Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Best glass ~1K

Looking to spend up to a thousand for my next scope. My current rigs have a VX-6 1-6 that is great and VX5HD 2-10 that I’ve never warmed up to. Looking for something around 2-10 or 12 that can handle low light situations. Dialing is not important, may consider illuminated reticle but have no experience.

Currently on the radar is Nightforce SHV, Swarovski Z3 and Zeiss V4. Is there a clear winner out of the three? Anything else that I should be looking at?

I’ve heard about more busted Z3s than I have Leupolds so I personally wouldn’t go that route. I’m wondering what you don’t like about the VX-5HD. I think the glass is excellent but I hate the reticle.

I am using the Tract Toric 2-10x42 with complete satisfaction since they came out. The T-Plex reticle works well for me. It comes with a turret kit if you need to dial.

I’ll second the Tract Toric as well. I have had a 3-15 for 3 years now and its been flawless.

Great scope!

Tract Toric also.
I have used the 3-15 x 42 for 3 years now on some hunts that had taken some very rough jarring around on the back of ATV's. The bouncing and jarring was rough enough that I was really concerned about the scope holding up but he scope has never lost zero from day one....very impressed!
Either the 2-10 x 42 Toric or the 3-15 x 42 Toric would IMHO would be an excellent choice!
Tract did have a sale going on but not sure if it still is or not.
rookie

Last year I used the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 and the glass is awesome. Nice and bright, clear, sharp and light weight. But like a fool I read too many rumours on the net about them failing and sold it.

This year I tired the NF SHV 3-10x42 non-illuminated. It’s build tough which is what I wanted, but that came at a trade off to my eyes. Not as clear or sharp as the Swarovski and it’s noticeably heavier.

Now I’m looking to going back to the Swarovski Z3 or maybe a Z5 but not sure I can’t justify the $600 extra for the Z5.

Just my 2 cents...

I haven’t used the Zeiss so no opinion there.

Vortex Razor LHT is my pick for under $1K. It has all the features I desire in a hunting scope plus incredible glass.

For the record I’m not a big Vortex fan cause all their sub-Razor line of scopes are overpriced and unreliable but the Razor line is very nice.

Vortex razor lht 3x15 excellent scope and 19 ounces clear and tracking is great

Scope are aiming devices, not reading devices. How well a scope; aims, maintains zero, accurately dials when you have to and if reticle works for all your applications, is way more important than just "glass" brilliance.

That said Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 would seem to check all your boxes, or the 50mm version if low light is more important than other virtues the smaller version brings.

If you can find one; a used Zeiss Diavari Victory 2.5-10x42

Another vote for the Razor LHT, IMO it is THE perfect scope.

Heck, I'll throw a vote that way too. The Razor line has excellent glass.

Who has the best price on a 42? I’ve heard enough good things I’m tempted to try one.

I don't know about a 42, but I did buy one of these special run 50s from EuroOptic - https://www.eurooptic.com/Vortex-Razor-HD-LHT-3-15x50-MRAD-Riflescope-RZR-1591.aspx

Tract Toric,

Will never fail 2-10 x 42 with the BDC... Best weight, glass, and dimensions for mounting - Outstanding reticle..

Best for us normal hunters , Night force is dang heavy , and you don't need a 30 mm scope for legal light..

I wish some company would make a nice light 2-8 x 36 or 32 with a BDC reticle since Leupold has lost their minds and deep 6th the Boone and Crockett reticle...

⬆️
Maven does, although the ER is a bit wanting.
https://mavenbuilt.com/collections/riflescopes/products/rs-2-2-10x38

Thanks. No need for the 50 but when they were $699 I should’ve jumped.

imho the zeiss v4 3-12x56 hangs with my meopta meostar 3-12x56. check out redhawk rifles as they had some for round $650.
Big Ed

Thanks all. I will check out the Tract but it will need to wait. I pulled the trigger on a classified listing. S&B Klassik 3-12x42. Pretty excited to give it a look through.

Surprised a bit about the Vortex, will also stay on my radar but I really would want a more simple reticle.