Rifle Scopes Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

[Hakshot]

Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce

Is Schmidt & Bender really worth the extra $$$?

I do really get a piece of glass that is that much better?

I was looking at a Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM II/LP/MTC/LT With P4 Fine Reticle and was shocked at the $3700 price tag. Thoughts

 

[Josh Elam]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I owned a night force and was happy with it until a got time behind a friends Schmidt. I sold my night force and own a s&b now. The downside is I need 2 more scopes right now and it's hard to swallow 7k fr 2 more but I don't want anything else. I am interested in a us optics but at that point it's not to much more for the s&b I know I love. If you go with a night force you will love it just don't ever look through a Schmidt.

 

[jbailey]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I will say that the for sale section on this website is great. I have never paid retail price for any scope - and I own 4 high-end scopes - because of this website. I have literally saved thousands of $'s w/o any downside. I guess every once and a while, a lemon is sold here, but the warranties are so good on these high-end scopes, that those lemons can be turned back into gold.

I would also say take a look at the 5-25 Premier's. You can get them used at a very nice discount to the Schmidts while they are clearly in the same league.

On answering the S.u.B. vs NF question, value is in the eye of the beholder, literally in the eye. To me, NF glass is under Leupold's, so a NF isn't something I'm interested in. But everyone's eyeballs are different.

Also, if you want FFP, NF isn't going to help you much, if you are looking for 20+x magnificant. You need to look at USO, Premier, S.u.B., IOR, March, Leupold, Steiner, plus some others...

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hakshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Thoughts </div></div>

From your post on Aimpont vs. Eotech:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hakshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My advice, Try to get your eyes behind both, with live fire. </div></div>

Great advice...also works for S&B and NF!!

This is also a useful facility:

http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=010955838166721108978:qcbx5qqy10o&hl=en

 

[Outdoorsman9]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

The real question is, would it be worth it to you to jump up to the S&B? Look for for the features you want and not at the brand name. Unless it says Counter Sniper. Then you turn and run.

 

[ziggy88]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

Try both of them at the range if that is an option. Nightforce definately has a loyal following and a reputation for reliability. To my novice eye, the glass is similar to Leupold. Or Save $600 over the S&B PMII and take a close look at the Kahles 624i. Highend glass is just getting crazy expensive ! Good luck on your purchase.

 

[Ring]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

we had a razor and S&B at the range... while i coud see somethings better, it wasn't 1800$ better....

 

[CanPopper]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

You should look at the Bushnell HDMR and SWFA 5-20 if the S&B gives you sticker shock. Though the above two is not as good as the S&B, they are better than the Nightforce and gives you FFP to boot. The S&B is also 2x + the above but nowhere near 2x better.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

Glass and optics is a very subjective subject, as is the "is it worth it" statements. When I started shooting I opted to purchase a Leupold not knowing anything about mils vs MOA, FFP vs SFP, or the difference in glass quality. As my interest grew it was time to try Nightforce, then USO, then S&B and so on. Years later, money got tight and I couldn't afford high end optics any longer so I decided to swallow my pride and purchase a Falcon Menace 4-14 mil/mil scope and put it on my high dollar rifle, I did just as well with it. This is not to say the glass on the Falcon was just as good as the high dollar scopes or the turrets track as well, not at all the case. Fast forward to today, I use Premier and S&B, I justified the purchase because I love the sport and like to shoot matches, I justified the cost.

It really comes down to the fact that no one can answer your question better than you. If your a DIY mechanic that works on things every 6 months you probably couldn't justify filling your tool box with Snap-On tools, maybe you could, if mechanic is your full time job or hobby you could most likely justify the cost or have a better understanding why you need the best.

Kirk R

 

[swage]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I owned a NF F1 and now own a S&B 5x25 H2CMR. In my opinion it is better and worth the extra cost. I paid much less than $3,700 new for it. There are many vendors here who will be able to give you a much better price than $3,700 if you look around.

 

[Rob01]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

If you get the S&B drop the MTC and LT and get the standard dual turn knobs on the 5-25. It will save you money and I like them better. I think you will as well.

Had a couple NF F1s and they are a good scope but I don't like the power range and the more complex zero stop set up. Glass was decent and they have better reticles now.

