Published Sep 4, 2019 5:50 PM EDT. The Best Riflescopes of 2023. In each issue of Western Hunter Magazine are feature stories written by passionate hunters from all over the country. I was going to get a Swarovski Z6 but then saw how good my vx6 was and stuck with Leupold. If you're also curious to know why a Swarovski glass costs so much and whether or not it's worth saving for, keep reading, and I'll try to clarify your doubts! I do like the idea of an illuminated reticle but I've never had one in the field so I'm not sure how beneficial it would be. I have a Swarovski Z5 5-25x52 on my main hunting rifle. Do yourself a favor by buying the best optics you can afford. Did we lead with the price, and try to assess whether scopes in the $2,000 range are really three times as good? I agree with the vx-6hd or even the vx5hd. Swarovski Spotting Scopes ATX & STX Review, Swarovski dS 5-25x52 Smart Riflescope Review, How To Glass Without Using The Grid Technique. If you choose to purchase a product after going through one of these links, we will receive a small sales commission at no extra cost to you. 3. Looking at a ceiling of $3000, I was researching some high end scopes for hunting rifles and saw a Swarovskis in that price range. Despite those subjective shortcomings, the Riton scored well on objective criteria, including our resolution test and low-light performance, where it was one of the top 50mm scopes in the field. Despite our quibbles, the Optika6 outperformed all the other precision scopes in its price range. Similar in design to the Z3, the Z5 rifle scopes possess the unsurpassed distinction of durability, dependability and precision. But if you have a number of rimfire rifles looking for a single scope to work with them all, this is a useful, smart, and affordable option. The windage turret is capped. Then we tested it. Technical wavelength - 6. A few you haven't mentioned that you may want to research; Nightforce, March, Minox, etc. It might push your ceilings on price and weight just a little, but the Kahles K318i scope should be amazing. But the turrets are among the best in the test, the center-cross illumination is perfect, and the light weight (33 ounces) boosts the Steiners versatility rating. Speaking of digiscoping (the art of taking pictures or video through a spotting scope), Swarovski has two new adapters to fit the X scope. Get a free shipping code when you sign up for our newsletter. What about the Schmidt & Benders? And the price satisfies the requirement of the Production Class, scopes retailing under $2,000. There is actually no reason to take the scope apart, unless you are changing objective lenses or you need to break it down into smaller components for packing. Ready? This rifle comes with 4-14x magnification, and it is equipped with a 44 millimeter objective lens. Now that youve figured out why you need an optic, lets consider the scopes durability. Generally, the price depends on where one purchases this scope. . There is a simple answer as to why that is. Swarovski Hunting Rifle Scopes Best Selling Swarovski Z5 2.4-12x50mm Hunting Scope - Black (59768) $1,299.00 New Swarovski dS Gen. II 5-25x52 P 4A-I Digital Rifle Scope (71002) $4,999.00 New Swarovski SLP Objective Scope Lens Protector (z6 Z5 44 Mm) 44344 $130.00 New Swarovski 2.3-18x56 Z8i P L Riflescope - 68401 (2) $3,799.00 New Burris considers themselves specialists when it comes to making rifle scopes. The Whiskey5 delivers attributes for both groups, enabling a shooter to use their scope for hunting and for hunters to not feel disadvantaged at a long-range steel match. The magnification range suits most purposes, which testers insisted must include sheep hunting, if only to further justify their pending purchases of ultralight rifles on which to mount the Maven. And the Optika6 features a satisfying 40 mils of elevation adjustment inside the beefy 34mm tube. looking at getting a swarovski z5 or z6. Lets take a closer look at how they function. 0oz/ 1420Gfunctional temperature - -13 F to +131 F (-25 C to +55 Storage Temperature - -22 F to +158 F (-30 C to +70 c)submersion tightness - 13ft/ 4M Water depth (inert gas filling)in addition . Swarovski EL 1250 is genuinely a game-changer in every manner, and its amazing feature makes the binocular worth buying. Included with the scope are a 2 sun shade, quick release rings, and flip cap covers. Works great with all types of weapons. The Best Vortex Spotting Scope Money Can Buy. Nightforce NXS Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 5.5-22x 56MM Hi-Speed The Nightforce NXS Rifle Scope is a high speed scope that could not be ignored for the unlimited budget best category. It has a robust, one piece tube that is built to stand some of the worst recoils even on extremely demanding terrains. Editor's Pick: Swarovski ds Gen II 5-12X52. Compared to Nightforce and Swarovski, its all those things, but its also a great bargain in a very versatile rimfire scope. Forward mounted scopes are great because they make target acquisition quicker (peripheral vision) and enable faster follow up shots at close-medium ranges. So what sets Swarovski scopes apart from the rest? Knowing your bow and [], The beauty of stalking mule deer in lush alpine basins in August; the sweet sounds of elk ringing out in [], Deer and elk shoulders are tough really tough. The glass is good, it has a lifetime guarantee, and the price should appeal to Production Class PRS shooters. