Rifle Scopes Steiner T6Xi 3-18x56 Review and comparison with NF ATACR 4-16x42, S&B US 3-20x50 and March 4.5-28x52

[Guns&WhiteWater]

I know the Steiner has great eyebox forgiveness, but can anyone provide experience on eyebox between the Steiner and the NF NX8 2.5-20x50?

This is for a 600-ish yd 556 carbine. I'm leaning NF if eyebox is passable. I have a 4-16x42 ATACR on myLMT, which is amazing, but I'm trying to glass for a bit less ducats.

I have the T6Xi 3-18x56 and a friend has the NX8 2.5-20. I really like his scope, the eye box was much more usable than what i was expecting after reading on here about how tight it was. The reticle thickness was also suitable for the mag range. I think it might be a better scope for the hunting/cross over rifle I’m putting together compared to my T6Xi. But the Steiner has a more forgiving eye box. And it has the MSR2. It’s great for my needs but I wish it was a pound lighter and the illumination was brighter.

 

[Jerry S]

I’ll check tomorrow. I know I can use for holds at 10 possibly lower.

 

[Jerry S]

What is the lowest level of magnification that you think you can use the LDK for wind holds on?

-Stan

I know I can at 10. I’ll check to be sure tomorrow

 

[stanley_white]

I know I can at 10. I’ll check to be sure tomorrow

Thank you!

-Stan

 

[Jerry S]

6x is the lowest I can see the holds on LDK reticle

 

[stanley_white]

6x is the lowest I can see the holds on LDK reticle

Thank you!

-Stan

 

[Glassaholic]

I have the T6Xi 3-18x56 and a friend has the NX8 2.5-20. I really like his scope, the eye box was much more usable than what i was expecting after reading on here about how tight it was. The reticle thickness was also suitable for the mag range. I think it might be a better scope for the hunting/cross over rifle I’m putting together compared to my T6Xi. But the Steiner has a more forgiving eye box. And it has the MSR2. It’s great for my needs but I wish it was a pound lighter and the illumination was brighter. There’s some dark hollers here.

Eyebox can be pretty subjective and dependent on platform, a lot of shooters aren’t bothered as much as others with finicky eyebox. Saw this a lot with the March 3-24x52, some were really bothered while others had little issue.

 

[Guns&WhiteWater]

Eyebox can be pretty subjective and dependent on platform, a lot of shooters aren’t bothered as much as others with finicky eyebox. Saw this a lot with the March 3-24x52, some were really bothered while others had little issue.

Agreed. A tighter eyebox, or a less forgiving eyebox, however you want to word it, doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable to use. And it may or may not be noticeable if you just shoot from static positions like a bench. It’s just one metric to compare of many that round out a scope. But I would always opt for a more forgiving eyebox given the choice. Same as a wider field of view, greater depth of field, less CA, less visible eye piece ring border, etc. Some scopes just cause less eye fatigue and easy eye boxes seem to help.

 

[FRESHPRINCE556]

After comparing my s&b 3-20 us, leupold mk5 5-25, razor lht 4.5 22 and atacr 4-16 I have decided to keep the atacr 4-16 and razor lht 4.5-22. I just got rid of the mk5 5-25 and am going to post the s&b 3-20 us up for sale . I think s&b 3-20 is phenomenal and it deserves all the hype it gets.
The glass, fit and finish and overall viewing experience is incredible. The mk5 is good as well but it's just not on the level of the s&b 3-20 . I mainly shoot gas guns, 556 and 308 and I just think the atacr 4-16 works with these platforms the best. As an overall package, turrets, magnification adjustment and size and weight the atacr 4-16 with mil xt reticle is my top choice. The razor lht 4.5-22 for its weight savings, glass charity, reticle and overall features is a good 2nd choice for me when I want to cut down on weight. My only real personal gripe with s&b 3-20 us is that I can't get it with a tree reticle like the mil xt.

 

[Glassaholic]

After comparing my s&b 3-20 us, leupold mk5 5-25, razor lht 4.5 22 and atacr 4-16 I have decided to keep the atacr 4-16 and razor lht 4.5-22. I just got rid of the mk5 5-25 and am going to post the s&b 3-20 us up for sale . I think s&b 3-20 is phenomenal and it deserves all the hype it gets.
The glass, fit and finish and overall viewing experience is incredible. The mk5 is good as well but it's just not on the level of the s&b 3-20 . I mainly shoot gas guns, 556 and 308 and I just think the atacr 4-16 works with these platforms the best. As an overall package, turrets, magnification adjustment and size and weight the atacr 4-16 with mil xt reticle is my top choice. The razor lht 4.5-22 for its weight savings, glass charity, reticle and overall features is a good 2nd choice for me when I want to cut down on weight. My only real personal gripe with s&b 3-20 us is that I can't get it with a tree reticle like the mil xt.

