Lightweight hunting optic

Hey guys, wondering if anyone with experience with these particular scopes can chime in. I'm interested in others but my criteria is pretty limiting.

I'm an experienced ELR shooter and use Nightforce ATACRs on all my ELR rifles.

This is my first hunting rifle. I'll be hunting Elk next year in Colorado. Shots from 100-500 from blinds, but I'll take longer shots if they are available and conditions are right.

Going on top of a Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint 7PRC

Criteria
- Highest quality glass
- Lightweight - would prefer to keep it around 20oz but will go slightly over for the right scope.
- Illuminated SPF duplex reticle ONLY - no elevation or windage marks
- Must have Parallax adjustment
- Must have exposed locking elevation turret and zero stop
- 2x-4x on the low end
- At least 12x on the high end

Would like to keep it under $2k but willing to go to $3k+ if it's reallllly worth it

My list
Swarovski Z5i 3.5-18x44 - BT-PLEX-I Riflescope 69760
https://www.eurooptic.com/Swarovski-Z5i-35-18x44-BT-PLEX-I-Riflescope-69760.aspx

Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15x44 BT 4A-I Riflescope Black 69458
https://www.eurooptic.com/swarovski-z6i-25-15x44-bt-4a-i-matte-black-69458-new.aspx

Schmidt Bender 3-18x42mm Meta US LP7 2.BE 1cm CCW ASV II LT/ASV II-B LT Riflescope 158-811-71G-P6-L6
https://www.eurooptic.com/Schmidt-B...CCW-ASV-II-LT-ASV-II-B-LT-Riflescope-158.aspx

Leupold VX-6HD 3-18X50 CDS-ZL2 SIDE FOCUS ILLUM. FIREDOT DUPLEX
https://www.leupold.com/vx-6hd-3-18...plex-riflescope#/detailed-reticle-information

Zeiss Conquest V6 2-12x50mm 1/3MOA CW Ext. Elevation/Capped Windage Illum Plex #60 Riflescope w/Ballistic Stop
https://www.eurooptic.com/Zeiss-Con...t-Elevation-Capped-Windage-Illum-Plex-60.aspx

Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm #6 BDC Turret Riflescope
https://www.eurooptic.com/Zeiss-CONQUEST-V6-3-18x50-6-Reticle-w-BDC-522241-9906-070.aspx

Hey Yerman, it sounds like you know your way around the world of optics. I've had a lot of scopes over the years, and am an avid hunter. The more mid to high end ones that I own being a couple NF NX8's, Vortex Razer Gen III, and several Leupolds. While I have hunted with the others, I tend gravitate toward Leupold for my hunting optics. Their low light transmission is unmatched in my experience, and that is critical for a hunting scope. To keep it short, and going by your list I'd go with the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm FireDot Duplex Scope 171572. EuroOptics has a heck of a deal on that scope right now. Originally priced for $1999.99, but on sale for $1299.99 with free 2 day shipping. In fact I just purchased one for myself after looking at the options you listed! Pretty sure they have free returns as well. So you can always check it out, and send it back if it's not what you hoped for. It checks all the boxes on your must haves list. SFP illuminated duplex, locking exposed zero stop turret's on elevation and windage, 3-18x50, parallax adjustment, 20.4 oz, and great glass. There are a few other boons to boast of as well like the cds, and self leveling reticle. From what I know of the scope it's a solid choice, and right now on sale for a great price. Best of luck on your hunt, and with whatever you choose. Also, I'll blame you if my wife gets on me for buying another scope. After researching your list, and comparing best prices I couldn't pass it up ha-ha. It was time to upgrade one of my go-to deer rifles.
Sincerely,
Jeremy

Yerman said:

Hey guys, wondering if anyone with experience with these particular scopes can chime in. I'm interested in others but my criteria is pretty limiting.

I'm an experienced ELR shooter and use Nightforce ATACRs on all my ELR rifles.

This is my first hunting rifle. I'll be hunting Elk next year in Colorado. Shots from 100-500 from blinds, but I'll take longer shots if they are available and conditions are right.

Going on top of a Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint 7PRC

Criteria
- Highest quality glass
- Lightweight - would prefer to keep it around 20oz but will go slightly over for the right scope.
- Illuminated SPF duplex reticle ONLY - no elevation or windage marks
- Must have Parallax adjustment
- Must have exposed locking elevation turret and zero stop
- 2x-4x on the low end
- At least 12x on the high end

Would like to keep it under $2k but willing to go to $3k+ if it's reallllly worth it

My list
Swarovski Z5i 3.5-18x44 - BT-PLEX-I Riflescope 69760
https://www.eurooptic.com/Swarovski-Z5i-35-18x44-BT-PLEX-I-Riflescope-69760.aspx

Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15x44 BT 4A-I Riflescope Black 69458
https://www.eurooptic.com/swarovski-z6i-25-15x44-bt-4a-i-matte-black-69458-new.aspx

Schmidt Bender 3-18x42mm Meta US LP7 2.BE 1cm CCW ASV II LT/ASV II-B LT Riflescope 158-811-71G-P6-L6
https://www.eurooptic.com/Schmidt-B...CCW-ASV-II-LT-ASV-II-B-LT-Riflescope-158.aspx

Leupold VX-6HD 3-18X50 CDS-ZL2 SIDE FOCUS ILLUM. FIREDOT DUPLEX
https://www.leupold.com/vx-6hd-3-18...plex-riflescope#/detailed-reticle-information

Zeiss Conquest V6 2-12x50mm 1/3MOA CW Ext. Elevation/Capped Windage Illum Plex #60 Riflescope w/Ballistic Stop
https://www.eurooptic.com/Zeiss-Con...t-Elevation-Capped-Windage-Illum-Plex-60.aspx

Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm #6 BDC Turret Riflescope
https://www.eurooptic.com/Zeiss-CONQUEST-V6-3-18x50-6-Reticle-w-BDC-522241-9906-070.aspx

Click to expand...

Welcome to LRH, and enjoy! You have a very nice list; I do not think you can go wrong with any of them. It boils down to preference, actual vision quality, and budget for your intended purpose. Good luck!

Out of your list, the S&B is the only one I would consider for my own use.

2. Zeiss V6 3-18
3. Zeiss 2-12
4. Swaro Z6i
5. Swaro Z5i
6. Leupold VX6

I ve got 3 of those VX6 Leupolds in 3-18; I think they strike a good balance of quality, magnification and weight for a hunting rifle.

Can't speak to your other brands being considered. I ve always been a Gold Ring guy.

Yerman said:

Hey guys, wondering if anyone with experience with these particular scopes can chime in. I'm interested in others but my criteria is pretty limiting.

I'm an experienced ELR shooter and use Nightforce ATACRs on all my ELR rifles.

This is my first hunting rifle. I'll be hunting Elk next year in Colorado. Shots from 100-500 from blinds, but I'll take longer shots if they are available and conditions are right.

Going on top of a Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint 7PRC

Criteria
- Highest quality glass
- Lightweight - would prefer to keep it around 20oz but will go slightly over for the right scope.
- Illuminated SPF duplex reticle ONLY - no elevation or windage marks
- Must have Parallax adjustment
- Must have exposed locking elevation turret and zero stop
- 2x-4x on the low end
- At least 12x on the high end

Would like to keep it under $2k but willing to go to $3k+ if it's reallllly worth it

My list
Swarovski Z5i 3.5-18x44 - BT-PLEX-I Riflescope 69760
https://www.eurooptic.com/Swarovski-Z5i-35-18x44-BT-PLEX-I-Riflescope-69760.aspx

Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15x44 BT 4A-I Riflescope Black 69458
https://www.eurooptic.com/swarovski-z6i-25-15x44-bt-4a-i-matte-black-69458-new.aspx

Schmidt Bender 3-18x42mm Meta US LP7 2.BE 1cm CCW ASV II LT/ASV II-B LT Riflescope 158-811-71G-P6-L6
https://www.eurooptic.com/Schmidt-B...CCW-ASV-II-LT-ASV-II-B-LT-Riflescope-158.aspx

Leupold VX-6HD 3-18X50 CDS-ZL2 SIDE FOCUS ILLUM. FIREDOT DUPLEX
https://www.leupold.com/vx-6hd-3-18...plex-riflescope#/detailed-reticle-information

Zeiss Conquest V6 2-12x50mm 1/3MOA CW Ext. Elevation/Capped Windage Illum Plex #60 Riflescope w/Ballistic Stop
https://www.eurooptic.com/Zeiss-Con...t-Elevation-Capped-Windage-Illum-Plex-60.aspx

Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm #6 BDC Turret Riflescope
https://www.eurooptic.com/Zeiss-CONQUEST-V6-3-18x50-6-Reticle-w-BDC-522241-9906-070.aspx

Click to expand...

You forgot the best one. March 2.5-25. Not sure if they offer a rectical that meets your needs but everything else it has. It's very light and glass is great. I have that on my 30SM lightweight rigs.

lancetkenyon said:

Out of your list, the S&B is the only one I would consider for my own use.

2. Zeiss V6 3-18
3. Zeiss 2-12
4. Swaro Z6i
5. Swaro Z5i
6. Leupold VX6

Click to expand...

I agree out of your list the SB would be my choice.

I run the z5 3.5-18 on both my lighter hunting rifles, they don't have locking elevation.
for blinds and out to 600ish yards I l like them. one has the zero stop pulled so I can dial past one turn and get out a bit farther.

