Scope Advice

[JimP]

Another scope to look at is the Vortex brand. A lot of scope for not much money.

 

[ActionBob]

If you like Leopold, check out a 2-12x42 VX6. Gives you both low and high magnification and available with illuminated retical. If that is too much money, look at a VXR 2-7 or 3-9.... 4.5x is too much on the low end for Africa, IMO.

I also dislike the 50's... Look into the 30mm tubes but no need for more than 42/44.

 

[gordon-kruger]

There is a huge difference in lens quality if you compare the "budget" model of Zeiss Conquest and the more pricy Victory Diavari.

Anyhow, if you going to hunt some of the duikers I would anyhow suggest a scope with at least 10 times magnification, don't know if you have looking at Dik Dik or Blue Duiker with a 4 times powered scope on 150 meter....you will swear that you did not go for a scope with higher magnification....

My philosophy is that American and Australian made scopes can not be compared to European made ones when it comes to quality... But on other hand I don't have experience with Leopold scope for 25 years, perhaps them new series holding a higher quality than it was before ??

 

[ActionBob]

I own a Swarofski z6i 2-12 as well as two Leupold VX6's in 2-12 and one in 1-6. I actually prefer the Leupold but honestly cannot really tell a difference. Of course those are all 30mm tubes. In the one inch tube models, I do prefer the Swarofski.

 

[johnnyblues]

I placed a Trijicon 2x5 x 10 x56 on my 300 wsm for my upcoming leopard hunt. This is my first Trijicon and I m impressed with it. I went for the higher magnification only because I could be in a low light situation in the blind. In any event I like my scopes to gather as much light as possible as this is my gun of choice for deer hunting here in the states. On the other hand I just bought a 375 Ruger Guide rifle as I m planning a buffalo and a lion hunt (hopefully) in the near future. I placed a Leupold 3x5x10x40 on that gun knowing full well I would only use it on DG and most likely not be used in a low light situation. I guess the lesson here is match your scope to your needs. Good luck.

 

[Rob404]

Thanks to all for your opinions and suggestions. It gives me more reading and research to do on the iPad and more trips to Cabela's. Now does anyone want to start a donation for the scope?

The Checks In The Mail

 

[Bridger Spence]

I love vortex good value for the price cant afford a lot of the higher end brands.

 

[Newbie85]

Any thoughts on what scope would win in quality, functionality, etc. between Zeiss Conquest HD5 and Leupold's VX-6.
I'm an accountant and can't wrap my head/wallet/budget around the Zeiss Victory line.

 

[Royal27]

Any thoughts on what scope would win in quality, functionality, etc. between Zeiss Conquest HD5 and Leupold's VX-6.
I'm an accountant and can't wrap my head/wallet/budget around the Zeiss Victory line.

In my opinion, it is pretty dang close. I have the HD5 on my .375, but I know that @ActionBob is a huge fan of the VX6. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

I liked the zeiss reticle too, so that played a part in my decision as well.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Have not looked through the VX6 yet.

The Zeiss beat the VX3's on light transmission in low light hands down without going to the high end Zeiss.

Take them both into a dark room and see what YOU see through them.
Let us know.

 

[Royal27]

Take them both into a dark room and see what YOU see through them.

+1
Fantastic advice.

 

[Philip Glass]

I think you are on the right track. I have always liked Leupold and the variables with higher magnification work well for me. You must ask your PH what to expect. Every one on here seems to have taken mostly close range shots. On my PG hunts 300 yard shots were the norm.
I have many Leupold VX6 that I really like.
Regards,
Philip

 

[ActionBob]

I've always liked the view through the HD5's but don't own one... to me it would depend upon whether you want a 1" or 30 mm tube. And illumination.

 

[buffybr]

I've had Leupold scopes on several of my hunting rifles for many years. I currently have a Leupold VX1 4-12x40 on my .300 Weatherby that I've used in Africa, New Zealand and multiple Western US hunts. All of these scopes have duplex crosshairs which is fine for me as I don't think I've ever shot an animal over 350 yards.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

You won't go wrong with the VX-6. I have some Swarovski's on some of my rifles, but all my rental rifles have Leupold VX-R's on them. Simple reason is that they are very durable and sometimes feel indestructible. If they last on a rental rifle, they will do the job for you. All of my Leupold's are 4-12x40, so don't think that you need to worry about 4.5x being overkill.
Best of luck with your search.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen
KMG Hunting Safaris

 

[woods1126]

Here is a photo of my 300 RUM wearing a Leupold VX-3, 4.5-14x40. My longest shot this year was 372 meters, a tad over 400 yards, on a Red Hartebeest. My closest, was a Warthog a couple years ago at about 40 yards. I keep it cranked down when walking, but I like having the magnification, if needed. My eyes are not like they used to be.