Re: Vortex-SS-IOR-Nightforce?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I am pretty sure all these are good scopes and they all offer what I need, so basically, it comes down to how clear the glass is.</div></div>
This is what most people say when they're buying a scope and I think that being in this frame of mind could lead to a bad purchase, or one that you are less than satisfied with. I mean, of course, there's usually going to be a pretty big difference when comparing a $100 scope to a $1000 scope, but when comparing scopes in the same general league, glass quality is less of a concern.
As in the example above regarding the IOR and Nightforce. Obviously, the wife felt that the IOR glass was clearer. Assuming that the glass was indeed clearer and not due to some misadjustment, you should also ask whether the extra clarity will get you any practical gain.
The point that I'm trying to get to is that the perceived quality of the glass is just one consideration. I feel there is a point in glass quality that you can reach where the quality is good enough and anything more is not needed.
I guess you'd say that I'm a Nightforce fanboy. I've been using them for a little while now and they fit what I needed very well. I find them to be a very good bang for the buck and haven't felt compelled to upgrade to the likes of S&B or Premiere.
I went with NF because I could get a scope with very good glass, rock solid internals with lots of adjustment range and a VERY solid build. I also like the Nightforce from an ergonomic standpoint. I like the fact that you can grab the whole eye piece to zoom. I like the course knurling on the knobs that don't get caught on clothing. I like the course clicks on the turrets that make it easy to dial quickly. I also like the focus knob and the selection of reticles that they offer.
Although some of the scopes mentioned here may or may not have glass that is marginally (or more) better than that of a Nightforce, I really don't think that anyone can argue that any of those other scopes are tougher than a Nightforce.
Quite frankly, if glass quality was all that I was worried about, I would have stuck with a Swarovski Z5. I got my last 3.5-18x on sale for under $1400 and the glass on it will blow away the glass in all of the scopes mentioned here, except the S&B and Premiere.
My only point is that you should make a list of features and priorites that you want in your scope and start from there.
