What rifle are you putting it on? This would determine what I put on it. I have nikon, burris, zeiss, leupold, and swarovski. Each one I selected for a specific rifle and setup. A lightweight carry rifle for mountain hunting I would probably go with 4.5 x 14 x 40 leupold or 4x16 nikon monarch. Should be in the 500-700.dollar range. A big heavy barreled rifle where scope weight isn't an issue then I would look at swaro, trijicon or zeiss conquest HD but if you go above a 10 power scope you will likely bust your 1000.00 mark. I have actually been really happy with the nikon because they have eye relief that fits me better since I wear glasses. The lenses are super clear too for the price. You need to go do some side by side comparisons to see what you like.
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Swaro Z3 4x12x50Comment
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I have a Swarovski Z3 and the ONLY reason I can justify the cost would be for putting together a lightweight rifle. The glass is good, but it's not any better than the $750 Leupolds. I've got a few of those too. Get yourself a VX-III and don't look back. Unless you want a super lightweight combo for packing, then go with the Z3Comment
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Now I am big a Leupold fan as they come but that's just crazy talk!Originally posted by jooger17 View Post
Leupold VX-3 will give you great glass for the $$.
Leupold VX-6 is a step above. Not necessarily better glass but a much broader adjustment range.
Swarovski Z3 4-12 x 50 would be a fantastic choice as well but it's gonna take all of your budget.
Look on www.cameralandny.com for the Zeiss HD5 in the used section.
Any of those will serve you well.Comment
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There is a guy on THF selling a Zeiss HD5 3-15x for $725
**** good deal and has lockable turrets.Comment
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Originally posted by jooger17 View Post
I shot my Ibex in my profile with a z5 3.5-18 It's great! It's on top of a Rifles Inc lightweight mountain rifle. Great combo!Comment
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For under $1000, I would say Leupold VX3 or Zeiss Conquest.Last edited by Txdeerhunter243; 12-03-2014, 10:54 PM.Comment
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I have Leupold VX3 in 4.5x14x40 and it is about as good as you can get for the money. I also have a couple Zeiss Conquest that are very good and inexpensive, under $750
Stepping up to a different level is the swarovski Z3 and Z6 or the Zeiss Diavari. even used, those will be over $1000, are they worth it? To me, YES..
Don' go crazy and think you need to over scope your rifle. Match the scope to the caliber and weight of gun. Remember, the Aoudad hunt is once, the gun you will use for years, keep in mind what type of hunting that will involve.
Like someone said, buy the best you can afford..Comment
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I have Zeiss conquest's sitting on all my rifles, that being said leupold has quality glass too both are in your price range and both would do the job.Comment
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Go to CameralandNY.com and look around.Great prices and selection.Personally I like Zeiss but don't know if they are any better than any other brand.Comment
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I'm putting it on my new .308 Thompson Center Dimension. I've taken a look at the Monarchs and have heard some good things about them but with so many choices I'm trying to take a look at everythingOriginally posted by Capt.Bryan View PostComment
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Ah, I always enjoy seeing how liberal people are with their recommendations when they are spending someone else's money.
SorryIm, You really have to set a hard budget $ and then stick to it. That will narrow your choices considerably.
There are lots of guys on here who have very expensive tastes and won't settle for anything but a $1000+ scope, when in reality 90% or more hunters probably kill 90% of their critters with sub-$200 scopes.
Optics are an area where you have to decide when the law of diminishing returns kicks in for you.
My M.O. is to never spend more $ than I have to in order to get the job done. My wife appreciates that approach very much, I might add.
With modern production and design, the scopes that sell in the $200 range today are better than even the best scopes from 30 years ago. So it's all relative.
30 years ago, most guys here who are now using $1000 scopes would have been tickled to death to have a nice Weaver on their rifle. But for some reason, what was good enough for us in the 80's just won't do anymore. LOL.
Meanwhile the critters haven't changed a bit.
For my $, Nikon, Vortex and even Bushnell make some outstanding scopes. I've looked through the Leopold's and they don't look any better to me than the higher end Nikons or Bushnells, and probably a bit behind the higher end Vortex scopes.
But like I said, just nail down the $$$ and you'll find your scope in short order.
A nice website for good prices is Optics Planet. I've used them a lot and have never been dissapointed.
Good luck on your hunt.
JohnLast edited by Limbwalker; 12-04-2014, 12:48 PM.Comment
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Originally posted by Limbwalker View PostAh, I always enjoy seeing how liberal people are with their recommendations when they are spending someone else's money.
SorryIm, You really have to set a hard budget $ and then stick to it. That will narrow your choices considerably.
There are lots of guys on here who have very expensive tastes and won't settle for anything but a $1000+ scope, when in reality 90% or more hunters probably kill 90% of their critters with sub-$200 scopes.
Optics are an area where you have to decide when the law of diminishing returns kicks in for you.
My M.O. is to never spend more $ than I have to in order to get the job done. My wife appreciates that approach very much, I might add.
With modern production and design, the scopes that sell in the $200 range today are better than even the best scopes from 30 years ago. So it's all relative.
30 years ago, most guys here who are now using $1000 scopes would have been tickled to death to have a nice Weaver on their rifle. But for some reason, what was good enough for us in the 80's just won't do anymore. LOL.
Meanwhile the critters haven't changed a bit.
For my $, Nikon, Vortex and even Bushnell make some outstanding scopes. I've looked through the Leopold's and they don't look any better to me than the higher end Nikons or Bushnells, and probably a bit behind the higher end Vortex scopes.
But like I said, just nail down the $$$ and you'll find your scope in short order.
A nice website for good prices is Optics Planet. I've used them a lot and have never been dissapointed.
Good luck on your hunt.
John
I agree to a point that even lower end scopes of today are on par with premium scopes from a long time ago. However, glass and coating technology has come a long way.
IMO if you have set a budget and can afford it, then get the best you can afford. The OP mentioned a $1k budget so most recommendations are in that range.
There IS a difference in high end glass vs budget glass. Lots of folks will never see the difference but there is a difference when it's most critical.
My experience with Vortex side x side with Leupold, Zeiss and Swaro has been way less than favorable. YMMV.
Most scopes look great when that's all you have to compare to. The differences become obvious when you have an opportunity to use them side x side under the exact same conditions and I've had lots of opportunities to do just that and for me, they just don't stack up.Comment
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Not exactly...The OP mentioned a $1k budget so most recommendations are in that range.
He never said exactly what his budget was.I don't really want to pony up and get a $1000< scope, but I am willing to spend what's necessary...
I think once he figures that out, he'll have his answer.Comment
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Yup, so the key to shopping is to never look at the ones outside your price range.Most scopes look great when that's all you have to compare to ha, ha. When I go car shopping, I don't start at the Lamborghini dealership. 
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