Have had a bunch of S&B scopes over the past 6 years and have 3 5-25s and one 3-20 now. The 5-25 is the perfect scope in my opinion. Loaded with features and great glass. You won't go wrong with it.

 

[jbell]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hakshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Is Schmidt & Bender really worth the extra $$$?</div></div>

To me, yes it really is. NF is a GREAT scope no dobut, as is Hensoldt, Zeiss Divari/Victory, & even the Razor but none of them can keep up with the PMII in the optics department. As far as mechanics all I mentioned are (or can be) 100% but the difference comes in when you are in bad weather/air, or long range.

Case in point last Sunday I was shooting some rimfire @ 50yds and 100yds. On one rifle I had a 5-25X56 PMII and on the other I had a Zeiss Divari/Victory 6-24X56 both pretty compairable scopes. They were both adjusted for my eyes and clean. It was about 30f and VERY foggy max vizability was around 200-225 yards and the sun was nowhere to be found (this is what I mean by bad air). I was able to see my targets @ 100yds with the Zeiss but not very well (it looked kinda dim and foggy). However when I went to the PMII I was shocked to see the image was brighter and much more defined. I verified both scopes were on the same power and I even verified both scopes were clean. I then started playing with the magnification and it was crazy how much better the PMII was with all things equal. Now the Zeiss is no slouch as far as optics goes but the Bender was better.

I have had this same experience with my Razor and the PMII but this time in pretty good air but at 800yds to 1000yds. I was able to see the target well enough to hit is with the Razor but I was able to see fine detail with the PMII. Again all was equal and the Bender was noticably better optically.

This hasnt been with just a small sample rate eighter. Between me and my shooting partner we have had a few of each scope mentioned and we both agree every time the Bender is the best scope optically.

So you ask is it worth that much difference in money. Well to me it is because I am kinda of a picky bitch. Think of it like this if you can build a hot rod 383ci small block Chevy to make 500hp for $6000, but to get an extra 100hp (1/5 more hp) you will have to spend $2000 more (1/3 more $). Well thats not very proportional but once you get so good for a certian ammount of money it cost much more to get any better from there.

 

[JByrd]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

Yes

 

[JSF]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I am going to go the opposite way and say no. I have both and have used them in all weather conditions and time of the day. The glass in the NF has never prevented me from making the shot. I think the glass argument is silly when you are comparing scopes in this category. You need to be comparing features. I like the illumination adjustment better in the S&B. To me the magnification adjustment is better in the NF.

The reason I have the S&B is because NF does not make a 5-25 f1. I don't think the features justify the cost difference. I also like the turrets a little better on the S&B. Glass is subjective subject. i think my NF has better resolution than my S&B, but the S&B is a little more vivid. To me the Hensoldt has the best glass in the business. Just by reading this thread you can tell people see things differently.

To Jbell S&B is the best optically and I think Hensoldt is far and away better from what I have seen. Neither of us are wrong, we just see things differently. You need to look at the specs and the reticles offered more than who has the best glass. I can guaranty you none of these scopes glass will prevent you from being able to make the shot.

 

[lanwickum]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

S&B, premier, US optics, nighforce. I went with higher end scopes for a few major reasons. Double turn, lots of elevation, zero stop, FFP, mil/mil, good parralaxe adjustment, how the knobs feel, more tactile clicks, MTC as S&B calls it. Not sure if I missed anything here. Sound like an S&B or premier? Those are what I use now. IMO, they all have good optics.

 

[PSYOPS]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The reason I have the S&B is because NF does not make a 5-25 f1. </div></div>

This ^

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PSYOPS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The reason I have the S&B is because NF does not make a 5-25 f1. </div></div>

This ^</div></div>

Until Shot, then,

34mm - 5-25x F1 drops...

 

[Mendy300wm]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I own a NF 3.5-15x50 none HS/ZS.... love that scope it's what I learned how to shoot long range on cause a buddy recommended it, I use it for long range hunting and target shooting its been an awesome scope, taken some blows, wet, cold, dirty you name it its always worked perfect.

I recently was in the market for a new scope with no budget to go on a AIAW 300wm... at the end of the day I went with the Kahles K624i and I would take the Pepsi challenge with a S&B any day of the week, the glass is ridiculous.