If Schmidt offers their new TR2ID reticle in the US 3-20 it could re-awaken interest. Also, don’t discount the 5-20 for gas guns, I think 5-20 with offset RDS is a killer combo

 

[kskevin]

@Glassaholic … is there anything new coming out within the next 6mo in this segment.

I’m trying to find the ‘perfect fit me’ MPVO for a hunting rifle that can crossover for range fun. Scoured all the options and I’m leaning towards the ATACR (dislike rotating ocular), also like the TT315M (just not sure I wanna pay the premium and I’m just lukewarm on their reticle), minox ZP5 315 (a bit heavier than ideal). Hate to pull the trigger on something and have regrets if there is something more ideal coming out soon.

Something <30oz, 3/4x on low end 15-20x high end, great glass, smaller size (not too long, lower profile turrets, 50mm or less obj).

 

[Franko]

@Glassaholic … is there anything new coming out within the next 6mo in this segment.

I’m trying to find the ‘perfect fit me’ MPVO for a hunting rifle that can crossover for range fun. Scoured all the options and I’m leaning towards the ATACR (dislike rotating ocular), also like the TT315M (just not sure I wanna pay the premium and I’m just lukewarm on their reticle), minox ZP5 315 (a bit heavier than ideal). Hate to pull the trigger on something and have regrets if there is something more ideal coming out soon.

Something <30oz, 3/4x on low end 15-20x high end, great glass, smaller size (not too long, lower profile turrets, 50mm or less obj).

Not going to speak for @Glassaholic but Steiner has new 2-12 and 3-18 H6xi optics that you might want to check out. They are currently only available in MOA but Mil variants are supposedly in the works and look like they could be a nice fit on a hunting rifle.

 

[beetroot]

@Glassaholic … is there anything new coming out within the next 6mo in this segment.

I’m trying to find the ‘perfect fit me’ MPVO for a hunting rifle that can crossover for range fun. Scoured all the options and I’m leaning towards the ATACR (dislike rotating ocular), also like the TT315M (just not sure I wanna pay the premium and I’m just lukewarm on their reticle), minox ZP5 315 (a bit heavier than ideal). Hate to pull the trigger on something and have regrets if there is something more ideal coming out soon.

Something <30oz, 3/4x on low end 15-20x high end, great glass, smaller size (not too long, lower profile turrets, 50mm or less obj).

There will always be something just over the horizon. Your best bet is to buy something used that you won't loose much money on of you need to sell.

Steiner say the Mil HX scopes are coming summer but Burris took 3 years to release an illuminated XTR3 which was always coming soon.

I say buy a 4-16x42 ATACR if you like the reticle options.

 

[kskevin]

Not going to speak for @Glassaholic but Steiner has new 2-12 and 3-18 H6xi optics that you might want to check out. They are currently only available in MOA but Mil variants are supposedly in the works and look like they could be a nice fit on a hunting rifle.

I’m liking the specs on the H6Xi….ill do some research on reviews

 

[Glassaholic]

@Glassaholic … is there anything new coming out within the next 6mo in this segment.

I’m trying to find the ‘perfect fit me’ MPVO for a hunting rifle that can crossover for range fun. Scoured all the options and I’m leaning towards the ATACR (dislike rotating ocular), also like the TT315M (just not sure I wanna pay the premium and I’m just lukewarm on their reticle), minox ZP5 315 (a bit heavier than ideal). Hate to pull the trigger on something and have regrets if there is something more ideal coming out soon.

Something <30oz, 3/4x on low end 15-20x high end, great glass, smaller size (not too long, lower profile turrets, 50mm or less obj).

The new Leupold Mark 7HD 2-14x42, 3-21x44, 4-28x52 and 5-35x56 look interesting but I’m 3 days shy of 04/01 (meaning that is just a joke. There is no Leupold Mark 7 line that I am aware of.)
Seriously, I would not hold out for anything we do not already have available.