After over 5 years with the first one I'll say they won't take an impact like a tenmile or nightforce and hold zero but they're tougher than a lot people who have never used one will claim on the internet as well.

PopNFresh said:

I run the z5 3.5-18 on both my lighter hunting rifles, they don't have locking elevation.
for blinds and out to 600ish yards I l like them. one has the zero stop pulled so I can dial past one turn and get out a bit farther.

After over 5 years with the first one I'll say they won't take an impact like a tenmile or nightforce and hold zero but they're tougher than a lot people who have never used one will claim on the internet as well.

Click to expand...

That was high on my list when shopping but the lack of elevation adjustment was the main factor followed by the concern it would not hold the recoil of a .30sm weight 6.5-7lbs over and over.

S&B then Leupold
I have one S&B and ~12 Leupold VX5/VX6 HD scopes.
Enjoy the Leupolds for cost and low light situations and just an everyday hunting scope.

snox801 said:

That was high on my list when shopping but the lack of elevation adjustment was the main factor followed by the concern it would not hold the recoil of a .30sm weight 6.5-7lbs over and over.

Click to expand...

I'd be hesitant putting on on a really light big Magnum, they sell it as a sheep hunting long range scope but long must translate weird to the euros.
I pulled the zero stop out on my mtr 6.5cm years ago so I could get two full rotations on elevation and put a two rotation moa ring on it. if I ever got lost on the dial I have to dial all the out and then back to zero but it's easy enough.
my biggest gripe is it's 1/4" @ 100yds adjustmentsand the elevation ring is in base 5 indicators . an aftearket ring is almost mandatory if you're dialing much

I have 2 March. When I need another it will also be March. It might as well have a locking elevation turret because if you crank down the zero stop it is hard to budge it off zero. Are they the best glass? I don't know. I think they are better than NF. They are reliable and that's my #1 concern.

I haven't ever looked through a S&B but people like those. I just don't trust Leupold enough to put one on my dedicated elk rifle.

Schmidt & Bender would be my choice if price isn't a concern.

This one is $1500 less than the one you have the link to. From what I can tell only difference is it has a capped windage.

Yerman said:

Hey guys, wondering if anyone with experience with these particular scopes can chime in. I'm interested in others but my criteria is pretty limiting.

I'm an experienced ELR shooter and use Nightforce ATACRs on all my ELR rifles.

This is my first hunting rifle. I'll be hunting Elk next year in Colorado. Shots from 100-500 from blinds, but I'll take longer shots if they are available and conditions are right.

Going on top of a Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint 7PRC

Criteria
- Highest quality glass
- Lightweight - would prefer to keep it around 20oz but will go slightly over for the right scope.
- Illuminated SPF duplex reticle ONLY - no elevation or windage marks
- Must have Parallax adjustment
- Must have exposed locking elevation turret and zero stop
- 2x-4x on the low end
- At least 12x on the high end

Would like to keep it under $2k but willing to go to $3k+ if it's reallllly worth it

My list
Swarovski Z5i 3.5-18x44 - BT-PLEX-I Riflescope 69760
https://www.eurooptic.com/Swarovski-Z5i-35-18x44-BT-PLEX-I-Riflescope-69760.aspx

Swarovski Z6i 2.5-15x44 BT 4A-I Riflescope Black 69458
https://www.eurooptic.com/swarovski-z6i-25-15x44-bt-4a-i-matte-black-69458-new.aspx

Schmidt Bender 3-18x42mm Meta US LP7 2.BE 1cm CCW ASV II LT/ASV II-B LT Riflescope 158-811-71G-P6-L6
https://www.eurooptic.com/Schmidt-B...CCW-ASV-II-LT-ASV-II-B-LT-Riflescope-158.aspx

Leupold VX-6HD 3-18X50 CDS-ZL2 SIDE FOCUS ILLUM. FIREDOT DUPLEX
https://www.leupold.com/vx-6hd-3-18...plex-riflescope#/detailed-reticle-information

Zeiss Conquest V6 2-12x50mm 1/3MOA CW Ext. Elevation/Capped Windage Illum Plex #60 Riflescope w/Ballistic Stop
https://www.eurooptic.com/Zeiss-Con...t-Elevation-Capped-Windage-Illum-Plex-60.aspx

Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm #6 BDC Turret Riflescope
https://www.eurooptic.com/Zeiss-CONQUEST-V6-3-18x50-6-Reticle-w-BDC-522241-9906-070.aspx

Click to expand...

I put the Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22X50 mil/mil FFP (22oz) on my mountain rifle been great so far got it on-sale. They make a MOA version but they both come with XLR-2 reticle which has windage and elevation subtensions and only FFP so doesn't fit your specs. OpticPlanet $1,079. on sale. On SFP scoped rifles I typically zero for MPBR or if shooting longer than 300 yds have a custom dial built with precise handload dope for elevation and a reticle with windage subtensions.