Now given the choice between a NF and a S&B... I'd go S&B but I would take a long hard look at Kahles, save some money and get just as good if not better glass.

 

[Radar360]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I seriously considered S&B when I decided on NF. But looking through it and the NF, I don't regret going with NF. I haven't moved up to S&B and I don't think I will any time soon. I'm happy with the reliability of NF. So for me NF got my vote($).

 

[JSF]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PSYOPS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The reason I have the S&B is because NF does not make a 5-25 f1. </div></div>

This ^</div></div>

Until Shot, then,

34mm - 5-25x F1 drops... </div></div>

That is great news. Any idea on length and weight comparison to the S&B 5-25?

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

The one I saw was 2" shorter than the S&B.

 

[Mendy300wm]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

Damn you Frank!!!!

 

[JSF]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The one I saw was 2" shorter than the S&B. </div></div>

That sounds good. It should be more night vision friendly compared to most of the scopes in this mag range.I hope they become available in a decent time frame. I really enjoy their scopes and think they are far and away the best bang for the buck in the high end category. Hope they can keep the price point a little lower than the S&B.

 

[mavrickarcher]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

Use the back button if you don't like the question. I will bet every question has been asked. Most are just trying to learn!

 

[NaHa]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hakshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce

Is Schmidt & Bender really worth the extra $$$?

I do really get a piece of glass that is that much better?

I was looking at a Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM II/LP/MTC/LT With P4 Fine Reticle and was shocked at the $3700 price tag. Thoughts </div></div>

You're new at this. That's what I'm thinkin...

The least important feature is the glass quality IMO. Sure, in low light or longest range, the image quality can be critical. But a scope is primarily a mechanical sight, so it HAS to be reliable, repeatable, and durable. A Leupold VX3 will serve well enough. A Nightforce for sure. If you want bragging rights, then mebbe the S&B is worth the extra coin. It all depends on what you want it to do. I know a guy who drives a Porsche Cayenne instead of a Chevy Equinox (or whatever). By his own admission, he's never driven the Porsche offroad, or in bad weather, nor exceeded 80 miles an hour. It cost him more than double the Chevy. But he loves the damn thing.

I've tried all the glass from all over the world. Otherwise, I wouldn't know. But paying retail new price is painful, so I try to get something like new but at a reduced cost. Then, if it ain't for me, it's on the trade block without too much of a loss.

Lastly, in this era of fiscal insanity, don't buy what you can't afford. Don't let some friggin' blowhard dipshit spend your money or guilt you into "buy the best and cry once". Screw that unless you're well off. Pay cash and never owe more than what you can sell something for in a pinch if you don't pay cash up front. Sure, it's sweet to have a bling scope on a bling rifle. And it's sweeter to be the guy with the run-of-the-mill gear who beats the blingers at comps, because you were better that day or have your shit more together.

 

[fw707]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PSYOPS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The reason I have the S&B is because NF does not make a 5-25 f1. </div></div>

This ^</div></div>

Until Shot, then,

34mm - 5-25x F1 drops... </div></div>

Yeah, right.

They waited too long for some of us.

 

[hk dave]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I'm still waiting... but if it goes over $3K I don't know that I'll be interested.

I really hope they come out with two versions of the big glass FFP Nightforce... one with the optical level of their current lineup at a cheaper price... and one with the super duper optical quality at a higher price.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

what's a nightforce?? just kidding one is very good the other great, your wallet will tell which one is better for you.

 

[samnev]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I tried very hard to justify a S&B before I bought my AIAW. Spent a lot of time behind my friends S&B comparing it to my Nightforce NXS 8-32X56 on my TRG 22. I just could not see that much of a difference between the 2 to justify the extra $$$ for the S&B. I ended up buying another Nightforce NXS 8-32X56 with a MOAR reticle, HST and ZS.

 

[crawdad1]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

It's all in what features you like best. You will not be disappointed either way you choose.

 

[BillyGoatMachine]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PSYOPS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The reason I have the S&B is because NF does not make a 5-25 f1. </div></div>

This ^</div></div>

Until Shot, then,

34mm - 5-25x F1 drops... </div></div>

Would this be the "Beast", or just an upgraded NSX?

