New scope help

[Qaib Thai]

i have an old scope on my remington 30-06 rifle so its about time i get a new scope. been looking around and im also on a budget of around 350 so i was looking at the leupold vx-II or the vx-I and either in 3X9X40 or the 4X12X40. i am also a newb at scopes so was wondering if the objective lense of 50 would give you a larger field of view over the 40. i like the higher magnification so i can take shots of 300-600 yards. would the long range duplex be helpful or just the regular duplex be good enough. also was looking at nikon and bushnell scopes and they are cheaper than leupolds but i think that leupold will hold more accuracy shot after shot. So would like your guys opinion before i do my purchase. i will be shooting deer/elk

[Firing Pin]

Get the best scope that you can, the VX-II over the VX-I, and go with a 40mm! 

But much more importantly, if you plan on shooting anything between 300 and 600 yds you really need to have spent ALOT of time at a range to know exactly were your rifle is hitting.  FYI, most HUNTERS will not shoot that past 400 yds.  The ones that do shoot a ton and have for so for a long time!  Just sayin

[h20hunter]

I agre with the opinion on long range. A high magnification scope with a ballistit reticle does not make you a long range shooter. Experience and hundreds and hundreds of rounds down range, knowlege, and experience (did I mention experience?), make you a long range shooter.

[GoldTip]

I would certainly choose the VX-II over the VX-I.  If the cost is a factor, stick with the 3x9x40 versus stepping up to the 4x12x40mm.  You will appreciate the better glass at 9 power more than the extra magnification with lesser glass of the VX-I.  Plenty of animals have been killed very well with 9 power at 500 yards.

[BULLBLASTER]

May also want to look into Burris scopes. Fullfield 2 are great scopes for the money.

[Huntbear]

Look at the Redfield scopes.  They are made by Leupold, and have the same warranty, but at a smaller price tag.

[addicted]

Welcome to the board Qaib,

You have asked a fairly opinionated questions so it will likely come down to you doing a side by side with the scopes at your local gear store. 

The only leupolds i consider purchasing are the ones that have quality/clarity to match their (pricey)price tag. Therefore the only lupy's i consider purchacing are the redfields.  lol

If you are willing to spend 300-400$ you can get some really good glass these days.

Minox Z3 3-9x40 $289
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=66000
Fairly new line of scopes that are getting good reviews and picking up speed

Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 MC $399
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/zeiss.pl?page=521460
Many think of the zeiss conquests as the best bang for your buck in the market. It is hard to justify the jump in price to get a scope of greater clarity than this.

Meopta MEOPRO 3-9x42 #4 Riflescope $399
http://eurooptic.com/meopta-meopro-3-9x42-4-riflescope.aspx
Another european company that has assembled a 1" tube scope line in the states to keep costs down and bring us a great product.

Redfield Revolution 3-9x49 $169
http://swfa.com/Redfield-3-9x40-Revolution-Rifle-Scope-P44469.aspx
If your looking at lupy simply for the lifetime warranty, then you can save yourself some cash and go with the lifetime warrantied redfields.

Vortex Viper 2-7x33 %40 off. 149$
http://swfa.com/Vortex-2-7x32-Viper-Rifle-Scope-P11227.aspx
This is supposed to be a steal of a deal. And look, another lifetime warranty. Many people say they are as clear, if not clearer than VX-3 rifle scopes   

[addicted]

also was looking at nikon and bushnell scopes and they are cheaper than leupolds but i think that leupold will hold more accuracy shot after shot.

I have owned 3 bushnell's, and 2 of them crapped out on me. The third i never mounted on a rifle.

I have hunted with 4 nikons(3 prostaff, 1 buckmaster) and all of them shot very accurately. My wife currently has a prostaff 3-9x50 BDC on her CZ 550 luxuz 30.06 and she shoots sup moa with it all day long.

I have read of tracking issues with lupys from the last few years products, let me do a quick google search....
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f18/leupold-issues-tracking-53737/

To be fair i'll do a quick google search for tracking issues with nikons.....
It took a little longer to find issues. lol. This thread i did find is compairing nikons to lupy's with problems on both sides.
http://www.nodakoutdoors.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=256576

[JimmyHoffa]

I would say Leupold.  I've had Bushnell, Redfield, and Millett; and my opinion is that my Leupold seems to be a bit better in clarity (especially low-light), anti-fogging, and the eye relief I got.

[Bob33]

Dollar for dollar, Nikon optics are better than Leupold.

I like Leupold's customer service better than almost any other optics company.

i own both, and like them both for different reasons.

[addicted]

Dollar for dollar, Nikon optics are better than Leupold.

 

This has been widely noted. 

[smdave]

I just purchased a Minox Z5 3-15x50 w/Side Focus from camerlandny based on what addicted has told me. When I get it I will compare it to my Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14 side focus. I have never owned a Leupold and never will I think you pay allot for the brand name.

