2025 SHOT Show Optics

Glassaholic

Glassaholic

Optical theorist and conjecturer
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Minuteman
    • Nov 30, 2012
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    Panhandle, FL
    #1
    I'm sure I'm not catching everything here, but these are the items that have been released or announced this month with my thoughts and comments based on what I've heard so far.

    • Schmidt & Bender FFP version of Meta 3-18x42 with FML-TR1 type reticle - this could prove to be a really nice option with PM II turrets and alternative to some of the smaller MPVO's, at 44.5' FOV at 3x for the SFP version if they keep the FFP close this might be an impressive alternative to the 2.5-20 scopes. At around 27oz this could shake some things up, but sounds like we need to wait until summer for this one.
    • ZCO 2-10x30 MPVO single turn turret with 12mrad up and 2mrad below zero. A very expensive MPVO but I also imagine along with the price tag comes the best optical performance we have seen yet for this range. Coupled with the new reticles that are the best FFP reticles I've seen to date for MPVO these could prove very promising!
    • Leupold new CMR-Mil reticle for 2-10x30. Okay, so it took Leupold 2 years to bring a usable MPVO reticle to market and I still think the reticle could use some improvements, apparently Leupold doesn't think anyone will be dialing this scope because wind holds are essentially non-existing on the main horizontal line, at least they could have given us dots if they didn't want to run the line through the horseshoe.
    • Primary Arms PLxC 2.5-20x48 - this could be pretty exciting. PA is known for punching above their class in terms of optical-mechanical performance and I expect this new 2.5-20 will impress, but the bigger question is the reticles, the Athena G2 and Neptune just seem way too busy which leaves the DEKA G2 which could be really nice especially if it works at 2.5x, but that's a big if.
    • Primary Arms PLxC 4.5-36x56 - while I am excited about the 2.5-20 not so much with this 4.5-36, similar to Kahles, why use 8x erector for competition oriented scope, with already strong competition from numerous outstanding 6-36x56 designs, I'm not sure what appeal of going down to 4.5x is? Maybe there is some hidden market I am not seeing?
    • Kahles K540i 5-40x56 Ultra Wide Angle eyepiece - after almost 20 years of their questionable patent, Swarovski finally takes advantage of the ultra wide angle eyepiece. However, why the 8x erector? The K328i wasn't the best option to start with, so more excitement over this one for sure. With this scope aimed at the competition community I just don't know many who've been asking for such a high erector, instead the community tends to prefer more forgiving designs. Did Kahles engineers figure out some kind of optical formula magic or will this scope struggle to be as forgiving as its counterparts at the price point? Would love to see this side by side with the ZCO 8-40x56, TT 7-35x56 and March Gen2 5-42x56... if I can source or fund some of these I may try to review these later this year.
    • Burris XTR PS 3.3-18x50mm and 5.5-30x56 - using their new HUD gives Revic a run for the money, looks like Burris may have even improved upon the knurling which was one of my biggest gripes in previous releases. The HUD looks very promising and the new clickless turret sounds interesting. Consider me impressed, I may look to review one at some point as I've always liked the idea of HUD where I don't have to break cheekweld for changes.
    • Leapers scopes from Taiwan. Price is pretty high. Not sure if the market is ready for Taiwanese scopes at this price point, but I imagine they are impressive for the price and may be worth looking into.
    • Meprolight scopes from Taiwan. Similar to above on Leapers, maybe same OEM?
    • Telson optics 5-32x56 Japanese mfr - starting to see more and more companies pop up with options, unless they are priced right not sure how many people will take a chance on them.
    • SAI 10 1-10x24 finally makes its debut, I've been talking about this one for a couple years now but have been told "no", well now it's reality and it's very short and very light, possibly the lightest 1-10 on the market. The SAI 6 is my favorite 1-6 LPVO so I have high hopes for this SAI 10 as long as ATI didn't cut too many corners to make it so short and so light.
    • Apex 1-10x24 LPVO assembled in USA - interesting that this Canadian company felt they needed to assemble in the USA, the decision was likely made before Trudeau decided to become a hermit and live out the rest of his exile in Saskatchewan.
    • US Optics X Line - yay, more scopes from China... (that was a joke by the way) come on USO, you used to be a dominant force in the high end scope world, let's get some new and innovative designs for your higher end series.
    • Meopta under new ownership (2023?), revamping product line, MeoForce DF is new tactical line, these could be really good.
    • Primary Arms HTX-1 enclosed RDS, completely made in USA even the glass! Lock deck height to co-witness with standard height irons. This could bring some serious competition to Trijicon and Aimpoint, but pricing the optic close to these major competitors who have already established a solid name for themselves along with military contracts may hinder sales a bit. But it is nice to see someone besides Vortex AMG going full MAGA!
    • Apex Vapor 1-4x22 Prismatic - clever design with built in multiplier, wonder if it would work with NODS?
    • Zerotech 1-4 prism (motorized zoom) what on earth?
    • EOTech compact SFP 3-9x with ACOG compatible mount but with strange MOA reticle - EOTech continues to show they don't understand the market, not sure this is a scope that a bunch of hunters have been asking for, I assume it's going to be pretty finicky but maybe my assumptions are wrong. I think EOTech could help this model with a mil/mil version and a reticle that works better for the gas gun crowd.
    • Hi-Lux has super short scopes in 3-12 and 4-16 - wonder if these are same OEM as GPO which also has super shorts in the same mag ranges... coincidence? Either way, I'm not sure yet where these super short designs fit in, I expect them to be pretty finicky and not have the greatest reticles for low mag use, but who knows, maybe we'll all be surprised.
    Feel free to add your thoughts, comments or additions for any daytime optics I may have missed.
     
