Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Preferred Scope Brands

I'm of the opinion that a Leupold VX-1, 2, or 3 is never a bad idea. There may be better scopes, In fact I know there are, but there are some others that aren't very good. If in doubt, go Leupold. I really think the old Zeiss Conquest in a 3-9X40 is a better scope than the VX-3. That would include the same scope with other badges on such as the discontinued Cabelas Euro Instinct scopes. I know those were made by Meopta, and I have no personal experience with other Meopta optics. But based on that model I'd be willing to try others.

A lot of guys don't like the Zeiss Terra that replaced the Conquest. To be honest I don't think it is as good as the Conquest, but since that scope is no longer available I'd be willing to try one if I needed another scope. They look pretty good in the store and the price is attractive. At $300 I think it is a better scope than a VX-2 at the same price.

I'm also very pleased with the Burris FF-II. I'd rate it every bit as good as a VX-2 and better than a VX-1. For someone looking to spend less than $300 it is my top pick.

NIkon, Bushnell Sightron, Weaver, Pentax, Vortex, and some others make good enough glass and I'd use their binoculars, I don't like any of those scopes. I don't see any real difference between any of the brands glass quality in the same price range. But glass isn't the only thing to consider. Things like eye relief, adjustment knobs, reticle style, focusing ring, length, weight, and reputation for durability are just as important as glass quality.

Understood , just like they assembled Zeiss conquests

I agree...No better deal right Now than the Monarch 5 with ed glass for around 300 bucks.....I picked up a couple this fall to put on my Deer Rifles...They performed Flawlessly....And allowed me to see Deer until after well after legal shooting light.....I just ordered 3 more for future needs...

Yup, me too, although, just bought a NightForce for a 7 Mashburn build, gonna spin it a little.

I find it amazing that there are opinions about scopes at the 'fire. (Of course, we have yet to have the final word handed down from on high.)

I try and don,t label all models of a certain maker as great scopes. Certain models stand out as better than there peers.

I own and use scopes made by Burris, Bushnell, Leupold, Nikon, Redfield, Sightron, and SWFA. Honestly, they all work pretty well for how I use the rifle on which they are mounted. With the exception of my benchrest rifle that is topped with an Sightron SIII, most of my scopes are fairly inexpensive because they are used for hunting (mostly mountain hunting which can be rough on scopes and old guys like myself).

My favorite brands/models are Leupold VX II and SWFA SS 6X and 10X and Nikon Monarch. They have proven to be durable and work well for their intended purpose regardless of price.

Weaver was my go to, I try to stay with US made these days last couple purchased were Redfield Revolution scopes, fantastic scopes for the money.