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24mm obj. lens scopes: Zeiss/Kahles/Swaro/Leica

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wadeocu View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wadeocu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: 24mm obj. lens scopes: Zeiss/Kahles/Swaro/Leica
    Posted: February/03/2021 at 10:18
It's been awhile since I checked in. Looking for input from you knowledgeable folks on my next purchase.

I have acquired a Ruger No.1 RSI chambered in .270 Winchester.  It's a compact stalking gun intended for whitetails in the thick stuff.  Shots over 150 yards are rare and I would never take a shot over 300 yards.  Light transmission is the primary consideration for me and field of view next considering the nature of this rig as a stalking gun.  Also interested in trying out an illuminated reticle which will be a new experience for me.

I am considering these options:

Zeiss Victory HT 1.1-4x24
Kahles K16i 1-6x24
Leica Magnus 1-6.3x24 i
Swarovski Z6i 1-6x24

I am leaning toward the Zeiss because of the glass boasting 95% light transmission.  I have the equivalent glass in an 8x42 binocular and the light transmission is truly remarkable.  Ever since getting those binos it has been a bit of a let down at twilight when glassing with them and then looking through any of my scopes (Kahles AHs [2-7x36 and 3-9x42], Zeiss Conquest MC [3-9x42], an old school Swarovski Habicht [4x32] and an old school Zeiss Diavari [1-6x42]). I am looking forward to stepping up to a scope with truly alpha class glass.

If you are like me, you should have fun spending someone else's money!  Please share your thoughts on these options or anything else you may have to recommend.

Thanks folks - Jack    
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2021 at 12:06
These are all good options.

I would probably lean toward the Leica Magnus because of how they handle color.

For what it is worth, light transmission numbers make for very good marketing and a very poor predictor of how bright a particular scope looks, especially when comparing several scopes that are fairly high end.

If I were looking for a scope of this type, it would probably be between Leica Magnus 1-6.3x24 and Blaser Infinity 1-7x28.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wadeocu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2021 at 13:31
Thanks for the quick reply and the benefit of your expertise ILya.  I was completely unware that Blaser made optics.  I have admired their rifles from afar as they are beyond my financial reach.  I am a big fan of beautiful wood on guns and Blaser excels there along with all the other more practical features.  I fear that at what appears to be the 3k+ range, their optics are also a bit out of reach for me.  I would like to keep this purchase close to or under the 2k price point.

The Leica is indeed attractive with the largest FOV (44m at 100m!).  I appreciate your insight on the light transmission comparison.  Indeed it does seem to be a case of being "1 louder" as I would imagine one would be hard put to discern the difference between 95% and 91% in real world conditions.  Being able to see, acquire and effectively aim an ethical shot in the darkest conditions possible are the primary objectives here.  So, with your help, I am now leaning in the Leica direction as well, but it may be down to what kind of a deal I can find at this point.

Please let me hear from anyone else with thoughts or experiences to relay even if you just chime in to second the vote for Leica.  Thanks again - Jack   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scrumbag Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/04/2021 at 05:17
If you are thinking light transmission then a straight tube scope really is not where it is at.

You need some front end objective size if you want true light transmission.

If you can find one an older German scope would do nicely in 4x36

Swaro 3-9x36 is another

The much underrated (in my view) Zeiss Conquest / Duralyt 1.2-5x36 is worth a look.

Bigger scopes such as the Swaro 1.7-13x42, Leica ERi 1.5-10x42 and Meopta 1.7-10x42 might also be worth a look.

However, that might not suit your aesthetic preferences...
Was sure I had a point when I started this post...
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tahqua View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/04/2021 at 09:10
I have some Kahles C models and a Leica ER. Being able to see in a riflescope what is seen in binoculars is important and I find these scopes do that with my Zeiss 7x42 Dialyt binos. I will add that the Steiner scopes I have aren't too far behind.
Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wadeocu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/04/2021 at 09:34
That's a good looking dog Doug!  I have two Griphons at home.  Is that a Griphon or maybe a Drathaar?