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    #5
    Thank you for an overview of what's new in optics at the show without reading thru 20 threads.

    I know it's probably not the right forum for it but with all the interest in lever guns these days, did you happen to hear anyone talking about making an illuminated scout scope with decent glass (like Leupolds old VX-R scout firefly)?

    also I did hear that the EoTech 3-9x scope might be the first in "a line" of similar scopes. Possibly mil reticle, FFP, magnifications, etc. As you mention this might be nice on a 16" 308/6.5 gas gun will probably give it a month or two and see if they announce any different versions (mil) and give one a try. I'm sure I can find a home for it on something appropriate.
     
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    #6
    Thank you for the summation, Glass!
    I had missed some of those, to include the S&B; that looks pretty killer....
    Any information re: the SAI price? Thats the only hurdle I am worried about.
     
    #10
    SpeedyR said:
    Thank you for an overview of what's new in optics at the show without reading thru 20 threads.

    I know it's probably not the right forum for it but with all the interest in lever guns these days, did you happen to hear anyone talking about making an illuminated scout scope with decent glass (like Leupolds old VX-R scout firefly)?

    also I did hear that the EoTech 3-9x scope might be the first in "a line" of similar scopes. Possibly mil reticle, FFP, magnifications, etc. As you mention this might be nice on a 16" 308/6.5 gas gun will probably give it a month or two and see if they announce any different versions (mil) and give one a try. I'm sure I can find a home for it on something appropriate.
    Click to expand...
    I really like lever guns. Henry is introducing 5.56 18" and 300BLK 16" lever guns that take AR-15 magazines which is pretty cool. I know others have done this, but I like Henry. I might have to check out the 300 Blackout version, maybe they'll come out with a 338 ARC one once that cartridge gets more popular (as I think it will once ammo is at $1.25/rd for good subsonic rounds).

