Best scope

[Kevin]

I've heard that the Vortex optics in general have a donut effect, so that its nearly impossible to get a perfect sight picture with black creeping in on the edges. Most people call this a tunnel effect. For those that own them, have you noticed this at all?

[Mayhem]

vortex, talk to arrowsmith he is the man.

[Buckhunter75]

Look into Shepherd scopes. They offer things you just can't get with other scope for the money. Very unique and they are caliber specific. Let them know what caliber along with bullet weight and they will will put the correct reticule on it.

http://www.shepherdscopes.com/

[Scott G]

Vortex makes a great scope for the money, but they aren't in the same league as Zeiss. Not even close.
Leuopold's are overpriced, but they do have the lifetime warranty. For the best prices on scopes check out SWFA.com. They are a Texas company too.

[dbaio1]

I agree Zeiss is higher end and it also cost about twice as much.

Vortex makes a great scope for the money, but they aren't in the same league as Zeiss. Not even close.
Leuopold's are overpriced, but they do have the lifetime warranty. For the best prices on scopes check out SWFA.com. They are a Texas company too.

[dbaio1]

Not with the Viper. I have noticed some, very mild with the Crossfire, but its a low priced economy scope the has excellent light gathering and clarity at dark. I have also been able to adjust so that it is a non-issue, I have it on my R15 that is my hog and over all toting around the farm gun while working the land, so I dont want alot of money in glass that will get knocked off zero a few times a year due to its duty.

I've heard that the Vortex optics in general have a donut effect, so that its nearly impossible to get a perfect sight picture with black creeping in on the edges. Most people call this a tunnel effect. For those that own them, have you noticed this at all?

[kyle1974]

go look through a zeiss.... now look through a leupold.... now look through a zeiss again.

the leupold is not a zeiss. There is no question on optical clarity between zeiss and leupold... and zeiss has all types reticles..

leupold just isn't what it used to be.

[Rebel_]

I prefer Zeiss. The clarity is unbeatable for the price. I've had two Swarovski's and neither of them were worth the extra money over the Zeiss.
I've had 3 Shepherd's and they are very caliber specific. Pretty good glass, but you're limited to a 3-10x40 or a 6-18x40.
Leupold is way over-priced. Good warranty and reputation, but still too much money for what it is.
The Nikon Monarch's have pretty good glass, but the BDC reticle is so standard that it's nearly useless; then it's just annoying and in the way. Plus, there are better scopes for the money.
Meopta is a good bang for your buck. Similar to the Zeiss conquest line. Not quite as good, but close. I really like them.
Vortex is another good bang for your buck.
Sightron SIII is a good scope for the money.
Trijicon is good too, but it doesn't have a ranging reticle that you want.

I feel there are a lot of options that are better for your money than Leopold and Nikon. I think so many people buy them because they are so heavily advertised, easy to find, and many people that work at BP and Cabelas recommend them because they don't have much experience with anything else.