It should be with a price pushing $4,000. And we found that the tube dimensions are so stingy that we couldnt mount the Whiskey5 to a standard full-length action with two-piece bases. Variable Scopes By far the most common, variable scopes are useful if magnification of the target is needed for a clean shot. This new iteration continues the low-profile push-to-turn (and re-zeroable) elevation turret and capped windage controls, but in an appeal to hunters as well as steel-ringers, this is an MOA-based scope. 12 Best Scout Scopes Actually Worth the Money (2023) By Chris January 18, 2021 December 28, 2022. Single erector and 1 tube sets it up for failure. High quality binoculars perform great under these conditions, Nelson said. A question I have relates to the eye piece and why do they charge more for the 25x50 then the 20x60. It comes with a one-piece tube that is 30 millimeters, which makes it easier to store without having to worry about loosing any removable parts. You must log in or register to reply here. It is very important to actually use these covers and keep the connections clean. It was the scopenot the riflethat really made the difference on this shot. You should also consider looking at Schmidt & Bender and Swarovski. Below are three of the different types of scopes, and they are the most common scopes on the market. They even offer products that can be individualized for their corporate customers if needed. I have the 3.5-18x44 z5 on my 25-06. Scope weight is the least of my concern now. Similar in design to the Z3, the Z5 rifle scopes possess the unsurpassed distinction of durability, dependability and precision. There is a lot of incredible information informative there, but it might take you a while to digest, depending on your knowledge and experience. Spend that extra buck for peace of mind. The Japanese glass inside this billyclub of a 30mm scope is quite good. This photo shows 1) the major difference in sizes (65mm vs. 95mm) and 2) the digiscoping setup all ready to go. Swarovski Rifle Scopes are perfect for a wide variety of uses, ranging from hunting moving targets to long-range hunting. Always liked the BRH reticle, which is basically a Mil reticle. But this new configuration improves on the platform. Nelson says the beautiful thing about good glass is people rarely need to use the warranty. When most people think of the best brands, they think about the brands that the majority of people who buy a product actually purchase. It features state-of-the-art technology and is there when you need it the most-especially for that long range shot. It is used mainly for hunting anything at long range, including predators, big game, and varmints. I understand the Leupolds have a strong fan following and the glass is very clear as well. Any weight limits? As you can imagine, these scopes come with a hefty price tag. I like their 4-1240 model scope personally, as it allows me to zoom in just far enough while still being able to make close up shots by cranking back the zoom. One tester said the turrets felt a bit flinty, as though they might not hold up to harsh rotation. We declared the death of the duplex reticle last year, and before that, the demise of the 3X9X riflescope. But the scope didnt charm anyone. But if you have the time and patience to get the system dialed in, and know not only precisely where your bullet hits at the color-coded stops but at the steps on either side of them, then the Z5 is a smart, light, and priced-right hunting tool. The third generation in Burris venerable XTR line, this model would have competed well in our Versatile category. The main advantages you get with the Z6 is much larger field of view, more forgiving eye positioning, an image that literally seems to extend to the very edge of the eyepiece housing, and more robust construction via the coil spring supported erector assy. Coming on the heels of the remarkable first-plane Vudu 1-6 Precision scope, we had high hopes that this 1-8 EOTech would deliver all the versatility of its predecessor. The answer from Zeiss is unacceptable, you paid a lot of money for the binoculars and then the glass must be in order, after all Zeiss boasts of good service. Below are just a few different scopes that are considered to be the best in their dollar range, but before choosing your scope, you should look at all the details in order to make sure it will provide you with a solution to all of your individual needs. Although my scope was missing (I didnt own one), I knew that my aim had to result in a crisp, accurate shot. It comes equipped with tall turrets which allows the shooter using it to quickly and easily make any adjustments. The big scopes were mounted atop Bergara Premier HMR Pro rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor (apologies to Creedmoor haters.) JavaScript is disabled. One of the things that helps this be an ideal scope for long range shooting, it offers precision aiming with accurate holdover and wind-corrected information. I have used it for a few years now and love it. There are many scopes on the market from many different reputable manufacturers, so choosing the best one is a daunting task. I was going to get a Swarovski Z6 but then saw how good my vx6 was and stuck with Leupold. My only experience with a z6 was a 5-30X. The hash reticle, called the REV2, is serviceable as an AR-mounted optic or on a dangerous-game