[#11]
More specifically how dothe Schmidt & Benders compared to the Swaros?
I guess Leica has a bit better glass than both of those but haven’t used Leicas. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 9/24/2019 3:39:02 PM EDT
[#12]
Nightforce. In addition to glass quality, robustness and repeatability are extremely important. No one tops NF is those categories.
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Posted: 9/24/2019 11:22:15 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TXBO:
Always been a Swarovski fan myself for hunting rifles. The Nightforce SHV is also a nice choice. |
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Posted: 9/25/2019 8:49:40 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bob9181: @TXBO - Between the Nightforce and the Swarovski if you could only have one, which one would you get for your hunting rifle and why? |
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Posted: 9/25/2019 9:32:16 AM EDT
[#15]
Any good options out there in the 34mm tube diameter area?
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Posted: 9/29/2019 1:41:42 PM EDT
[#16]
I hate all of swaros reticles. I use them for binos and spotting scopes. For rifle scopes I'll take kahles over anything followed closely by vortex amg.
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Posted: 9/29/2019 1:43:43 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Laufen:
Nightforce. In addition to glass quality, robustness and repeatability are extremely important. No one tops NF is those categories. |
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Posted: 9/29/2019 1:44:45 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Dunderway:
Not super top-end, but the Razor HD LH is really nice if you are fine with 15X and don't need a lit reticle. Only 16.5oz for the 3-15x42. |
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Posted: 9/29/2019 5:44:29 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RePp:
I hate all of swaros reticles. I use them for binos and spotting scopes. For rifle scopes I'll take kahles over anything followed closely by vortex amg. |
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Posted: 9/29/2019 6:40:38 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bob9181: What in the Swarovski reticles is that you don’t like? If I may ask. The Kahles are excellent scope as well. Right at the very top end of the spectrum, but then they are owned by the Swaro people ;). Swarovski did not even have a scope line when they bought the kahles. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/1/2019 10:54:31 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RePp:
That's complete conjecture. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RePp:
Originally Posted By Laufen:
Nightforce. In addition to glass quality, robustness and repeatability are extremely important. No one tops NF is those categories. |
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Posted: 10/1/2019 1:15:38 PM EDT
[Last Edit: RePp]
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Laufen:
You're asking for "favorites", and this has been my experience.....thus NF is my favorite. |
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Posted: 10/2/2019 12:25:51 AM EDT
[#23]
I’m in the same pickle at the moment. I had LRI put me together a Defiance, Manners, and Proof build and I need a scope.
I have Swarovski, Nightforce, Zeiss, and Leupold scopes. I’m kicking around buying the Swarovski dS, Zeiss V8, Revic or March. I don’t need some crazy Christmas tree reticle on a hunting rifle and I want a 25-35 power top end. |
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Posted: 10/2/2019 12:28:44 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Laufen:
Nightforce. In addition to glass quality, robustness and repeatability are extremely important. No one tops NF is those categories. |
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Posted: 10/2/2019 12:52:20 AM EDT
[#25]
I have a (now discontinued) Leica ER 2.5-10x42 and the glass quality blows me away. Better than the Leupold VX6, VX5HD, Mk8, and Mk6 scopes I’ve owned. I only wish it had adjustable parallax
Take a look at the Leicas that Scopelist and Europtic have on closeout right now. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 10/2/2019 9:54:49 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By cardboardkiller: Swarovski, Zeiss, S&B, and Hensoldt all have better glass. |
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Posted: 10/2/2019 10:24:46 AM EDT
[#27]
I use Swarovski binos and Nightforce or Leupold rifle scopes.
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Posted: 10/2/2019 3:53:15 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Demphna2:
That's interesting... I don’t think any of them are as tough as a Nightforce. Nightforce gets edged out in the glass department. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/2/2019 4:03:21 PM EDT
[#29]
Nightforce scopes.
