Rifle Scopes 34mm showdown

[spife7980]

34mm go



Edit: The Athlon Ares ETR won the poll but I found a cronus btr for only 100 bucks more than the ares so I went that route. Sorry for any disappointment this may have caused.

 

[stello1001]

Just curious, is there a reason why you only chose those options?

 

[spife7980]

They are the $700-1000 34mm options. Really that’s all the criteria I had. Think I should add another before it gets going?

 

[stello1001]

I just read the title and was hoping to get an answer in but I really have no experience with any of those lol.

I think if they're all priced very similar, you should keep it as is. Unless you find others that can compete price wise...

 

[UPSTATERAM]

Out of those the etr turrets are nice, glass is really clear, and warranty is awesome.

 

[Bender]

My no longer made Weaver 6-30

 

[stello1001]

My no longer made Weaver 6-30

Hell of a scope with great glass, almost bought a 3-15 yesterday for a bit over $500 new...

 

[Ryridesmotox]

DMR2 pro is worth the extra coin

 

[Bender]

Hell of a scope with great glass, almost bought a 3-15 yesterday for a bit over $500 new...

I still think it has the best turrets. No tool zero adjustment? I haven’t seen all scopes but I’ve never seen anything like it. No more Alan wrenches to loose.

 

[stello1001]

I still think it has the best turrets. No tool zero adjustment? I haven’t seen all scopes but I’ve never seen anything like it. No more Alan wrenches to loose.

The no tool zero adjustment was very nice. I never got to use my 6-30 so I don't know if those had a zero stop but my 3-15 did not have one. Though the 6-30 had 10 mil per revolution turrets and I doubt you'd need more than that for shooting out to 1000y.

 

[Bender]

The no tool zero adjustment was very nice. I never got to use my 6-30 so I don't know if those had a zero stop but my 3-15 did not have one. Though the 6-30 had 10 mil per revolution turrets and I doubt you'd need more than that for shooting out to 1000y.

Yes. The 6-30 has a zero stop. It’s like a vault doorstop. The erector in this is amazing. Only wish for a better reticle.

 

[wb00757]

Lots of votes for the Optika 6. Where does it gain advantage over the other options?

 

[jsthntn247]

Lots of votes for the Optika 6. Where does it gain advantage over the other options?

I looked through two the other day and was not that impressed

 

[spife7980]

DMR2 pro is with the extra coin

Ehh, Ive had one and sold it for lack of illumination. Illumination wont make or break my scope choice now, but it did at the time. Kept my lrtsi and xrs2 though. I dont really want to go over a grand this time.

Lots of votes for the Optika 6. Where does it gain advantage over the other options?

I am surprised at that too, I assume people are wanting someone me to take the plunge first which Im not opposed to. I am equally surprised that the brownells mpo isnt right there with it in the polls though.

My no longer made Weaver 6-30

Ill trade you my 3-10 for your 6-30.

 

[plinkin]

Used or new?

 

[plinkin]

Just seen a DMR2 Pro go for 1100 I think their the scope to beat, proven tracking monsters decent-very nice glass, great price point. Decent reticles. No fluff

 

[wb00757]

Yeah I would have expected the MPO and Optika 6 to be flipped.... I'm putting in an order for an MPO on the 1st. Kept going back and forth with the Optika but the fact that it's from Brownells and @Shooter McGavin giving some good comparisons helped me make my decision. I feel like you are getting more for the money with these new scopes over options that are a few years old (not that those other options haven't rightfully earned their reputation).

 

[wade2big]

The DMR II is the only one on the list that I have experience with. I quickly sold mine. I didn’t know what chromatic aberration was until I bought that scope.

I would like an illuminated pro when they decide to make them.

 

[spife7980]

I know I allowed it because I went and checked the options to see if it was possible but... people are changing their votes

 

[Steel head]

I know I allowed it because I went and checked the options to see if it was possible but... people are changing their votes

I didn’t
ETR and DMR all day.

 

[John Glidewell]

Riton entire Conqure line for 2020 are 34mm tubes. They have some viable options in this price point.

For example, this should land under 1k.

MRAD 5-25x50 Long Range Riflescope - Riton Optics

Riton’s 5 Conquer 5-25×50 Scope has a First Focal Plane illuminated reticle, zero stop turrets and a lifetime warranty.

www.ritonoptics.com

 

[koshkin]

Which models are we considering for this? And for which platforms?

I am sorta familiar with all of these.

