What makes an expensive scope better?

[flatlanderhuffandpuff]

I have always hunted with a rifle and have put up with the absolute cheapest scope option available. It was an assembled gun and I never saw a reason to trade up. I only shoot out to 250 yards and am comfortable with the optics at that range. Over time the view under 9x has deteriorated and it's time to replace it.

I am not opposed to spending $500-$700 on a scope but want to know what the tangible benefits are. I know that that is only a middle of the road but I'm certainly not spending more.

Better Clarity in low light?
Reticle doesn't move over time?
light weight?

Is there that much difference between a $200 and $700 scope?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

You want good optics and a scope that tracks repeatably.

Be happy to discuss options with you

 

[ericF]

As with anything, the more you pay the more features you get but it is up to you to decide what is important. Tangible features include a zero stop, parallax adjustment, illumination, advanced reticle, exposed turrets for dialing, bigger objective for light collecting, increased eye relief, lifetime warranty, lighter weight materials, more robust internals, etc.

As to whether there is much of a difference between a $200 and $700 scope, yes there is a big difference, but it also depends on what other features are included. Are you going for something bomb proof that will take a fall down a cliff and keep a zero, or do you want something with as many of the above features as possible. Your use model will determine what is the best value for your money. For some people that is a couple hundred dollar scope whereas others might require a $2k scope for what they are doing.

 

[rayporter]

obviously you have not had one start to rattle inside or a cross hair break or tracking be wild.


yet

 

[Dioni A]

For a point and shoot rifle there's plenty of reliable good options under 500. When the turrets need to be repeatable it gets more expensive. But at the ranges your talking about you won't even benefit that much from high end glass over something that is reasonably good quality. I still very much like some of the glass from Nikon, Leupold, Burris, and many of the other reputable companies for the purposes you described.

 

[Rich M]

Just rambling - take it for what it is worth, just some opinions.

If an old clunker worked good, the $200 Freedom and Diamondbacks might be all you want or need. The pricier glass seems to have better focus, color resolution, focus across area in view, and of course better low light capabilities. Then you can add a higher variable multiplier (4, 5, 6 multiplier) and some fancy reticles with hatches or dots for holdovers or whatnot.

Not sure what you are looking for exactly - seems that a good used scope might be in the cards as well?

My experience with Vortex Viper (old line) and Leupolds VX-2 and VX-3i scopes are excellent. Not high price scopes - the Vipers were in the $300 range new and sell for about $200 used, VX-2 is a workhorse, and VX-3i runs around $400 new (I hit a great Cyber Monday sale 2018 and got a new 3.5-10x40 VX-3i for $329 - $100 gift card and they gave a $50 gift card - nuts!).

Keep your eyes open and think about what you want. Nothing wrong with a splurge purchase - there are a lot of great options available.

 

[Bubblehide]

I can not begin to tell you how many guys I have hunted with that had cheap scopes and we uncomfortable with their sight picture when I was handing them the animal on a silver platter, and they passed on the animal. Needless to say, my tag was filled. Some were pissed at me, the smarter ones were pissed that they had such crappy optics. You don't need the most expensive scope, but for a clear sight picture, you will need a mid range priced one or above.

 

[ChrisAU]

Low light. Whitetail hunting in the east, often deer don't move until the very last minute and in dark, thick timber. I've had scopes in my younger days that I couldn't see a deer with at 50 yards and still have 10 minutes of legal light left.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

When you say "absolute cheapest scope option" I'm thinking those 20-30 simmons scopes that come in a bubble pack at wal mart or a tasco or something.

If thats what youve been using, I'd imagine you would see a HUGE improvement with something like a leupold VX freedom or something like that.

 

[MallardSX2]

Coating of the lenses and the quality of the glass..

Being able to see in low light is very important.