OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Rifle Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Best Low-Light hunting scope?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

Best Low-Light hunting scope?

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
jayleto View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: January/13/2011
Status: Offline
Points: 3
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jayleto Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Best Low-Light hunting scope?
    Posted: January/13/2011 at 15:22
I deer hunt in Mississippi, and am looking to improve my optics for the upcoming year. Low-light visibility is extremely important, because that's when the deer are usually seen. Members of my club use Leupold's, Schmidt & Binder, Zeiss Conquest, Khale's, Trijicon etc.

I'm currently shooting a 300 Wby Mag, with a Leupold Vari X III 6.5-20x50mm. The scope was on the gun when I purchased it about 12 yrs ago, and has served me well. It just doesn't seem to be that bright in low-light conditions, even when turned all the way down. I'm wondering how many much longer I could see to identify and shoot a deer with better optics. Big deer were killed yesterday afternoon when I had packed up 15 minutes prior!

The bulk of my shots are in the 100-250yd range, but would like to start shooting further distances. I'd prefer something in the same magnification range that I currently have, but with a 56mm objective and 30mm if possible.

Any opinions of how much longer I could see with a better scope? What models should I be looking at? Would love to find something used if that's a viable option. I would like to be able to see much later. I'd like to know what the best is, and what is a great "bang for the buck".
 
I'm hoping to find something off "samplelist", or any kind of used or demo.  Price is important, and I want to make certain there will be alot to gain from my current scope.  I can not afford to spend over $2k on a scope.


Thanks,
Jay
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 15:43
I would probably look at a Swaro Z5.  http://swfa.com/Swarovski-Z5-Riflescopes-C1809.aspx

It will be significantly brighter than your Leupold.
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
mike650 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2006
Location: West of Rockies
Status: Offline
Points: 14569
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 15:44
Zeiss Conquest, same mag range, 1" tube. Do you feel that you need a 30mm tube?

http://www.samplelist.com/Zeiss-65-20x50-Conquest-Rifle-Scope-DEMO-B-P1534.aspx
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
Back to Top
Chris Farris II View Drop Down
TEAM SWFA - Admin
TEAM SWFA - Admin
Avatar
MODERATOR

Joined: August/13/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 3196
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris II Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 15:45
One day your life will flash before your eyes; Make sure it's worth watching.
Back to Top
Chris Farris II View Drop Down
TEAM SWFA - Admin
TEAM SWFA - Admin
Avatar
MODERATOR

Joined: August/13/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 3196
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris II Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 15:48

What is the reason you are wanting a 30mm tube? It is a common misconception that it provides more light. A 30mm scope and a 1" tube scope in the same platform on the same magnification will provide the same amount of light. Going 1" will generally allow you to save some $$ and get better optics.



Edited by Chris Farris II - January/13/2011 at 16:02
One day your life will flash before your eyes; Make sure it's worth watching.
Back to Top
bugsNbows View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
bowsNbugs

Joined: March/10/2008
Location: North Georgia
Status: Offline
Points: 11200
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bugsNbows Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 15:55
Originally posted by supertool73 supertool73 wrote:

I would probably look at a Swaro Z5.  http://swfa.com/Swarovski-Z5-Riflescopes-C1809.aspx

It will be significantly brighter than your Leupold.


+1. I have three Swaros on my typically used deer rifles. ALL are great choices.


If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
               Anomymous
Back to Top
Trigger slap View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: February/25/2010
Location: Kentucky
Status: Offline
Points: 122
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trigger slap Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 16:00
   This is another good low light choice.  http://swfa.com/Trijicon-25-10x56-Accu-Point-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P12878.aspx
How can we call it unalienable when we allow it to be suspended revoked or restricted?
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 16:19
Originally posted by Trigger slap Trigger slap wrote:

   This is another good low light choice.  http://swfa.com/Trijicon-25-10x56-Accu-Point-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P12878.aspx
Thats the one I am getting ready to order!
Back to Top
jayleto View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: January/13/2011
Status: Offline
Points: 3
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jayleto Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 16:20
Thanks for the quick responses.  I'd be fine with a 1" tube.
 
Are there any side by side tests done on these scopes for low light conditions?
It's just a little overwhelming looking at them all.  Also, do I need a lighted reticle for hunting in low-light? 
 
I know Swaro, Zeiss, Trijicon, Schmidt are all great scopes.  Just not sure where they rank for low light hunting situations.
 
Jay
Back to Top
mike650 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2006
Location: West of Rockies
Status: Offline
Points: 14569
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 16:37
Originally posted by jayleto jayleto wrote:

Thanks for the quick responses.  I'd be fine with a 1" tube.
 
Are there any side by side tests done on these scopes for low light conditions?
It's just a little overwhelming looking at them all.  Also, do I need a lighted reticle for hunting in low-light? 
 
I know Swaro, Zeiss, Trijicon, Schmidt are all great scopes.  Just not sure where they rank for low light hunting situations.
 