ILya

 

[Black max]

Can the illuminated DMR2 be had for 1k or less new?

 

[padom]

Ares ETR has been a rock solid scope for me since its release. Glass is above its price point IMHO. Love the dot RETICLE. Only one I would take on this list without blinking an eye. I did not like the DMR2 and would take the ETR over it all day

 

[spife7980]

Which models are we considering for this? And for which platforms?

I am sorta familiar with all of these.

ILya

It’ll be the higher powered models where there is an option available so 5-25or 5-30 and not the 3-18s.
And it’ll be going on something... what exactly depends on the choice. I can move some scopes around to put it where it fits best, replacing the lrtsi on a hunting rifle or straight into the new target rifle. Doesn’t really matter to me, I just need to fill a set of 34mm rings lol

Can the illuminated DMR2 be had for 1k or less new?

I just realized the cameralandny deal isn’t the illluminated, shit. Oh well, the non illuminated then if I can’t find the i on sale.

 

[Gohring65]

My meopta 4.5-27 is really nice. It feels solid, I have no doubt the 34mm is just as nice. I’m probably going to have one. The DMR2s I’ve had were lacking in the glass. But they are solid in the turrets and durability.
I think with the current list, it would be Meopta and Athlon. Mainly because of how nice the meopta glass is, and the Athlon has that quick turn around warranty. I could be wrong, but I don’t think meopta has the warranty benefits of the Athlon. It’s got a lifetime warranty, but I dont think it has the no questions asked what ever happens we’ll fix it warranty. That didn’t stop me from buying one and I’m glad I did.

 

[TM6]

I just realized the cameralandny deal isn’t the illluminated, shit. Oh well, the non illuminated then if I can’t find the i on sale.

Sure it is, you must be looking in the wrong spot, $999 here:

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

And for $100 more, $1099 with Kestrel:

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

The DMRII PRO is more $$ and not offered with illumination but has the better ED (extra low dispersion) glass.


Regards,

TM6

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Theres also Burris XTR2, unless you need a tree in your scope.

 

[TM6]

Can the illuminated DMR2 be had for 1k or less new?

Yep, $999 at Cameraland:

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

TM6

 

[Black max]

Yep, $999 at Cameraland:

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

TM6

Thats a great deal! I learned to hate Bushnell scopes after having an XRS when they first came but recently picked up a DMR2 illuminated and its pretty decent.

 

[Black max]

It was a deal I couldn't pass up or i wouldn't have bought it. Scope, Seekins rings and an Atlas CAL bipod for a grand.

 

[gopherslayer]

Hell of a scope with great glass, almost bought a 3-15 yesterday for a bit over $500 new...

I have a 3-15. Hard not to buy another one.

 

[koshkin]

Well, this is sort of an odd list.

The best low light scope in the group is P4Xi 4-16x56, but the magnification range is very different than the rest of them.

Brownells MPO might be the best rounded option of the bunch overall, but the 5-25x56 while very nice, is not quite as nice as the 3-18x50. If we were talking about the smaller versions, it would be the MPO 3-18x50 for 50mm scopes and PST Gen 2 3-15x44 for 42-44mm scopes.

I think Optika6 5-30x56 has the best reticle of the bunch (I know I am biased, but I designed this reticle because I like it), and it is very respectable optically.

Athlon ETR is very close to the Meopta in terms of image quality, but the reticle is thinner than I like. Both scopes track well and both benefit from a sunshade a fair bit. However, for my tastes, ETR reticle is too thin. I really prefer larger center dots.

With DMR, I has seen too much variability with DMR and DMR II. DMR Pro is better, but needs to be illuminated. Given the level of competition, I really insist on FFP scopes of this type having reticle illumination.

For me, depending on final use, the choice is between Optika 6, MPO and P4Xi.

ILya

 

[spife7980]

Sure it is, you must be looking in the wrong spot, $999 here:

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

And for $100 more, $1099 with Kestrel:

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

The DMRII PRO is more $$ and not offered with illumination but has the better ED (extra low dispersion) glass.


Regards,

TM6

It’s just not part of the sale for 100 bucks less than that like the h59 and nonilluminated models are.

 

[TM6]

I see your point!

Maybe Doug has an open box illuminated DMRII that he could offer for $899, might pay to call and ask? Otherwise, probably be best served with the MPO 3-18x50 as koshkin suggest at same price point of $999.


If you use coupon code "RTB" you can get the MPO for $909 shipped.

TM6

 

[wb00757]

Are you sure about that code? If you have an MPO in your cart it removes the ability to enter discount codes

 

[TM6]

yep!