Leica Binoculars. Hensoldt Spotter 60. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 10/2/2019 4:27:47 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By cardboardkiller: It shouldn't be. Common knowledge. I don't think any of them are as tough as a Nightforce. Nightforce gets edged out in the glass department. |
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Posted: 10/3/2019 3:55:24 AM EDT
[Last Edit: cardboardkiller]
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Demphna2:
You're speaking as if this is factual data when in fact what you are expressing is subjective. Moreover, out of curiosity, what particulars from the other scopes "edges" NF out of the glass department? And I'm assuming we're comparing the ATACR glass to the other scopes you listed? When you look at the total package you get from Nightforce, they produce some of the best scopes out there but they aren’t top of heap in the glass department. I own Nightforce scopes. My old 5.5-22 NXS in a Spuhr one piece mount has lasted over 10 years of deer hunting and range abuse on my Sako TRG 22. The dent in the bell from me dropping it when I almost fell off a cliff didn’t change the zero at all. I’m eyeballing the ATACR 1-8 hard for an LPVO on my 3 gun rifle. I have to figure just what scope I want for my Defiance, Manners, Proof carbon fiber build from LRI first. I’m leaning towards the Swarovski dS or Zeiss V8 4.8-35-60, or March. I can’t decide what features are more important to hang on this build. Whatever I end up is going to sting my wallet. The ATACR F2 just isn’t what want for this rifle. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 10/3/2019 9:16:11 AM EDT
[#32]
"I can't decide what features are more important to hang on this build"
I think that's what it all boils down to when you're looking at high end scopes like those. Glass quality comparison is splitting hairs in my opinion. I looked through every scope I could when trying to select one and found no appreciable difference in glass quality. Of course, this is all my subjective opinion. Ultimately, the reticle choice is what persuaded me. |
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Posted: 10/3/2019 9:36:14 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Demphna2:
"I can't decide what features are more important to hang on this build" I think that's what it all boils down to when you're looking at high end scopes like those. Glass quality comparison is splitting hairs in my opinion. I looked through every scope I could when trying to select one and found no appreciable difference in glass quality. Of course, this is all my subjective opinion. Ultimately, the reticle choice is what persuaded me. |
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Posted: 10/3/2019 10:48:19 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Demphna2:
"I can't decide what features are more important to hang on this build" I think that's what it all boils down to when you're looking at high end scopes like those. Glass quality comparison is splitting hairs in my opinion. I looked through every scope I could when trying to select one and found no appreciable difference in glass quality. Of course, this is all my subjective opinion. Ultimately, the reticle choice is what persuaded me. |
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Posted: 10/3/2019 8:51:52 PM EDT
[#35]
To limit the opinions to hunting scopes, I believe primarily the main criteria are - light transmission, clearest glass and coatings (minimal to no chromatic aberrations), and low light (and equally important bright light) performance.
For my new Proof Research Elevation hunting rifle, Inam personally debating on the below: - Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15 56 P (~ $2,600) - Scmidt & Bender 4-16 56 Polar T96 (~ 2,660) - Kahles 318i 3.5-18 50 CCW SKMR3 (~$2,750) All of the prices are for me shipped from different vendors. Others might get them higher or lower. The S&B and Kahles are open box demos. My personal requirement is the clearest reticle and quality/value retention. Reticles don’t matter much to me as this is going to be on a Deer, Elk, (and later mountain goat) hunting rifle and not a PRS competition rifle. None of these except the Kahles would be on the list if this was a precision/target/competiton rifles. Overall clarity at all times, low light performance, is my most important aspect. I am love the concept of owning the Kahles but I guess the image quality and low light performance (dawn & dusk) is not on the same class as the Swaros and Schmidt & Benders. Would especially like to hear from the folks who own any or either or all (;))of them . |
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Posted: 10/3/2019 9:50:17 PM EDT
[#36]
I have a Z6 2.5-15, and a few Kahles 624i's.