rifle, but at magnifications above about 6X, you lose the quick-aiming capability of the reticle and dont get as much precision-shooting references as you might expect or want. I tend not to care for scopes over 20x because of mirage issues. I use even my hunting rifles a lot at the range and greatly prefer exposed turrets, zero-stop turrets, first focal plane and lots of magnification. It comes with 3-9x magnification, and the objective lens is 32 millimeters. If you're also curious to know why a Swarovski glass costs so much and whether or not it's worth saving for, keep reading, and I'll try to clarify your doubts! Generally, the price depends on where one purchases this scope. Also Leupold moved to a dual erector doing setup to help eliminate the problem they were having on the vx-5 and vx-6 series scope. Brand new: Lowest price. But dont assume all optics in this years test are built for a narrow niche. Customer Service. There are a lot of different types of scopes, but they can practically all be placed in two categories. And the Optika6 features a satisfying 40 mils of elevation adjustment inside the beefy 34mm tube. The CSA presented the test team with an interesting dilemma. Lets take a closer look at how they function. In looking at the spotting scope market, it seems that the Swarovski ATX is at or near the top of the heap. The sample submitted for our test scored plenty of hits: excellent image quality and good low-light performance, tactile exposed turrets, and an assist lever on the magnification ring that can be screwed into any of three receivers. Z5 has MOA turrets and Z6 is mil. Accuracy at its best! Still, quality clothing can be a game-changer, and at times, it can be worth its weight in gold", "There are some great things we can take from the recent growing popularity of overlanding. For me, it depends on what type of hunt I am going on and the duration". But the Meopta had some misses too. Athlon is a company whose glass Im always impressed with, and this scope is no exception. Both forehead rest and aiming aid are part of the black rear section of the BTX and can be easily taken off for cleaning and repairing purposes. The second-plane reticle is simply a bold duplex. Money back on investment, maybe step up to . The new Swarovski ATX (angled) and STX (straight), hereby known at the X-Series Swarovski Spotting Scopes, are that revolutionary. Hunters have to see the animal and know where the animal is before they can slip in on it and actually hunt it, Nelson added. 3. Then again, the benefit of changing . I frequent that site and some of the people there have tens of thousands of dollars in optics. The MOA-based Milling Hunter reticle is deceptively simple, featuring an illuminated stadia with 2-MOA hashes on both the windage and elevation axes, and numeric designations at each 10-MOA mark. High quality glass outperforms inexpensive glass in lowlight conditions. Sep 19, 2018. woodnut. As stated earlier, Athlon is one of the top brands on the market for making high quality rifle scopes, and this particular rifle scope is just one of the mid price range examples of why they made it to the top brand list. Despite our quibbles, the Optika6 outperformed all the other precision scopes in its price range. What youre not going to get for that price are extremely positive controls; we thought the Athlons were too sharp and sticky. When it comes time to put your optic to use, you dont want something to break. The exit pupil is extremely important when thinking about eye relief because the larger the exit pupil is the less important head positioning in relation to the scope becomes. Currently, four inches is the largest eye relief available for any standard rifle scope. Click here to learn more and see its price, The Vortex Viper PA 30mm Tube Rifle Scope, Zeiss Conquest Rifle scopes 5-2550 Black Rapid Z 1000, Nightforce NXS Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 5.5-22x 56MM Hi-Speed, Best Scopes for a Rimfire (.22lr) Rifle in 2023, Reviews of the Best Thermal Imaging Rifle Scopes for 2023. If the scope that you choose has a 9 like this one it means that you can see your target 9 times closer through the scope than with the naked eye. Nightforce is one of the top brands for professional rifle scopes, and that is why it didnt make the top brand list. You'd have more glass than you could ever appreciate and an extra thousand or more in your pocket if you just picked up a VX6 HD in 3-18x50 with a TMOA or B&C Reticle illuminated model. Click to see the price. The great thing is that the odds of someone needing to send in their binoculars or use their warranty if the binoculars are taken care of are slim. The windage turret is capped. The majority of rifle users want the best scope for their rifle in order to help with whatever it is they are hunting. . For some reason, hunters dont have a problem buying a new bow that costs $1,200 but they have a problem spending that much on a pair of binoculars. This is a good question to ask. So what sets Swarovski scopes apart from the rest? The optics inside the 30mm Midas disappointed, especially at higher magnifications. You are using an out of date browser. It offers quick, comfortable adjustments with the addition of a ballistic turret. For shooters who would rather dial shooting solutions, the low-profile elevation turret delivers adjustments that are crisp and positive. Im