Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics A good low-power, low-light scope?

I'm looking for a lightweight, low-power scope that will allow me to shoot with both eyes open while still offering decent low-light performance. I really like the 1.5-5 straight-tube safari scopes, but they don't seem bright enough after sundown. I'm currently considering the Leupold VX3 1.75-6x32 and the Minox 1.5-8x32, but I don't have access to look at them first. Opinions?

The biggest factor in low light viewing is magnifgication. That's because it puts you, in effect, closer to the target.
There are a couple of qualifiers, however.
First of all, your eyes need to be able to handle low light or night time conditions whichever is of interest.
Second, the scope must produce a large enough exit pupil to see anything. If the exit pupil is too small, the image shows nothing. A little larger than needed exit pupil will brighten up the image.
The last is the scope's reticle. It needs to be heavy enough to be seen in the scope's image or it needs to be illuminated. Even with an illuminated reticle, it, the reticle, will tend to reduce one's night vison. E

"E"
Right ON!!

Shoud make this a "sticky"

It's NOT lightweight but the Zeiss 1.8-5.5x38mm is a good one.

And out of production..... E

I understand why you believe magnification to be important, but, if you have a POS scope, all the magnification and exit pupil in the world won't help you see you target if the lenses and coatings don't provide adequate resolution of the target. I believe quality glass and coatings are more important than magnification and exit pupil in identifying your target under low light conditions.

First class, fully multicoated scopes can be had for under $200. For example, the Burris FFII's.
BTW, I've got an old single coated Leupold 4X and an older Leupold Compact, again, single coated, that work fine during twilight. The only reason the Compact doesn't work on some nights is because I can't see the reticle. The old 4X, with a Post & Duplex reticle has worked everytime I tried it. E

The closest you can probably get is a high end Euro 1.5-6x42 or the next step down, a high end Euro 1.1-4x24. The former will give you a 7mm exit pupil and very high light transmission. The former has equal light transmission but only a 6mm exit pupil which will make it slightly less bright.

These scopes were designed for night hunting in driven game situations and happen to be rugged enough to handle heavy rifles and DG situations. The have a very wide FOV when at 1.5x and so make for quick scopes even if they are not really light.

Meopta makes a good one at a reasonable price ($450). Full pop retail on the Zeiss/Swaro/Schmidt Bender scopes runs much more ($1700-$2400). I have both and the Meopta compares very favorably and comes with the same unlimited lifetime warranty.

If you find one of any of the above for a decent price do not hesitate to by it. At worst you send it back for repair and either a new one comes back or one refurbed to new condition at no charge to you.

Why is that ?

Eremicus..can you give us a few more examples? I'm in the same situation looking for a scope for my Bob, Redneck is building. Any with a 1/4" adjustment?

1.5-6x42 Monarch Gold
Not a lightweight but it's a damn good scope in low light

The Minox ZA5 1.5-8x only weighs 12 ounces, and the glass is right in there with anybody's.

just get an aimpoint its low power (1X and a red dot and thus it has a huge exit pupil...Why you can use even with the end closed up if you keep both eyes open. Just put the dot on what you can see with your left eye and pull the trigger.

Zeiss Victory Diavari 1.5-6

WildawesomescopeAlaska ��2002-2011

I'm quite fond of my VX3 1.75x6. Very bright, forgiving eye box, but better than the 1.5x5.

Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5X32

For low magnification a Leupold 4X with a heavy duplex reticle. For better low light performance not too heavy or hard on your wallet a Leupold 6X42.. with the heavy duplex reticle.

My Swaro 3-10x42 spanks the lower-power Leup's in my elk camp in very low light. Just sayin'. I know it's not a low-power scope but my point, I guess, is that IMHO Leup lower-power scopes can be beat in low light.

Donning Nomex.

I've also been toying with the Minox 1.5-8x. The 3-9x Minox I have is better than a Z3 Swaro.

No need for Nomex, swarovski will spank Loopy any day.

I think the Zeiss is better than the Swarovski, some folks think otherwise, but either beats the poopie out of any other

WildgreatglassallmightyAlaska ��2002-2011