Good Low light scope
12-22-2007, 11:37 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location:
Posts: 84
Good Low light scope
I am considering updating the scope on my M700 in 300 WinMag. Currently I have a VX-111 in 4.5x14.
It works just fine in bright light but in low light hunting conditions, it is quite dark and grainy.
Most of my hunting is whitetailsover hay fields where a 450 yard shot isn't uncommon.I don't have problems in good light but
early morning or sundown gives me fits. I also occasionally head west for antelope, mulies, and elk. Most of the terrain I hunt is wide open. I use a different rifle if I hunt timber or close range.
I have decided on a few changes. I want a 30mm tube. I want an increase to at least 18 power on the top
end. I want at least a 50mm objective. And I wanta Mil-Dot reticle.
All of this and stay under $1000.
So far, it seems to have narrowed down to a Burris Black Diamond or Pentax Lightseeker 30, both 6x24x50. Little things I have read seem to indicate they are basically built by the same folks.
Anyone have experience or suggestions regarding either of these two scopes? Or on some other scopes I have overlooked. If price was no object, I know it would open up the contenders quite a bit.
Thanks
It works just fine in bright light but in low light hunting conditions, it is quite dark and grainy.
Most of my hunting is whitetailsover hay fields where a 450 yard shot isn't uncommon.I don't have problems in good light but
early morning or sundown gives me fits. I also occasionally head west for antelope, mulies, and elk. Most of the terrain I hunt is wide open. I use a different rifle if I hunt timber or close range.
I have decided on a few changes. I want a 30mm tube. I want an increase to at least 18 power on the top
end. I want at least a 50mm objective. And I wanta Mil-Dot reticle.
All of this and stay under $1000.
So far, it seems to have narrowed down to a Burris Black Diamond or Pentax Lightseeker 30, both 6x24x50. Little things I have read seem to indicate they are basically built by the same folks.
Anyone have experience or suggestions regarding either of these two scopes? Or on some other scopes I have overlooked. If price was no object, I know it would open up the contenders quite a bit.
Thanks
12-23-2007, 08:35 AM
#6
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location:
Posts: 318
RE: Good Low light scope
ORIGINAL: spd522
I am considering updating the scope on my M700 in 300 WinMag. Currently I have a VX-111 in 4.5x14.
It works just fine in bright light but in low light hunting conditions, it is quite dark and grainy.
Most of my hunting is whitetailsover hay fields where a 450 yard shot isn't uncommon.I don't have problems in good light but
early morning or sundown gives me fits. I also occasionally head west for antelope, mulies, and elk. Most of the terrain I hunt is wide open. I use a different rifle if I hunt timber or close range.
I have decided on a few changes. I want a 30mm tube. I want an increase to at least 18 power on the top
end. I want at least a 50mm objective. And I wanta Mil-Dot reticle.
All of this and stay under $1000.
So far, it seems to have narrowed down to a Burris Black Diamond or Pentax Lightseeker 30, both 6x24x50. Little things I have read seem to indicate they are basically built by the same folks.
Anyone have experience or suggestions regarding either of these two scopes? Or on some other scopes I have overlooked. If price was no object, I know it would open up the contenders quite a bit.
Thanks
I am considering updating the scope on my M700 in 300 WinMag. Currently I have a VX-111 in 4.5x14.
It works just fine in bright light but in low light hunting conditions, it is quite dark and grainy.
Most of my hunting is whitetailsover hay fields where a 450 yard shot isn't uncommon.I don't have problems in good light but
early morning or sundown gives me fits. I also occasionally head west for antelope, mulies, and elk. Most of the terrain I hunt is wide open. I use a different rifle if I hunt timber or close range.
I have decided on a few changes. I want a 30mm tube. I want an increase to at least 18 power on the top
end. I want at least a 50mm objective. And I wanta Mil-Dot reticle.
All of this and stay under $1000.
So far, it seems to have narrowed down to a Burris Black Diamond or Pentax Lightseeker 30, both 6x24x50. Little things I have read seem to indicate they are basically built by the same folks.
Anyone have experience or suggestions regarding either of these two scopes? Or on some other scopes I have overlooked. If price was no object, I know it would open up the contenders quite a bit.
Thanks
12-23-2007, 10:41 AM
#7
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 6,471
RE: Good Low light scope
Look at the www.cdnninvestments.com site and download their catalog in PDF. They have Kahles CL and C (30mm) scopes way within the price range your talking and a lot in 30 mm. I have 2 of the one inch models and they are super bright I can't imagine what a 30mm tube they build will look like. They have a lifetime manufacturer warranty from Kahles. I am purchasing a either a 3-10x50 or 4-12x52 cl from them if I ever make up my mind. Go to WWW.SWFA.com and search on them in their optics forum. These are also more compact scopes then all mentioned here and are not as HEAVY by a long shot.
12-23-2007, 11:39 AM
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Clermont Florida U.S.
Posts: 4,970
RE: Good Low light scope
Good scopes cost lots. Here is one worth considering: Swarovski American (1 " tube) 6-18 X 50 with the TDS reticle. You can pick up a slightly used one off the Sample List at S.W.F.A. for $1000. You'd be hard pressed to do much better unless you get the new Swaro Z6 models but they cost way more. . If you step up to a 30mm, the price exceeds your limit unless you drop down (somewhat) on the magnification. For example, a Kahles CL Multizero 4-12 X 52 for $800 or a 3-12 X 56 for $900. These Kahles are VERY good scopes. There are (oftentimes) very good deals on the Sample List. These are slightly used, demos or discontinued models and are warrantied. Go to the S.W.F.A. website and snoop around.
12-23-2007, 01:13 PM
#9
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 6,471
RE: Good Low light scope
For example, a Kahles CL Multizero 4-12 X 52 for $800 or a 3-12 X 56 for $900. These Kahles are VERY good scopes. There are (oftentimes) very good deals on the Sample List. These are slightly used, demos or discontinued models and are warrantied. Go to the S.W.F.A. website and snoop around.