 

[bob7-08]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

If you were in Europe i would tell you to choose the Schmidt bender considering i order a 3-20 for 2650 euro and a nightforce F1 would have cost me 2200 euros;
As you are in the US i would choose a High end US scope like NF or US optic,
In my opinion schmidt bender is Far better than NF but not 1500 dollar better..

 

[Mute]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

Get behind the scopes and try to put some meaningful range time down with them. I've used quite a few different scopes in my time and after all is said and done, S&B does offer the closest thing to the features I prefer without compromising too much in any particular area.

You're going to find that every scope has their strengths and weaknesses. The trick is to find the one that has the most check marks in the plus column at a price that you find acceptable. All this is to say, yes, I do believe that S&B is worth the extra cost.

 

[Graham]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hakshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is Schmidt & Bender really worth the extra $$$?</div></div>In the past, yes. Not anymore.

 

[Gray]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm still waiting... but if it goes over $3K I don't know that I'll be interested.

</div></div>

I'm pretty sure it will be in the 3K+ price range, at that point I would always get the S&B. If they cranked them out at $2500-$2700, I think they would not be able to keep them in stock.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

My advice is just buy the NF and dont ever look at a scope like the S&B 5-25. And i am saying that with honesty. I had 4 NF scopes all 5-22x on four different rifles and was perfectly happy with them. I had no complaints except the FFP part. Then one day i got the great idea to get behind of another shooters rifle that was sporting the S&B 5-25x. I still regret that day.

In the last 3 months i have sold all my NFs and replaced them all with S&B 5-25x lol. Man i still regret that day. Sometimes ignorance is really bliss.

 

[maggitas]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

O.K. here is my .02 cents,

Having owned both hands down the S&B is without peer. It has the best of all worlds FFP, reticles offered(illuminated, turrets, low light capability, features, durability, and cripness. If you want the best IMHO S&B is it. It does however come at a high cost.

The Nightforce by comparison offers the best bang for the buck. the optics are 90% as good as the S&B the reticles offered are very good(illumination), the scopes track perfectlly, built like tanks and great features. I really like their scopes. The 30 mm tube is a bit limiting, but overall very nice glass.

In closing her was my thought process. I owned 2 S&B scopes and in all honesty was not shooting enough to justify having that much money tied up in glass. With the excess funds I was able to buy 2 NF scopes, a complete reloading kit, and a suppressor for my rifle. Like someone above said it has made no difference in my shooting groups.

 

[hk dave]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Special Delivery</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm still waiting... but if it goes over $3K I don't know that I'll be interested.

</div></div>

I'm pretty sure it will be in the 3K+ price range, at that point I would always get the S&B. If they cranked them out at $2500-$2700, I think they would not be able to keep them in stock.</div></div>

But isn't that how they operate now? Best bang for the buck value... can't keep em on the shelves. I really hope it continues to be that way.

Course Nightforce could be changing their business model to take on S&B... who knows.

 

[mdavlee]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I've looked through NF, S&B, and Kahles and the Kahles was the most impressive glass and had no tunneling like the S&B. I didn't get to shoot with them but look through all 3 at the same time at sport optics. I would save the money and buy Kahles when I'm ready to spend $3k on a scope.

 

[jolofree]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NaHa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce

"it's sweeter to be the guy with the run-of-the-mill gear who beats the blingers at comps, because you were better that day or have your shit more together." </div></div>



+1

 

[turbo54]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I liked my Bender 5-25. I don't subscribe to "S&B never screws up" mantra. Mine had tracking issues and had to go in to be fixed.

I prefer my PRH 5-25. I think the glass is better, the zero reset is superior, it doesn't have the clunky illumination knob on the side and what can I say...I just like it better.

I've had a number of NF's, and still have one. My opinion is their glass is hit or miss. Only 1 of the dozen I've looked through had what I'd call "good" glass. I don't argue for a moment NF's durability. I also know they are not designed, marketed or priced as if they had "amazing" glass. It is entirely adequate. Their major shortcoming as far as I'm concerned is lack of a ~20+ power FFP, which is obviously changing soon. I hope they offer a model that is just the existing 5.5-22 switched to FFP, or else I fear they'll be priced out of reach of many shooters.