The code works but you must enter your zip code before applying the discount code.

TM6

 

[wade2big]

I see your point!

Maybe Doug has an open box illuminated DMRII that he could offer for $899, might pay to call and ask? Otherwise, probably be best served with the MPO 3-18x50 as koshkin suggest at same price point of $999.


If you use coupon code "RTB" you can get the MPO for $909 shipped.

TM6

When I put it in my cart it says promo codes not applicable to MPO scopes

 

[TM6]

I don't know why it works for me and not others. I add scope to my cart, enter my zip in shipping destination box, and then manually enter "RTB" in promo code box and this is what I see. It accepts the code and subtracts 10%,($99.99). I have no plans to purchase the scope, just thought I'd pass along the code to others whom might be interested in it as it worked for me.

I did not click on the "RTB" code at top of Brownell's page, I manually typed it into the promo box and hit apply.

TM6

 

[wade2big]

I don't know why it works for me and not others. I add scope to my cart, enter my zip in shipping destination box, and then manually enter "RTB" in promo code box and this is what I see. It accepts the code and subtracts 10%,($99.99). I have no plans to purchase the scope, just thought I'd pass along the code to others whom might be interested in it as it worked for me.

I did not click on the "RTB" code at top of Brownell's page, I manually typed it into the promo box and hit apply.

TM6

View attachment 7234296

The discount code box doesn’t even show on mine when the scope is in the cart. I signed in and tried it. Same thing. Entered zip code. Same thing.

 

[spife7980]

This post got me thinking... @steve123 Would the Midas TAC 5-25 really be a better choice than the Ares ETR?
I was assuming the Ares ETR would reign supreme in the glass department and that the Midas TAC line had the same turret design as the ares ETR which would give the edge to the Ares overall...

 

[JCIII]

This post got me thinking... @steve123 Would the Midas TAC 5-25 really be a better choice than the Ares ETR?
I was assuming the Ares ETR would reign supreme in the glass department and that the Midas TAC line had the same turret design as the ares ETR which would give the edge to the Ares overall...

Having just bought a Midas Tac 6-24, as much as it’s a great value, and after looking at the 5-25, the Ares ETR is definitely the better scope and worth the double 6-24 price and well worth the $400 more than the 5-25 to me.

 

[padom]

This post got me thinking... @steve123 Would the Midas TAC 5-25 really be a better choice than the Ares ETR?
I was assuming the Ares ETR would reign supreme in the glass department and that the Midas TAC line had the same turret design as the ares ETR which would give the edge to the Ares overall...

No. The Midas TAC is a great scope for the money but the glass is not Ares ETR... I am highly impressed with both my Ares ETR glass. It's very very good.

 

[steve123]

This post got me thinking... @steve123 Would the Midas TAC 5-25 really be a better choice than the Ares ETR?
I was assuming the Ares ETR would reign supreme in the glass department and that the Midas TAC line had the same turret design as the ares ETR which would give the edge to the Ares overall...

I defer to JCIII and Padom on this one. Reason being it's too hard to tell the differences in glass inside the ShotShow, and the fact that I haven't owned either the ETR or the TAC HD.

But the turrets and the feel of the controls are super nice on both!

Man it's hard for me to consider buying $1500+ scopes anymore since I have no need currently. I have the S&B's on the nicer rifles and the mid to less expensive Athlon offerings on everything else.

I've been badgering the Athlon guys for more all .2 mil reticles in their lines, might have to let the TAC's go down the road now that the Gen2 Ares has turned out so good.

 

[acudaowner]

vote : non of the above

 

[Sanwizard]

Yeah I would have expected the MPO and Optika 6 to be flipped.... I'm putting in an order for an MPO on the 1st. Kept going back and forth with the Optika but the fact that it's from Brownells and @Shooter McGavin giving some good comparisons helped me make my decision. I feel like you are getting more for the money with these new scopes over options that are a few years old (not that those other options haven't rightfully earned their reputation).

The MPI has great glass and a cool reticle too. Really nice turrets also.

 

[BytorJr]

Well, this is sort of an odd list.

The best low light scope in the group is P4Xi 4-16x56, but the magnification range is very different than the rest of them.

Brownells MPO might be the best rounded option of the bunch overall, but the 5-25x56 while very nice, is not quite as nice as the 3-18x50. If we were talking about the smaller versions, it would be the MPO 3-18x50 for 50mm scopes and PST Gen 2 3-15x44 for 42-44mm scopes.

