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Thought I knew something?

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j.chappell View Drop Down
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    Posted: March/22/2009 at 17:19
I thoght that I knew something about optics till I started to read some of these posts, now I am not too sure of myself.
 
I am interested to know how you guys, and maybe gals, rate the big makers right now.
 
Say...Leupold, Bushnell, Burris, Nikon, Zeiss, Sightron.
 
I am interested in scopes of the middle of the road price range say $550 and under. I am not looking for a particular model review more of a "Optics Line Review".
 
Something like a rating of:
 
Leupold VX-3
Nikon Monarch
Bushnell 3200 and 4200
Burris Fullfield II and Signature
Zeiss Conquest
Sightron SII
 
Any rating of the above would be appreciated. I am more interested in optical quality than i am tracking.
 
Oh, by the way I have placed 2 scopes up for sale xx xxx xxxxx xxxx xx xxx xxx xx xxxxxxxxx xx xx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx,
 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
 
Thanks.
 
J.


Edited by Chris Farris - March/22/2009 at 21:02
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 18:11
Best optically in that lineup in my opinion is Zeiss Conquest series, by a very slight margin.  Close behind, I think the 4200, Monarch and VX-3 are pretty comparable to each other, with the 4200 being perhaps the best value for $ spent.  I would also put the Trijicon Accupoint series in the same class as the 4200 optically, but I like its unique reticles so much, I place it in the same class as the Conquest from a value standpoint.  I must say I haven't used the new VX-3 yet, so I can't confirm how significant the reported optical and mechanical improvements over the VX-III are.  I am classifying it based on my experience with VX-III and the fact it's supposed to be superior to VX-III.  It may very well be as good or better than the Conquest; I don't know.  I've never used any Sightron scopes, so I cannot comment on them.  I've never been that impressed with most Burris scopes from an optical standpoint, and I've owned scopes from the Signature, Fullfield, and Short Mag series.  Some of the Signature Selects I've used seemed to be perhaps in the same class as the 4200, Monarch, VX-3 optically, maybe a tad below... to my eyes.

As for the scopes you have for sale, we have a "For Sale" section, and they should be posted there.


Edited by RifleDude - March/22/2009 at 18:12
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 18:28
To each their own, but IMHO when it comes to a rifle scope, I.E. , the aiming device of the weapon, tracking is much more important than optical clarity. If the weapon cannot put a round where it is aimed, the scope is nothing more than a inefficient monocular.
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 18:41
Originally posted by billyburl2 billyburl2 wrote:

To each their own, but IMHO when it comes to a rifle scope, I.E. , the aiming device of the weapon, tracking is much more important than optical clarity. If the weapon cannot put a round where it is aimed, the scope is nothing more than a inefficient monocular.
 
Very true, but if ya can't see it, ya can't.....well, you know the rest. Wink
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 18:57
 Tracking vs optical performance.  The thing is, you don't need to settle for one or the other of those two important qualities. With an upper-medium and higher-priced scope, you must expect and demand both.
 With a cheap scope, you seldom get both, and often get neither.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 19:21
Ronk has summed it up in a nutshell, though I feel all the scopes in the original post are more then capable and reliable.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Optiman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 19:25
Leupold #1
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j.chappell View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote j.chappell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 19:25
Originally posted by billyburl2 billyburl2 wrote:

To each their own, but IMHO when it comes to a rifle scope, I.E. , the aiming device of the weapon, tracking is much more important than optical clarity. If the weapon cannot put a round where it is aimed, the scope is nothing more than a inefficient monocular.
 
Well what I meant was that I don’t mind if instead of 1/4" or 1/2" at 100 yards it is more 3/16" or 3/8".

 

And really tracking has nothing to do with where the reticle is aimed. If your rifle won’t hit where it is aimed then your scope has more than tracking problems.

 

J.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote j.chappell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 19:26
Originally posted by RONK RONK wrote:

 Tracking vs optical performance.  The thing is, you don't need to settle for one or the other of those two important qualities. With an upper-medium and higher-priced scope, you must expect and demand both.
 With a cheap scope, you seldom get both, and often get neither.
 
