Scope comparison question?

[Traildust]

Looking for a dusk/dawn/night/day scope to mount on the AR.
At 48 my eyes are getting a little worn too. I used to think that the more magnification the better, but I really never gave it a whole lot of thought.

More than likely I will go with Nikon.....maybe a Leupold. As far as the brand....I cant tell which brand is better. I looked a Zeiss also.

What a better scope for low light conditions out to about 150 yards max?

1. 3 x 9 x 50
2. 2.5 x 10 x 40
3. 4 x 12 x 40

[jhuddleston]

3-9X50 in my opinion

but most of my scopes are 4-12X40 so what do i know, lol

[lglidewell]

If 150yds is your max, then you'll be hard pressed to beat that 3-9x50 especially if it's a Zeiss. I have several of the 3-9x40, x44 and x50 Zeiss' (older Conquest line) and I really like them.

A larger exiting objective will gather more light, but if you add good to great glass with x50 exiting objective, it'll gather even more light. That's the sole reason I went with Zeiss.

That said, my dad bought a Leupold VXII or VX2 3-9x50 from Academy (only because he had $400 of Academy gift cards) and that scope easily became his favorite. He said he can see so much better now when hunting with that scope. He now drags that rifle EVERYWHERE with him on his place. He's also killed 2 coyotes in the past week with it.

[ACCURACYINC]

Look into the Meopta Meostar line...they are outstanding in lower light conditions.

[Traildust]

3-9X50 in my opinion

but most of my scopes are 4-12X40 so what do i know, lol

That's awesome! Most of mine are 4x12's too. I've never owned a 50mm scope so determining if the magnification or lens objective is the question

[Shane]

Quality of optics and coatings play a huge role. It's not just objective lens size. If optics and coatings are identical, then bigger lens will give you a little more light. But a smaller lens that is higher quality will be better in low light than a lower quality bigger lens.

[Traildust]

Look into the Meopta Meostar line...they are outstanding in lower light conditions.

Nice...but about double what I'm willing to pay

[Traildust]

Quality of optics and coatings play a huge role. It's not just objective lens size. If optics and coatings are identical, then bigger lens will give you a little more light. But a smaller lens that is higher quality will be better in low light than a lower quality bigger lens.

Agreed. I have a $500 budget, and too be honest I cant tell any difference between Nikon, Leopold and Zeiss in that price range. Now, take in account this is standing at the counter looking across the store with the scope

Most reviews are favoring the Nikons.....