Which is clearer at 24x: Viper HST or SIII 6x24

[setter]

Can anyone comment on which has the clearer view at 24x? Would a Sightron III 8x32 be clearer at 24x than the 6x24? Any difference in clarity between the FFP and SFP versions of these 6x24 scopes at 24x? Any insights appreciated. Thanks. Rich

 

[Browninglover1]

I had a viper PST and a Sightron SIII side by side two weeks ago under the lights at the 100 yard range and the Vortex looked nice until I pulled out the Sightron. The SIII was clearer and the colors seemed better. Both scopes were the 6-24 model and both were SFP and on 24X. I wouldn't have felt handicapped with the Vortex but it made me appreciate the Sightron.

I have wondered about going with a 8-32 Sightron but I realistically wouldn't use the extra magnification and I like the larger internal adjustment on the 6-24.

 

[bigngreen]

My buddy runs a SIII 6-24 and I run a couple Vortex of various powers and will be setting up a 6-24 PST FFP in a couple days but IMO after shooting both a lot the Sightron has the glass, the only thing I think it lacks is a zero stop.

 

[setter]

Thanks Browninglover and Bigngreen. Just what I was looking for.

 

[bruce_ventura]

All of the scopes mentioned are prone to glare and none of them will have high contrast when facing a setting sun. Glare is quite noticeable at magnifications above 20X - the image looks "milky" and subtle image details become hazy. So, if you plan to hunt with this scope, beware. If you are mainly target shooting at a firing range, however, the sun will be at your back and glare will be minimal. Glare increases with increasing magnification, so the 6x24 scopes will tend to have less glare than the 8x32. In any case, using a sunshade will reduce glare and increase contrast.

 

[Browninglover1]

Bruce is right that the Sightron does exhibit some glare, especially without a sunshade. I have to admit that I've never noticed a problem with low contrast but the PST I looked through definitely showed less contrast than the Sightron.

I shoot my Sightron into the rising sun most Saturday's in the summer and there are times it is almost impossible to see, but none of the other scopes I've played with have been substantially better at similar times.

 

[ZSteinle]

S3 glass is better than the vortex hands down. Had an S3 and can say the only reason I sold it was no zero stop and the turrets were just too easy to turn. Would find my windage off by 3 or 4 moa after walking. spent the extra money and went with the NF 5.5-22 and never looked back.

 

[lewwetzel]

My experience with Sightron is that the SII Big Sky glass is as good as the SIII; if you don't need side-focus or a 30mm tube they are hard to beat.
Also, fwiw I also own one of those straight-20X SIIIs and the glass isn't as good as either the variable SIII or Big Sky; it "peters out" after about 300 yards, but I do like the rear parallax adjustment, the 1/2-MilDot reticle and the lower price.

 

[shooters]

Sightron for sure. I honestly own both. The Sightron is much clearer!