No contest, Swaro, hands down. |
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Posted: 10/3/2019 9:51:48 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bob9181:
To limit the opinions to hunting scopes, I believe primarily the main criteria are - light transmission, clearest glass and coatings (minimal to no chromatic aberrations), and low light (and equally important bright light) performance. For my new Proof Research Elevation hunting rifle, Inam personally debating on the below: - Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15 56 P (~ $2,600) - Scmidt & Bender 4-16 56 Polar T96 (~ 2,660) - Kahles 318i 3.5-18 50 CCW SKMR3 (~$2,750) All of the prices are for me shipped from different vendors. Others might get them higher or lower. The S&B and Kahles are open box demos. My personal requirement is the clearest reticle and quality/value retention. Reticles don’t matter much to me as this is going to be on a Deer, Elk, (and later mountain goat) hunting rifle and not a PRS competition rifle. None of these except the Kahles would be on the list if this was a precision/target/competiton rifles. Overall clarity at all times, low light performance, is my most important aspect. I am love the concept of owning the Kahles but I guess the image quality and low light performance (dawn & dusk) is not on the same class as the Swaros and Schmidt & Benders. Would especially like to hear from the folks who own any or either or all (;))of them . |
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Posted: 10/4/2019 8:17:12 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RePp:
Ehh I roll kahles on a bunch of my guns from 1-6, 3-18, 5-25 and 6-24. I would take a kahles over anything. The glass quality, tracking, reticle etc is all my favorite by far. Objective diameter and glass quality for gathering light on the kahles is awesome. S&B this day and age the juice just isnt worth the squeeze. 15 years ago from sure, now no thanks. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RePp:
Originally Posted By bob9181:
To limit the opinions to hunting scopes, I believe primarily the main criteria are - light transmission, clearest glass and coatings (minimal to no chromatic aberrations), and low light (and equally important bright light) performance. For my new Proof Research Elevation hunting rifle, Inam personally debating on the below: - Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15 56 P (~ $2,600) - Scmidt & Bender 4-16 56 Polar T96 (~ 2,660) - Kahles 318i 3.5-18 50 CCW SKMR3 (~$2,750) All of the prices are for me shipped from different vendors. Others might get them higher or lower. The S&B and Kahles are open box demos. My personal requirement is the clearest reticle and quality/value retention. Reticles don’t matter much to me as this is going to be on a Deer, Elk, (and later mountain goat) hunting rifle and not a PRS competition rifle. None of these except the Kahles would be on the list if this was a precision/target/competiton rifles. Overall clarity at all times, low light performance, is my most important aspect. I am love the concept of owning the Kahles but I guess the image quality and low light performance (dawn & dusk) is not on the same class as the Swaros and Schmidt & Benders. Would especially like to hear from the folks who own any or either or all (;))of them . But for OPs concern, the Z6 beats them. |
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Posted: 10/4/2019 9:06:40 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By mi650:
Don't get me wrong, I really like my 624i"s, great scopes. But for OPs concern, the Z6 beats them. |
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Posted: 10/5/2019 8:27:08 PM EDT
[#40]
Just an update guys. Got a Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15 x 56 BRHi. After much thought, figured it will serve me well for my varied hunting purposes. There is a place for the more advanced ones like S&Bs and Kahles but not on this particular one at the moment (PF Elevation in 6.5 CM).
Need some advise on the proper height for the scope mounts for this 30mm tube , 56mm objective lens scope. Is 1.125” enough or should I got 1.375” (med-high)? By the way, my rifle has a 20 MOA pic rail and the barrel is Senduro contour. |
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Posted: 10/5/2019 10:24:26 PM EDT
[#41]
Mine is in an LT807, 1.375", 0 MOA rail.
1.125" would not be high enough. 1.25" might work, but it would be close. |
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Posted: 10/6/2019 12:41:13 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By mi650:
Mine is in an LT807, 1.375", 0 MOA rail. 1.125" would not be high enough. 1.25" might work, but it would be close. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 10/7/2019 6:39:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Payneful]
[#43]
I know its a little late in regards to the OP since he already purchased. But just for everyone else, Kahles is owned by Swaro as of a few years ago. That is why you saw the Kahles line go away from their hunting line to exclusively target/tactical oriented scopes. Swaro wanted two separate lines of scopes that did not compete with one another. So if you love Swaro glass but want a different set of features.... Kahles is your go to.
For anyone looking for the best value optic right now. That has to be the Leica Magnus scopes EuroOptic has on close out. The glass on them is just as good as a Swaro Z6/Z8. But they are selling them for around $1k. https://www.eurooptic.com/Leica-Magnus-Special-Deals.aspx?utm_source=eoic2017&utm_medium=KJP I know if I were looking for a hunting scope, that is certainly the one I would get after having the chance to look through one recently in comparison to a number of other great brands. |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 10/7/2019 6:46:18 PM EDT
[#44]
I don't mean to be poor, but I have a hard time buying multiple $2000 scopes.
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Posted: 10/8/2019 1:52:35 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Payneful:
I know its a little late in regards to the OP since he already purchased. But just for everyone else, Kahles is owned by Swaro as of a few years ago. That is why you saw the Kahles line go away from their hunting line to exclusively target/tactical oriented scopes. Swaro wanted two separate lines of scopes that did not compete with one another. So if you love Swaro glass but want a different set of features.... Kahles is your go to. For anyone looking for the best value optic right now. That has to be the Leica Magnus scopes EuroOptic has on close out. The glass on them is just as good as a Swaro Z6/Z8. But they are selling them for around $1k. https://www.eurooptic.com/Leica-Magnus-Special-Deals.aspx?utm_source=eoic2017&utm_medium=KJP I know if I were looking for a hunting scope, that is certainly the one I would get after having the chance to look through one recently in comparison to a number of other great brands. |
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