which glass is best

[Sneaky]

looking for optics that are in my price range and have narrowed it down to nightforce SHV, Leupold Vx-5, and Zeiss V4. Can anyone weigh in on optical clarity between the three? The nightforce is the entry level in their line but really the only scope they offer that I know of in a "traditional" duplex style retical. I have read mixed reviews on the repeatability of the leupold turret tracking system (I have never had a problem with a leupold product), and simply unfamiliar with the Zeiss V4. Thanks in advance for the input.

[Karl Blanchard]

I'm curious as to why you want a traditional duplex reticle in a long range scope? Seems counterproductive.

To answer your question on glass, v4 is gonna be top of the pile with the vx5 close behind. SHV is right in there as well. You're likely splitting hairs as all three are great optically. Personally you couldn't pay me money to us any of the VX lines these days, so I'd go v4, then SHV.   

[grundy53]

I'm really happy with my SHV. I plan on buying more for other rifles.

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[Alan K]

I wouldn't limit your choices due to reticle. I was the same way when I made the transition to these long range scopes, worried about how busy everything was.  You get used to it.  I still don't care to try and use the reticle's hash marks, just doesn't feel right. I always dial. It'll be unnatural at first but you'll get more comfortable with it the more you shoot with it.

[frazierw]

I'm really happy with my SHV. I plan on buying more for other rifles.

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Echo this, love mine and wouldn't trade it.

[Sneaky]

Single place to aim = not screwing it up under stress. Just looking to dial if necessary and go. Optical clarity and simplicity is important to me. Recently upgraded my old binoculars to mid grade leupolds and was amazed how different it is to have better glass.

[blackpowderhunter]

I'm curious as to why you want a traditional duplex reticle in a long range scope? Seems counterproductive.

To answer your question on glass, v4 is gonna be top of the pile with the vx5 close behind. SHV is right in there as well. You're likely splitting hairs as all three are great optically. Personally you couldn't pay me money to us any of the VX lines these days, so I'd go v4, then SHV.   

i bought a v4 6-24 based and love it, blown away with the glass for the money

[b23]

Single place to aim = not screwing it up under stress. Just looking to dial if necessary and go. Optical clarity and simplicity is important to me.

If you intend to dial with this setup I would be more concerned with the scopes ability to dial up/down and return to zero, consistently, than I would its optical quality.

[Stein]

Single place to aim = not screwing it up under stress. Just looking to dial if necessary and go. Optical clarity and simplicity is important to me.

If you intend to dial with this setup I would be more concerned with the scopes ability to dial up/down and return to zero, consistently, than I would its optical quality.

 

[Karl Blanchard]

My issue with duplex reticles in a LR scope is how do you accurately hold wind? A basic MOA reticle is a very simple tool to learn and will up your shooting game immensely.

[kselkhunter]

Out of that lineup, I would go with the Zeiss.   

[Sneaky]

Single place to aim = not screwing it up under stress. Just looking to dial if necessary and go. Optical clarity and simplicity is important to me.

If you intend to dial with this setup I would be more concerned with the scopes ability to dial up/down and return to zero, consistently, than I would its optical quality.

 

Yeah, obviously.

[Sneaky]

My issue with duplex reticles in a LR scope is how do you accurately hold wind? A basic MOA reticle is a very simple tool to learn and will up your shooting game immensely.

Yeah I understand how they work, thanks

[fishngamereaper]

I've got a ton of time behind all three flavors...
NF and Zeiss are a step above the lue...I love NF scopes but my eyes prefer the Zeiss. I'm currently running a Zeiss on my PRC and it's been exceptional. Superb glass, positive detents, solid zero stop etc...so far it's been flawless from Idaho to Alaska...

[deerhunter_98520]

I ran a v4 6-24x50 for a couple years and it worked great until this past Nov in Idaho. Somehow it lost zero and I was shooting 6" high and I missed the biggest buck of my life unaware this happened. Took it to the range when i got back to find out and I had to loosen my zero stop to get it adjusted back to zero. Glass was clear and no issues with that. Maybe mine was a fluke but it put a bad taste in my mouth and I went nightforce recently because of that.