I have shot two deer right at 400 yards measured by range finder with witnesses with my Nikon mounted on a 300 winmag. you could easily shoot out to 400- 500 with a scope in this range if you practice and are comfortable shooting that far.

Dave

[Deep Forks]

Take a look at the Vortex Viper in a 3x9 x 40mm for $379 or cheaper if you shop around.  Also the Diamondback in a 4x12x40mm for about $289.  I currently own several of these scopes and have zero problems and their warranty is excellent.  Check them out at the Outdoorsmans 1-800-291-8065.  There's also a number for camera land on the site that has good buy's.  In my opinion the Diamondbacks beat the vxii and I also own leupey.

[Qaib Thai]

thx for all the replies. since a few of you guys suggested redfield i been looking into them and they seem like a decent price that doesnt break the bank. but if they are made by leupold whats the difference besides different names. is everything still pretty much the same. with scopes im am most concerned with the scope not holding accuracy shot after shot.

[addicted]

thx for all the replies. since a few of you guys suggested redfield i been looking into them and they seem like a decent price that doesnt break the bank. but if they are made by leupold whats the difference besides different names. is everything still pretty much the same. with scopes im am most concerned with the scope not holding accuracy shot after shot.

I don't recall reading any threads(I'm a forum junky) about the new redfields not holding a zero so it must not be a common occurance.

As far as other brands keeping their accuracy shot after shot, I've had a meopta meostar mounted up for a year and a half and never had to adjust the zero except for when i changed ammo about 60 rounds in. I even dropped this one out of a 14 ft tree stand and it kept it's accuracy, shot after shot.

[predator guy]

Dollar for dollar, Nikon optics are better than Leupold.

 

This has been widely noted. 

I love them Nikon scopes, never had one fail. I had one of those new Redfield scopes which I really liked also, they are made by Leupold. For the higher end Leupold's you could almost get a Zeiss or a Swarovski around the same price range.

[addicted]

These one's are supposed to be tough enough to hammer nails with. 

http://eurooptic.com/schmidt-bender-summit-25-10x40-reticle-9.aspx

[Bean Counter]

I love them Nikon scopes, never had one fail. I had one of those new Redfield scopes which I really liked also, they are made by Leupold. For the higher end Leupold's you could almost get a Zeiss or a Swarovski around the same price range.

While Swaro's Z5 and Z6 scopes remain in the $1.5K+ range, the Z3 scopes seem to be discontinued or something as they're on sale everywhere. You can get one for like $700ish.  I'm curious how the Zeiss Conquest stacks up. Anybody?

[bobcat]

Here's a good deal:  http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Elite-4200-3-9x40mm-Riflescope/dp/B000NJ0BUM

Can't beat it for $225. I got one a while back for $199 but they are getting hard to find now. It's a discontinued model.

[high country]

Here's a good deal:  http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Elite-4200-3-9x40mm-Riflescope/dp/B000NJ0BUM

Can't beat it for $225. I got one a while back for $199 but they are getting hard to find now. It's a discontinued model.

$199 at cabbys right now with a $20 off $150 coupon it is far and away the best bang for the buck. I dumped most of my leupys and nikons in favor of that model. A tough, bright scope that has yet to poop on me, and I have broke most brands over the years.

[bobcat]

Wow, you're right! I just checked. I thought Cabelas had sold out. So if you have a $20 off coupon it's only $180.  Great deal. That's actually exactly what I paid several months ago.

[Qaib Thai]

so is the bushnell elite 4200 better than redfields revolutions. i know they are about the same price range. have you guys compared the two better light or something. only thing about bushnell is only 1 year warranty vs redfields lifetime and their accu range thing that people seem to like.

[high country]

The 4200 is as good as you can get till about $400.00 where the conquest takes over. they have lifetime warranty and are tough. The redfield is not the same league imo.

[Qaib Thai]

i see i will look into the 4200 and check out cabelas some time this coming week.

[addicted]

Here is a minox 3-9x40 with a BDC reticle like the accurange redfield for $249. They have the same glass as the conquest, which as high country says is a better scope than the 4200.
http://www.samplelist.com/Minox-3-9x40-ZA3-Rifle-Scope-DEMO-A-P3104.aspx

Here is a redfield 3-9x40 with the accurange reticle for $134
http://www.samplelist.com/Redfield-3-9x40-Revolution-Rifle-Scope-DEMO-A-P2728.aspx

Nikon buckmaster 3-9x40 149$
http://www.samplelist.com/Nikon-3-9x40-Buckmaster-Riflescope-DEMO-B-P776.aspx

Nikon's line up goes from lowest to highest prostaff-buckmaster-monarch.

[high country]

I have not bought a minox yet, but I have heard nothing but good about them.

[Lunchbox1981]

I love my Meopta as well.  Great light transmission and glass clarity.  Another option is the high end Cabela's name.  It is a Meopta with the Cabelas name.  You can get one right about $350.

