Very old eyes.

[Zardoz]

Looking for recommendations for a long-ish range hunting scope, 400-700 yards. At 72 my eyes are not great, but still workable. Being right eyed, I have no options to change that. The issue is seeing clearly, without glasses. I need glasses to read, but do fair for most other things. Hard to explain. Thoughts?

[Mike450r]

Without picking a brand I would say something in 4-16 variable with 50mm objective should get you seeing better than the standard 3-9 40mm.  Vortex should have a few that would be decent

[Zardoz]

Without picking a brand I would say something in 4-16 variable with 50mm objective should get you seeing better than the standard 3-9 40mm.  Vortex should have a few that would be decent

Thanks for responding. I have a Vortex LPVO 1-8 and am not impressed with the quality of glass, but it is a little better than the Sig Saur LPVO that I have looked through. I would hope that they would improve in traditional scopes, but I haven't looked through one. Any other thoughts?

[The scout]

100% not vortex. Even with good eyes they are crap glass. I use nightforce on all my guns. But all my other glass is Swarovski. Can’t go wrong there. People give me a hard time about how much I spend on glass, but my eyes can use every advantage they can get.

[Buckjunkie]

I’m almost 60 and about 10 years ago I started having issues getting the crosshairs and the target in focus. I could wear reading glasses for clarity, but not very practical for hunting. I bought a Leupold VX 6 scope and could see both in focus again. I have since switched over to VX 6 and VX 5 scopes and have no problem seeing the crosshairs and target.

I have looked through the Nightforce NX 8 scopes and they are clear. I have seen a few high end Vortex scopes that were also clear, but the newer, less expensive scopes are not clear for both target and reticle.

[Magnum_Willys]

I run NF Nx8 but the Leupolds glass is actually sharper.  On a side note, at 70 I’ve switched to the Sig Zulu 6 image stabilizing binos - what a difference!
I use the 10x and the 16x.  You have to look thru them to appreciate zero wiggle.  Plus just 19 oz ! Sold my Swaro Pures.

[JDHasty]

Cabela's in Lacey used to have the ideal setup when their optics counter was out in front of the shooting gallery.  You could look through different optics back into the shadows in the shooting gallery and see which worked better for you.  BP managed to screw that up too. 

Optics companies either use or specify different AR coatings and, trust me, they all affect contrast to one extent or the other.  Depending on how your eyes resolve and differentiate contrasting colors there will be some that work better FOR YOU than others.  Once you get above entry level or "package deal" scopes, these days the biggest improvements have been in the lower mid-level market segment.  It wasn't long ago that HD or ED glass was only offered in scopes in the top end offerings.  Today it's pretty common to see it in lower mid-level scopes.  Same with fully AR coated lenses.  So long as you are above the entry level scopes they are all fully multi coated these days.  Some external lens coatings also are extremely good at shedding moisture and that is a real plus in western Washington. 

If you get into the 14-16 power top end variables you probably have all the power you will need for big game hunting w/o hauling around extra weight.  There are a LOT of great choices available irrespective of what the fanboys would have you believe.  Unfortunately the Weavers that were manufactured by Light Optic Works in Japan are no longer offered.  Vortex Razor HD and Golden Eagle HD are Japanese made, I believe at LOW, and those I own and those I have seen are superbly sharp.  Leupold makes some fabulous scopes as well.   

[dreadi]

Do you need vision correction other than reading glasses?


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[Rugergunsite308]

I'm young but have old eyes. I've had glasses since I was young and already wear bifocals at 28. Leupold scopes have the best glass in my opinion.
Another thing that improves focus is limiting you magnification range to a variable of 3 and at a max 4. By this I mean a 3x9 scope increases magnification 3 times. Same with a 4x12. A 4x16 scope is a variable of 4. Your LPVO if its truly has a 1x8 rating has a variation of 8, making clear focus difficult to achieve.

[EnglishSetter]

Without picking a brand I would say something in 4-16 variable with 50mm objective should get you seeing better than the standard 3-9 40mm.  Vortex should have a few that would be decent

Thanks for responding. I have a Vortex LPVO 1-8 and am not impressed with the quality of glass, but it is a little better than the Sig Saur LPVO that I have looked through. I would hope that they would improve in traditional scopes, but I haven't looked through one. Any other thoughts?

LVPO scopes will always be a compromise of size vs light.  You need a bigger objective as the power goes up.  If you can't get enough light, the glass won't help much.

[MADMAX]

I have an optical doubler eye piece that I use on my 3-9 Leupold
I like it

[Alchase]

About 4 years ago, I was having an issue seeing my cross hairs as well, especially when tired.
I switched all of my Hunting rifles to Leupold Firedot scopes. All mine are 3x9x50 though.
Made a huge difference.