    Most of the scout scopes tend to be more hunter oriented SFP moa so it might be that something was introduced but my brain erased it once I heard "moa" o_O:LOL:
     
    #11
    Bart said:
    Thank you for the summation, Glass!
    I had missed some of those, to include the S&B; that looks pretty killer....
    Click to expand...
    When Schmidt introduced the Meta I had hoped it was a FFP design, but glad to see they quickly (for Schmidt) came to market with a FFP option. What is most surprising is the reticle they are using in it, reminds me a lot of the FML-TR1 that ILya designed for March some years ago, this is one of my favorite crossover reticles...
    1737752586501.png
     
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    #13
    Glassaholic said:
    Most of the scout scopes tend to be more hunter oriented SFP moa so it might be that something was introduced but my brain erased it once I heard "moa" o_O:LOL:
    Click to expand...

    Agree with this, but I will live with MOA in a lever gun scout scope, would like FFP though. I think we could all agree that "lever gun scout scope" does not elicit thoughts of tactical action, and let's be fair... most hunters out there use MOA. My $2c on the subject are give me good glass, maybe 1-6x that is actually usable (Vortex Crossfire Scout goes to 8x, but it isn't very good above 4-5x, I have one on a 45-70), illuminated center dot, forgiving eyebox (if you can even call it that with scout scope eye relief) and FFP. Lever guns have really come on strong the past 2-4 years and are continuing to grow. Any of them that are top eject are pretty well relegated to using a scout type scope.
     
    #14
    USP45 said:
    Agree with this, but I will live with MOA kafj akfjhak kauwu uwywk kh kakjf ffbvc...
    Click to expand...
    I'm sorry, this is all I was able to retain in the statement above, everything after MOA is just a big jumble. My doctor thinks it's a newly diagnosed disease, he's calling it MOADD or MOA Dissociative Disorder, he's writing a book and will have ads in IG and make millions... :ROFLMAO:

    Seriously though, I know why they do it and you're right, most American hunters use MOA because that's the way it's always been. Most hunters also think MOA is 1" at 100 yards but it's not, but trying to teach them to stop thinking in inches is like trying stop the tide, just the way it is and will likely always be. Hunters who are getting into long range, whether competition or for fun are beginning to see the light with mrad and recognize the benefits, but compared to the vast sea of short sighted... eh, short range hunters, the mrad crowd are vastly outnumbered so manufacturers always try to go for the low hanging fruit and rarely venture out into the unknown; until someone does and it becomes a success and then everyone tries to jump on the bandwagon.
     
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    #15
    Yeah, I agree, started off in MOA world and was there for years as well. I would simply put up with it at this point given the utter dearth of available options right now. It really is pretty slim pickings...
     
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    #16
    • ZCO 2-10x30 MPVO single turn turret with 12mrad up and 2mrad below zero. A very expensive MPVO but I also imagine along with the price tag comes the best optical performance we have seen yet for this range. Coupled with the new reticles that are the best FFP reticles I've seen to date for MPVO these could prove very promising!
    Click to expand...

    I misunderstood what you were saying and ran to the ZCO website to see these amazing new reticles for the 210. Turns out…

    1737757523923.gif
     
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    #18
    Glassaholic said:
    When Schmidt introduced the Meta I had hoped it was a FFP design, but glad to see they quickly (for Schmidt) came to market with a FFP option. What is most surprising is the reticle they are using in it, reminds me a lot of the FML-TR1 that ILya designed for March some years ago, this is one of my favorite crossover reticles...
    Click to expand...

    S&B 3-18 x 42 FFP looks like a nice possible upgrade for the 3x Vortex 4.5-22 LHTs I have in service without adding too much extra weight, but with S&B currently playing price games with the US market and jacking the prices to the moon yet again, they might not sell many... at least until they correct their prices downwards again. You think they would have learned their lesson when they played this game several years ago and their sales tanked.

    Guess we'll see what the FFP version is priced at when it makes it to the US market. Unfortunately, being a newer model the 3-18 x 42 Meta is one of the scopes that has the AFOV hamstrung to <22 degrees in the US because of the Swarovski patent (S&B lists a different FOV spec for the US model vs the Euro model) so keep that in mind...
     
