Another scope help thread - 50mm for ~$2k budget?

[ghott]

I ordered a Tikka T3x in .270win earlier this week (thanks to input from Rokslide members!) and have been looking for an optic to put on it. Rifle will mainly be used as a hunting rig, usually under 200yds in late-evening field hunts, but occasionally out to 4-500yds...so this one won't be dialed all that often.

Looking at only scopes with:
- ~$2k otd
- 50mm or 52mm objective
- Min. power in the 2-5x range
- Max power in the 16+ range
- Illuminated or fiber reticle would be a big plus
- Second focal plane

Front runners:
- Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm (Illuminated) - $1700
- Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50 (Illuminated) - $1800-$2000
- Swarovski Z5i 5-25x52mm (Illuminated?) - $1700-$1800
- Swarovski Z6 3-18x50 (Non-illum?) - $2100
- Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50 (Non-illum?) - $1800-$1900
- Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30x50 (Illuminated) - $2000
- Trijicon AccuPoint 3-18x50 (Fiber) - $1800
- Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 (Illuminated) - $2100

Here's what I need help with and what I'm looking for in the scope... in order of importance:
1.) Low light performance/visibility
2.) Durability - needs to be able to take a bump or two
3.) Generous eye-box/eye relief
4.) Decent tracking

I have a NightForce, Vortex, Meopta, and Nikon scopes on other rifles - so kinda looking to try something a little different.


You guys have any thoughts on low-light performance and durability on any of my front runners? Any other suggestions for scopes that I should be looking at within my budget that fit the bill?

 

[huntnful]

I've ran both of those leupolds. They've been great. No tracking issues, awesome glass, generous eyebox. I dropped one and accidentally ran one over with my truck (long story) and both still worked flawlessly afterwards. I'm not a leupold fanboy either lol. Just stating my personal experiences with them. I just bought a Nightforce ATACR to see what the nightforce is all about also.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

That's a lot of mag for 200-500 yds unless you're shooting varmints. The Z6 3-18x50 is a great scope, I have the BT-4W on my wife's AR.

 

[BRTreedogs]

I think my V6 3-18 is great.
But I think a V4 4-16 from Redhawk Rifles demos will be more then enough scope for you.

There is a huge review thread and another one talking about how great the V4 is.

Both will allow you to shoot until what any reasonable person would consider legal.

New Upgraded Zeiss Conquest V4 Riflescope Review

Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44 Zeiss has upgraded their V4 line of scopes. I was sent a pre-production model of their new upgraded Conquest V4 4-16X44 with ZMOAi T-30 reticle to do a review before Zeiss launching this scope later this spring. Along with the scope, Zeiss sent me a list of some of the...

www.rokslide.com

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

Mk5hd 3.6-18×44
Perfect for what you're doing and tracks true

 

[ghott]

I've ran both of those leupolds. They've been great. No tracking issues, awesome glass, generous eyebox. I dropped one and accidentally ran one over with my truck (long story) and both still worked flawlessly afterwards. I'm not a leupold fanboy either lol. Just stating my personal experiences with them. I just bought a Nightforce ATACR to see what the nightforce is all about also.

Wow, getting runover by your truck and still working is pretty awesome haha! Thanks for the input! (I'm waiting on an ATACR to come in as well)

That's a lot of mag for 200-500 yds unless you're shooting varmints. The Z6 3-18x50 is a great scope, I have the BT-4W on my wife's AR.

Agreed - but I've found thru optics on other rifles that I'd always rather be over mag'd than under mag'd. Thanks, the Z6 is definitely a front runner! Though I'm still trying to figure out if they offer an illuminated or fiber reticle at my price point.

I think my V6 3-18 is great.
But I think a V4 4-16 from Redhawk Rifles demos will be more then enough scope for you.

There is a huge review thread and another one talking about how great the V4 is.

Both will allow you to shoot until what any reasonable person would consider legal.

New Upgraded Zeiss Conquest V4 Riflescope Review

Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44 Zeiss has upgraded their V4 line of scopes. I was sent a pre-production model of their new upgraded Conquest V4 4-16X44 with ZMOAi T-30 reticle to do a review before Zeiss launching this scope later this spring. Along with the scope, Zeiss sent me a list of some of the...

www.rokslide.com

Thanks I'll check this out - would save me some $$ to spend on ammo too

Mk5hd 3.6-18×44
Perfect for what you're doing and tracks true

Thanks, the Leuppy's are definitely appealing!

 

[SDHNTR]

Swaro Z6! With 4 w reticle. Imo, best hunting scope available.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

Wow, getting runover by your truck and still working is pretty awesome haha! Thanks for the input! (I'm waiting on an ATACR to come in as well)


Agreed - but I've found thru optics on other rifles that I'd always rather be over mag'd than under mag'd. Thanks, the Z6 is definitely a front runner! Though I'm still trying to figure out if they offer an illuminated or fiber reticle at my price point.


