I've done a bit of looking here and on other sites and have found lots of info. This is for you who love to talk about their equipment. I bought a Vortex Viper HS-T 6x24x50 and it's fuzzy at 500 yards. Would be very difficult to see a sitting coyote in tall grass. Wasn't expecting to see that from this scope but maybe that's the a $600 price range problem. Will be contacting Vortex about it later this week to see if there is some user error there or something.
I'm therefore thinking of selling a few scopes and making the jump to the $1000 price range. I'm seeing the Zeiss Conquest HD5 or a custom Leupold VX-3 both in the 6x24x50 ball park. I've heard that the VX-3's aren't much better glass than the Vipers so not sure about going Leupold and could save a bit on the Zeiss by going with a demo. The scope will go on a 7mm RM.
I would like some experienced hunter's comments to the following:
1. Optical clarity: which lens provides the most optical clarity at long range? Clear focus at long ranges and clear edges both at maximum power. Light transmission at dawn an dusk.
2. Turret ergonomics: Would go with the M1 Leupold turrets as they are easier to get a handle on. The Zeiss is low profile but one turn would get me out to 800 yards even with the limited zero stop feature.
3. Turret tracking: I've read that both brands track well but Leupold can have issues over time (wearing out?).
4. Reticle selection: Since starting to dial elevation and windage, which I love doing, I don't see the need for a busy hash or BDC reticle. Simple fine duplex would follow this line of thinking.
I'm therefore thinking of selling a few scopes and making the jump to the $1000 price range. I'm seeing the Zeiss Conquest HD5 or a custom Leupold VX-3 both in the 6x24x50 ball park. I've heard that the VX-3's aren't much better glass than the Vipers so not sure about going Leupold and could save a bit on the Zeiss by going with a demo. The scope will go on a 7mm RM.
I would like some experienced hunter's comments to the following:
1. Optical clarity: which lens provides the most optical clarity at long range? Clear focus at long ranges and clear edges both at maximum power. Light transmission at dawn an dusk.
2. Turret ergonomics: Would go with the M1 Leupold turrets as they are easier to get a handle on. The Zeiss is low profile but one turn would get me out to 800 yards even with the limited zero stop feature.
3. Turret tracking: I've read that both brands track well but Leupold can have issues over time (wearing out?).
4. Reticle selection: Since starting to dial elevation and windage, which I love doing, I don't see the need for a busy hash or BDC reticle. Simple fine duplex would follow this line of thinking.