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    #22
    Kiba said:
    S&B 3-18 x 42 FFP looks like a nice possible upgrade for the 3x Vortex 4.5-22 LHTs I have in service without adding too much extra weight, but with S&B currently playing price games with the US market and jacking the prices to the moon yet again, they might not sell many... at least until they correct their prices downwards again. You think they would have learned their lesson when they played this game several years ago and their sales tanked.

    Guess we'll see what the FFP version is priced at when it makes it to the US market. Unfortunately, being a newer model the 3-18 x 42 Meta is one of the scopes that has the AFOV hamstrung to <22 degrees in the US because of the Swarovski patent (S&B lists a different FOV spec for the US model vs the Euro model) so keep that in mind...
    Click to expand...
    You are probably right about the limited FOV FFP edition :cry: I've gotten used to Schmidt playing "the price is right" with the USA market, about every 5-7 years they think they can sell their scopes for double and then they eventually come back to reality, hopefully that happens about when this scope hits the market.
     
    #23
    Glassaholic said:
    You are probably right about the limited FOV FFP edition :cry: I've gotten used to Schmidt playing "the price is right" with the USA market, about every 5-7 years they think they can sell their scopes for double and then they eventually come back to reality, hopefully that happens about when this scope hits the market.
    Click to expand...

    The current 3-18 x 42 Meta SFP version has a different (and narrower) US FOV spec than the Euro version for patent compliance, I would expect similar if not identical specs from the new FFP version as well.

    Back in July 2023 when we were first discussing the then new S&B 6-36 and narrower US FOV specs, the S&B website listed both the Euro and US FOV specs for the 3-18 x 42 in degrees, and the Euro spec was wider, IIRC about 25 degrees AFOV for the Euro version compared to around 21.8 degrees for the US version.

    Specs from the S&B spec sheet for the 3-18 x 42 FFP:

    Screenshot_2025-01-28-08-57-54-91_3aea4af51f236e4932235fdada7d1643.jpg


    Works out to be about 25 degrees AFOV for the euro spec scope and about 21.6 degrees AFOV for the US spec scope, just under 22 degrees. Swarovski patent strikes again.

    Probably still a nice scope, but you are giving up some AFOV with the US model unfortunately.

    (Edited to add specs directly from the S&B 3-18 FFP spec sheet PDF rather than comparing euro m/100m fov spec data from the German website to the US fov spec in degrees from the English website.)
     
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    #28
    Kiba said:
    The current 3-18 x 42 Meta SFP version has a different (and narrower) US FOV spec than the Euro version for patent compliance, I would expect similar if not identical specs from the new FFP version as well.

    Back in July 2023 when we were first discussing the then new S&B 6-36 and narrower US FOV specs, the S&B website listed both the Euro and US FOV specs for the 3-18 x 42 in degrees, and the Euro spec was wider, IIRC about 25 degrees AFOV for the Euro version compared to around 21.8 degrees for the US version.

    And just to make it more confusing, the S&B website now has the Euro FOV spec is listed in your typical m@100m / ft@100y, while English website with the narrower US FOV spec is listed in degrees.

    3-18 x 42 SFP FOV spec on the native German website for the Euro version scope. This works out to be about 24.75 degrees AFOV.

    View attachment 8601052


    3-18 x 42 SFP FOV spec on the English / US website, listed in degrees only to add to the confusion. This works out to be 21.6 degrees AFOV, just under 22 degrees-- Swarovski patent strikes again. If I did my math correctly this works out to be 11.2 m @ 3x / 1.89m @ 18x @ 100m.

    View attachment 8601051

    Probably still a nice scope, but you are giving up some AFOV with the US model unfortunately.
    Click to expand...
    I should have known EO had the euro spec listed, your calculations are more than likely accurate. We still have another year to possibly 5 years depending on interpretations of patent expiration. Oh well, we can still enjoy the scopes.
     
    #29
    Kiba said:
    The current 3-18 x 42 Meta SFP version has a different (and narrower) US FOV spec than the Euro version for patent compliance, I would expect similar if not identical specs from the new FFP version as well.