I realize this but what you ecpect and what you get is not always the case.
 
J.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote j.chappell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 19:37
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

Best optically in that lineup in my opinion is Zeiss Conquest series, by a very slight margin.  Close behind, I think the 4200, Monarch and VX-3 are pretty comparable to each other, with the 4200 being perhaps the best value for $ spent.  I would also put the Trijicon Accupoint series in the same class as the 4200 optically, but I like its unique reticles so much, I place it in the same class as the Conquest from a value standpoint.  I must say I haven't used the new VX-3 yet, so I can't confirm how significant the reported optical and mechanical improvements over the VX-III are.  I am classifying it based on my experience with VX-III and the fact it's supposed to be superior to VX-III.  It may very well be as good or better than the Conquest; I don't know.  I've never used any Sightron scopes, so I cannot comment on them.  I've never been that impressed with most Burris scopes from an optical standpoint, and I've owned scopes from the Signature, Fullfield, and Short Mag series.  Some of the Signature Selects I've used seemed to be perhaps in the same class as the 4200, Monarch, VX-3 optically, maybe a tad below... to my eyes.

As for the scopes you have for sale, we have a "For Sale" section, and they should be posted there.
 
Thanks for the information. I always thought that Leupold looked fine till I bought a Burris Fullfield II and I'll tell you my Vari-X III's, VX-III's, Vari-X II's, and VX-II's all trail them in all respects. I know a lot will call me crazy but I own Burris, Leupold, Weaver, Swarovski, Redfield, and even an old Bushnell Banner and I am serious when I say the Burris scopes I have are that much better than the Leupolds in all conditions and respects. I seem to be alone in my thinking but I bought my Burris scopes at the same time from the same dealer and the serial numbers are even close, maybe I just got a good few, I dont know. I can tell you this I have a hard time buying Leupold anymore due to the fact that my Burris scopes make them look bad.
 
Sorry about posting the links, I didnt think it was that out of line but I appologize for any infraction.
 
J.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hunter12345 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 20:32
I know back when I was new to hunting and shooting back in the 1980's Leupold was heavily pushed at the local gun shop.So I bought the Vari XII-Vari XIII.My problem was both Leupolds were not the best in gathering light.So I bought the Redfield Ultimate Illuminator which was indeed a better scope for low light hunting.Todays scopes are much improved.My list of scopes that you have listed are a tie for the Zeiss Conquest and the Sightron S2 Big Sky as best scopes.My next pick is the 4200,Nikon Monarch,Burris Signature,3200,Burris FFII I haven't tried the new VX3 but the one I looked through was comparable to the VX7.I own of all these scopes except the Leupold VX3 and all are good scopes.The Sightron S2 Big Sky is my favorite scope.I owned many Leupold scopes over the years but to be honest with you I think there over priced.Leupold has stiff competition from Nikon, Bushnell and Sightron.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 20:41
Originally posted by j.chappell j.chappell wrote:

Originally posted by RONK RONK wrote:

 Tracking vs optical performance.  The thing is, you don't need to settle for one or the other of those two important qualities. With an upper-medium and higher-priced scope, you must expect and demand both.
 With a cheap scope, you seldom get both, and often get neither.
 
I realize this but what you ecpect and what you get is not always the case.
 
J.
 When I spend $500 plus, and it doesn't track, it WILL be returned. Repeatedly if necessary.
 Fortunately, I've never had that problem on anything over $200.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 20:59

I removed your links, please read and abide by the rules that Rifledude has pointed out.

You had to read them and agree to them when you singed up.
 

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This category allows posts only by Optics Apprentice level members (50+ posts) and above. The reason for the posting restriction is that we wanted to avoid the potential problem of people coming in solely for the purpose of selling something, never to return or contribute anything else to the community. This is a service to our members and we don't want to dilute it (or pollute it) with "hit-and-run" posts.
 