Thanks for all the input guys; I truly value everyone's thoughts.  Light transmission is a top consideration, but I am also keen on the wide FOV and driven/stalking hunt capability so I really want something with a 1x magnification capability.  I must admit though, I am into the aesthetics of a 24mm scope for this set up; a silly consideration I know, but it's going to look classy!

I would have liked to have waited for more input from the committee, but I took ILya's comment along with my shopping and research information and jumped on an ebay deal while it was available.  I got the Leica Magnus 1-6.3x24 i for $1650.  It seemed like a good deal that isn't likely to improve much so I acted quickly.  It is essentially NIB being an October 2020 purchase and was never mounted on a rifle (if the seller is to be believed) .  It does have an Aero Precision mount on it that I plan to sell as I have no use for AR stuff.  

I am excited to get this rig set up for next season.  I will have to pay more attention to my watch for end of shooting hours now than what I can see through my optics!  I'll post a pic when it's all put together.

Cheers everyone - Jack 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/04/2021 at 09:56
Hey Jack, Molly is a Drathaar and thanks. She is a great friend and hunter. I find the Griffon and Cesky Fousek have more in common with the Drat than my GWP had.

Edited by tahqua - February/04/2021 at 10:02
Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/05/2021 at 08:53
I think you are going to be very happy with the Leica, especially for your intended purpose.
Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scrumbag Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/05/2021 at 09:04
I covet the leica for my 404 Jeffery...
Was sure I had a point when I started this post...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/05/2021 at 09:09
Ooooh, 404....... Jeffery did is such a favor with no belt and no one seemed to pay attention all those years ago.
Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peddler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/05/2021 at 15:50
Originally posted by Scrumbag Scrumbag wrote:

I covet the leica for my 404 Jeffery...

Love my ERi.
When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scrumbag Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/06/2021 at 02:19
Yes, thing some of the current short and fat cartridges use a 404J as a parent.

Scrummy
Was sure I had a point when I started this post...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wadeocu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/09/2021 at 11:48
Speaking of short and fat, the Magnus arrived last night!  An amazing piece of equipment.  It is much bulkier than I imagined.  I suppose I placed it in relative scale with a typical diameter ocular bell, but this one is much wider.  Seeing photos without a comparison basis can be deceiving for someone that has never seen one in person.  I have medium rings for it; I hope they are tall enough.

I am not convinced that I like the CDi reticle.  It may just take some getting used to.  I know it is specialized for the driven hunt, running shot scenario which is part of my reasoning with this set up.  I think I would have chosen an L4a reticle had I been buying one off the shelf.  At the end of the day, I will be taking many more shots a deer standing still than running through the woods.  Now coyotes after dark may need to take heed!  That seems like a good way to really test how I will get along with this reticle. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scrumbag Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/09/2021 at 13:50
I live in the UK and do a fair bit of driven / running game shooting. 2 things are popular for it: red dot sights and a German #4 ret. with just the centre of the cross hairs an illuminated dot.

Scrummy
Was sure I had a point when I started this post...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ldmay375 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/13/2021 at 20:45
I hope you are able to adjust to the reticle and enjoy the scope. 
 I have the Magnus 1-6.3x24 with the L4a. I really like the scope. But, I still like the Swarovski L-4I reticle better. 
To me this Swarovski reticle is how a #4 should be. Too bad Swarovski did not use the same in the non-illuminated one. 
 I love the view in both the Leica and Swarovski.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ldmay375 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/13/2021 at 20:56
I love the 4 reticles. But, I do like them with bold posts and a narrow window of the thinner crosshairs.
 The Zeiss 1st focal plane #4 is probably my favorite. A close second is Schmidt and Bender’s 1st focal plane #4.
 The Swarovski 1-6 2nd focal plane illuminated 4 is a favorite. The non-illuminated version not as much. I have both scopes. 
 I also like the 2nd generation non-illuminated Plex reticle in the Swarovski 1.7-10x42. This is a favorite higher powered scope. I really like the wide field of view on low power.
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