Rifle Scopes Nikon Monarch 3-12x42SF vs Leupold optics

[JelloStorm]

I'm building a new Pennsylvania Whitetail slayer in .308 and I'm looking at the Nikon Monarch 3-12x42SF scope.

What I like about it:

3-12 power vs. the standard 3-9x.
Good light transmission for the price (95%)
Great eye relief
Nikon scopes seem just as rugged as older Leupolds


However, how big is the eye piece that you look through (forgive my ignorance in terms here)?

Can anyone provide me a through-the-scope picture of a Monarch 3-12SF? I'd like to see the duplex reticle on it.

On the other hand, I can get a Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40, so I lose a bit of low end and lose some top end magnification vs. the Nikon and it's a few more bucks.

With that said, I have an old (16+ years older) Leupold VX2 3-9x40 and I really like how the thinner part of the duplex reticle is a bit smaller vs. my Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40.

I've hunted with the Leupold for years on my Remmy 30-06 without a single issue so that is a testament to OLDER Leupold, but I hear a lot of iffy things on new Leupold.

What is the Nikon warranty? I'm not sure if lower-end Leupolds carry a lifetime warranty anymore but I seem to just get better bang for my very few dollars with Nikon.

Monarch 3-12x42SF = $419.00
OR
Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40 = $499.00


I'm interested to hear what you guys have to say!

 

[Billyboy]

Re: Nikon Monarch 3-12x42SF vs Leupold optics

I have the nikon on a hunting rifle and really like it. It is as good or better than my 3-9x50 VX2 and 4.5-14x40 LR VX3. I don't have any pics or measurements handy. Hard to beat for the money! The Nikoplex reticle is really nice to my eyes. The fine part of the crosshair is nice for precise aiming at the range yet the heavier section is good enough for low light conditions.

 

[snipedogg]

Re: Nikon Monarch 3-12x42SF vs Leupold optics

I've got a Monarch and an older Mark 4. I'll tell you that the glass quality on the Nikon is pretty good next to the Leupold considering it costs %60 less. I've been using the Nikon for quite a while and it's been great and I've never had any problems with it. I think you'll be happy with either of these scopes but the Nikon might be better since your going to get more magnification range with it. Also, the Monarchs come with 3 different types of turrets so you can make the scope fit your desired needs. You can put the target turrets on for range use then switch them out with the short Hunting ones when it's time to hunt.