Rifle Scopes Looking for more magnification.

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hunter8793

AEKDB
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Apr 18, 2018
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Arkansas
#1
I currently have a Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 5-25x.

It is on a Bergara HMR 6.5 Creedmoor
It will be used for hunting and target shooting.

What scopes should I be looking at?

My eyes suck so I need more magnification. I’m thinking at least 30x.



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#6
Athlon Cronus is 4.5-29 and can be had new for under $2K and have some really good deals used. Nightforce NXS 8-32 goes for just over $2K. I personally own the Cronus and I love it. I haven't read many complaints about anything Nightforce makes. Two solid options I can come up with off the top of my head. The other guys here will come up with more I'm sure.
 
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#7
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#11
hunter8793 said:
Yes..
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And what did they do for you?

I have significant myopia, some presbyopia (I'm over 50), and astigmatism. Other than the presbyopia, which happens eventually to everyone after the mid 40s, I've been dealing with significant vision issues since the teens.

I'm not new to this and I seriously doubt that a simple increase in magnification is going to improve or correct defects in your vision. You'll just see a larger, defective image.
 
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#12
I know they get no love here but my IOR is by far the most clear clear scope I have ever owned both in low light and compared with scopes of equal value. Maybe I need to try a gen II razor or ATACR and see were they compare to the IOR 3-18.
 
#15
hunter8793 said:
Contacts. Mid 20s. Eyes are healthy. I have astigmatism.
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You and I are very much alike, eyehealth wise. I think the pirate is on to something for sure. The fact that your vision is not perfect does not necessarily mean you need more magnification. In general, the really high mag scopes tend to fuzz out a bit once the power is cranked up all the way. Of course, with super high end optics, you won't notice this as much. I have pretty sucky vision too and use seeing eyeglasses or contacts. I much prefer a very good quality glass with magnification that may only go up to 20 than I do mediocre glass with super high magnification powers. Of course, it is your money and the decision is still yours. Just thought I'd kinda give my opinion!
 
#19
Guys I can see. It isn’t blurry or anything. Can I get a scope with 30x that is a step above my current scope... in terms of quality without spending too much. Or am I at the point of deminishing returns?

Thanks.
 
#21
hunter8793 said:
Guys I can see. It isn’t blurry or anything. Can I get a scope with 30x that is a step above my current scope... in terms of quality without spending too much. Or am I at the point of deminishing returns?

Thanks.
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What are you shooting at? Honestly I doubt you will see much difference between 25x and 30x. I am 52 and have worn glasses since I was 20 and have an astigmatism in my shooting eye and no issues shooting matches with optics under 25x. Just trying to figure what it is exactly that is wrong with your current optic mag range?
 
#22
im with rob on this one. i have a prescription in the range of -11 in each eye. i can judge deer with my s&b 25x well out to about 800 yds or so. with good light farther but most deer tend to come out in lower light. that said most shots i take are around 8-10 power so i have better fov post-shot (and no i dont shoot at deer at those ranges). in comps at distance i cant imagine it being a whole lot different but im not a big comp guy.

if you are trying to pick up hits from 100 - ? depending on your eyes the 30x might help, but it’ll depend on glass quLity farther out you go. unless you wanna switch for what may be clearer glass i dont think the 30x will do much more than the 25x. keep the money and spend it on ammo or other stuff.
 
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#23
Agree with other posters that glass quality is typically more important than magnification.

But if you want more magnification in a similar price bracket a Sightron SIII 8-32 or 10-50 is going to be your best bet.
 
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#26
hunter8793 said:
Guys I can see. It isn’t blurry or anything. Can I get a scope with 30x that is a step above my current scope... in terms of quality without spending too much. Or am I at the point of deminishing returns?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

For 2k. Yes, you can get a bunch of stuff that would be a step up from the PSTII, but only a few of them go to 30x.
 
#27
Well I will take y’alls advice and not look for more magnification. I’ve still got the itch to upgrade. I’ve been looking at the Steiner T5xi and M5xi. I found the T5xi 5-25 for $1439 which seems like a killer deal compared to other prices. I doubt the M5xi would be worth the extra $1000 for my uses.

Should I jump on this deal? Would it be a nice upgrade from my current scope?

Or should I go a different route?