Jay


When you arrive at this point it's more of personal preference, options, and what you see through your eyes.
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 16:38
Having a Swaro and a Trijicon, I can say Swaro glass is better by quite a bit.
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
Chris Farris II View Drop Down
TEAM SWFA - Admin
TEAM SWFA - Admin
Avatar
MODERATOR

Joined: August/13/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 3196
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris II Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 16:41
At the same time the Trijicon is quite a bit better than the Leupold.
One day your life will flash before your eyes; Make sure it's worth watching.
Back to Top
mike650 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2006
Location: West of Rockies
Status: Offline
Points: 14569
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 16:52
Preference wise, many love the way Trijicon addresses low light conditions.

I have to admit I do like the Swaro's though.  Wink





Edited by mike650 - January/13/2011 at 16:54
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
Back to Top
Johnny View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: December/23/2010
Location: Colorado
Status: Offline
Points: 99
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Johnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 17:01
If your shots are 150-200 yards, that 6-20 in any brand is not the scope you want. I think that 4 X 14 is too much power. I would go for a good 3-9 power at most. A 4-14 would be fine for antelope, but not deer in Miss. at 150-200 yards. IMHOBig GrinBig Smile
Black Bear Road
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 17:52
I agree with Johnny.  For typical woods hunting, where 300 yards is a long shot, I'd opt for a 1.5-6X42, 3-9X40, or 2.5-10X42 / 50.  They will provide all the magnification you need for twice that distance, and you'll save money as well.  Don't get too caught up in the "more is always better" magnification race.  Good optics trumps magnification in a general hunting scope.
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
stickbow46 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: January/07/2009
Location: Benton, Pa
Status: Offline
Points: 4678
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 20:51
I have just purchased a SwaroZ6I 1-6x24 off the SWFA sample list,all I can tell you is it is everything you will need for 200yd hunting.There is another on the list #SPL-12608.
 
The glass is very close to my Zeiss Victory FL & that is saying something.Looking forward to hunting with it.Ilya gave it a great write up,so what does that tell you?
Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
Back to Top
3_tens View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Master
Optics Jedi Master
Avatar

Joined: January/08/2007
Location: Oklahoma
Status: Offline
Points: 7853
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3_tens Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 20:54
The Conquest 3-9X50 with the German #4 Is very good for the money. It is a close second to the 3-10 X 50 Kahles CL. It is the best low light scope I own the Zeiss is only a small step down. That is because the contrast is better in the Kahles.
Folks ain't got a sense of humor no more. They don't laugh they just get sore.

Need to follow the rules. Just hard to determine which set of rules to follow
Now the rules have changed again.
Back to Top
ccoker View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: February/13/2008
Location: Austin, TX
Status: Offline
Points: 2041
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ccoker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 21:10
I have done a lot of direct A/B low light testing on scopes
I can relate to what you are saying, but on the flip side of the equation

My brother and I hunt together, he used a VX2-3-9x40 with a standard reticle
I am ALWAYS out hunting 15 minutes past him, at least!
In fact he jokes about it, I don't quit until I can't see my finger in front of my face


For the money, the 3-9x40 Accupoint is arguably the best hunting scope around
great glass, great ill ret system, etc..

Like 3_Tens mentioned, I have a Kahles CL 3-10x50 with a reticle
GREAT low light scope, if there are any on the samplelist I would check into it
It will get you a few extra minutes or allow a little longer shot at last light over the 3-9 Accupoint

a good bold reticle like a #4 is a lot better than a simple duplex too..

I also agree with Rifledude, glass trumps magnification
I am using a 1.5-6x42 S&B as a primary hunting optic, and I can tell you that a deer or hog 200 yards out at last legal shooting light (and past!) doesn't stand a chance

I have usually gone with higher power scopes but the S&B glass is so good I do not feel hindered hunting out to 400 yards whatsoever

Most people (and I have done it) go for more power to "see better" when what they really need is better glass...





Edited by ccoker - January/13/2011 at 21:14
www.TacticalGunReview.com

Pro Staff - Silencer Shop

http://tacticalgunreview.com

Back to Top
robbie View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: November/13/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 141
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote robbie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 21:20

"Like 3_Tens mentioned, I have a Kahles CL 3-10x50 with a reticle"

On SWFA page I only see Kahles CSX and K.  Where do I find CL?
Thanks
Back to Top
3_tens View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Master
Optics Jedi Master
Avatar

Joined: January/08/2007
Location: Oklahoma
Status: Offline
Points: 7853
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3_tens Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2011 at 22:29
The CSX is the same quality glass but with an Illuminated reticle. The all the Kahles are now 30 mm rather than 1" tube. After Swaro took over the prices doubled also. Watch the sample list or Ebay.  The CL line was closed out 2 years ago. Most people are like me, the Kahles is the last scope I would part with.
Folks ain't got a sense of humor no more. They don't laugh they just get sore.

Need to follow the rules. Just hard to determine which set of rules to follow
Now the rules have changed again.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.164 seconds.