Meopta Optika6 3-18 vs 4.5-27

[EastCOYotes]

In the market for prairie dog/coyote rifle scope. I had targeted the $1000-$1500 range but am drawn to the Meopta because the feedback I've seen on the 3-18 model is outstanding and seems the glass quality is as good as anything in the $1000 - $1500 retail range (Mk4HD, XTRIII, DMR3, and others)

Does anyone have both the 3-18 and 4.5-27 that can comment on how the 4.5-27 stacks up? I haven't seen tons of feedback on it. I'd prefer the larger mag range on it if performs as well as the 3-18. I like the weight on these as well as I'd prefer to stay near 30oz.

 

[srt-4_uk]

Compare the spec sheet to the 5-30. I don't see any reason to choose the 4.5-27 over the 5-30

 

[EastCOYotes]

Compare the spec sheet to the 5-30. I don't see any reason to choose the 4.5-27 over the 5-30

Fair, the 5-30 is a good bit heavier/longer. If the 4.5-27 is a performer I like it's reduced size better.

 

[Ape_Factory]

I owned the 3-18 and loved it. Just a really solid optic if on the largish side. Take a look at the Steiner H6i 3-18x50, glass is exceptional and it's a good bit smaller. I find the 3-18 is really enough for just about everything practical. I have a 4.5-29x scope as well.

I don't think there's any support for Meopta scopes in the U.S. currently which may influence your decision.

 

[EastCOYotes]

The Steiner looks nice but it’s in a bit of a different price bracket. Aside from being smaller is it superior to the meopta in any other ways?

I had looked at the Mk 4HD 4.5-18 but it’s about the same size as the Meopta. I feel like the Leupold just has a clean look to it and it’s easy to forget most 18x scopes are much shorter than it is.

At $1500 like the Steiner & Mk4 I had a bunch of other options considered but thought the Meopta may be a nice savings without compromising glass.

I didn’t know about the US support you mentioned though.

 

[Casing012]

I looked thru an Optica6 and was very impressed with the glass, way better than anything at that price point for sure. I would have bought it but for the clunky BDC type reticle. If I find a thinner, non BDC reticle I will get one in the 3-18x.

 

[Ape_Factory]

The Steiner looks nice but it’s in a bit of a different price bracket. Aside from being smaller is it superior to the meopta in any other ways?

Glass is a bit clearer and handles flair better, IMO, slightly more contrast and colors are more saturated. Turrets are much lower and better overall, easier to read as you get older, etc...The Meopta definitely punches way above its price point, no doubt. Was my favorite scope for a long time. I feel as though eye relief is a bit more forgiving on the Steiner as well. And as you mentioned, the size and weight.

If you're patient, you may find one in your price range, especially with Black Friday a month away.

 

[doty_soty]

I’ve had the 3-18, 4.5-27, and 5-30. I have since sold the 4.5-27. It was fine but I feel it compromised to get to its smaller size. The 3-18 is a splendid optic that excels in glass quality relative to its price point, as does the larger 5-30. I have pretty good glass these days but have no plans to swap out my 5-30 any time soon it’s gorgeous to get behind.

 

[EastCOYotes]

I’ve had the 3-18, 4.5-27, and 5-30. I have since sold the 4.5-27. It was fine but I feel it compromised to get to its smaller size. The 3-18 is a splendid optic that excels in glass quality relative to its price point, as does the larger 5-30. I have pretty good glass these days but have no plans to swap out my 5-30 any time soon it’s gorgeous to get behind.

This is what I was wondering. According to specs the 4.5-27 is actually shorter than the 3-18. The 5-30 looks great but might be a little overkill & heavy for this gun. It's hard to draw a line on max weight for a hunting scope because you limit yourself dramatically trying to stay below say 32oz if higher magnification is desired.

This isn't a mountain gun so I won't be trecking with it, and will always be rested on a tripod/bipod/windowsill/etc. I'll consider the 5-30.

To get higher end magnification/lightweight/durable/good glass etc. is just a lot to ask for a $1000 optic. I think I might be happy with a Mk 4HD 6-24 or Mk 5HD 5-25 if I was willing to move to their price brackets.

Or I may just give the 3-18 a go. Was wanting some extra mag for long range prairie dogs but 18x is plenty for most cases.