I think Optika6 5-30x56 has the best reticle of the bunch (I know I am biased, but I designed this reticle because I like it), and it is very respectable optically.

Athlon ETR is very close to the Meopta in terms of image quality, but the reticle is thinner than I like. Both scopes track well and both benefit from a sunshade a fair bit. However, for my tastes, ETR reticle is too thin. I really prefer larger center dots.

With DMR, I has seen too much variability with DMR and DMR II. DMR Pro is better, but needs to be illuminated. Given the level of competition, I really insist on FFP scopes of this type having reticle illumination.

For me, depending on final use, the choice is between Optika 6, MPO and P4Xi.

ILya

ILya,
How would you compare say the P4Xi 4-16x56 vs the MPO 3-18x50? Not so much low light, but the turrets, reticle, overall glass quality (CA, depth, color, FOV)? Thanks in advance. My only "mid-range" optics are the LRTSi and LRTS (3-12x). Thanks!!!

If I were buying today it'd be for something out to 800 meters or so.

 

[WIVigilance]

The DMR II is the only one on the list that I have experience with. I quickly sold mine. I didn’t know what chromatic aberration was until I bought that scope.

I would like an illuminated pro when they decide to make them.

Exactly what I did, I didn’t know what CA was either, sold it

 

[koshkin]

ILya,
How would you compare say the P4Xi 4-16x56 vs the MPO 3-18x50? Not so much low light, but the turrets, reticle, overall glass quality (CA, depth, color, FOV)? Thanks in advance. My only "mid-range" optics are the LRTSi and LRTS (3-12x). Thanks!!!

If I were buying today it'd be for something out to 800 meters or so.

That is a little bit of a tough call. Resolution wise, they are pretty close, but P4Xi has better contrast. Aside from the objective size, that is the thing that helps P4Xi in low light.
Both have good turrets. I think P4Xi click feel is a little more firm. I do like the covered windage turret of the MPO though.
Depth of field is a little better on the P4Xi, but MPO give you a little more flexibility with its greater magnification range and it is smaller.

They have very different reticles and MPO's N-OMR reticle has really grown on me, to be honest, and I like tree reticles anyway. That having been said, SCR reticle in the P4Xi is very good and has been around for quite some time. We know it works because there are thousand of people using it out there with good success. If you are primarily a dialer, SCR is a very nice design. N-OMR does have better visbility on low power.

P4Xi is a bigger scope. For a bolt gun, I'd probably lean toward the P4Xi. For an accurate semi-auto, I think MPO is a more flexible option and, honestly, I use the reticle for hold-offs more on semi-auto guns than on bolt guns.

ILya

 

[SageRatSafaris]

Just in case anyone is wondering, here's a list of all optics with 34mm tubes (source: optics database):