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. People who are older will experience smaller dilation than someone of a younger age. Will this scope place bullets with precision at great distances? ive just brought a little vixen 3=12x40 good clear scope under a pound and under 12 inches long,,on six power i can see a pinecone clear enough to shoot it at 451 yrds. JavaScript is disabled. In general, if you are a deer hunter, using anything over a 3-9x or 4-12x scope on your rifle would be overkill, and it could actually hinder you in the long run. The industry has been racing to extend the magnification range of riflescopes, ramping up from the traditional 3X (3X-9X) to 4X and now 6X (2X-12X), and even 8X (1X-8X or 3X-24X). The clearer the optics, the better the eye relief, the longer a person is willing to sit and watch for movement. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Nightforce throws in a smaller second reticle in one quadrant of the field of view, an inverted-T ranging scale that shooters can use to measure the size or distance of their targets. Consider coated, fully coated and multi coated. It keeps its heft downit weighs 17.3 ounces but feels even lighterby utilizing a slim 1-inch tube, and by eschewing reticle illumination, and the requisite weight and space considerations of a battery. But the Meopta had some misses too. But dont assume all optics in this years test are built for a narrow niche. Most people swallow hard when they look at the price tag on a pair of Swarovski, Zeiss or Vortex Binoculars. Weekly Deals are sent out on Tuesday at 7PM Eastern Time. Thats the idea of both our Versatile Riflescope category as well as our Great Buy award. This is a good question to ask. But the scope didnt charm anyone. TIP: When it comes time to purchasing a scope, aim (no pun intended) for the best! One tester complained that the magnification ring is maddeningly hard to turn. Is the HD model worth the extra money over the standard glass. Its glass was not nearly as good as my Bushnell 6500 4 1/2-30X. Whether you are a hunter, or you just enjoy shooting for sport, you know that choosing a scope for your rifle will be one of the biggest factors in determining how accurately youll be able to shoot. The Prostaff 5 features capped turrets with a total of 40 MOA of internal adjustment. You must log in or register to reply here. You need the best whether youre in the mountains or shooting a target on the plains. Swarovski ATX interior 25-60x85mm spotting scope. And I personally like the vx5 the most out of the scopes I have. Were featuring the Konus not for its image clarity (disappointing) or its design (clunky), but rather for its ingenious reticle system. We know that animals move a lot at first light and at last light. We also deducted points for stingy eye relief, and optical quality that placed the Ares near the bottom of the category. Some versions of this scope will also be available with Meoptas slick new dichroic reticle technology, which can best be described as battery-free illumination. Being on a 30 nosler I started having a zero issue. I frequent that site and some of the people there have tens of thousands of dollars in optics. The idea is to use the turrets to dial your shooting solution, rather than rely on hold-over. Additional site navigation. In general, if you decrease the magnification of your scope your field of view will actually increase. It comes equipped with tall turrets which allows the shooter using it to quickly and easily make any adjustments. You can also dial shooting solutions using the exposed target-style turrets with MOA steps. Spotting scope specifications: Swarovski's high-contrast HD spotting scopes are ideal for color-rich digital photography. This is a digiscopers dream setup! This exceptional scope is a statement for Nightforce, one of the early leaders in the precision-riflescope market. When he saw that he said, "I always thought that was not a good scope." Bushnell is one of the older popular rifle scope manufacturers with their products still on the market. For me the Swar products help define the objects and gather more light than other brands. My absolute favorite Vortex optic, the 20-60x85mm Razor HD is a serious piece of glass. You are using an out of date browser. As stated earlier, Athlon is one of the top brands on the market for making high quality rifle scopes, and this particular rifle scope is just one of the mid price range examples of why they made it to the top brand list. Our emails are informative, often include discounts, and giveaways! Cheap glass often doesnt have good eye relief and hunters often end up with a headache. The EOTechs image at 1X is bright, clear, and almost like youre not looking through a scope, at all. Want more options? Best Selling in Rifle Scopes. While the glass is only average and field of view seemed narrow, testers noted that the Nitro splits its capabilities evenly between hunting and target shooting, the very essence of a versatile riflescope. The majority of rifle users want the best scope for their rifle in order to help with whatever it is they are hunting. I have a VX3i myself, very nice for the price. (The $900 quoted here is for the non-illuminated version; add another $50 for illumination.). In general, the larger the magnification range, the more that