In a few weeks, I’m starting a large field test for popular tactical scopes in the $1,500+ price range (plan to test $500-1,500 scopes later this year). Like my
rangefinder field test, I plan to have a very objective, data-driven approach using a series of empirical tests that focus on:
- Optical Quality (resolution/clarity, contrast, brightness, etc)
- Mechanical Precision & Repeatability (tracking, return to zero, internal adjustments etc)
Here are the 17 scopes I'm planning to include in the $1500+ price range field test:
- Bushnell Elite Tactical 3.5-21x50
- Bushnell Elite Tactical 4.5-30x50
- Hensoldt ZF 3.5-26x56
- Kahles K 6-24x56
- Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44
- Leupold Mark 8 3.5-25x56
- March 3-24x52 FFP
- Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x50
- Nightforce 5-25x56 ATACR
- Nightforce BEAST 5-25x56
- Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25x56
- Schmidt & Bender PMII 3-27x56
- Steiner Military 5-25x56
- US Optics ER25 5-25x58
- Valdada IOR 3.5-18x50
- Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50
- Zeiss Victory FL Diavari 6–24x56
But before I start testing, I thought it’d be fun to see what the general opinion of the shooting community was on these scopes. Since this is one of my favorite long-range forums, I was hoping to see if you guys would help me out.
I created a poll with just 2 questions:
- Overall Performance: Which scope will perform the best overall in the field tests, regardless of price?
- Value: Which scope will provide great performance in the field test (i.e. end up in the top 50%) for the lowest price?
If you'd like to cast your vote, please visit:
CAST YOUR VOTE: What is the best tactical scope? | PrecisionRifleBlog.com. Thanks for your help!