Thanks I'll check this out - would save me some $$ to spend on ammo too


Thanks, the Leuppy's are definitely appealing!

Swaro used to offer a Z6i 3-18x50 BT-4Wi ("i" is illuminated) but it was discontinued when they came out with the Z8i 3.5-28x50. You may be able to find a used one out there.

The glass in the 6 is better than the 5, but the 5 is lighter. Good luck finding what you're looking for!

 

[scott_co]

I ordered a Tikka T3x in .270win earlier this week (thanks to input from Rokslide members!) and have been looking for an optic to put on it. Rifle will mainly be used as a hunting rig, usually under 200yds in late-evening field hunts, but occasionally out to 4-500yds...so this one won't be dialed all that often.

Looking at only scopes with:
- ~$2k otd
- 50mm or 52mm objective
- Min. power in the 2-5x range
- Max power in the 16+ range
- Illuminated or fiber reticle would be a big plus
- Second focal plane

Front runners:
- Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm (Illuminated) - $1700
- Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50 (Illuminated) - $1800-$2000
- Swarovski Z5i 5-25x52mm (Illuminated?) - $1700-$1800
- Swarovski Z6 3-18x50 (Non-illum?) - $2100
- Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50 (Non-illum?) - $1800-$1900
- Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30x50 (Illuminated) - $2000
- Trijicon AccuPoint 3-18x50 (Fiber) - $1800
- Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 (Illuminated) - $2100

Here's what I need help with and what I'm looking for in the scope... in order of importance:
1.) Low light performance/visibility
2.) Durability - needs to be able to take a bump or two
3.) Generous eye-box/eye relief
4.) Decent tracking

I have a NightForce, Vortex, Meopta, and Nikon scopes on other rifles - so kinda looking to try something a little different.


You guys have any thoughts on low-light performance and durability on any of my front runners? Any other suggestions for scopes that I should be looking at within my budget that fit the bill?

I have also been looking for a scope to go on a new 7mm Rem Mag and 6.5 Grendel AR. You have a bunch of good options in your pick list, so probably no real wrong answer.

That said, I have been looking at Vortex AMG HD 6-24x50, Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x50, and the Zeiss V6 3-18x50.

Most of my use will be hunting up to 500-600 yards, so I like the lower magnification for low light shots and the 18x magnification is plenty for reaching out for the longer shots. Nightforce is going to be very durable and solid glass quality, but I believe low light conditions/Schott glass quality will favor the Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50.

I eliminated the Vortex early on based on glass quality in low light compared to the other options.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[Outdoorsmans_Kody]

I ordered a Tikka T3x in .270win earlier this week (thanks to input from Rokslide members!) and have been looking for an optic to put on it. Rifle will mainly be used as a hunting rig, usually under 200yds in late-evening field hunts, but occasionally out to 4-500yds...so this one won't be dialed all that often.

Looking at only scopes with:
- ~$2k otd
- 50mm or 52mm objective
- Min. power in the 2-5x range
- Max power in the 16+ range
- Illuminated or fiber reticle would be a big plus
- Second focal plane

Front runners:
- Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm (Illuminated) - $1700
- Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50 (Illuminated) - $1800-$2000
- Swarovski Z5i 5-25x52mm (Illuminated?) - $1700-$1800
- Swarovski Z6 3-18x50 (Non-illum?) - $2100
- Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50 (Non-illum?) - $1800-$1900
- Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30x50 (Illuminated) - $2000
- Trijicon AccuPoint 3-18x50 (Fiber) - $1800
- Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 (Illuminated) - $2100

Here's what I need help with and what I'm looking for in the scope... in order of importance:
1.) Low light performance/visibility
2.) Durability - needs to be able to take a bump or two
3.) Generous eye-box/eye relief
4.) Decent tracking

I have a NightForce, Vortex, Meopta, and Nikon scopes on other rifles - so kinda looking to try something a little different.


You guys have any thoughts on low-light performance and durability on any of my front runners? Any other suggestions for scopes that I should be looking at within my budget that fit the bill?

These are all some really great choices. I'd be happy to talk through all these with you if you'd like. Call Outdoorsmans 800-291-8065 and ask for Kody.

 

[BluMtn]

Take a look at the Sig Sauer Whiskey 5, 3-15x52 with the Milling Hunter recticle. I have the 5-25x52 with that recticle and really like it.

WHISKEY5 3-15x52 mm

With a magnification zoom of 3 - 15 times closer than your unaided eye and a lens diameter of 52 millimeters, this WHISKEY5 riflescope is the premium solution for extended long range scenarios, as well as recreational shooting across a wide range of calibers.

www.sigsauer.com

 

[sdupontjr]

Schmidt bender polar 4-16x56 on a Tikka doing exactly what your planning to do. I also was a low light optic that will give me enough magnification on the higher end. If your patient, you can find deals. I got this one that was used in mint condition for right at 2k.

