I have a few choices on which scope I'm thinking of going with... Which do you think I should choose or do you have a better suggestion? The below are the ones I'm considering.
http://www.eurooptic.com/Zeiss/product~description~Zeiss_Conquest_3-12x56_4_Matte_Black_Rifle_Scope.htm
(first focal plane on this one, lifetime warranty) I can get this for $800
or

http://www.eurooptic.com/Meopta/product~description~Meopta_Meostar_3-12x56_RD_4C_Matte_Black_Rifle_Scope.htm
(first focal plane as well, lifetime warranty,illuminated reticule) also $800
or
http://www.opticsplanet.net/atnrifprof41.html
(unk. focal plane, lifetime warranty,illuminated reticule) $550 ish

or
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-laser-irt-rangefinding-4-12x42-riflescope.html
(only 42mm, but has cool rangefinder and BDC, round $650)


How do Nikons and Luepolds compare to Zeiss Meopta or AMT?


Or do you suggest any other rifle scope? My price range is right around $800 or less. The bigger the lens the better i guess. I really do want something between 3-12 or 4-16 if the lowest magnification is above 5 I wouldn't consider it. This scope is intended for an SVD Dragunov 7.62x54r. Is an illuminated reticule really worth it?

Also what is better First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane? And Why?

bumperoo

Front focal plane is best.  You don't need the biggest glass out there.  Good glass, with good coatings, has such great light gathering ability it doesn't need huge bells.

I have three 3.5-10x LRT Leupolds.  They are rock solid, made in Oregon by a great company that stands behind their product.  I wouldn't consider anything else, personally.  

US Optics products are sexy, but their admin folks were complete assholes when I was in the buying mood with cash falling out of my pockets.

I can't dispute that Carl Zeiss makes outstanding glass, but I didn't like the products they were marketing and the price point at the time I bought mine.

A 30mm tube with plenty of elevation is a good thing for long range shooting.  Check out the snipercountry dot com for some good advice on optics.  The site sells some stuff too!  Great folks to do bidness with.

rgr that :)

I'm really kinda swaying towards the Nikon... the built in range finder is just too cool :p

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