Backcountry 3-15x optic?

[wilkup]

Ever since this past hunting season I've been considering a new optic and very seriously about the Steiner H6Xi 2.5-15x while it was on sale ($1199) at the end of last year but decided it didn't quite check all my boxes.
I've always loved Leupold glass and also really like the newer locking turrets they offer on the VX5HD line of optics.
I've also heard excellent things about the Vortex Razor LHT line of optics over the years.
They each have their pros and cons but I think one of them may land on my next hunting rifle.
To those that have or have had…
- How does glass clarity compare?
- How do they compare in low light?
- How reliable do they track?

It's winter and I always start thinking about how to build a better mousetrap this time of year. I missed an opportunity with my 6-24x cuz the bear was just too close to see what I was aiming at last season and I realized the only time I've ever hit that higher end magnification is during load development. 15x seems like plenty of power to see at the ranges I hunt or plan to hunt in the future.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Loopy and Vortex are both junk. Great glass, poor tracking and poor reliability in general.

 

[wilkup]

Loopy and Vortex are both junk. Great glass, poor tracking and poor reliability in general.

Roger that
What other options are out there that land in the ~$1000 and <20oz range?
I also want no more than 3x on the low end and would prefer over 12x on top but would be willing to make concessions for top end magnification if price and weight still landed within my needs.

 

[Luckyshot7]

agree with above. Mk5hd is leupolds top offer. I had two, and both were found lacking

I now have two Maven RS1.2 2.5-15x scopes. Wyoming company for bonus points

 

[WeiserBucks]

S&B Klassik

 

[FireFlyFishing]

agree with above. Mk5hd is leupolds top offer. I had two, and both were found lacking

I now have two Maven RS1.2 2.5-15x scopes. Wyoming company for bonus points

I have one of these as well. Just ok. Would buy and pack around a Nightforce any day of the week over the Maven or any other scope for that matter.

 

[wilkup]

agree with above. Mk5hd is leupolds top offer. I had two, and both were found lacking

I now have two Maven RS1.2 2.5-15x scopes. Wyoming company for bonus points

Thanks for the recommendation. The RS1 is closer to my desired weight and I personally like the capped windage with exposed target turret. Maybe 4oz is worth it…

 

[wilkup]

I have one of these as well. Just ok. Would buy and pack around a Nightforce any day of the week over the Maven or any other scope for that matter.

I would too, but cash is king and budget dictates compromise, at least for now.
If I could find a NXS 2.5-10 inside my budget I'd absolutely be making a magnification compromise.

 

[wilkup]

S&B Klassik

The 3-12x42 at $1300 for German manufacturing has me intrigued and impressed but it lacks a reticle with wind holds, an exposed elevation turret, or parallax adjustment.
I could just stick with a plain Jain Leupold add a B&C reticle and be money ahead at that point… am I missing something?

 

[FireFlyFishing]

How about a 4-14 SHV F1? I literally was looking at getting either that NF or the Maven mentioned above. I already had one of each. I ordered the NF SHV. To me the NF just pleases my eye way more when I look through it. The Maven's glass just isn't as good. Also, the illuminated reticle doesn't look great when on at any level. The only downside to that NF is the Zero Set. Not as nice as the NF Zero Stop, but it works fine. I'm sure you've heard this before, but the NF can be dropped from a plane and still operate. Supposedly so can the Maven…but I'd put my money on the NF.

 

[WeiserBucks]

The 3-12x42 at $1300 for German manufacturing has me intrigued and impressed but it lacks a reticle with wind holds, an exposed elevation turret, or parallax adjustment.
I could just stick with a plain Jain Leupold add a B&C reticle and be money ahead at that point… am I missing something?

You're missing that the Klassik is available with all the features you desire and that Leupold is junk.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Schmidt Bender 3-12x42mm Klassik LM P3L BDC H Riflescope 645-811-882-40-05A02

FREE SHIPPING on Schmidt Bender 3-12x42mm Klassik LM P3L BDC H Riflescope 645-811-882-40-05A02

www.eurooptic.com

Snag one of these when they come back in stock. Leupold and Vortex are just marketing these days and they fail miserably at all of the things a scope is supposed to do except having nice glass. You want nice glass or a scope that works?

 

[Luckyshot7]

Even at $1000 I was unimpressed with that exact S&B and sold it off for a Maven, but to each their own. Good luck OP!

 

[gpaw94]

Leupold has nice feel, but I nothing to blow your mind performance wise. The Razor LHT is winner for weight, but everything else about it is sub par for quality. My preference is the NF NX8. Slightly heavier, but for hunting it's hard to beat their 2.5x20. Some complain about the eye box, but if your rifle is fitted well there won't be an issue. Also an extra few ounces of optic to get better magnification, first focal, and more durability is worth it.