Optics for a mountain rifle...?

[wilkup]

I am looking for some help on this from everyone out there.

Needs:
~ 1lbs
At least 8x magnification (won't be shooting past 700yd)
At least 36mm objective
Capable of handling *hot* 30-06 rounds

Some options I'm kicking around:
Nikon Monarch 3 2.5-10x42
Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36
Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40
*new* Vortex Viper HSLR 2.5-10x32 FFP
Bushnell Elite 2.5-10x40

These two are maybes, but they are a bit bigger and heavier than I'd prefer.
Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x42
Vortex Viper HSLR 4-16x50 FFP

Anything you think I should add to this list, that's in the same range/quality level?
Which would you pick?

 

[Swamplord]

Tagging in,

I'm also scoping out compact lightweight optics for my new project
A Mt Goat and Dall Sheep hunting rifle that will also work as a rough terrain hiking moose and black bear hunting rifle

Weight was a key factor coupled with good quality in something around a high power end at minimum of 10x and max bell diameter of 42mm, no large protruding turret/target knobs but rather short sleek hunting type

so far I have several on my list and currently at the top are ....

Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 at 12.7 oz. and 12.64" long

Swarovski 3-10x42 Z3 Riflescope


Zeiss Terra 4-12x42 14.8 oz and 12.4" long

http://swfa.com/Zeiss-4-12x42-Terra-Rifle-Scope-P61669.aspx

 

[lloydsmale]

2.5x8 vx3. relitively compact and light weight but still has glass and you wont have to sell a car to buy one.

 

[varmintH8R]

Tagging in,

I'm also scoping out compact lightweight optics for my new project
A Mt Goat and Dall Sheep hunting rifle that will also work as a rough terrain hiking moose and black bear hunting rifle

Weight was a key factor coupled with good quality in something around a high power end at minimum of 10x and max bell diameter of 42mm, no large protruding turret/target knobs but rather short sleek hunting type

so far I have several on my list and currently at the top are ....

Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 at 12.7 oz. and 12.64" long

Swarovski 3-10x42 Z3 Riflescope


Zeiss Terra 4-12x42 14.8 oz and 12.4" long

Zeiss 4-12x42 Terra Rifle Scope

I don't think you can go wrong with that list. You may want to look at a Swaro Z5 as well. They weigh about an even lb, and give you some additional high-end without giving up much low end. I have two of the 3.5-18x44 versions and I really like them.

I believe I read somewhere that the Z5 glass and optics system is superior to the Z3, but I can't find where I saw that (maybe I dreamed it up). Hopefully one of our resident optics experts can jump in with a technical explanation.

Brandon

 

[gillettehunter]

I think your missing one of the best in this weight/magnification range. The Zeiss Conquest 3.5X10X44 is just under 16 oz and is a great scope for your needs. Hard to go wrong with one. Bruce

 

[rooster721]

One of my rifles, the lightest one, that I also intended as a sheep/backpack rifle has a 3-12x42 Huskemaw on it. That scope is also right-in-there for your weight considerations* I like mine alot. Great hunting-scope, not bulky or heavy by any means and fit my "weight/size/value" pre-requisits when I was choosing..

They actually offer a 4-16 now in the same housing as the 3-12.. I'm sure that extra magnification wouldn't add all that much extra weight (if any) Definitely gain a bit more mag-power which can be handy

(Personally) I think the Husky takes the cake for this purpose vs Leupold or Vortex.. but that is only an opinion, I won't get into it. Buy which you like best above all else, but I strongly reccommend taking a look at the Huskemaws. This category is where they shine.

 

[bruce_ventura]

I don't think you can go wrong with that list. You may want to look at a Swaro Z5 as well. They weigh about an even lb, and give you some additional high-end without giving up much low end. I have two of the 3.5-18x44 versions and I really like them. I believe I read somewhere that the Z5 glass and optics system is superior to the Z3, but I can't find where I saw that (maybe I dreamed it up). Hopefully one of our resident optics experts can jump in with a technical explanation. Brandon

The Z3 models have doublet objectives, leaf springs and a 3:1 zoom ratio. They have very high resolution and image contrast, but otherwise, the design is derived from a previous Swaro model line. The Z5 scopes have air-spaced triplet objective lenses and use the Z6 erector optical design in a 1" tube, which results in a 5:1 zoom ratio. The Z5 scopes use the Z6 coil spring design. Not only are the resolution and contrast excellent, but these scopes maintain the high resolution over the full elevation range.