I *don't* think S&B/PR/etc/etc is worth the money. There are too many scopes on the market now that are awfully good for $1000-$2000 to say that an extra $1000-$2000 MORE makes them "worth" it. Is the Bender better than a NF? Yes! Is it $1700 better? I don't think so.

I'm pretty sure if you were to replace the scopes of the top-finishers of any major match with an SWFA SS or similar, they'd still be a top finisher.

 

[SuckitTrebek]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

For the value per dollar I find it hard to beat Nightforce. 3.5-15 FFP F1 army spec mil-dot

If you can't get it done with that glass you probably just can't get it done period.


I've owned U.S. optics also. And couldn't see where the additional money was going. sold it.

Never had a schmidt and bender. But I'm dropping 3k plus on a scope

 

[islandermyk]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hakshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Is Schmidt & Bender really worth the extra $$$?

</div></div>

Yes.

S&B should'a put "Hubble" prototype on the side of'em...


... you won't regret getting S&B glass... as they would say."Buy once! Cry once!"... you will cry once... only once

 

[sib1948]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I spent 2-3 months researching scopes for 2 new rifles and looked through many scopes and finally purchased a March F 3-24 42mm and March FX 5-40 56mm. Both are FFP, mil/mil, zero stop with great turrets,durable, good tracking and reasonably priced-$2260 and $3200, respectively. Great glass and 2/3rds the size of their competitors. Not many out there yet, but if you have a chance check them out. Everyone who has looked through mine are amazed and check out reviews available here and on line. The March F 3-24 can get you out past a mile for a little over 2 grand and is more than enough scope for most purposes. I also got the March FX also because of my crappy old eyes and makes shooting much easier and pleasurable-no spotting scope needed.

Many great scopes also available in the low end market-SWFA, Vortex, Leupolld, Bushnell, etc. It's really great to have so many choices, since not everyone wants the same features, but if you do your research you can find YOUR perfect scope which will fit your budget.

There will always be new and improved products coming. Some will work and some won't. That's the challenge for the manufacturers. I find all these choices are not really necessary, but add to the fun. Good shooting.

 

[Jeeprider]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

Like I'm sure a lot of shooters on here I have owned S&B, NF and Premier. Loved all of them, but now I only have the S&B's and a Bushnell HDMR. Conclusion I love the Bushnell it has everything I need and while yes the S&B has better glass it's not worth the extra 2k to me. Find what works for you and trust me you can spend 1k verse 3k and be very satisfied.

 

[vinogeek]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

Just went through the same exercise myself. I went with the Schmidt and Bendover.
After the first range trip the sting of price is gone. No regrets. NF was a finalist. Both make great scopes. At the end of the day, get what you can afford. The S&B seems to have excellent resale value if you ever need to unload it...

 

[2Shots]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PSYOPS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The reason I have the S&B is because NF does not make a 5-25 f1. </div></div>

This ^</div></div>

Until Shot, then,

34mm - 5-25x F1 drops... </div></div>

Rumor has it that it will be in that 3k range, not much more for an S&B, worth it? Any new reticles for it?

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

To me glass quality is HUGE. Seeing things into trees or in low light is a big deal. In my opinion the non side focus scopes like the SN3 ERGO have a clear advantage over even the highest quality S&B not because they have better overall glass but that they have one less lense which results in a better image just because you have fewer imperfect lenses to look through. I put my ST-10 side by side with a Hansholt, Premier, S&B and NF and thought it had a better image with all scopes at 10x. I'm sure if S&B had one less sense it would be the best image but all they make is side focus.

I will openly admit I'm a USO fan and will be the only scope I purchase for any of my rigs, but when it comes to optics it's all about personal opinion and what options you find important so look at them both then decide.

Good luck,
Merritt

 

[sib1948]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

Just what I was saying above ! Almost too many choices to wade through, but with perseverance you will find the best scope to fit your needs at a price to comfortably fit you wallet.

 

[smschulz]

Re: Schmidt & Bender vs. NightForce... Let me have it

I don't see how you can do a side by side and not choose S&B??
NF has it's merits but not in the same league.
You could make other comparisons with NF > USO, Vortex, Leupy, but not really S&B.
YMMV