genuinely excited to see what images will be generated when more of the X-Series Swarovski Spotting Scopes start to hit the street. Looking at a ceiling of $3000, I was researching some high end scopes for hunting rifles and saw a Swarovskis in that price range. The 9 means the same thing. You are using an out of date browser. There is actually no reason to take the scope apart, unless you are changing objective lenses or you need to break it down into smaller components for packing. Thanks everyone for the replies. Because the focal length on the 85mm is only slightly longer than the 65mm, the resulting power seems like it should be something like 27x-63x. Shockproof? The Swarovski HD ATS-65mm features a 65mm objective lens using BaK-4 prism glass and fluoride-containing HD lenses to minimize chromatic aberrations. For those that have Swarovski scopes, are they really worth the price or would a Leupold or Vortex be just as good? This particular scope would best be be considered for the traditional hunter. I like the cds dials. We would expect a 30mm scope to give up significant internal reticle adjustment compared to 34mm models, but the NX8 features 26 mils (90 MOA) of elevation adjustment, more than many of the larger scopes in this years test. Before you can properly choose a rifle scope, you need to know what the numbers on your scope actually mean. This is the largest objective lens ever offered in the premium scope market. My atlas tactical action had a 20MOA built in. (800) 426-3089 info-us@swarovskioptik.com Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM EST. If youre paying over $2,500 for a riflescope, you have a right to expect extremely precise controls, a sweet and crisp image, and a reticle that deprives you of an excuse to ever miss again. In each issue of Western Hunter Magazine are feature stories written by passionate hunters from all over the country. Currently, they are operated out of Mansfield, Texas, and there motto is Make Your Mark. The oddball objective diameter (52mm) has a purpose. This will be a high-demand product and it will likely take a while to fill the pipeline, so get you name on the list. Realizability is number 1. The BTX eyepiece module is compatible with all objective lenses in the Swarovski Optic ATX/STX range. There are objective lenses on the market that are larger, but in most cases these larger lenses are not necessary. The field of view for this scope at 5.5x magnification is 17.5, and the field of view at 22x magnification is 4.7 at 100 yards. Or 3-18 thanks . This is a personal question, but for myself and many [], "It is easy to get a lot of money tied up in clothing, so making the right decisions can save you from spending all your tag money on clothes. And it scored well on our versatility evaluation, since the Mod 5s attributes can be applied almost equally between hunting and shooting. Weve seen this scope before: The inaugural V4 was a runner-up to last years Great Buy award. Thats quoted from swaro when I called. Our sample contained the versatile MRAD milling reticle, with .1 MRAD hashes in a staggered-value progression. Shot distance on game? Ive already had a few sportsmen mention that it would be a pain to constantly have to put your scope together each time you needed to use it. It only allows one rotation and with my 30-06 it maxes out at 600yrds. A friend brought it over to do some low light testing. People who use them swear they are better than the Swarovskis. And I personally like the vx5 the most out of the scopes I have. Not purposely built to be heavy turret use scope. Designed for Western big-game hunters, the 3-times-magnification GPO has enough power at its lower end for most purposes, but 18X is plenty powerful to identify distant targets and place bullets with precision using the hash-style reticle. I've taken groundhogs out to 475 yds. Nightforce throws in a smaller second reticle in one quadrant of the field of view, an inverted-T ranging scale that shooters can use to measure the size or distance of their targets. But since 1949, Swarovski Optik , headquartered in Absam, Austria, has specialized in the manufacturing of optical instruments. In general, the larger the magnification range, the more that particular scope will cost. We liked the LevelPlex cant indicator, excellent zero stop, and ample mounting dimensions of its 34mm tube. This scope can be recommended for just about all types of weather, because it is shock proof, water proof, and fog proof. I dont have the experience with the class of optics your inquiring about, but I would either ask this on AR15.com or google AR15.com (your topic here) and find threads that pertain to this. Years later on a cool autumn day in a scenery complete with gorgeous countryside, I took another shot. From specifications to practical tips: everything you've always wanted to know about long-range optics. Their motto is No Excuses, and they offer a full lifetime warranty to their customers on all of their non-electronic products like their rifle scopes. As a result, when using a good pair of binoculars while scouting or hunting, hunters will probably take more time to try to locate game. Sometimes more magnification is not what's best? If you see a number like this, these scopes are classified as variable scopes. Their products are very high quality, and generally are in the mid range in terms of price. I will be using