 

[Swamplord]

The Z5 is definately an awesome scope but at $1500 is a bit over my self imposed $1k max budget for optics, having just bought a Nightforce Atacr for my long range heavy

did not see the Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10x44 on SWFA, is it a discontinued model ?

I have had bad luck with Leupold glass and customer service in the late 90's and have never purchased another since and probably never will,

Here is one that caught my attention even though it is bulkier than originally wanted (30mm tube and 50mm objective) but the weight and price are right in line

Meopta MeoStar R1 3-10x50 13 oz. and 21" long

Meopta 3-10x50 MeoStar R1 30mm Rifle Scope


anybody have any experience with Meopta ? don't they make the Conquest scopes for Zeiss in New York ?

 

[varmintH8R]

The Z5 is definately an awesome scope but at $1500 is a bit over my self imposed $1k max budget for optics, having just bought a Nightforce Atacr for my long range heavy

Promise I am not a Swaro salesman! You can pick up a Z5 in the $1250 range if you can find a demo at a reputable place. Here is one: Swarovski - Camera Land NY. Still not $1K but spitting distance.

My last Z5 was a Cameraland demo and it drop-shipped from Swarovski USA. If it was touched after it left production I would be shocked. With the SHOT show just wrapping up I'm guessing there should be some good demo deals out there on a variety of brands.

Can't help with the Meopta question... Never shot through one.

Good luck in your search. I'm Jealous of your ATACR - I have one on my wish list.

Brandon

 

[wilkup]

Any thoughts preferably on the Vortex HSLR 4-16x50 FFP or any of the others?

I'm happy to share the thread but don't want it hijacked.

 

[Panchik]

Why not 32 objective?
I would add a Nikon Monarch 2-8x32. Very light in terms of both weight and light transmission. I have been using it on my 308 BAR for 3 years and have never had any issues with it. I am very impressed of turrets accuracy, quality of glass and zero holding. I have compared it with my nightforce 2.5-10x32 (which could be also an option) and can say that Nikon glasses are better.

 

[Jay03]

The Z5 is definately an awesome scope but at $1500 is a bit over my self imposed $1k max budget for optics, having just bought a Nightforce Atacr for my long range heavy

did not see the Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10x44 on SWFA, is it a discontinued model ?

I have had bad luck with Leupold glass and customer service in the late 90's and have never purchased another since and probably never will,

Here is one that caught my attention even though it is bulkier than originally wanted (30mm tube and 50mm objective) but the weight and price are right in line

Meopta MeoStar R1 3-10x50 13 oz. and 21" long

Meopta 3-10x50 MeoStar R1 30mm Rifle Scope


anybody have any experience with Meopta ? don't they make the Conquest scopes for Zeiss in New York ?

That scope is 16 oz on Meoptas website. I use swfa as well to look and compare scopes. But with a 50 mm objective that seemed to good to be true. So swfa may misprint every once in a while I guess.

 

[gillettehunter]

The Conquest 3.5-10X44 may be a discontinued model. I think some are still out there. Some have said that Meopta is building scopes for several different companies. No idea if Zeiss is one of those. Meopta is building a good reputation for itself. Worth looking at. Bruce

 

[skyfish25]

Of The ones you listed, I've had good luck with the Bushnell Elites. There is a Ziess 2.5-8 with 32 objective in the for sale. Smaller than you want, but easy on budget. And no, I have no idea who posted. But thought of buying it myself for my light weight rifle.

It would be hard for me to go over 500 yards with 8 power. 400 would be even better, but that is me. I've hunted with a 3-12 and a 3.5-10 the last 5 years, depends witch rifle I'm carrying. Almost all my deer have been shot at around 7 power.