Optics-the price vs. quality issue

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Poodleshooter

New member
I'm sure this topic has been beat to death, but then, haven't they all? Anyway, I've always shot using Tasco/Bushnell/Simmons scopes-mostly Simmons Whitetail Classics and 44Mags. I've only looked through a very few of the higer end scopes (Leupold,Burris,Bausch & Lomb,Nikon,Swarovski,etc.)
My question is for those who have used the low AND high end scopes a great deal. Was the price difference between say a Simmons Aetec (around $180) and a Leupold Vari-X III (say $280-350) worth it to you? What do you get for 2-3x more money?
Thanks for your opinions guys.
 
YES!!!!! I've shot Tasco's and Simmons (44 mag) and have become a devoted Nikon fan. I love their scopes and they're very reasonably priced compared to the Vari-X III. Whether the Vari-x III is better than a Nikon, I cannot attest to. But, from Simmons to Nikon, there was a major difference. Not just in clarity, but in being able to maintain it's zero. I wish I had the money for a Swarovski (sp?) or Zeiss just so I could see if there is a difference. But from low end to mid grade, you bet there is. Good luck.

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"Charlton Heston is my President"

Danny45
NRA, NAHC, Buckmasters
 
They are worth the difference if you compare two scopes of the same magnification and other specs. I've never seen a cheaper scope that I would rather have than one that is more costly when you compare apples to apples.

You do get what you pay for. The challenge is to get only what you need and then get the best you can. For example, if you want a 3x-9x but really don't need anymore than a 1.5x-5x, it is better to go with the lower power scope if you can get better quality. The higher end fixed scopes are often not much more than the higher powered variables in the lower grades. Furthermore, the high end scopes like Zeiss et al are made for the European market. They hunt at night. We don't. They need the extra light gathering.

I've used cheap scopes and the very best and I've never regretted the money spent on the good stuff. First and foremost, however, I think you should put most of your money to a good set of binoculars because you will look through them a lot more often and the high grade binos make viewing easier.

[This message has been edited by PJR (edited October 04, 2000).]
 
I've been looking at scopes for my Marlin 1894P. I don't have a lot of money to invest in a scope at this time. Right now I'm leaning towards a Simmons White Tail Classic, 1.5x-5x-20. I can get it for about $100. What do you think about this choice?

Thanks, PaulTX
 
Paul, I have a Weaver 2.5 x 20 that has proved to be an excellent scope. It's in that price range.

FWIW, my experiance is that any scope can fail regardless of price. The ones that seemed to fail the most were the variable powers. The cheaper the scope, the more likely it is to fail and the harder it is to get good service from the company. (I have heard good things about Simmons service though)

If I wanted to get a good scope cheap, I'd look at a fixed power. If a variable is desired, I'd stretch for a Leupold/Burris or better.

Giz
 
Paul

I'd second the vote for the Weaver 2.5x. I've used one and it's not too far off the optical quality of the Leupold Compact 2.5x.
 
I've owned Leupolds and I believe one thing you pay for when you buy their scopes is a quality company standing behind a quality product that will give you better service that ultimately will result in a longer service life for your equipment. You might junk a Tasco or similarly priced scope in a couple years, but the higher end Nikons, Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, and others will last a lifetime. Another thing to consider is that a good scope doesn't need to be sold along with your rifle if you wish to get a different gun.
 
The real issue is value. Value is something YOU determine. Don't ever look through top-quality optics until you can afford them. After comparing a set of Leica binoculars to everything else in a shop, I was hooked. The detail and clarity of top optics will help you pick out details in low light situations that you'd never notice otherwise. It's like the difference between AM radio and a CD. You may recognize the song on AM just fine, but you won't appreciate all the information available.

I like a bright crisp picture through optics. The one sleeper that really suprised me was the Tasco Super Sniper series. I compared it to Leupold, B&L and my Leica, and for the price was an outstanding value. I bought two.

Just my experience.
 
Gizmo99 and PJR,

What is the eye relief on the Weaver K2.5? I found the scope at two vendors (one had it for $113) but they didn't have any specs on it. On place said it had exceptional eye relief which is of interest to me. The Simmons 1.5x-5x has a 3.4" eye relief, if I could get a little more I'd like to do it.

Dave -> The Super Sniper looks interesting, but it's a little long for what I want to put on a Marlin 1894P.
 
PaulTX,

Check out the scopes on AuctionArms.com (http://www.auctionarms.com) and GunBroker.com (http://www.gunbroker.com). If you take your time, you can pick up some great deals on second hand Leupolds, Burrises, Nikons, etc. I bought a Leupold VX-II 1-4X for $125, as well as several other Leupolds.

For the Marlin, I'd seriously consider a fixed 4x rather than a variable, by the way, but to each his own. I bought two-piece Weaver-style scope bases for my Marlin 1894S, then decided to install a Lyman receiver sight instead. Contact me off list if you're interested in a deal on the bases.
 
Slightly off topic. I have a Simmons Whitetail Classic 4x12 on my .223, and am very satisfied with the quality. No reason for me to look at anything more expensive.

On the other hand, bought a fairly inexpensive spotting scope recently. Took it to the range, and was not satisfied with the clarity, sharpness, etc., at 100 yards. Made the mistake of sneaking a peek through my range neighbor's Leupold spotter. WOW! Difference was dramatic and immediately obvious. Wound up sending mine back for credit. Now saving the pennies to buy a better one! :)

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Regards - AZFred




[This message has been edited by Fred (edited October 05, 2000).]
 