it for mainly hunting big game in Colorado and I will not be back packing. You get very little adjustments being the scope is a 1 tube. Great choices. The guts are purpose-built for long-distance shooting: an illuminated first-plane Christmas-tree-style reticle with milliradian references, exposed low-profile turrets with adequate zero stops, and a power lever to assist quick magnification changes. Suitable for various types of hunting, it offers max precision at extreme distances. You can also dial shooting solutions using the exposed target-style turrets with MOA steps. Straight hunting scope with holdovers I think its a fantastic piece of glass. Long-range optics explained. The Vortex Viper PA 30mm Tube Rifle Scope Although this brand didnt make it in the top rifle scope brands, this particular scope could not be overlooked. The NX8 packs so much leading-edge performance in a tight package that it seems larger than its 29 ounces. Obviously you could buy two separate scopes (the 65mm and 80mm) for less than one X eyepiece and a 65mm and 95mm objective modules, but if you did that, then you wouldnt the 95mm, and that would be a mistake. You also probably thought that your calculator was lying to you for a split-second. Until you shoot it, that is. Weekly Deals are sent out on Tuesday at 7PM Eastern Time. The drawbacks to this variant include slightly "soft" images beyond 150 yards, a narrow field of view, and the need to purchase the eyepiece separately. The scope is waterproof and nitrogen purged. Having glass that is super clear can make a difference while hunting, Nelson noted. This scope generally runs anywhere from $2,250 to $2,500. Slim, sturdy, reliable rifle scope which stands out for its lightweight design and incredible optics. Unfortunately, while the glass is top-notch, and the controls are among the best in the test, this second-plane close-duty scope has limited utility. This scope price range was a little more difficult to narrow down, but in the end, the best rifle scope for under $300 came out to be the Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-1444. This priced-right entry from a relative newcomer to the optics world purports to be a crossover scope, with attributes for both hunting and long-distance target shooting. Swarovski 95mm, 85mm, and 65mm interchangeable objective lenses. Its not intended to. GPO Passion 3X 6-1850 $700 Bill Buckley. Speaking of digiscoping (the art of taking pictures or video through a spotting scope), Swarovski has two new adapters to fit the X scope. Another wanted additional hashes on both the windage and elevation axes (the reticle has only 4 hashes down, left, and right of the center aiming point). The connection is absolutely solid and locks into place with an audible click. The Zeiss Conquest rifle scope is one of the most ideal scopes for those that enjoy target shooting on the range. Additional site navigation. Or you can remove the turret caps and dial the shooting solution with sharp, positive adjustments. The illuminated MOA turret is useful for hunting or target shooting, the 4X16X magnification range covers most uses, and the glass is bright and crisp. Burris considers themselves specialists when it comes to making rifle scopes. Leupold Vs. Swarovski..Yeah, another one. Five friends and I wrung out six of the new Swarovski dS wonder scopes at FTW shooting and hunter training ranch in Texas. I have the full Swarovski ATX/BTX/STX spotting scope system with the 95mm objective. sounds like that might be worth looking into if I were you. Meopta has dedicated precision-rifle reticles in the offing, including a milling reticle with abundant holdover and hold-off references. It also lost points on mechanics, since the color-coded tabs are flimsy and take time to stack and coordinate to the ballistics of your specific load. You should also consider looking at Schmidt & Bender and Swarovski. Or did we lead with the Crimson Traces attributes and try to determine whether wed recommend readers pay a third the price of other submissions for its performance? Zeiss Conquest Rifle scopes 5-2550 Black Rapid Z 1000 On average, this particular scope runs around $1100. The clearer the optics, the better the eye relief, the longer a person is willing to sit and watch for movement. Those are numbers that have never been used and are not statistically different than the stated power. This may not sound like a big deal, but after youve used the X scope for an hour or two and then go back to a traditional eyepiece power-ring scope, youll know what I mean. I have a VX3i myself, very nice for the price. Retailing for an eye-popping low price for a precision scope, the CSA-2624 is surprising for an additional reason: its the first magnified optic from a brand better known for its red-dot and reflex sights. Thinking about purchasing a Nightforce nxs 2.5-10x42 for my 375HH, FORLOH AllClima Softshell and AllClima Stretch Woven Pant Review. Seeing subtle movement or the difference in color when a buck is trying to hide in the rocks can be difficult with cheap glass. It has a robust, one piece tube that is built to stand some of the worst recoils even on extremely demanding terrains. Thats adequate, but not on par with scopes built on a 30mm or 34mm tube. The first is that the glass, while adequate, isnt on par with other scopes in its price range. But if you have a number of rimfire rifles looking