Help me pick a scope...

[smokey24_24]

I'm looking for the best glass I can find in the $1500 range. Preferably in a 5-25 setup...or something close to that range. I'm going down the rabbit hole way too much and need some help. I've looked at

Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22
Leupold Mk4 & Mk5
Athlon Cronus
Element Nexus
Zeiss LRP S3 (used one)...
Meopta Optika 6
Anything else in that price range that would offer better glass?

It will go on a Tikka T3 Tac A1 6.5 Creedmoor that will be used to get out to about 1000 yards or so, with some occasional deer hunting from a blind. Any help is greatly appreciated. My eyes aren't the best in the world so glass quality is preference.

EDIT: How does the NightForce SHV 4-14x50 F1 compare to these? Not quite as much magnification as I was looking for but would it be a better optic? I've heard nothing but great things about NightForce.

 

[codym]

I like the mark 5 in that price range if keeping weight down field of view is tight but a solid optic or at least mine have been. if not you can find a razor gen 2 in that price range, always liked the glass on those.

 

[simonp]

Another vote for the MK V

 

[beetroot]

Ziess LRP will be the best if you find a used one, Burris XTR Pro a little behind.
If buying new then Athlon Cronus.

 

[Kickin45]

I’ve never gotten to use theZeiss 5-25
But the 6-36 is pretty amazing.
Cronus
MK4HD

 

[TahoeDust]

From that list, if you can get into a Zeiss in your budget, that would be my choice.

 

[diverdon]

Have you been to the eye Dr? If cataracts are part of your vision problem it's a outpatient procedure to make your eyes young again.

I wish ide done mine a year sooner.

 

[smcfarland]

Another vote for S3 if can find a used one in your budget. Very happy with mine on animals out to 400 and steel out to 1000 on a 6.5cm gasser.
Son has a MK5 3-18 on his 6.5 bolt gun that I built and set up for him. Unless weight was the ultimate priority and required locking turrets, to me the S3 is a much better scope.

 

[Waddles0931]

The Leupold Mark IV 6-24 is a great choice in this category. It has super clear glass and I love the PR2 Mil reticle. No experience with the Mark V but if you can justify it then I see no reason not to go with it!

 

[smokey24_24]

Edited original post but

How does the NightForce SHV 4-14x50 F1 compare to these? Not quite as much magnification as I was looking for but would it be a better optic? I've heard nothing but great things about NightForce.

I'm considering just buying that scope and putting it on my Bergara B14 300 PRC used for Elk hunting and then moving my Bushnell Elite Tactical LRTS 3-18 and putting it on the Creedmoor. Thoughts?

 

[JayOpticspecialist]

I've been hunting a vortex LHT myself, that would be my vote. try to put hands on and look through all of them and see what you like best.

https://cstactical.com/vortex-razor-lht-4-5-22x50-ffp-xlr-2-moa-rzr-42201/

 

[White_Shark]

You can get a used 6-24 Razor AMG for that price as well.

This guy is selling one

Firearms - 6.5cm Defiance AnTi & Vortex 6-24 AMG MRAD *FIRE SALE PART OUT UPDATED/PRICE DROPS*

Catch and release build/project - all recently acquired from the fine folks of the hide. Loved the idea of this build but just can’t get away from my 7mm’s. Chambering and stock bedding done by Omega out of TX. Decided to sell the package to whoever needs a turn key light weight hunter...

www.snipershide.com

 

[MikeMiller]

I'm looking for the best glass I can find in the $1500 range. Preferably in a 5-25 setup...or something close to that range. I'm going down the rabbit hole way too much and need some help. I've looked at

Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22
Leupold Mk4 & Mk5
Athlon Cronus
Element Nexus
Zeiss LRP S3 (used one)...
Meopta Optika 6
Anything else in that price range that would offer better glass?

It will go on a Tikka T3 Tac A1 6.5 Creedmoor that will be used to get out to about 1000 yards or so, with some occasional deer hunting from a blind. Any help is greatly appreciated. My eyes aren't the best in the world so glass quality is preference.

EDIT: How does the NightForce SHV 4-14x50 F1 compare to these? Not quite as much magnification as I was looking for but would it be a better optic? I've heard nothing but great things about NightForce.

I have the Razor 4.5-22. Well actually three of them. I really like them.
Another scope that has impressed me at the price point is hard to match is the Viper PST 5-25x50 HD

https://vortexoptics.com/riflescopes-viper-hd-5-25x50+reticle-VMR-4~MRAD

Just an exceptional scope for the money

 

[Basic user]

Zeiss all day. The cronus is nice too though.

 

[chevy_man]

Edited original post but

How does the NightForce SHV 4-14x50 F1 compare to these? Not quite as much magnification as I was looking for but would it be a better optic? I've heard nothing but great things about NightForce.

I'm considering just buying that scope and putting it on my Bergara B14 300 PRC used for Elk hunting and then moving my Bushnell Elite Tactical LRTS 3-18 and putting it on the Creedmoor. Thoughts?

SHV is an older design and the ones I've looked through weren't great.

NX8 is far better optically, but I'm not a fan of the super tight eyebox.

Put me in the mark4/5 camp. There's a reason my match rifle still wears a mark 5.

 

[smokey24_24]

I have the Razor 4.5-22. Well actually three of them. I really like them.
Another scope that has impressed me at the price point is hard to match is the Viper PST 5-25x50 HD

https://vortexoptics.com/riflescopes-viper-hd-5-25x50+reticle-VMR-4~MRAD

Just an exceptional scope for the money

Do you think the Razor is $500 better than the Viper PST?

 

[Basic user]

Do you think the Razor is $500 better than the Viper PST?

I dont think so personally. But that's my eyes.

 

[MikeMiller]

Glass on both are great. The Razor is made in Japan so costs more. The Viper is made in Philippines so less cost
Razor is geared more toward pure hunting. The Viper is Tactical but works great for hunting as well

I would look at both and decide for yourself. I have both and love them both. Same warranty but have not had an issue with either model

 

[smokey24_24]

I think I'm settling on making an offer on the used Zeiss, I'm just a little apprehensive about sending that amount of money to someone on a forum. Limited feedback, although all have been positive. Anyone have ideas on how to make a secure transaction and limit the risk?

 

[TahoeDust]

I think I'm settling on making an offer on the used Zeiss, I'm just a little apprehensive about sending that amount of money to someone on a forum. Limited feedback, although all have been positive. Anyone have ideas on how to make a secure transaction and limit the risk?

Facetime with them and have them show you the item. Pay with PayPal goods and services.