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Tough Question on High End Scopes

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YakAk View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote YakAk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Tough Question on High End Scopes
    Posted: December/04/2009 at 01:22
O.K. here is one for the experts. On the high end scale, are Schmidt-Bender, Swarovski, Zeiss all comparable with one another. Maybe just a matter of personal taste. I am looking to save and spend some coin and get my dream optics. I just want to make the right choice.

Need some help out there.

Thanks all,
Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 01:49
Heinsoldt   for Tactical
 
Swarovski Z6 for Hunting

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 06:07
Yes, they are all pretty comparable.  It's really a matter of personal preference -- what features do you like best, whose reticles do you like best, etc.  Optically, all the premium scopes all fantastic, and you won't see much difference, though there are some subtle differences where you may prefer the view through one over the other.  I can't comment on which is best from a mechanical integrity standpoint, as I've never had a problem with any of the brands mentioned, and I own only a few scopes in this class. 
 
A lot depends on what you plan to use the scope for and what type of rifle it will go on too.
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 08:58
if your looking at these -- you should get the one you want/like-- especially the reticle. also be aware that the zoom erectors are different in each one, and each has a different sight picture in the lower range of the zoom.
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YakAk View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote YakAk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 09:41
I am looking for 1.5-6x42.  A scope for under 300 yrds.  Low light situations. Mounted on a 338-06. As stated before, mostly for moose, deer,  It must also have the quickness in a certain brown bear situations.  No batteries. I will not need this scope till next fall so I have lots of time to research.

Thanks Again to everyone for there help.

Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 11:12
I'd get a proven S&B for that rifle.  However, I consider the Zeiss Diavari the best hunting scope in the world right now.  The Swaro Z's are too new to know how they'll hold up.  I believe when you get to that level of optics it's a matter of personal preference. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 12:18
For that target range two things you don't need are a ranging reticle or target knobs. So that frees you up to consider all scopes that fall within your requirements for magnification range and low-light performance. You're certainly right in that a 1.5-6x42 will take care of both shooting out to 300 and will give you max. exit pupil even at the highest magnification. Stay away from busy reticles. And don't reject a scope because it does offer battery-powered illumination. Those batteries last a long time and you can still use the scope without it. However, it might come in handy just as it's getting light out.

A scope that I can think of that are worth looking at are the NF 1-4X24,  which I know is a little low on the high-end mag, but with the NP-1 or FC-2 reticle would be quick and an absolutely solid scope. But you're probably going to be incredibly well-served by the Zeiss Diavari or this S&B: http://swfa.com/Schmidt-Bender-15-6x42-Zenith-30mm-Riflescope-P4805.aspx. You might also consider a USO (just because it hasn't been mentioned) but I don't think their options for objectives vs. magnification are quite what you want.
Reaction time is a factor...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bagderRed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 12:20
http://swfa.com/Zeiss-15-6x42-Victory-Diavari-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P7722.aspx
This is what I would jump on.  Lotutec lens coatings, $100 dollar rebate, #4 reticle for would help low light applications.  Although with these kind of optics, low light would not be a problem.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 12:42
Originally posted by bagderRed bagderRed wrote:

http://swfa.com/Zeiss-15-6x42-Victory-Diavari-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P7722.aspx
This is what I would jump on.  Lotutec lens coatings, $100 dollar rebate, #4 reticle for would help low light applications.  Although with these kind of optics, low light would not be a problem.
 
That would be perfect for the stated need.
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 12:57
I think the best 1.5-6x42 on the market is the Zeiss Victory Diavari (either the illuminated or non-illuminated version).  S&B Zenith is also very good, but it is appreciably heavier and has a notably narrower field of view.

Swarovski Z6 1.7-10x42 offers a little more versatility in a package of about the same size, but if you do not need the extra magnification, I like the Zeiss a little more.

Lastly, for the best bang for the buck, it is probably worth your time to look at the Samplelist.  Swarovski is phasing out its Professional Hunter line and you can snap a 1.5-6x42 for a fair bit less money.  These are superb scopes and you would well served by one:

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote YakAk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 16:02
O.K. the Zeiss Victory Diavari 1.5-6x42 with a #4 reticles it will be.  Unless I change my mind at the last second.

Thanks again to all,
Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 17:55
You won't be unhappy, ever, with the Zeiss...
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ed Connelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2009 at 20:31
$2000 is what $100 used to be in the sixties..............Shocked
 
I didn't have it then, either........  Shocked
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote biggreen747 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/05/2009 at 01:46
And at the rate were going that will = $10,000.00 in a couple more years...Loco  Hmmmm..
We measure it with a micrometer, mark it with a crayon, and cut it with a chainsaw.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote huntingaddict Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/08/2009 at 07:10
I've looked through one new Victory Divari and it was nothing short of spectacular.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote YakAk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/08/2009 at 09:10
That is music to my ears.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/08/2009 at 15:52
I can't argue with the consensus here.  I have a 2.5-10X50 Zeiss Diavari, and it is indeed spectacular, as is all other Diavaris I've seen.
 
Of course, the same can be said for S&B and Swarovski as well.  When you get into that class of scopes, they are all wonderful; so it's best to select based on which scope has the best combination of features and specs you like best.
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/08/2009 at 15:56
I bought a Diavari at the same time a friend bought a Z6, I like mine more, he likes his more, both have outstanding glass and perform unbelievably well in low light.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stein3282 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/09/2009 at 10:54
I do not know anything compared to the people on this boeard, but would a Kahles CL not be considered as good as some of the ones you are decribing? Especially when you can pick one up for $600 or less brand new at another site. If I overstepped my boundaries sorry. Just curious as I own the CL in 3x9x42 and it sits so high on the 2009 scope ratings.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/09/2009 at 12:12
Kahles makes fine scopes, great glass; however, at the moment, they have no US distribution channel or importer.  That changes nothing regarding the scope, but makes some shy away since any problem with the scope means you are dealing directly with the manufacturer - which is in Austria, I think.

So long as you never have problems with it, the deal is great, be happy; but if there is an issue, you'll hate yourself for buying a scope with no Customer Support system in place for US sales.
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