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New member new scope questions

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P&Y View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
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    Posted: October/31/2015 at 23:25
Hello all, great info here glad to have it! I am at the tail end (hopefully) of some major scope dramas and would like any input you may be willing to offer. I saved all last year to put a new scope on my favorite whitetail rifle. I hunt trophy class deer often taking up to 400 yard shots very low light conditions are often encountered. The scope I decided to replace in hind site was probably the best optic I have ever owned a Pentax Lightseeker 3-9x50 heavy ballistic plex reticle.

First I purchased a Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44. I disliked the scope and hated the dead hold bdc reticle finding the product worthless in the whitetail woods.

Second I purchased a Swarovski Z5 4-18x44 with ballistic turrets and 4w reticle. I really liked the Swaro but tested the scope in low light and found the reticle much too fine.

Third the sales rep sold me a Z3 4-12x50 with ballistic turret and plex reticle. I think the plex reticle will be just bold enough to be functional for my hunting needs.

My concern and questions relate to the Z3. I cannot get the edge to edge clarity I had gotten from the Z5. The edges are fuzzy and the scope gives me some "tunneling". Also when adjusting the focus I noticed it twists out like an inch from one extreme range to the other. None of this was an issue with the Z5. Is it because the Z3 does not have parralax adjustments? My Pentax does not have the parralax adjustment but is sharp as a razor to the edges and never tunnels when lining up a target. Is the focus constructed differently on the Z3 than the Z5? Lastly, has anyone else been blown away by the superior quality of Pentax Lightseeker scopes like I was? I went from Pentax binos and spotters to Swaro and considered it a big upgrade. I am feeling the rifle scope may have been a down grade (minus customer service).

Sorry for the giant first post but this is a big deal to me and I appreciate any guidance!
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supertool73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/01/2015 at 01:23
Sounds like u could benefit from an illuminated reticle. Check outthe Meopta R2 line. Optically they are up there with the big three and cost a bit less.
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

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Optics GrassHopper
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote P&Y Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/01/2015 at 01:24
Supertool, thanks for the suggestion! I had thought of that but decided against it, for now anyways. Not sure if they are legal but even so I think I'd just feel wrong using one hunting deer. Just old school I guess! I never felt the need for one until I "upgraded" my scope!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote magshooter1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/02/2015 at 11:10
I don't have a lit reticle but I can vouch for the optics of the Meopta's being very good quality.  The edge to edge clarity you talk about is not an issue with any of my Meopta's.
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Optics GrassHopper
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote P&Y Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/02/2015 at 11:15
I will be buying one of those for my next rifle. I got to use the Swaro more during a long range session yesterday. The edge to edge seems better at further distances but still a bit disappointed in that regard.
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Sgt. D View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/02/2015 at 13:58

Z3 4-12x50 with ballistic turret and plex reticle.

Can't offer hands on experience but I suspect the one inch tube is part to blame for the fog. either that or you are just not setting up for proper eye relief. The longer scopes with one inch tubes "sometimes" have issue with rectile or inner lens collars causing distortion in the view. If it were a low end scope I would think just poor quality glass and or coatings. But not with these. Since just about every scope builder now offers 30mm tubes I can't justify buying 1" anymore. Something to consider in the future.

Good luck!

Welcome to the OT!!

Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote P&Y Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/02/2015 at 15:16
Sgt thanks for the welcome and the info. Darn it, right when I had decided the 30mm offered me personally nothing but different sizes rings I hear this!

Still wonder why the 1" Pentax is sharp to edges and doesn't tunnel? (could even tell it was easier to acquire sight picture when both were unmounted). The crazy thing is I am comparing a $250 optic to a $1,000 piece.
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/02/2015 at 16:56
How carefully did you optimize the eyepiece for your eyes?  If you do not, you will have edge issues among other things.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/02/2015 at 21:53

Originally posted by P&Y P&Y wrote:

Sgt thanks for the welcome and the info. Darn it, right when I had decided the 30mm offered me personally nothing but different sizes rings I hear this!

Still wonder why the 1" Pentax is sharp to edges and doesn't tunnel? (could even tell it was easier to acquire sight picture when both were unmounted). The crazy thing is I am comparing a $250 optic to a $1,000 piece.

It comes down to what style turret sets and inner lens mounts they use. We only see the outer working of a scope. The money (or lack of it) is mostly on what is inside. Guess it comes down to how much that kinda thing bothers you. The IOR I use is not quite as clear as my Ziess but for all its other qualities I'm ok with it.

And what Ilya said is key for any scope. If your eye adjustment isn't correct for the distance you are viewing your gonna get the tunnel and blurred reticle.

Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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Optics GrassHopper
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote P&Y Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/02/2015 at 22:59
I'm 100% certain the is set correctly for me. Just surprised the "cheaper" brand scope is better in my evaluation than a way more expensive brand.

Thanks for the replies! Referencing back to the Z3 focus it is normal for it to twist in and out like an inch, right? It seems strange the tube would move that much which is something that affects eye relief. Just making sure it's not malfunctioning which I don't think it is.
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