for a single scope to work with them all, this is a useful, smart, and affordable option. It keeps its heft downit weighs 17.3 ounces but feels even lighterby utilizing a slim 1-inch tube, and by eschewing reticle illumination, and the requisite weight and space considerations of a battery. When youre staring down your target at dusk or dawn you need a clear, crisp and concise view. Swarovskis 1-inch Z5 scope has been on the market since 2009, but the Austrian company is relaunching it this year in hopes it catches the fancy of the American whitetail hunter. After all, thats how much a gun or bow costs! Call the Outdoorsmans team and have them help you choose a pair of optics that are right for you. The X scope is truly modular in that you can purchase an angled eyepiece or straight eyepiece assembly, either of them for a 65mm, 85mm or 95mm objective lens assembly. I had four z5 5-25X. W. Recent Posts. The NXS Rifle Scope has a exit pupil diameter of 10.2 to 2.5 millimeters, and the scope weighs around 32 oz. In this particular number, the 3 means that any image that you look at through this scope will appear three times closer to you than it would to the naked eye. VX6 HD in whatever power/ configuration! In the past, the old metallic sights that were placed on rifles were a lot harder to aim with than the newer scopes on the market today. Sent Once A Week - No Spam - No Selling Your Email. Whether you are a hunter, or you just enjoy shooting for sport, you know that choosing a scope for your rifle will be one of the biggest factors in determining how accurately youll be able to shoot. Happily, the clicks are tighter than on last years V4. We never sell our emails and value your trust. The NXS Rifle Scope comes with 5.5-22x magnification, and it also has a 56 millimeter objective lens. During the Civil War, sharpshooters began to use scope-sighted rifles for correlative long distances. Replies 15 Views 3K. The eye relief for the NXS Rifle Scope is 3.9 inches. But, given the well-deserved reputation that Swarovski Optik has gained over 70 years of manufacturing high-quality glass, and the fact this scope pretty much just tells you where to shootthis price is a bargain. It offers a variety of different features that makes it stand out more so than the others in this particular price range. The heart of the 30mm KonusPro is a second-plane reticle that has 10 iterations, ranging from duplex to milling reticles to variations on the center dot that you select by toggling through a menu. We had only two gripes. A decade ago, we cheered the departure of the porro-prism binocular, replaced by the compact and durable roof prism. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Click to see the price. What power range? If you want to see your hunt story in an issue, send it over. Thats the idea of both our Versatile Riflescope category as well as our Great Buy award. I agree with the vx-6hd or even the vx5hd. The scope ships with Weaver-style rings for the 1-inch tube and three turrets, one tuned to .22 Long Rifle ballistics, one to those of the .17HMR, and one with generic MOA references. Did we lead with the price, and try to assess whether scopes in the $2,000 range are really three times as good? This is generally more important with variable scopes, because the difference in magnification can change the field of view drastically. It's built around an 85mm objective lens, which offers a tremendous amount of light transmission, but the drawback is the weight such a hefty piece of glass requires. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. They have been in business for over 65 years, and they pride themselves on providing only the best quality to their customers. But they do make good optics. Hence, theres no comparison in terms of strength. The last number, in this case the 40, is the objective lens diameter in millimeters. Being on a 30 nosler I started having a zero issue. GND is community supported. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); In the late 1850s/early 1860s, Morgan James, a competitive rifle shooter, built the first telescopic sight. This is a digiscopers dream setup! Zeiss Conquest Rifle scopes 5-2550 Black Rapid Z 1000 - On average, this particular scope runs around $1100. We hope the glass matches the technology in future iterations of this smart idea. The Razor HD is darned near bulletproof . With such high-end optics, a Swarovski scope can make all the difference in taking the perfect shot. The answer of course is yes, but I interviewed Cody Nelson from the Outdoorsmans so everyone would understand why high end optics are worth the money. The Latitude PRS brings very good oversize controls, an illuminated first-plane PRS reticle with generous windage references, and abundant windage and elevation adjustment, but only passable glass. Its glass was not nearly as good as my Bushnell 6500 4 1/2-30X. When speaking about rifles, field of view is generally measure at every 100 yards. That was the case with this sweetheart of a backcountry optic. Here at Gun News Daily, we support guns for self defense and competitive shooting. For those that have Swarovski scopes, are they really worth the price or would a Leupold or Vortex be just as good? Mark Ripley finds himself 'far from DS-appointed' when testing the long-range capabilities of the Swarovski DS scope. Consider coated, fully coated and multi coated.