particular scope will cost. Their priority products all deal with sport optics, and they are considered to be one of the top brands that puts out rifle scopes on the market today. And the test team gave the Riton Mod 5 good price/value scores. This meant it could stand up to harsh field use that ATX/STX owners were already putting their spotters through. It comes with 3-9x magnification, and the objective lens is 32 millimeters. Or do you simply need a clear and ultra-reliable scope for household protection rifle? Money back on investment, maybe step up to . The small circle of light that appears in the scopes eyepiece when doing this is the exit pupil. . Since 2001, we have provided the latest in gun rights news, tech reviews and product information. Add to cart. Spend that extra buck for peace of mind. You should always pay attention to the amount of eye relief and exit pupil that a scope offers before purchasing it. The Kahles scopes I've used are very impressive. Below are just a few different scopes that are considered to be the best in their dollar range, but before choosing your scope, you should look at all the details in order to make sure it will provide you with a solution to all of your individual needs. Whether a hunter is looking for the tips of antlers on a 350-inch bull elk or looking for a bedded Coues buck, having glass that is razor sharp and crystal clear is necessary. 1. Nelson believes spending good money on a pair of binoculars is worth the investment because good glass can increase the odds of success. Im impressed by the whole take-down concept, and being able to break it down and fit it into a carry-on or into smaller side pockets on my pack is great. During the Civil War, sharpshooters began to use scope-sighted rifles for correlative long distances. For instance, if you are using a 3-1242 scope, if the magnification is set to 3 then your field of view will be the full 100 yards. If you had only one shot to secure your target, what scope would you choose? With Swarovski optics, youll never have to strain when lining up the shot. Its safe to say that any product associated with the name Swarovski brings first in class optics with unparalleled quality. You'd have more glass than you could ever appreciate and an extra thousand or more in your pocket if you just picked up a VX6 HD in 3-18x50 with a TMOA or B&C Reticle illuminated model. It lives up to the hype and is insanely clear and amazing light transmission. Barska is currently operated out of Pomona, California, which is on the southern end of California. Not purposely built to be heavy turret use scope. This scope price range was a little more difficult to narrow down, but in the end, the best rifle scope for under $300 came out to be the Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-1444. The Razor HD is darned near bulletproof . 2. Call the Outdoorsmans team and have them help you choose a pair of optics that are right for you. This has a lot to deal with having the proper magnification on the scope that you choose in order to be able to perform the hunting that you wish to do. Are Swarovski scopes good? Although my scope was missing (I didnt own one), I knew that my aim had to result in a crisp, accurate shot. Very friendly to set up as long as you have Swarovski app. Nothing instills more confidence as a bowhunter than working on and tuning your own archery equipment. A test-team favorite for its do-everything capability, the 30mm Nitro has a first-plane MOA-based Christmas-tree-style reticle that makes holding for distance and wind a breeze. After some headaches I figured out it was the scope. If you are using the rifle correctly, four inches in plenty of distance for your face to be out of the way of any recoil your rifle might do. It was the scopenot the riflethat really made the difference on this shot. The scope received high marks for its solid zero stop, magnification throw lever, and appealing price. While Nightforce has lost market share to competitors who have followed its lead of providing excellent reticles matched to tight, precise controls, the NX8 will appeal to both diehard fans and those looking for a scope to break into the precision-shooting game. With such high-end optics, a Swarovski scope can make all the difference in taking the perfect shot. And we found that the tube dimensions are so stingy that we couldnt mount the Whiskey5 to a standard full-length action with two-piece bases. Shot distance on game? Some have created special features that make their scopes better in certain aspects, and some brands have an all around aspect to their products that put them on top. High end glass is clear and sharp, which makes spotting game easier. There are objective lenses on the market that are larger, but in most cases these larger lenses are not necessary. When you're staring down your target at dusk or dawn you need a clear, crisp and concise view. Accuracy at its best! Subscribe for 2 free episodes and receive exclusive giveaway opportunities and stay up-to-date on the latest articles, podcasts and more! Lots of good high-end glass, I'm sure all of it good. JavaScript is disabled. Or 3-18 thanks . What power range? and was well worth the money. I dont have the experience with the class of optics your inquiring about, but I would either ask this on AR15.com or google AR15.com (your topic here) and find threads that pertain to