Thanks guys.
 
#28
Go a different route. A used T5 will sell for 1100 or less in the PX, and while it’s a step up, I think you should go higher up the scope food chain.
 
#31
hunter8793 said:
Thanks. What are you thinking?
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There are a lot of people posting in this thread with more experience and knowledge than I have, and a ton of fantastic options have been posted. Razor GII, Athalon, XRS II, etc.

That said, for a hunting scope and a 2k budget I’d personally be shopping for a Vortex AMG, they can be had for 2200 new and less used.

If you go new, talk to a ‘hide vender before you buy. Used, check the PX.
 
#34
Was going to say i don't think Magnification is the issue you might just want better glass. Bushnell has a $200 rebate going on with the elite tactical scopes right now. That puts the DMR II pro at $1500 after rebate possibly less if you make a phone call. That's LOW glass with quality like the ATACR and Gen II razor.
 
#36
5RWill said:
Was going to say i don't think Magnification is the issue you might just want better glass. Bushnell has a $200 rebate going on with the elite tactical scopes right now. That puts the DMR II pro at $1500 after rebate possibly less if you make a phone call. That's LOW glass with quality like the ATACR and Gen II razor.
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I've always known the dmr II was really up there. Just never knew it was comparable to ATACR or gen II razor in the glass department. I also thought these scopes suffered from a lot of CA. If a week ago I had read this comment, I would have purchased one through liberty optics discounts plus the rebate. I ended up going with a tango6 4-24 lol!
 
#37
stello1001 said:
I've always known the dmr II was really up there. Just never knew it was comparable to ATACR or gen II razor in the glass department. I also thought these scopes suffered from a lot of CA. If a week ago I had read this comment, I would have purchased one through liberty optics discounts plus the rebate. I ended up going with a tango6 4-24 lol!
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DMR II pro not the DMR II. Little distinction in a bit of a confusing naming scheme. DMR II pro retails at $1715 Two different scopes. DMR II pro and XRS II have ED prime glass from LOW are up there with the ATACR/Gen II Razor.
 
#38
5RWill said:
DMR II pro not the DMR II. Little distinction in a bit of a confusing naming scheme. DMR II pro retails at $1715 Two different scopes. DMR II pro and XRS II have ED prime glass from LOW are up there with the ATACR/Gen II Razor.
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Haha, thanks for the clarification. Now I don't feel as bad on ordering a tango 6!
 
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#39
That scope is a great combination for both because of the low range option. I really like the Cronus, but as others have said, you won’t see much difference from 25-30 on the high end. If you are looking to stay with FFP, there are not many high mag scopes. I do have a SB 10-50 in the classifieds, but it is just over your price range.

More options are available in SFP. The NightForce BR in 12-42 is a good inexpensive option. I have used the Vortex Golden Eagle and loved it in 15-60. The magnification does make a great difference in seeing tiny stuff and seeing stuff a long way off. The problem here is the higher lower end and are better for target than they are for hunting.

Most options aren’t good for both hunting and target when you won’t High magnification.
 
#40
Dirty8404 said:
That said, for a hunting scope and a 2k budget I’d personally be shopping for a Vortex AMG, they can be had for 2200 new and less used.

If you go new, talk to a ‘hide vender before you buy. Used, check the PX.
Click to expand...

That would be a great choice. Lighter weight and good power range with a great reticle and glass.
 
#41
hunter8793 said:
Well I will take y’alls advice and not look for more magnification. I’ve still got the itch to upgrade. I’ve been looking at the Steiner T5xi and M5xi. I found the T5xi 5-25 for $1439 which seems like a killer deal compared to other prices. I doubt the M5xi would be worth the extra $1000 for my uses.

Should I jump on this deal? Would it be a nice upgrade from my current scope?

Or should I go a different route?

Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

There is an M5XI in the BST for $1700. Nothing in that price range will beat that.
 
#42
Well shoot. I just got my T5xi in from Optics Planet today. They have a free ring promo going on now too... so that is a plus.

I might get a M5 or M7 to put on my .338 Lapua whenever I get one lol.

I traded my Vortex for a Trijicon 1-8x to use on some of my other rifles.

Thanks for all the info guys. Hopefully this T5Xi is a nice upgrade.
 
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