    Back in July 2023 when we were first discussing the then new S&B 6-36 and narrower US FOV specs, the S&B website listed both the Euro and US FOV specs for the 3-18 x 42 in degrees, and the Euro spec was wider, IIRC about 25 degrees AFOV for the Euro version compared to around 21.8 degrees for the US version.

    And just to make it more confusing, the S&B website now has the Euro FOV spec is listed in your typical m@100m / ft@100y, while English website with the narrower US FOV spec is listed in degrees.

    3-18 x 42 SFP FOV spec on the native German website for the Euro version scope. This works out to be about 24.75 degrees AFOV.

    View attachment 8601052


    3-18 x 42 SFP FOV spec on the English / US website, listed in degrees only to add to the confusion. This works out to be 21.6 degrees AFOV, just under 22 degrees-- Swarovski patent strikes again. If I did my math correctly this works out to be 11.2 m @ 3x / 1.89m @ 18x @ 100m.

    View attachment 8601051

    Probably still a nice scope, but you are giving up some AFOV with the US model unfortunately.
    Click to expand...
    I should have known EO had the euro spec listed, your calculations are more than likely accurate. We still have another year to possibly 5 years depending on interpretations of patent expiration. Oh well, we can still enjoy the scopes.
     
    #31
    beetroot said:
    I can live with SFP in some circumstances. MOA though.....
    Click to expand...

    You know, it's funny that many of us on here rib on MOA scopes, but we measure how our rifles perform in MOA lol... You will hear/read where we refer to targets and being a .2 or a .4mil target ect, but when have you ever heard someone refer to their rifle as shooting a .3mil group?

    Neither here nor there, just kind of funny. Even in our mil world, some things will remain MOA.
     
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    #32
    At first glance, really like that new S&B tree reticle,
    curious to see it setup for 3-18x.

    The 2fp version is $4k at EO unfortunately...
     
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    #33
    USP45 said:
    You know, it's funny that many of us on here rib on MOA scopes, but we measure how our rifles perform in MOA lol... You will hear/read where we refer to targets and being a .2 or a .4mil target ect, but when have you ever heard someone refer to their rifle as shooting a .3mil group?

    Neither here nor there, just kind of funny. Even in our mil world, some things will remain MOA.
    Click to expand...
    I have often thought the same. I think a part of it is how our brains are engrained to measure in the USA - using inches and most think MOA closely aligns with inches. We don’t measure in mils because it doesn’t closely relate to what we typically measure, so telling the average Joe that you shot a .1 or .2 mil group and they’d look at you like you’re from another planet.
     
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    #34
    Glassaholic said:
    I have often thought the same. I think a part of it is how our brains are engrained to measure in the USA - using inches and most think MOA closely aligns with inches. We don’t measure in mils because it doesn’t closely relate to what we typically measure, so telling the average Joe that you shot a .1 or .2 mil group and they’d look at you like you’re from another planet.
    Click to expand...
    I think it's more just MOA broken down in 1/4s has always been the standard used, nd it doesn't really convert well it Mils.
    1MOA is more or less .3mils which doesn't work too well, if the math had worked out that 1MOA = .4mil I'd say people would've used it.

    MOA for accuracy is still used in a lot of shooting sports even outside the US, so countries than haven't used imperial measurements for decades still measure groups in MOA.

    I measure my groups in mm, measure distance in meters, then convert the whole thing to MOA. If I said my group was 13mm at 100m or .13mils no one would really know what that meant, but 1/2 MOA people know straight away as that's what they are used to.
     
    #35
    I saw a few of these at SHOT. My feature set checklist is so long nowadays it narrows my ability to "upgrade" substantially.

    I knew about the SAI 1-10 several months ago but was incorrectly told it would have an exposed locking elevation turret, so that kills it for me since it's capped. However after looking through it, I will say if you are a fan of the SAI 1-6, the new 1-10 looks like a natural progression and optics looked good. If I wanted a capped option in this price range, I still would choose the ATACR 1-8 and it's excellent FC-DMX reticle.