this. For me, it depends on what type of hunt I am going on and the duration". Designed for Western big-game hunters, the 3-times-magnification GPO has enough power at its lower end for most purposes, but 18X is plenty powerful to identify distant targets and place bullets with precision using the hash-style reticle. The third generation in Burris venerable XTR line, this model would have competed well in our Versatile category. Swarovski tackled the problems by finding a balance. When money is no object, all the rules of the game completely change. A few decades ago, when a Remington 700 went for $200 and a Weaver scope was $60, it would have been difficult to spend more money on the optic than the rifle, despite advice to the contrary. Swarovski ATS HD 20-60x80mm spotting scope (angled) - our pick. On the downside, the scope has a bulky 40mm tube and requires maddeningly tiny tools for zeroing. For the rifles that have a harsh recoil, this scope has a 3.5 inch eye relief in order to help protect the shooters face from the rifles recoil. Here is a list of our top three Swarovski Binoculars: Swarovski 1556 SLC Waterproof Binoculars Swarovski CL Pocket 825 Binoculars Most Nightforce scopes cost way more than the average person would even think about paying for a sports scope for their rifle. I tend not to care for scopes over 20x because of mirage issues. The NX8 packs so much leading-edge performance in a tight package that it seems larger than its 29 ounces. That's farther than I need personally as even the longest range around here only goes to 630yrds. The windage knob delivers 20 mils of total adjustment. With its Whiskey5, SIG has a crossover hit on its hands. For me it wasnt worth spending the money on the Swarovski. Zeiss Terra 3X Crossbow 2-7X32 Scope with Xb75 Reticle. Coming on the heels of the remarkable first-plane Vudu 1-6 Precision scope, we had high hopes that this 1-8 EOTech would deliver all the versatility of its predecessor. You arent going to use this reticle for ranging or bracketing moving targets, but its quick, precise, and covers a wide range of shooting situations. I also have two pair of Swarovski binoculars (non ranging) and again, they are the best and it . Many of the links that you'll find on Optics Den link to products on third party sites. Every year when magazines do their optics tests, the companies that win the low light contests are companies that make high end optics. The Swarovski HD ATS-65mm features a 65mm objective lens using BaK-4 prism glass and fluoride-containing HD lenses to minimize chromatic aberrations. When it comes time to put your optic to use, you dont want something to break. The story you just read had been published in a previous issue of Western Hunter Magazine. They often decide not to make the purchase because many hunters dont want to fork over $1,000 or more for a pair of binoculars. Plus, with 80 MOA of elevation adjustment inside the 30mm tube, you can dial the exposed turret to your hearts content. Z5 has MOA turrets and Z6 is mil. generally require high rings. If you prefer to dial, the exposed elevation turret locks at zero but gives two revolutions of adjustment; the windage knob is capped. The guts are purpose-built for long-distance shooting: an illuminated first-plane Christmas-tree-style reticle with milliradian references, exposed low-profile turrets with adequate zero stops, and a power lever to assist quick magnification changes. Are you looking for superior precision in your next rifle scope? Looking at a ceiling of $3000, I was researching some high end scopes for hunting rifles and saw a Swarovskis in that price range. If the scope that you choose has a 9 like this one it means that you can see your target 9 times closer through the scope than with the naked eye. Youll also see a growing trend: the integration of electronics. It has a lot of different features, and it is manufactured by Zeiss one of the more popular brands among those that enjoy the high end and expensive rifle scopes. Is the Swarovski that good? A lightweight, sleek, high-precision scope with five times zoom in its one-inch main tube. Pragmatic design and state of the art technology that you can feel. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I understand the Leupolds have a strong fan following and the glass is very clear as well. Mar 23, 2022 #3 B Bubblehide Well Known Rokslider Joined Realizability is number 1. The NX8s glass is among the best in the field, winning the resolution test and turning in very good low-light marks compared to scopes with light-hungry 56mm objective lenses. It is very important to actually use these covers and keep the connections clean. Seeing them in low light conditions can be difficult, especially when using cheap glass. The most encouraging trend in precision scopes this year is the emergence of affordable optics. The use of a rifle scope has made it a lot easier for the majority of people to be able to line up a kill shot on their target. Hence, theres no comparison in terms of strength. But if you have the time and patience to get the system dialed in, and know not only precisely where your bullet hits at the color-coded stops but at the steps on either side of them, then the Z5 is a smart, light, and priced-right hunting tool. These larger lens also can cause your rifle to be a little less comfortable to shoot due to the fact they can make