Arken Optics	4-16x50 FFP
Arken Optics	6-24x50 FFP
Athlon	Midas TAC 5-25x56 FFP
Athlon	Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56 FFP
Athlon	Ares ETR 4.5-30x56
Brownells	Match Precision 3-18x50
Brownells	Match Precision 5-25x56
Burris	XTR II 1-8x24
Burris	XTR II 2-10x42
Burris	XTR II 3-15x50
Burris	XTR III 3.3-18x50
Burris	XTR II 4-20x50
Burris	XTR II 5-25x50
Burris	XTR III 5.5-30x56
Burris	XTR II 8-40x50
Bushnell	SMRS 1-8.5x24
Bushnell	DMR II 3.5-21x50
Bushnell	DMR II Pro 3.5-21x50
Bushnell	XRS 4.5-30x50
Bushnell	XRS II 4.5-30x50
Cabelas	Covenant7 3-21x50 FFP
Cabelas	Covenant7 3-21x50 SFP
Cabelas	CX Pro HD 5-25x56
Cabelas	Covenant7 5-35x56 FFP
Cabelas	Covenant7 5-35x56 SFP
Crimson Trace	3-Series 1-8x28
Crimson Trace	5-Series 1-8x28
Crimson Trace	5-Series 3-18x50
Crimson Trace	2-Series 6-24x56
Crimson Trace	5-Series 3-24x56
Crimson Trace	3-Series 5-25x56
Delta Optical	Stryker HD 4.5-30x56
EOTech	Vudu 3.5-18x50
EOTech	Vudu 5-25x50
EOTech	Vudu 8-32x50
GPO	GPOTAC 1-8x24
Hensoldt	3-12x56
Hensoldt	4-16x56
Hensoldt	6-24x72
Hi-Lux	CMR8F 1-8x26
Hi-Lux	Uni-Dial 5-30x56
Hi-Lux	Phenom 5-30x56
Kahles	K318i 3-18x50
Kahles	K624i 6-24x56
Kahles	K525i 5-25x56
Leupold	Mark 6 1-6x20
Leupold	Mark 8 1.1-8x24
Leupold	Mark 6 3-18x44
Leupold	VX-5HD 4-20x52
Leupold	VX-5HD 7-35x56
Leupold	VX-6 7-42x56
March	5-40x56
March	5-50x56
March	10-60x56
March	8-80x56
Meopta	Optika6 5-30x56 FFP
Minox	ZP8 1-8x24
Minox	ZP5 3-15x50
Minox	ZP5 5-25x56
NightForce	ATACR 1-8x24 F1
NightForce	ATACR 4-16x50 F1
NightForce	ATACR 4-16x42 F1
NightForce	ATACR 4-16x50
NightForce	ATACR 5-25x56
NightForce	ATACR 5-25x56 F1
NightForce	BEAST 5-25x56
NightForce	ATACR 7-35x56 F1
NightForce	ATACR 7-35x56 F2
Noblex-Docter	vector 5-30x56 ED
Primary Arms	PLx8 1-8x24 FFP
Primary Arms	PLx5 6-30x56 FFP
Revic	PMR428 4.5-28x56
Riton	RT-S MOD7 1-8x28 IR-T
Riton	RT-S MOD7 1-8x28 IR-H
Riton	RT-S MOD7 5-25x56
Riton	RT-S MOD7 4-32x56
Schmidt Bender	1.5-8x26 PM II ShortDot
Schmidt Bender	2.5-10x50 Polar
Schmidt Bender	3-12x50 PM II
Schmidt Bender	3-12x54 Polar
Schmidt Bender	3-12x54 PM II Ultra Bright
Schmidt Bender	3-12x50 PM II P
Schmidt Bender	3-12x50 PM II LP
Schmidt Bender	4-16x56 Polar
Schmidt Bender	4-16x56 PM II Ultra Bright
Schmidt Bender	5-20x50 PM II Ultra Short
Schmidt Bender	3-20x50 PM II Ultra Short
Schmidt Bender	3-20x50 PM II LP MTC
Schmidt Bender	3-21x50 Exos
Schmidt Bender	5-25x56 PM II LP
Schmidt Bender	5-25x56 PM II LP MTC
Schmidt Bender	3-27x56 PM II High Power
Schmidt Bender	5-45x56 PM II High Power
Schmidt Bender	12.5-50x56 Field Target II
Schmidt Bender	12-50x56 PM II P
SIG Sauer	Tango6 3-18x44
SIG Sauer	Tango6 4-24x50
SIG Sauer	Tango6 5-30x56
SightMark	Pinnacle 3-18x44
Sightmark	Latitude 6.5-25x56 PRS
Sightmark	Latitude 6.5-25x56 F-Class
SightMark	Pinnacle 5-30x50
Sightmark	Latitude 8-32x60
Sightmark	Latitude 10-40x60
Sightron	SV 4.5-24x56
Sightron	SIII LR 10-50x60
Sightron	SV 10-50x60 ZS
Sightron	SV 10-50x60
Steiner	M8Xi 1-8x24
Steiner	T5Xi 3-15x50
Steiner	M5Xi 3-15x50
Steiner	P4Xi 4-16x56
Steiner	T5Xi 5-25x56
Steiner	M5Xi 5-25x56
Steiner	M7Xi 4-28x56
Tangent Theta	TT315P 3-15x50
Tangent Theta	TT525P 5-25x56
Trijicon	AccuPower 1-8x28
Trijicon	Credo 1-8x28
Trijicon	Credo HX 1-8x28
Trijicon	AccuPower 4.5-30x56
Trijicon	Tenmile 4.5-30x56
Trijicon	AccuPower 5-50x56
Trijicon	Tenmile 5-50x56
US Optics	SVS 1-6x24
US Optics	BFX10 10x42
US Optics	B-10 1.8-10x42
US Optics	TS-12X 3-12x42
US Optics	B-17 3.2-17x50
US Optics	TS-20X 2.5-20x50
US Optics	B-25 5-25x52
Vortex	Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24 FFP
Vortex	Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50 FFP
Vortex	Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56 FFP
Weaver	Tactical 1-7x24