    The new MK5 reticle in the 2-10 is much better than any previous option, I just personally don't want side focus on an optic with a 30mm objective and a 10x max mag. There is a place for it though, and I cant help but think guys shooting medium length carbines in 6 ARC or similar have probably now found their go-to.

    The Kahles 5-40 looked awesome to me. I just don't own a rifle that would justify that type of optic. If I was buying something for static shooting with a heavy weapon system, this would be at the top of my list but I like guns I can walk with for miles. I can imagine the PRS guys are going to eat this thing up like hotcakes.

    Meta 3-18-Just glanced at it quickly. Would be hard to beat a NF ATACR 4-16 and its history of tracking/dependability in this crucial category, so I was not really giving it too much attention.

    ZCO 2-10: Unfortunately for me, pretty disappointed in how the reticles rendered in real life (much too fine). Unfortunate. Already had bought a 36mm mount specifically for this optic, but I won't be purchasing. Didn't like the turret click spacing either. Good on them for the the single turn 12 mil turret, but the S&B Dual CC short dot handles that spacing much better and has the added benefit of the solid "clunk" at whole MILs.

    March-I want to love these optics, but the amount of diopter and side focus fiddling I ALWAYS have to do just to get a clean sight picture at the show always turns me off. I am sure once you get everything set up, they look great, but man are they finicky. I checked out the dual focal 1-10, dual focal 1.5-15 and the 4.5-28 High Master.

    Nightforce-Nothing new

    If this reads like I was looking for excuses not to purchase, you might be right. But I am known to insta-buy once my desired features are met. Not this year.
     
    #37
    Burdy said:
    I saw a few of these at SHOT. My feature set checklist is so long nowadays it narrows my ability to "upgrade" substantially.

    I knew about the SAI 1-10 several months ago but was incorrectly told it would have an exposed locking elevation turret, so that kills it for me since it's capped. However after looking through it, I will say if you are a fan of the SAI 1-6, the new 1-10 looks like a natural progression and optics looked good. If I wanted a capped option in this price range, I still would choose the ATACR 1-8 and it's excellent FC-DMX reticle.

    The new MK5 reticle in the 2-10 is much better than any previous option, I just personally don't want side focus on an optic with a 30mm objective and a 10x max mag. There is a place for it though, and I cant help but think guys shooting medium length carbines in 6 ARC or similar have probably now found their go-to.

    The Kahles 5-40 looked awesome to me. I just don't own a rifle that would justify that type of optic. If I was buying something for static shooting with a heavy weapon system, this would be at the top of my list but I like guns I can walk with for miles. I can imagine the PRS guys are going to eat this thing up like hotcakes.

    Meta 3-18-Just glanced at it quickly. Would be hard to beat a NF ATACR 4-16 and its history of tracking/dependability in this crucial category, so I was not really giving it too much attention.

    ZCO 2-10: Unfortunately for me, pretty disappointed in how the reticles rendered in real life (much too fine). Unfortunate. Already had bought a 36mm mount specifically for this optic, but I won't be purchasing. Didn't like the turret click spacing either. Good on them for the the single turn 12 mil turret, but the S&B Dual CC short dot handles that spacing much better and has the added benefit of the solid "clunk" at whole MILs.

    March-I want to love these optics, but the amount of diopter and side focus fiddling I ALWAYS have to do just to get a clean sight picture at the show always turns me off. I am sure once you get everything set up, they look great, but man are they finicky. I checked out the dual focal 1-10, dual focal 1.5-15 and the 4.5-28 High Master.

    Nightforce-Nothing new

    If this reads like I was looking for excuses not to purchase, you might be right. But I am known to insta-buy once my desired features are met. Not this year.
    Click to expand...
    The last optic I insta-bought was an NX8 1-8 fcdmx. I've agonized over amd tried others, but have sold them.
     