the rifle feel unbalanced, clumsier, and heavier. Well I am thinking of going all out on a new spotting scope. Thats adequate, but not on par with scopes built on a 30mm or 34mm tube. There are many scopes on the market from many different reputable manufacturers, so choosing the best one is a daunting task. It might be useful to provide some additional information. The Swarovski scored high on our price/value assessment, and we love the light weight and light-hungry 50mm objective lens, but we concluded the system limits its versatility. When people invest in good glass, it lasts a long time. I have been looking through this forum and read many reviews and am just lost. It offers quick, comfortable adjustments with the addition of a ballistic turret. Stay warm and dry on the ice with these jackets and bibs. The Outdoorsmans has already placed their order and started a waiting list (800-291-8065). Click here to learn more and see its price. Click to see the price. There are a lot of different rifle scopes that you can get for under $100, many of which you probably want to avoid. A decade ago, we cheered the departure of the porro-prism binocular, replaced by the compact and durable roof prism. Compact, sturdy and lightweight, Swarovskis Z3 and Z5 seem to be the top rated scopes of choice. Dustproof, waterproof, and submersible to 13 feet, the ATS 80 HD spotting scope carries a lifetime warranty. Whereas the original tubes were made of steel, todays rifle scope tubes are now drawn from aircraft-grade aluminum. The 6-24x50mm offers big zoom, an illuminate reticle, a 30mm tube, and is First Focal Plane. Each piece is sealed against the elements and is completely waterproof. And it scored well on our versatility evaluation, since the Mod 5s attributes can be applied almost equally between hunting and shooting. Basically, an exit pupil can be determined by holding a scope out at arms length from you. Its not intended to. S. Christensen rifles. Probably won't be shooting past 500 yrds and having problem deciding if the z6 is worth the extra money thinking of 5-30. If youre paying over $2,500 for a riflescope, you have a right to expect extremely precise controls, a sweet and crisp image, and a reticle that deprives you of an excuse to ever miss again. How far do you intend to practice at the range? The first-plane mil-dot reticle in our sample is just too basic to serve the needs of a sophisticated long-distance shooter, and the rubberized turning surfaces are a tad too aggressive. This scope can be recommended for just about all types of weather, because it is shock proof, water proof, and fog proof. Andrew McKean is Outdoor Lifes hunting and conservation editor, drilling into issues that affect wildlife, wildlands, and the people who care about them. They actually have a global customer base. Some people just want the lightest no matter what features they sacrifice, while others want more room to move around and store gear. The big scopes were mounted atop Bergara Premier HMR Pro rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor (apologies to Creedmoor haters.) Other considerations are batteries, warranties and size options. Comes fully equipped with a PLEX aiming reticle and limited lifetime warranty from Swarovski. My atlas tactical action had a 20MOA built in. People who use them swear they are better than the Swarovskis. VX6 HD in whatever power/ configuration! Their products are very high quality, and generally are in the mid range in terms of price. However the UTG 3-932 BugBuster Scope is one of, if not the best in this price range. The compact, light and reliable Z5 3.5-1844 BT profile also has a clean unassuming look about it. I have a pile of VX3's that I like but they aren't in the same league as the VX6's I've been replacing the others with. I will be using it for mainly hunting big game in Colorado and I will not be back packing. Mar 23, 2022 #2 PRC_GUY Well Known Rokslider Joined Dec 24, 2020 Messages 588 Location Memphis TN Pay for what you get!if you pay for a good good one, then it is good good. JavaScript is disabled. sounds like that might be worth looking into if I were you. However, if your magnification was turned closer to 12, your field of view would actually decrease down to somewhere around 14 to 10 yards. Replies 15 Views 3K. The only disadvantage I've ever found is the adjustment range of the turret system of this line. We loved the weight26 ouncesand the 12-inch length for mounting on a variety of platforms. I love my nightforce ATACR 5-25x56 ffp. Other controls are very good and precise, including the reticle illumination, resettable-zero system, side parallax, and uncapped windage turret. Currently, own a basic Leupold v3i 3.5-10 40 scopes. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The heart of the Z5 is a second-plane plex reticle that has windage hashes but no elevation references. Props to its classy, timeless design. The CSA has a very good 80 MOA of internal adjustment on both the elevation and windage turrets, and we milked nearly 3-1/2 rotations from the elevation turret, which turns with pleasing positivity. However, having the 95mm objective module at high magnification is worth the extra moneyperiod. Companies making these products are meeting a demand for specialization, to help customers shoot farther and better, to move more nimbly, and to pay less for good-quality glass.