Just out of curiosity. Outside of the 3-18x56 T6XI, why do you see so few scopes with a 56mm objective for a max mag under 24-25x, like in that 18-20x? I know NF has the NXS 5.5-22x56 but it's MOA and SFP only right now
56mm under 25x mag
- Thread starter PRSDietitian
- Start date
Ooh, lots of conjecture and speculation on this one. The most famous is likely the Hensoldt 4-16x56. Schmidt also has their ultra bright with 56mm objectives. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that most mfr’s think it’s too risky and believe there is not enough market for it. Hopefully the Steiner T6Xi 3-18x56 encourages other mfr’s to venture into the realm of sub $3k options as they make for great crossover designs, just need the proper reticle.
im so glad you commented. I just messaged you after reading your comparison on the 3-18x56, atacr, march and S&B
You might laugh, but I had an old Zeiss Conquest MC 3-12x56 30mm FFP (capped turrets, Z-Plex) that had some of the most impressive glass I've ever looked through, and I own NF, Kahles, Razor Gen3, etc... For a low-light and hunting scope that scope was absolutely incredible. The only reason I sold it was to my buddy's wife for her new hunting rifle, because she was using some old POS bushnell, and I was upgrading all my scopes to scopes with exposed elevation turrets for dialing.
This one is identical to it... Retail back then was like $1,500-$1,600, and they still sell for typically around $1,000+ used.
Here's a few other excellent options...
This one is identical to it... Retail back then was like $1,500-$1,600, and they still sell for typically around $1,000+ used.
Zeiss Conquest 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope ~Mint~ 1st Focal | eBay
Marked Carl Zeiss Conquest 3-12x56 MC. It is matte black finish with a No. 20 (duplex) reticle. The main tube is 30mm. This is a first focal scope. Scope only. Zeiss 3-12X56 Conquest 30mm Rifle Scope.
www.ebay.com
Here's a few other excellent options...
ZEISS Scope Conquest V4 3-12x56 #60 Illuminated Reticle External Turret | eBay
ZEISS Conquest V4 3-12x56. ZEISS Conquest V4 Riflescopes. ZEISS Scope. Illuminated Reticle. Plex #60 Reticle. ACTION CONCEPTS is a ZEISS Optics Authorized Dealer. An exceptional riflescope for hunting in low-light and capable of taking manageable mid- to long-range shots.
www.ebay.com
Zeiss Diavari Z 3-12x56 MC Rifle Scope Germany | eBay
Marked Diavari-Z 3-12x56. It is a matte finish with a heavy duplex reticle that grows in size with power increase (1st focal). The main tube is 30mm". It is used but in excellent condition. Scope only.
www.ebay.com
Keep in mind that for many manufacturers they are looking for the quickest and highest return on investment (ROI). This typically means building a scope meant for the successful sporting competitions like PRS and NRL and most of these start with the 5-25 design and now moving into 6-36 and higher designs. Keep in mind that due to the nature of these sports, anything above 20x really doesn't play much of a factor due to FOV and long range mirage (rimfire distances excluded) - dynamic shooting sports are a balance of multiple attributes and it just so happens that the 5-25/6-36/7-35 designs have a Goldilocks zone or sweet spot right in that 12-18x range where most competitions shooters sit especially for longer range. It is a misguided notion (but common in the community) that to shoot farther, you want more magnification - unless you're shooting benchrest/f-class where tiny little groups win the day, you actually want less magnification in ELR type sports to tame the mirage target dance and offer greater FOV for picking up multiple targets spread all over the landscape.
I digress, so back to < 25x 56mm objective scopes. When mfr's think of 3-12, 3-15, 3-18, 3-20, 4-20 et al they typically do not think competition, they think of a unique niche in the market when it comes to FFP scopes. The hunting community is a massive cash cow for sport optics but unfortunately most in the hunting community have never been properly educated on FFP vs SFP to they tend to stick with what they know, but for some - they have seen the light and "crossed over" into the benefits of the FFP world. So because this range of magnification tends to not be considered for competition (gas guns excluded) and 56mm objectives tend to be thought of as hunting glass (for low light) and most hunters prefer SFP, the market general gets ignored. However, as more and more hunters cross over, the market is increasing and therefore the demand for better mid range 56mm options in the FFP optics category. But there's another beneficial side effect from 56mm objective, most designs lend to a very forgiving eyebox (which can be see in the T6Xi 3-18x56 and the other higher end options) which is very beneficial for dynamic shooting sports including gas guns. The downside of the 56mm is the weight, these scopes generally weight more than their 50mm and 42mm cousins and most crossover shooters (and gas gun shooters) are looking to shave weight either to meet a specific weight requirement (like NRL Hunter's lighter weight category) or for their own personal preference. Once again this presents a conundrum to the mfr and causes them to not even want to venture into that realm.
The good news is that Steiner did make the T6Xi 3-18x56 and other manufacturers will take notice if this appears to be a highly sought after option and maybe we'll see more options from more manufacturers over the coming years