 

[JGRaider]

NF NX8. No tougher, more reliable scopes on the planet than what NF makes.

 

[ghott]

To follow-up - I think I've just about 99.9% made up my mind on which scope I'm going to try for this hunting rig - and that is the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50 (Illuminated).

The illuminated reticle, locking turrets, and generous eye box and eye relief are what really pushed me over the edge toward the VX-6HD. I also like the fact that it has the integrated electronic reticle leveling system, reports of really good low-light performance, pretty good durability, and that it comes with the aluminum flip covers.

Here's what ruled the others out (just for my particular application):
- Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52 - larger tube size and older model compared to the VX-6HD
- Swarovski Z5 3-18x50 - no illuminated reticle choice (unless waiting for a used scope)
- Swarovski Z6 3-18x50 - no illuminated reticle choice (unless waiting for a used scope)
- Zeiss Conquest V4 3-18x50 (illuminated) - tighter eye box/eye relief, not as good of glass as the z6
- Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50 - no illuminated reticle, big turrets with no locking (honestly, if the z6 came with an illuminated reticle, I probably would have bought it instead of the vx6-hd)
- Trijicon AccuPoint 3-18x50 (Fiber) - not enough feedback given/found
- Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 F2 - Runner-up for my application - but, no locking turrets, tighter eye box/eye relief, price $$

All that said, I'm still a little hesitant due to some reports of Leupold's dialing...hoping I get a good scope that will dial decently and return to 0.

Appreciate all the help and feedback!

 

[archp625]

To follow-up - I think I've just about 99.9% made up my mind on which scope I'm going to try for this hunting rig - and that is the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50 (Illuminated).

The illuminated reticle, locking turrets, and generous eye box and eye relief are what really pushed me over the edge toward the VX-6HD. I also like the fact that it has the integrated electronic reticle leveling system, reports of really good low-light performance, pretty good durability, and that it comes with the aluminum flip covers.

Here's what ruled the others out (just for my particular application):
- Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52 - larger tube size and older model compared to the VX-6HD
- Swarovski Z5 3-18x50 - no illuminated reticle choice (unless waiting for a used scope)
- Swarovski Z6 3-18x50 - no illuminated reticle choice (unless waiting for a used scope)
- Zeiss Conquest V4 3-18x50 (illuminated) - tighter eye box/eye relief, not as good of glass as the z6
- Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50 - no illuminated reticle, big turrets with no locking (honestly, if the z6 came with an illuminated reticle, I probably would have bought it instead of the vx6-hd)
- Trijicon AccuPoint 3-18x50 (Fiber) - not enough feedback given/found
- Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 F2 - Runner-up for my application - but, no locking turrets, tighter eye box/eye relief, price $$

All that said, I'm still a little hesitant due to some reports of Leupold's dialing...hoping I get a good scope that will dial decently and return to 0.

Appreciate all the help and feedback!

Interesting pick. Not one person recommend the scope you are set on. Sounds like you had your mind made up before even posting.

 

[ghott]

I've ran both of those leupolds. They've been great. No tracking issues, awesome glass, generous eyebox. I dropped one and accidentally ran one over with my truck (long story) and both still worked flawlessly afterwards. I'm not a leupold fanboy either lol. Just stating my personal experiences with them. I just bought a Nightforce ATACR to see what the nightforce is all about also.

Interesting pick. Not one person recommend the scope you are set on. Sounds like you had your mind made up before even posting.

...appreciate your constructive post...see the quote at the top. thanks...

 

[archp625]

...appreciate your constructive post...see the quote at the top. thanks...

1 out of 10. Sounds like a good scope to me. Good luck.

 

[ghott]

1 out of 10. Sounds like a good scope to me. Good luck.

thanks again for your assistance lol...

 

[Doc Holliday]

Schmidt bender polar 4-16x56 on a Tikka doing exactly what your planning to do. I also was a low light optic that will give me enough magnification on the higher end. If your patient, you can find deals. I got this one that was used in mint condition for right at 2k.

View attachment 251268

How would you say the S&B compares to Swarovski? I have owned Leupold, Vortex, Simmons, Bushnell, Nikon, Redfield, Swift, Meopta, Zeiss, Crimson Trace, and Swarovski, and Swaro is easiest on my eyes....I am looking for a new scope for my 7mag...I had a Meopta Optka6 3-15x44 on it but it was a boat anchor at 27oz, and glass quality was ho hum..similar requirements to what OP was looking for, except I don't need illumination. Currently looking at V6 3-18x50 ZBR-2, Swaro Z6 3-18x50 BRH, but have been checking out S&Bs on the S&B website......any advice appreciated.

 

[scfreeman66]

No real input but I'm interested in keeping up with this thread. I'm in a very similar situation with one of my rifles. The only one that I have had much contact with is the z5. It's a really nice scope and I love that it's a lighter weight option too. As you said, not illuminated though. Keep us updated on your choice

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