Which brand has best optical qualities, IYO

[The Oregonian]

I have only recently gotten into precision and LR shooting. Up until now, I selected a scope based on how they would perform in the Georgia woods, where 200 yd shot was the exception and considered long, and price. I never had to dial for elevation, so it was a 'set it and forget it' kind of deal, and 3x9 was more than sufficient for anything I would encounter at the range or in the woods.

Now that I have a custom on order and getting more into LR, there are many other qualities that came into play during my decision; elevation range, high and low end magnification, objective size, mil vs MOA, and price is less of a factor.

So my question is this...if all else is equal (meaning put scopes on one power, no dialing, etc), which scopes will come out on top for clarity, FOV, crispness, color, etc?

I know this is a subjective discussion and this is not going to change my decision on the scope I will buy for this rifle, more curiosity than anything. I haven't had the oppty to look thru a bunch of different scopes (never looked thru a Zeiss, S&B, March, USO, etc, so this is mainly for those who have experience with lots of brands.

 

[FearNoWind]

At the power you say you need, buy this one and forget all others .....
2.5-10×42 NXS

 

[Greyfox]

At the power you say you need, buy this one and forget all others .....
2.5-10×42 NXS

+1. Much better optical quality than it's size would suggest.

 

[Mikecr]

Beside function, which includes weight, physical size, accessories, oddities, price, etc, there is one factor that most affects your choices to chose from w/resp to optical quality/compromise: SFP or FFP
You gotta decide that right up front.

You said price doesn't matter but it always does as scopes are always an investment. If you end up not liking it, for any reason, you'll need to unload it.
The best in glass and FFP now are running ~$3-5K of Hollywood. In SFP, March is about as expensive as it gets(less hollywood, more target)

 

[scf]

March scopes are top notch. Swarovski has great glass but less available vertical moa. If weight doesn't matter Nightforce will do a great job. Same for S&B but they will cost a lot more and are also heavy. To me the March 2.5-25 by 42 or 52mm provides the best combination of features plus has a 10x zoom range which on one else offers. I have no connection to March or any other optical company.

 

[Parkerb14]

Beside function, which includes weight, physical size, accessories, oddities, price, etc, there is one factor that most affects your choices to chose from w/resp to optical quality/compromise: SFP or FFP
You gotta decide that right up front.

You said price doesn't matter but it always does as scopes are always an investment. If you end up not liking it, for any reason, you'll need to unload it.
The best in glass and FFP now are running ~$3-5K of Hollywood. In SFP, March is about as expensive as it gets(less hollywood, more target)

+1

For me, my hunting consists mainly of miles and miles on the boots. I wanted the best optics I could find and the lowest weight. I have not had the opportunity to look the the NF mentioned above, but if it is anything like me other NF scopes, it will be great. Only reason I did not go with that scope is I wanted more that 10X zoom. I opted for the March 2.5-25X42 SFP. I am not a big FFP guy for a hunting scope. I do not want to have to look for a fine cross-hair on lower power while hunting. As for your Mil vs MOA, it is mainly a matter of preference. I am an MOA shooter because that is what I grew up shooting and that is what I know. Plus I would take a huge loss on switching over to MIL lol. I think, not having any knowledge of how either works, MIL is easier to learn. But that is my opinion and I know others on here have different. PS, I love my March scope. I almost wish I went with the 52mm objective though.

 

[The Oregonian]

I understand there are many factors like focal plane, vertical adjustment, etc that play into the decision on a scope. Maybe I wasn't clear in my question....what if all these are taken out of play and ignored....what company would start to bubble up to the top as far as the clearest picture, FOV, etc. I.e. When you look thru the scope, which looks the best and gives the best sight picture?

I am not asking for help in trying to decide which scope to buy, nor am I looking for a discussion on the mechanical aspects of a scope...

Thx for your insight.

 

[FEENIX]

The Europeans have done extremely well in the optics department for many years; checkout Swaro, S&B, Kahles, Zeiss, Leica, Steiner, etc ...

Good luck and happy safe shooting/hunting!

 

[Cold Trigger Finger]

From what I've learned, the bubble up comes more from a $$$$ amount than a brand.

 

[Rich Coyle]

Nightforce. No question about it.