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    #39
    Glassaholic said:
    When Schmidt introduced the Meta I had hoped it was a FFP design, but glad to see they quickly (for Schmidt) came to market with a FFP option. What is most surprising is the reticle they are using in it, reminds me a lot of the FML-TR1 that ILya designed for March some years ago, this is one of my favorite crossover reticles...
    View attachment 8600458
    Click to expand...
    Yeah, it is funny how these things happen... I'll be testing this one out as soon as they have the new turret ready.
     
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    #40
    Frank's post over in the ZCO thread:

    Lowlight said:
    It really is a media nightmare at Shot, and Wednesday the internet there just died even with a WiFi booster

    Then the shear number of people doing it, it gets old fast. The number of sound proof booths at the big displays has increased 4x

    Really the dungeon is the best place to find the interesting stuff. But I agree the experience media wise sucks, it’s just too busy

    Zco sells its self, but I plan to work with Jeff to bring more Zco content to the Hide.
    Click to expand...

    Lowlight said:
    No I played with the 2-10x a couple of time and I try to avoid NDAs, why I can talk about Aliens.

    I am putting it on my 6.5PRC hunter but will most likely use a GDI and swap it around seasonally

    I’m a fan of the mag range and it’s really a great optic
    Click to expand...
     
    #41
    Glassaholic said:
    I'm sure I'm not catching everything here, but these are the items that have been released or announced this month with my thoughts and comments based on what I've heard so far.

    • EOTech compact SFP 3-9x with ACOG compatible mount but with strange MOA reticle - EOTech continues to show they don't understand the market, not sure this is a scope that a bunch of hunters have been asking for, I assume it's going to be pretty finicky but maybe my assumptions are wrong. I think EOTech could help this model with a mil/mil version and a reticle that works better for the gas gun crowd.
    Feel free to add your thoughts, comments or additions for any daytime optics I may have missed.
    Click to expand...
    The first scope that they are releasing is absolutely the hunting variant. I saw at least three interviews with them where they are release a FFP version with a tree reticle in 3Q. In addition, they are making an option to mount RMR footprint dots. Because I shoot a lot of ARs, I really hope this works well.
     
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    #43
    I thought the Apex Vapor was really interesting, not only from an AR type rifle perspective, but also for use on a shotgun - with a low enough mount, it could make for an excellent hunting etc. optic.
     
    #44
    thexman said:
    Wonder how the K540 performs at different magnifications with its view FOV and eye box.
    Click to expand...


    X-ring liked it. Very cool.

    As an aside, I wonder what the real
    differences are between the 3-20x50 ultrashort and the 3-18x42 meta other than tube diameter and length (~13 vs 15.5”)? Weight wise they seem fairly close to one another.

    Any pics of the FFP meta 3-18? How does it perform compared to the Kahles 3-18X50 US?
     
    #46
    Burdy said:
    I saw a few of these at SHOT. My feature set checklist is so long nowadays it narrows my ability to "upgrade" substantially.

    (snip)

    March-I want to love these optics, but the amount of diopter and side focus fiddling I ALWAYS have to do just to get a clean sight picture at the show always turns me off. I am sure once you get everything set up, they look great, but man are they finicky. I checked out the dual focal 1-10, dual focal 1.5-15 and the 4.5-28 High Master.

    Nightforce-Nothing new

    If this reads like I was looking for excuses not to purchase, you might be right. But I am known to insta-buy once my desired features are met. Not this year.
    Click to expand...
    Yeah, about those diopter settings. At the show we loosen the lock on the fast focus diopter adjustment so people can easily set them to their eye. There are a lot of people with strange eyes out there. I kept resetting the diopters to 0 on the various scopes, but the 1-10 DFP and the 1.5-15X42 DFP were in so much demand, it was difficult to keep them at 0. We were passing theses scopes from one person to another all week. The look of amazement on people's faces when the see the reticles in action, is something to behold. Most times, they would immediately fling the scope to their buddies (dude, you gotta see this!).

