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nmurph
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/02/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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Posted: August/02/2007 at 08:54 |
first, let me say that i have lurked here for the past few days. i have been a serious deer (only) hunter for many years. most of my hunting has been on family land and most of the shots have been 150 yds or less. my guns are both 700 adl's. i have a 30-06 (creek gun and the one i hunt with most often) with a leupold v II 2-7x33 and a .270 with a leupold v II 3-9x50. these have served me well over the years. however, the hunting situations have changed because of timber sales. i now have a good number of areas that have 250-300 yd. i have decided that i want a scope that will allow me to judge a deer at that distance. i have binocs, but sometimes you don't have time to use them and then get the gun up. i was thinking of a 4-14x. my first choices was a leup, but after reading here i am not so sure. i had in mind a vx-L in the 4.5-14x50. i haven't seen many comments on that particular scope. i am now leaning toward a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44. from what i have read, the Zeiss has better optics for similar $$$$$$. here are some questions:
how would the optically better 44 mm obj compare to the larger 50 mm?
what is the sentiment on the vx-L? are there significant down-sides to the shape of the objective?
would i be able to mount the 44mm as low as the vx-L?
what rings would get a 50 mm vx II closest to the barrel? both guns have leup 2 pc mounts and bases. the 33m sits pretty much flush, but the 50mm is about 1/2" off.
what are the thoughts on illuminated reticles? i don't think i can get them on the vx-L or the conquest, but i can get them on a vx-III or through the leup custom shop (price?????????).
can anyone suggest another scope in the $6-700 range?
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jonbravado
Optics Master Joined: October/05/2006 Status: Offline Points: 1131 |
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welcome to the OT -
i would put some serious thought into the nikon monarch UCC's, bushnell elite 4200's, and Zeiss conquests.
they are optically on par - most of us can't tell MUCH difference between them as far as brightness and ruggedness.
i would not necessarily opt for an illum reticle, maybe just a thicker duplex, or even better - a #4 reticle.
reticle choice would be a big concern of mine, and limit your options.
if you have the money, look at meopta meostars, zeiss conquests, IOR hunting, and kahles KX - they are about the best bang for the buck when looking for #4 reticle glass.
i would seriously consider the larger objective of 50mm - this will give you a LITTLE brighter image at dusk at higher magnifications.
most folks get by w/ 40mm just fine, though.
i wouldn't go over 14x and wouldn't mess w/ adjustible objective or side focus - it's just another thing to mess with.
i hope this helps. there is a LOT of good glass between the 350 and 800 dollar range. take your time. and ask the folks on here. There is a WEALTH of info on this site.
and buy from www.swfa.com they have the price guarantee and sponsor this very site.
J |
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ND2000
Optics Journeyman Joined: January/29/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 308 |
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nmurph -
A couple of things:
1 - Definetely expand your scope choices beyond Leupold. Jonbravado has good choices. My advice would be to spend the most you can afford on your scope...you will not be sorry later. I think the Kahles KX is only slightly above your budget, but it's excellent.
2 - I would also tell you to stay away from illuminated recticles.
3 - It seems to me that 4.5-14x would be too much power for your situation. 6x is ample power out to 300 yards for shooting, and 9x would be plenty to judge the animal, but to each their own I guess.
4 - Regarding objective size, I tend to think that 50 mm is a bit too big, as the scope sits too high on the gun. However, you have a 33mm and 50mm on your Leupolds now, so presumably this is not a concern for you.
Check the samplelist.com. You can get very good values there on some really good quality scopes.
ND2000 |
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You either get what you pay for or what you deserve.
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nmurph
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/02/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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you are right, there is a wealth of info here. i have learned a great deal, in a hurry. with advertising, you have to cut through the clutter. here, you are dealing with real-life experiences, though you still have to deal with personal bias and the occassional odd experience. as i mentioned, i am leaning heavily tw the conquest. i do like the idea of the low mount that the vx-L allows. i am seeking opinions comparing the 50mm leup to the 44mm Zeiss, particulary in regards to low light transmission. can someone offer an opinion as to how well the Zeiss will hold a zero. i have never had a problem with the leup that i own.
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jonbravado
Optics Master Joined: October/05/2006 Status: Offline Points: 1131 |
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i have dropped ( a long way, mind you ) my first conquest scope - and it held zero - many times. some folks have talked bad about the 'plastic' caps on the turrets - trust me. they are fine.
not to mention the times i banged the hell out of it going in and out of the truck/stands.
don't worry at all w/ any of the scopes i mentioned. i am HARD on my guns/equipment. i treat them like tools, because that is what they are to me.
i hope this helps. good luck.
J |
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8shots
Optics Jedi Knight Lord Of The Flies Joined: March/14/2007 Location: South Africa Status: Offline Points: 6253 |
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Out to 300yds get at least the 3,5-10 magnification, which will make it comfortable.
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nmurph
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/02/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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BTTT
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xanadu
Optics GrassHopper Joined: September/30/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 23 |
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I'm still waiting on a button zoom on scopes like my camera ...... hehehehe ..... |
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Been There Done That !!!!!!
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