Vortex PST Gen 2 vs Zeiss V4

[Outdoorsman12b]

Hoping I can get some feedback on these two scopes from the RS community. I am debating between a Zeiss V4 4-16 SFP and a Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 3-15 FFP.

Usages will be from everything to elk in timber to sheep hunting. Ranges from 50-800 yards. The exposed turret with a zero stop is a must for me.

I am really leaning towards the PST but am worried I won't be able to see the reticle very well on low power with FFP. Is this something that you have had experience with? I could not really make a good assessment in store.

For the Zeiss my only real concern is lack of ability to use the wind holds at anything but 16X. I really don't think I would use it on anything over 10-12X.

DISLAIMER: Due to where I live and budget the SWFA is not an option for me. I recognize that it would likely be the best compromise for my intended uses.

 

[Silvereagle50]

I have the PST Gen 2. I'm 54 and eyes are showing it. I have not used this scope in a hunting situation yet and mainly because of what you are referring to with the reticle. I probably should have carried it a couple times this past deer season just to see. Another thing I'm not too crazy about is how busy the reticle is. But I will say that the more I use this scope, the more I like it.
That being said, I've been considering buying the V4 as well. And I probably will pick one up soon. I also like the fact that the V4 is about 6oz lighter as well. That is enough to take my Fierce 300wm below the 9# mark.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[WorleyElk]

I have the V4 -4-16-44-zmoa2-reticle. I'm not sure what you've heard about windage and the issue with adjustment or wind call? Could you elaborate? Have you looked at the Zeiss App? I love the scope for my 300 Win Mag Tikka.

 

[Outdoorsman12b]

I have the V4 -4-16-44-zmoa2-reticle. I'm not sure what you've heard about windage and the issue with adjustment or wind call? Could you elaborate? Have you looked at the Zeiss App? I love the scope for my 300 Win Mag Tikka.

With second focal plane scopes you have to use a set magnification to use the hold offs - usually the max power of the scope. Therefore, you can't use the windage hold offs on the reticle at the substension value.

 

[WorleyElk]

With second focal plane scopes you have to use a set magnification to use the hold offs - usually the max power of the scope. Therefore, you can't use the windage hold offs on the reticle at the substension value.

I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for letting me know. I'm going to call Zeiss and find out what the magnification is one for that scope for optimum windage calculation. I'll report my findings back. Cheers

 

[Rob5589]

I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for letting me know. I'm going to call Zeiss and find out what the magnification is one for that scope for optimum windage calculation. I'll report my findings back. Cheers

Many ranging type reticle scopes will have a mark on the mag ring to indicate where the marks are accurate. Should be in the owners manual as well.

 

[ericF]

The general rule of thumb is that Second Focal Plane reticles have the correct subtensions at their maximum magnification unless otherwise stated. The Zeiss V4 4-16x44 ZMOA-2 reticle matches up at x16 as expected.

https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/S...conquest-v4_4-16x44_reticle_zmoa-2_94-sfp.pdf

 

[Jumpalot]

I had the same concerns with the Zeiss. If you're concerned about the reticle being too small on the FFP, why don't you just get the same scope in SFP and then dial windage. I know alot of people say to hold wind, but I haven't noticed the extra second it takes me to dial wind on the first shot. If I miss, I can adjust and hold for wind on second shot regardless of what power it's on. If I miss and it looks like I missed by two hash marks, I'll adjust two hash marks. I don't need to know how many MOA it was. With that being said, I just picked up a Whiskey 5 that is SFP and covered windage. But, the windage turret still has numbers on it so I can still dial if I want. The V4 only has hashmarks, so you would have to count your clicks to adjust. That would take too much time. I do think the V4 is a nicer scope then the PST though. Lighter, a little better glass.

More thoughts as I reread your post. I don't care for the FFP small reticle when I'm hunting timber for elk. Turning on the illumination helps, but the reticle is still small. If I did buy the V4 I would get the 4-16x50 since it has an illuminated reticle, the x44 does not.

I just spent a good month going through the same thing as you. I kept bouncing back an forth between SFP and FFP. I picked up a FFP 4.5-27 Ares BTR. Great scope but I would have to set it on 8 power in order to see the reticle well in the timber and that's just too high. So it is on a rifle I won't pack around but will use in more open spaces for hunting and it will be great for that.

Enough rambling from me.

 

[WorleyElk]

The general rule of thumb is that Second Focal Plane reticles have the correct subtensions at their maximum magnification unless otherwise stated. The Zeiss V4 4-16x44 ZMOA-2 reticle matches up at x16 as expected.

https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/S...conquest-v4_4-16x44_reticle_zmoa-2_94-sfp.pdf

Thank you, cheers.

 

[ChrisAU]

I do know on some of their scopes it is not at max, the 5-30 V6 reticles are designed to subtend at 25x.

 

[Outdoorsman12b]

Closing thread. Was able to find a 3-12 lrhs for cheaper than pst.