    The other one that was the center of attention is the new March-FX 5-42X56 PRS scope with the writable turrets and the new FML-WBR reticle. People were happy to know that orders were being taken now with delivery in a couple of months.

    The Tracking Scope concept unit was also something that attracted people's attention. Expect to hear more about this over the next little while as it brings in some new technology.
     
    #47
    Denys said:
    Yeah, about those diopter settings. At the show we loosen the lock on the fast focus diopter adjustment so people can easily set them to their eye. There are a lot of people with strange eyes out there. I kept resetting the diopters to 0 on the various scopes, but the 1-10 DFP and the 1.5-15X42 DFP were in so much demand, it was difficult to keep them at 0. We were passing theses scopes from one person to another all week. The look of amazement on people's faces when the see the reticles in action, is something to behold. Most times, they would immediately fling the scope to their buddies (dude, you gotta see this!).

    The other one that was the center of attention is the new March-FX 5-42X56 PRS scope with the writable turrets and the new FML-WBR reticle. People were happy to know that orders were being taken now with delivery in a couple of months.

    The Tracking Scope concept unit was also something that attracted people's attention. Expect to hear more about this over the next little while as it brings in some new technology.
    Click to expand...
    I did set the diopters to my eye. I got all the scopes set, it just takes me much longer than other scopes. I thought the tracking scope was pretty cool. Interesting to see where that goes. Wish I had known which one you were, I would have introduced myself.
     
    #48
    madangler1 said:
    As an aside, I wonder what the real
    differences are between the 3-20x50 ultrashort and the 3-18x42 meta other than tube diameter and length (~13 vs 15.5”)? Weight wise they seem fairly close to one another.
    Click to expand...
    The 3-20 ultra short is 13.6” in length. US is 32oz and 34oz with DT II+. If rumors are true FFP Meta supposed to be around 27oz, that’s 5oz less which makes a difference for some. I’ve always felt the 3-20 struggled a bit at higher mags, not terrible but not as good as the other alpha ultra shorts.
    madangler1 said:
    How does it perform compared to the Kahles 3-18X50 US?
    Click to expand...
    we’ll have to wait for production models to come through. I loved everything about the Kahles 3.5-18x50 except for the unusually narrow FOV at just under 19° AFOV, the Schmidt will start at 3x, likely with just under 22° AFOV due to the patent issue. If glass is close which I expect it would be then this new FFP Meta should impress. But that is all conjecture at this point, we’ll know more this summer hopefully.
     
    #49
    Mini thermal optic. $699.00

    infitacusa.com

    Pistol Sights Fast Mini FMP13

    The INFITAC Fast Mini Series introduces the FMP13, featuring a compact thermal scope with a 256x192 resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate. It includes a 13mm F1.0 lens and a 1.4-inch 360x300 display. Designed for rugged use, the FMP13 is IP67 waterproof and can withstand up a 1200g of recoil...
    infitacusa.com infitacusa.com
     
    • Like
    • Wow
    Reactions: Tikkaguy, DeathBeforeDismount, Bri0242 and 3 others
    #50
    Burdy said:
    I did set the diopters to my eye. I got all the scopes set, it just takes me much longer than other scopes. I thought the tracking scope was pretty cool. Interesting to see where that goes. Wish I had known which one you were, I would have introduced myself.
    Click to expand...
    I don't understand what's causing you to take more time to set the diopter with the fast focus eyepieces compared to others. You can tell right away where the prior user left the diopter setting and you can move it in one second. If it's your scope, you can then lock it in place by tightening up the lock ring, easy peasy.

    The tracking scope is an interesting design and I will have more to say about it over time. Currently, it's a concept design and in my opinion (for what that's worth), it has a lot of potential. We shall see.

    I was there all week, and my name was on my white vest, the same name as here, Denys. I spoke with a lot of people and it's all a blur now.
     
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