Just another vote for the weaver. Mine is a CK2.5, I don't know what the C means. I have this scope mounted on my Winchester model 2200(same as a 1300 bought it in Canada). Check out the used scope section at gun shops. I paid $45 for mine and it was like brand new, they mounted it for me for $20(I got 10 or 15 bucks off because he put a tiny scratch on the gun). Scope quality does make a difference. Hunting in Alberta quite a few years ago I told my hunting buddies to check out 3 cow moose hiding just inside the timber about 85 yards away. I was looking through my scope(a weaver 3x9). It was a top of the line weaver at that time. I forget what my friends were using(I think a bushnell banner, but they could only see 2 moose in their scopes) I looked through theirs, they looked through mine. I lost the 3rd moose in their scopes, and they saw her using mine. Get the best you can afford, check out the weaver. (didn't get our moose btw.)
 
PaulTX:

According to a catalog I've got the eye relief on the Weaver 2.5x is 3.7" while the Leupold 2.5x is 4.9 inches. The Leupold incidentally sells in the $200 range. I've got one and recommend it. Personally, I'd rather wait and save for better optics.

Fred:

That's about how I got into upgrading my optics. Just one look and you are hooked. If you are happy with the one's you have never, repeat never, look through a scope or binoculars that cost more than the one's you have.
 
Scopes are harder to figure out than the gun itself. There are so many variables. I was looking at the 1.5x-5x Simmons because I thought it'd be handy to use 1.5x or 2x for close shooting if I get to go hog hunting. The 4x or 5x would be fun to use at the 100 yard rifle range. I don't plan on doing any deer hunting.

The part of me that always wants quality would sure like to have Leupold or other upper end scope. Since I can't spare $200 plus right now, I wonder if I would be better served getting about a $60 fixed shotgun type scope with a ~5" eye relief to play with and save up for a better scope sometime next year?

Thanks for all the good information and recommendations. The only scope I have right now is a Sears 4x on a .22 rifle and someone gave me that one many years ago! I've learned alot about scopes the last couple of months - not an easy area to master right away.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Poodleshooter:
I'm sure this topic has been beat to death, but then, haven't they all? Anyway, I've always shot using Tasco/Bushnell/Simmons scopes-mostly Simmons Whitetail Classics and 44Mags. I've only looked through a very few of the higer end scopes (Leupold,Burris,Bausch & Lomb,Nikon,Swarovski,etc.)
My question is for those who have used the low AND high end scopes a great deal. Was the price difference between say a Simmons Aetec (around $180) and a Leupold Vari-X III (say $280-350) worth it to you? What do you get for 2-3x more money?
Thanks for your opinions guys.[/quote]

Well first off, the difference between $180.00 and $350 is only slightly less than twice as much...not 3X as much. Having said that, I can say yes it is worth the difference to me. Reasons are:

* $180.00 isn't going to break me, I'm not one to waste money but it isn't that much. If you keep the scope for 20 years, that's about $9.00 a year.

* The optics are better. Do you really need that better optics...well sometimes yes and sometimes no. However, I appreciate excellence in my equipment. I have pride of ownership. To me my firearms are more than a "Tool". Some are pieces of art. You may have a different value system. I also tend to keep my firearms in top shape (appearance and working order). My adult son would prefer to hunt with a firearm that he could toss in the back of the truck with indifference.

* Warranty is different. Leupold for example warrants the scope for life no matter who owns it.

* Resale. If you keep that same Leupold for the same twenty years and your whole family and all of your friends vote for politicians who support the second ammendment to the constitution, given inflation, you will probably be able to sell the scope for what you paid for it in 2000. How much will it have cost you then?

* Reliability. My moto is, buy something you are proud of and meets your needs. Then use it but take care of it. When your chance to go far off on that Big hunt for that trophy, your equipment will be ready to go with you.

Course if the baby needs milk and you can't buy both you have to set priorities that work for you. I've been there too.
 
It depends on your uses as well as your pockets. I've got scopes ranging from ordinary Tascos, through Nikons and Redfields, through Lightforce NXS.

My Ruger 10/22 Target has a Tasco World Class 3X9. The scope is perfectly adequate for squirrels and 50 yd target shooting. If the scope goes south on me-I'm out of an afternoon's hunting or plinking. No biggie.
My Browning BAR has the Redfield 3X9 on it. More rugged and dependable than the Tasco-I'd rather miss a day of squirrel hunting than mess up a deer hunt. The Bushmaster AR15 heavy barrel has the Nikon 3X9. I'm considering swapping these last two around.
My Remington 700 PSS has the Lightforce scope with Badger rings and base.

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Byron Quick
 
I gravitate to 2-3 brands. For low end, I prefer Bushnell. Cheap, but reliable. Decent warranty service. Higher end, Leupold. For my PSS, I have a Vari-X III M3 LR. Since that rifle gets more "eye-time" waiting for the varmints to stick up their head, you want the best possible quality to eliminate eye strain.

For an AR, I went with an ELCAN. As said, depends on the use.

WIth binocs, it is even more critical. As a prior poster said, do not look throught that high end glass. The 10X42 Leica/10X40 Zeiss/ or 10X42 Swarovski will tempt. However until I borrowed a set of Zeiss during a birding trip, I never realized how much less eye fatigue you get from a great set of binoculars. I will eventually get a set since they are lifetime purchases.
 
Leupold is the cheapest scope I have ever used . I have used some zeiss and Nikon big expensive scopes. I feel that the cheaper optics may be fine in smaller calibers if you plan on limited shooting. Once you get to high power guns that beat on the scope or go out shooting a lot... the value becomes evident as the expensive scopes just keep working.
 
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