[Lunchbox1981]

I love them Nikon scopes, never had one fail. I had one of those new Redfield scopes which I really liked also, they are made by Leupold. For the higher end Leupold's you could almost get a Zeiss or a Swarovski around the same price range.

While Swaro's Z5 and Z6 scopes remain in the $1.5K+ range, the Z3 scopes seem to be discontinued or something as they're on sale everywhere. You can get one for like $700ish.  I'm curious how the Zeiss Conquest stacks up. Anybody?

Not a big fan of the Zeiss Conquest.  Don't get me wrong Zeiss makes one of the greatest scopes out there but it is not there Conquest line.  I will take my Meopta over the Conquest 10 fold.  But that is just my  .

[firefighter4607]

i am also a newb at scopes so was wondering if the objective lense of 50 would give you a larger field of view over the 40.

1st off you will be wise to go with Redfield or Leupold no matter what other people say My father has used Leupold since the 80's and he will not buy anything else. We have about 15 guns with VX-III from 22-250 to .338 every year before hunting dad will take out the rifles and shoot at the target 98% of the time they will still be sighted in from last year. We also use their binos and spotting scopes.
2nd I will address the issue of objective lense since no one said anything about it. The 50mm will attact more light into your scope so if you are hunting in heavy wooded areas that don't see much light then I would get the 50mm. If you are hunting in open land you should be fine with a 40mm.

[addicted]

i am also a newb at scopes so was wondering if the objective lense of 50 would give you a larger field of view over the 40.

2nd I will address the issue of objective lense since no one said anything about it. The 50mm will attact more light into your scope so if you are hunting in heavy wooded areas that don't see much light then I would get the 50mm. If you are hunting in open land you should be fine with a 40mm.

He asked about FOV, not light transmission. lol.  Yes qaib, wider field lf view with the bigger objective.

[bobcat]

The 50mm will attact more light into your scope so if you are hunting in heavy wooded areas that don't see much light then I would get the 50mm. If you are hunting in open land you should be fine with a 40mm.

 
My thoughts on this are the opposite. For more wooded areas, I'd take the lighter and more compact 40mm objective lens over the 50. For open areas I might use a 50mm scope, but in general I prefer a 40mm or objective for all around use.

[Bofire]

 :)I will not use Nikon products, they do not support hunting 100%. I have leupold , several, love them, had them for many many years. I have VXIII's in 40mm and 50mm. I can see no difference in light gathering or FOV.
Carl

[high country]

Quality trumps quantity in obj size. My 44mm zeiss smokes my 50mm leupy mark 4

[addicted]

Quality trumps quantity in obj size. My 44mm zeiss smokes my 50mm leupy mark 4

Qaib has sounded too interested in highest clarity, but yes, i'm wiht high country. I have seen clarity to be more important than objective diameter when it comes to low light situations.

Thats why i wouldn't mind trying a meopro or conquest with a #4 ret for my next night and day gun. The only thing that worries me is the possibility that the second focal plane will make the reticle appear too small in the dark. we shall see.

[CAMPMEAT]

Pentax............you don't need $$$$$ scopes to get the job done.

[Bean Counter]

:)I will not use Nikon products, they do not support hunting 100%. I have leupold , several, love them, had them for many many years. I have VXIII's in 40mm and 50mm. I can see no difference in light gathering or FOV.
Carl

I own $,$$$ in Nikon products. If you're going to make a statement like this, please post more info. Thanks.

[artifactr]

Hey guys, here's a couple links to some reviews by a scope guru. I respect his opinion and like reading his reviews.

http://opticsthoughts.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64:400-born-in-europe-assembled-in-the-us&catid=4:rifle-scope-reviews&Itemid=4

http://opticsthoughts.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29:qinexpensive-scopeq-comparison&catid=4:rifle-scope-reviews&Itemid=4

[addicted]

Ilya always does a good write up. I think i've posted up that 400$ born in europe one up here before.

[Bofire]

http://www.journalnet.com/news/local/article_fa7ad7ae-fbcd-11de-8cfc-001cc4c002e0.html

[Bean Counter]

Thanks.... but is that it?

[thinkingman]

Hey guys, here's a couple links to some reviews by a scope guru. I respect his opinion and like reading his reviews.

http://opticsthoughts.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64:400-born-in-europe-assembled-in-the-us&catid=4:rifle-scope-reviews&Itemid=4

http://opticsthoughts.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29:qinexpensive-scopeq-comparison&catid=4:rifle-scope-reviews&Itemid=4

Great links!

I've been reading Koshkin on Opticstalk.com for years and never seen that site.

It's amazing what kind of glass is available today for less than $400.

[Bean Counter]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,83263.0.html

[addicted]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,83263.0.html

If i didnt already have more scopes than guns i would be all over that deal lol.  Gotta put something underneath my schmidt &Bender summit first.