 

[TheBigCountry]

I’m liking the specs on the H6Xi….ill do some research on reviews

You should try the XTR3i 3-18 with SCR2

 

[5RWill]

For those of you that have used both or better yet have them side by side. NX8 vs T6Xi? I'm wanting to let my T6Xi go cause I can tell my Mars H is going to get heavy fast. Could shed almost half a pound moving to the NX8, H6Xi, or another 30mm tube based ultra-short. I've compared my T6Xi directly to a friends 4-16 ATACR and thought it was quite comparable. So by nature I think i'd be stepping down in glass quality but figured I'd ask. The latest NX8s I've been behind were impressive, especially the 4-32.

 

[Guns&WhiteWater]

Will I didn’t have them side by side, but I was not unimpressed with my friends 2.5-20, as I was expecting to be. I really liked it. I was focusing mostly on the reticle usability at minimum power, FOV, and ease of quickly acquiring a sight picture, and mentally comparing to my 3-18 (MSR2). I wasn’t paying much attention to resolution or contrast. I remember thinking that his NX8 would be better suited for a rifle that sees more hunting and my T6Xi would be more advantageous for range use. But I would be happy with either and would enjoy a half pound weight loss with the NX8.

 

[5RWill]

Will I didn’t have them side by side, but I was not unimpressed with my friends 2.5-20, as I was expecting to be. I really liked it. I was focusing mostly on the reticle usability at minimum power, FOV, and ease of quickly acquiring a sight picture, and mentally comparing to my 3-18 (MSR2). I wasn’t paying much attention to resolution or contrast. I remember thinking that his NX8 would be better suited for a rifle that sees more hunting and my T6Xi would be more advantageous for range use. But I would be happy with either and would enjoy a half pound weight loss with the NX8.

Yeah the NX8 2.5-20 I've been behind was not bad at all not like initial impressions led me to believe and recent impressions are that it’s very good. I’m going to put the T6Xi up in the PX as soon as it gets back cause it’s new should be an easy return. Pick up a 2.5-20 just to try and somewhat keep the LM8 from being a pig

 

[Glassaholic]

Yeah the NX8 2.5-20 I've been behind was not bad at all not like initial impressions led me to believe and recent impressions are that it’s very good. I’m going to put the T6Xi up in the PX as soon as it gets back cause it’s new should be an easy return. Pick up a 2.5-20 just to try and somewhat keep the LM8 from being a pig

Just make sure the NX8 is a newer model, how much newer I do not know but I am fairly convinced the first release 2.5-20's had some serious optical issues that have since been addressed, that said, NF has a good warranty and if you think yours is "bad" then sent it in and tell them IQ sucks...

 

[5RWill]

Just make sure the NX8 is a newer model, how much newer I do not know but I am fairly convinced the first release 2.5-20's had some serious optical issues that have since been addressed, that said, NF has a good warranty and if you think yours is "bad" then sent it in and tell them IQ sucks...

Hopefully that’s not the case. Idk how to tell if it’s a newer model thoughb

 

[Glassaholic]

Hopefully that’s not the case. Idk how to tell if it’s a newer model thoughb

Ask when it was purchased. Beyond that, you'll tell almost immediately after properly adjusting the diopter, the parallax will be extremely finicky and the edge distortion at about 60% out of center will be significant.

 

[Burdy]

I finally got around to mounting up my 4x32 NX8 and I have been very impressed so far. I think the current batches are looking really good. This thing does not present like an 8x erector at all.

 

[smcgt]

Really nice comparison. Really appreciate the detail, data, and self acknowledged biases! This helps me a great deal in selecting a new optic in this range! Thanks!

 

[Earnhardt]

Great review and thread!
Thanks

 

[Crewdog135]

If anyone is looking at obj caps for the T6Xi 3-18x56, the MKM 2.50 fits like a glove! I emailed them since it isn't a listed scope to let them know. I really like their caps and ARD. Good design.

 

[5RWill]

They come with tenebraex right? I could’ve sworn mine did when i had it.

 

[Crewdog135]

Yeah, they do. I used the tenebrex on the ocular, but I like using the MKM cap and ARD on my objectives. The ARD helps cut some glare and helps protect the objective when I throw the clip-on on.

 

[Jojo417]

Have you had a chance to compare these to the Zeiss s3 4-5?

 

[Kickin45]

@Glassaholic thank you for adding the parallax and focus to your reviews. That’s quickly becoming 1 of my top requirements for a new scope. Amazing to me how glass quality is still the most sought after question. It’s important to a degree, but so many other things affect that clarity, so thanks.