If you had betweeen $1,500 and $2,000 to spend on a scope for deer hunting only. Max power necessary would be in the 10X to 12X range. Shots to about 400 yards. Absolute best low light capability. Low light capability being more important than higher power, or other options. Illuminated reticle?? Pros and cons for the illuminated reticle on a strictly deer hunting scope??
Which would you choose?? Please be specific. I have my ideas, but I am interested in what some of you other guys think. Tom.
For all the guys that gave good serious answers---thank you.
For the guys who wanted to argue?? Well I just don't understand that. You should start your own arguing thread. Not gum up a post where someone is really looking for the experience of others.
I am a handicapped hunter. And now all my hunting is fixed position hunting. In the more open areas. I am looking for something that gives the best clarity and works in the worst conditions. Including cloudy, overcast rainy situations, and low light conditions.
I am looking at one of the Zeiss 3X12X56's that Doug has listed. I am also very interested in the straight S&B 8X56. I did have a 3X10 S&B that I liked. And I do have three AV Swaro's. I am just looking to build one ultimate deer rifle for the hunting that I will have to do for the rest of my life. So I am selling off some stuff and ordering a very nice Cooper rifle. And I want the best scope to mount on top. So for you guys who want to argue about those parameters. I say-Please don't. Tom.
I bolded the points that make the following picks fit for you. This is what I would look for in the same situation...
not what I'd pick for where and how I hunt now or for an all around scope for most hunters, but for you.
1. Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 Precision Hunter 30mm Riflescope with Mildot or DH rect
2. Swarovski 2-12x50 Z6 30mm Riflescope with Plex or #4 Rect
3. Zeiss 3-12x56 Victory Diavari 30mm Rifle Scope with Z-plex or #4 rect
My reasoning is based on the following:
1. longer shots
2. these all have high quality glass
3. you'll be in a fixed position (good rest) not moving around so the weight/size makes little difference
4. go with whichever is heaviest and darkest rect...which is sometimes hard to tell...it would be much better to look through them to determine this, but a light reticle can be lost in low light even if the glass is good
5. look at the ease of elevation/windage adjustments as well since stalking closer isn't an option
6. look at which have the easiest focus to use as it becomes important at the higher powers and longer ranges...don't want to fight with one that is hard to focus.
7. larger objectives can give you a larger exit pupil which can help get a sight picture especially if you're in an awkward situation and can't get behind the scope just perfect
Again, just my 2 cents base on
your specific criteria and the hunting situations and physical conditions (handicap and terrain/light) you listed. I don't have experience with any of these, but they are where I'd start.
Good luck on your search!