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Best Low-Light hunting scope? |
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jayleto
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/13/2011 Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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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 |
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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I would probably look at a Swaro Z5. http://swfa.com/Swarovski-Z5-Riflescopes-C1809.aspx
It will be significantly brighter than your Leupold. |
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mike650
Optics God Joined: May/14/2006 Location: West of Rockies Status: Offline Points: 14569 |
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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 |
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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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Chris Farris II
TEAM SWFA - Admin MODERATOR Joined: August/13/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3196 |
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I would say all of these will suit you better and give you noticabley more time out in the field. |
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Chris Farris II
TEAM SWFA - Admin MODERATOR Joined: August/13/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3196 |
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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 |
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bugsNbows
Optics God bowsNbugs Joined: March/10/2008 Location: North Georgia Status: Offline Points: 11200 |
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+1. I have three Swaros on my typically used deer rifles. ALL are great choices. |
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Trigger slap
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/25/2010 Location: Kentucky Status: Offline Points: 122 |
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This is another good low light choice. http://swfa.com/Trijicon-25-10x56-Accu-Point-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P12878.aspx
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SVT_Tactical
MODERATOR Chief Sackscratch Joined: December/17/2009 Location: NorthCackalacky Status: Offline Points: 31233 |
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Thats the one I am getting ready to order!
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jayleto
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/13/2011 Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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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
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mike650
Optics God Joined: May/14/2006 Location: West of Rockies Status: Offline Points: 14569 |
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When you arrive at this point it's more of personal preference, options, and what you see through your eyes. |
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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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Having a Swaro and a Trijicon, I can say Swaro glass is better by quite a bit.
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"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
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Chris Farris II
TEAM SWFA - Admin MODERATOR Joined: August/13/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3196 |
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At the same time the Trijicon is quite a bit better than the Leupold.
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One day your life will flash before your eyes; Make sure it's worth watching.
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mike650
Optics God Joined: May/14/2006 Location: West of Rockies Status: Offline Points: 14569 |
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Preference wise, many love the way Trijicon addresses low light conditions.
I have to admit I do like the Swaro's though. Edited by mike650 - January/13/2011 at 16:54 |
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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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Johnny
Optics Apprentice Joined: December/23/2010 Location: Colorado Status: Offline Points: 99 |
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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. IMHO
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Black Bear Road
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RifleDude
MODERATOR EVIL OPPRESSOR Joined: October/13/2006 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 16337 |
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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.
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Ted
Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle. |
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stickbow46
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/07/2009 Location: Benton, Pa Status: Offline Points: 4678 |
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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?
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3_tens
Optics Jedi Master Joined: January/08/2007 Location: Oklahoma Status: Offline Points: 7853 |
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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.
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ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
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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 |
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robbie
Optics Apprentice Joined: November/13/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 141 |
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"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?
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3_tens
Optics Jedi Master Joined: January/08/2007 Location: Oklahoma Status: Offline Points: 7853 |
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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.
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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. |
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