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Edited by Chris Farris - March/22/2009 at 21:03
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/23/2009 at 09:57
Originally posted by j.chappell j.chappell wrote:

Thanks for the information. I always thought that Leupold looked fine till I bought a Burris Fullfield II and I'll tell you my Vari-X III's, VX-III's, Vari-X II's, and VX-II's all trail them in all respects. I know a lot will call me crazy but I own Burris, Leupold, Weaver, Swarovski, Redfield, and even an old Bushnell Banner and I am serious when I say the Burris scopes I have are that much better than the Leupolds in all conditions and respects.
 
Then, it seems you've answered your own question.  I would run out and buy a Burris scope then and never look back.  I do agree that Burris is better optically than much of the previous Leupold "Vari-X" generations, whether II or III, but I don't agree when comparing to "VX" stuff, but that's me.  I've done quite a bit of varmint shooting in difficult mirage conditions using VX-III scopes back to back with Burris Signature Selects and found the exact opposite as you.  I also agree that current Burris scopes are better than older Weavers and Redfield.  I find the comparison to Swarovski curious, but if to your eyes Burris is better, it's certainly a much less expensive way to go compared to Swaro and current "VX" Leupolds and that's what I'd buy.  You should feel fortunate that your eyes tell you that Burris is superior, as that will be much easier on your wallet.  I wish it worked that way for me.  Good luck with your decision!
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/23/2009 at 10:01
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

You should feel fortunate that your eyes tell you that Burris is superior, as that will be much easier on your wallet.


We should all be so lucky. Big Smile
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I thought I knew something...but, when I started typing this it all faded away........Stare
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote j.chappell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/23/2009 at 16:04
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

Originally posted by j.chappell j.chappell wrote:

Thanks for the information. I always thought that Leupold looked fine till I bought a Burris Fullfield II and I'll tell you my Vari-X III's, VX-III's, Vari-X II's, and VX-II's all trail them in all respects. I know a lot will call me crazy but I own Burris, Leupold, Weaver, Swarovski, Redfield, and even an old Bushnell Banner and I am serious when I say the Burris scopes I have are that much better than the Leupolds in all conditions and respects.
 
Then, it seems you've answered your own question.  I would run out and buy a Burris scope then and never look back.  I do agree that Burris is better optically than much of the previous Leupold "Vari-X" generations, whether II or III, but I don't agree when comparing to "VX" stuff, but that's me.  I've done quite a bit of varmint shooting in difficult mirage conditions using VX-III scopes back to back with Burris Signature Selects and found the exact opposite as you.  I also agree that current Burris scopes are better than older Weavers and Redfield.  I find the comparison to Swarovski curious, but if to your eyes Burris is better, it's certainly a much less expensive way to go compared to Swaro and current "VX" Leupolds and that's what I'd buy.  You should feel fortunate that your eyes tell you that Burris is superior, as that will be much easier on your wallet.  I wish it worked that way for me.  Good luck with your decision!
 

No actually I have never seen a VX-3 to compare it to anything that I have and I never stated anything about Burris being better than my Swarovski's. I did state that they are clearer than my Leupolds.

 

I have been at the range before with one of my Weatherbys equipped with a Swarovski and the guy next to me shooting his "deer rifle" topped with a Simmons tried to tell me that he couldn’t see a difference in the 2 scopes. Well I find it very hard to believe that he couldn’t tell a difference but if that’s what he saw then that’s what he saw.

 

I am just going to say that optics opinions are like any other. Some guys have a favorite and simply will not admit that something else may be better. I use to think that Leupold was king; well I have come down from that podium long ago and now like what I like from a performance stand point and not a name.

 

I looked at a few Nikons today (Buckmasters) and compared them side by side with the same model of VX-II and they made the Leupold look bad. I really never wanted to buy a Nikon due to where they are made and I do not like the reticles or looks of many but when they outperform Leupold by so much its hard not to take a serious look at them.

 

I really wish that I worked for a company capable of performing an unbiased review of rifle scopes. I would test like models for all of the key features both optically and mechanically and make the review public with no bias for all to see. The human eye and mind can cause an array of varying reports.

 

J. 

 
 
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