Obviously the S3 is all the buzz. I was sent one to run through its paces, and think this thing is a really nice value with an absolutely absurd amount of elevation. They advertise 46mils or something, mine was well over 50 and tracked very well across the entire range. The glass is competitive with others as well.
Here are some comparison shots. Before the photo snobs pick everything apart, these were locked settings with a newer iphone, and track well with my (and another observer's) personal observations. The biggest gripe about these photos is that the S3 has a red coating on the glass that you don't see at all when actually using the optic, but a camera grabs it. So, as impossible as it may be, pretend that the red reflection doesn't exist.
Eyebox on the S3 is not as friendly as the S5, it is more touchy and "on/off" rather than being able to shift with a black border on one side, etc. It isn't crazy tight by any means, but the S5 is a kickass scope IMO and bats with the ZCO. Some may not like the huge turrets, but that's a conversation for another day.
Turrets feel fine, not super audible, not super mushy, not insanely crisp. I like how the windage knob is offset a bit for better viewing behind the scope. Reticle is satisfactory for my uses, weight feels reasonable, overall build is stout feeling.
Without further conversation, the unedited photos incoming. It's going to take multiple comments for all these, give me a few minutes before any responses so things can go right in order!
Here are some comparison shots. Before the photo snobs pick everything apart, these were locked settings with a newer iphone, and track well with my (and another observer's) personal observations. The biggest gripe about these photos is that the S3 has a red coating on the glass that you don't see at all when actually using the optic, but a camera grabs it. So, as impossible as it may be, pretend that the red reflection doesn't exist.
Eyebox on the S3 is not as friendly as the S5, it is more touchy and "on/off" rather than being able to shift with a black border on one side, etc. It isn't crazy tight by any means, but the S5 is a kickass scope IMO and bats with the ZCO. Some may not like the huge turrets, but that's a conversation for another day.
Turrets feel fine, not super audible, not super mushy, not insanely crisp. I like how the windage knob is offset a bit for better viewing behind the scope. Reticle is satisfactory for my uses, weight feels reasonable, overall build is stout feeling.
Without further conversation, the unedited photos incoming. It's going to take multiple comments for all these, give me a few minutes before any responses so things can go right in order!
