I debated whether or not to upload the pictures of 100, 900, and 1000 yard targets due to people misinterpreting them and thinking that is what it actually looks like through the K525. I ultimately decided that I would filter through the 50+ pictures and post what most represented what
I saw CA and IQ wise. I think after what
@wjm308 and
@koshkin said that getting an actual representation of glass IQ by picture is next to impossible due to all the factors and that the only way is to get behind the glass. Therefore, we can all agree that my methods were less than ideal; freehand with an iphone6s.
100 yards x12, x15, x18, x25 power
Out of all the 100 yard pictures with the Snipers Hide Online Training Dot Drill target I did not have one which actually represented what I saw with my eye. I believe this was due to being off centered with the camera. I'll just leave it at that.
900 yards, x25 power, parallax between 800-1000
As previously stated the IQ is not accurately represented as the reticle is in focus and the image behind out of focus. I had no problems seeing the red spray paint drip-age on the targets, I had no problem seeing blades of grass, I had no problem seeing a yellow butterfly move across the sight picture while I was attempting to take a picture, I had no problem seeing who did a good job spray painting the targets vs poor job lol. It was a fairly overcast day but the image is still extremely bright. The CA is indicative of what I saw with my naked eyes. Between 4-4.2mils left at the bottom of the 66% target CA is apparent. Also at 5.2-5.4mils right on the right side of the Plate CA is apparent. You might say you see some CA on the middle target at the bottom, I go back and forth as to whether I see it in the picture, but I most certainly did not see it through the scope. This represents what "I" see the majority of the time with the K525. CA is apparent on the outer edges with proper eye placement.
View attachment 6955199
1000 yards, x25 power, parallax between 800-1000
As previously stated the IQ is not accurately represented as the reticle is in focus and the image behind out of focus, but I think this image better depicts the IQ, but still doesn't do the K525 justice. I had no problems seeing the impacts on the 12" plate between 4.7-5mils right. I had no problem seeing the tread on the tires, spray paint cans, weeds, debris, spray paint run, etc at 1000 yards. CA is apparent in reality around 6.2L, 3.8L, 2.4L. There looks to be some CA in the picture on the fullsize target's shoulders from 0.2-0.6L, I honestly did not see this through the scope and believe this to be a figment of the background. The target at 7R also displayed CA
View attachment 6955209
1000 yards, x25 power, parallax between 800-1000
Same comments as above regarding IQ. The right side of the image is dark due to me doing this offhand with a phone, but I think this picture best represents the CA I see when looking through the scope. Nothing for 3mils left or right. As long as you are centered up CA is not present. CA is apparent at 3.2mils (slight) and 6.8mils.
View attachment 6955210
Overall, I am impressed with the K525 and it is only limited by my shooting skills. I have not argued that it is better than the TT, Henny, or PM2 glass. I argue it is a better package due to its features: turret feel, SKMR3, LSW, Ambi Parallax, compact, and weight. I just wanted to put everyone at ease that is in the process or considering purchasing a K525, that you will in fact not be disappointed. I spent my hard earned money on this and looking at the listings in the PX it will hold its value.