Absolute Best Low Light Scope with Illuminated Dot (No Price Limit)

[ModernRedneck]

I'm looking for the absolute BEST low-light hunting scope with an illuminated dot in the reticle. I like somewhere in the 2-15 range with a 56mm objective.

I currently own a Zeiss Victory HT 3-12x56 Reticle 60, which I LOVE! The only downsides to this scope is the tunnel vision effect and the field of view isn't that great. However, I'm still highly satisfied with it as I mostly care about the low-light gathering and fine illuminated dot.
With that being said, I just purchased a new 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action that I plan to use next season hunting within 100 yards in Mississippi out to 600 yards or so in Nebraska and Missouri. Looking for another scope for this rifle.

I'm currently eyeing the Zeiss Victory V8 2.8-20x56 Reticle 60. I've heard good things about Nightforce, the high-end Vortex, Swarovski, S&B, etc. But, I have no experience with any of them. Doing crazy research before dropping that kind of money.

Help a brother out by dropping a few recommendations and why you chose your pick!

 

[gr8fuldoug]

For hunting I am assuming you'd prefer a SFP to a FFP reticle. Have you considered the Swarovski Z8i 2.3-18x56's?

 

[imyourhuckleberry]

Meopta has a great product in a rifle scope with some pretty good illuminated red dot reticles.

 

[Ed AO]

I have the zeiss v8 2.8-20x56. It's amazing

 

[ModernRedneck]

What are your pros and cons of the V8? Is there still tunnel visioning and how is the field of view?

 

[Ed AO]

Field of view is really good. No tunneling. The fine illuminated dot can get really bright and low if needed. Cons for me are i wish it was Moa instead of mil. Doesn't matter to me much but when I'm hunting with others it's easier to be on the same page. Wish the wind had a locking turret on it like the elevation instead of capped. You can get one but you have to send it to germany. None of these are really cons just wishes

 

[ModernRedneck]

For hunting I am assuming you'd prefer a SFP to a FFP reticle. Have you considered the Swarovski Z8i 2.3-18x56's?

Definitely have been looking at that one. Any experience with it?

 

[Elkhunter007]

For hunting I am assuming you'd prefer a SFP to a FFP reticle. Have you considered the Swarovski Z8i 2.3-18x56's?

This ^^^

 

[ModernRedneck]

Field of view is really good. No tunneling. The fine illuminated dot can get really bright and low if needed. Cons for me are i wish it was Moa instead of mil. Doesn't matter to me much but when I'm hunting with others it's easier to be on the same page. Wish the wind had a locking turret on it like the elevation instead of capped. You can get one but you have to send it to germany. None of these are really cons just wishes

Great info! Thanks a lot.

 

[ModernRedneck]

This ^^^

Do you have any experience with this model?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Definitely have been looking at that one. Any experience with it?

Superior optically. Tracks as it should. It's a highest line product in all aspects. Fit and finish, attention to detail in build. It is worthy of the fine reputation Swarovski has achieved over the years

 

[ModernRedneck]

Superior optically. Tracks as it should. It's a highest line product in all aspects. Fit and finish, attention to detail in build. It is worthy of the fine reputation Swarovski has achieved over the years

If you have ever looked through the Zeiss Victory HT or the V8...do you think the Z8i outperforms in low-light gathering?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

I have not done a side by side at twilight so I cannot say

 

[DonBogaerts]

I'm looking for the absolute BEST low-light hunting scope with an illuminated dot in the reticle. I like somewhere in the 2-15 range with a 56mm objective.

I currently own a Zeiss Victory HT 3-12x56 Reticle 60, which I LOVE! The only downsides to this scope is the tunnel vision effect and the field of view isn't that great. However, I'm still highly satisfied with it as I mostly care about the low-light gathering and fine illuminated dot.
With that being said, I just purchased a new 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action that I plan to use next season hunting within 100 yards in Mississippi out to 600 yards or so in Nebraska and Missouri. Looking for another scope for this rifle.

I'm currently eyeing the Zeiss Victory V8 2.8-20x56 Reticle 60. I've heard good things about Nightforce, the high-end Vortex, Swarovski, S&B, etc. But, I have no experience with any of them. Doing crazy research before dropping that kind of money.

Help a brother out by dropping a few recommendations and why you chose your pick!

I'm currently using the s&b t96 4-16x56. Loving it and low light is so good i can see longer then we are allowed to hunt overhere... (1 hour after sun set). Tracks well and is a solid scope all together. Various recticle options and is equal to the zeiss ht if not better.
I mainly hunt in or near woods and detail is amazing even in the worst conditions.