MilDot Optics recommendation (binos and spotter)

[threetrees]

i'm looking for ideas and suggestions on optics with a mildot reticle. ideally i'd be looking for binos with 8x42 or 8x56 (or maybe 10x50) and spotter with a 70-80 objective and magnification between 20-40 (depends on whether it's variable or fixed)

for binos i think the only viable option at the moment is the Steiner Tactical 10x42 r with the sumr (steiner universal mil reticle). do you happen to know other recommended items?

-> steiner tactical 10x42 http://www.opticsplanet.com/steiner-10x42-military-r-surveillance-binoculars-650.html

on spotters ... the leupold mark 4 12-40x60 seems to be something that many use, yet it (supposedly) doesn't hold up to swaro and the like. considering that one can by the 30x75 swaro ctc for 1k (okay, no reticle but great glass) vs the leupold for 1.6k+ (reticle, water-proof, but medium glass?) ...
here i'm also undecided on the angled ocular aspect, folded beampath (like the leupold) or extension spotter (like the swaro) ... btw, on a variable magnification spotter, i'd prefer the reticle to be ffp.

leupold mark 4 with tmr reticle -> http://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-mark-4-12-40x60mm-tactical-spotting-scope-60040.html

looking forward to your opinions, suggestions and recommendations.

thanks,
3t

edit: started to add links for completeness and increased usability of the thread

 

[_Shay_]

Re: MilDot Optics recommendation (binos and spotter)

Binos- Vortex. I have a pair of their mil binos on the way, and I'll be doing a review once they get here.

 

[threetrees]

Re: MilDot Optics recommendation (binos and spotter)

just saw than vortex also offers a 20-60x85 spotter with the option of a fixed 30x eyepiec with mil or moa reticle ...

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-razor-hd-20-60x85-angled-spotting-scope (about 1600 for the spotter, 230 for the reticle eyepiece)

 

[Aries64]

Re: MilDot Optics recommendation (binos and spotter)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">just saw than vortex also offers a 20-60x85 spotter with the option of a fixed 30x eyepiec with mil or moa reticle ...

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-razor-hd-20-60x85-angled-spotting-scope (about 1600 for the spotter, 230 for the reticle eyepiece) </div></div>
For the Spotting Scope, the HD versions of the Optolyth S80 (Angled) or G80 (Straight) Compact are optically-superior to the Leupold Mark 4 and Golden Ring 12-40X[60mm] and Vortex scopes while offering a MIL Eyepiece option that other scopes like Swarovski, Zeiss, and Kowa don't offer. In comparison to the Razor the Optolyths have better image quality, are lighter and more compact, and because of their ergonomics are more practical and better suited for use in various positions if a reticle-equipped Eyepiece is used. Optolyth offers a 30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece that features a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Rotating Eyepiece</span></span>. The Reticle rotates independently of the Eyepiece Body, allowing the reticle oriented to to "square" to the horizon, target area, ect. This really isn't possible with non-rotating reticles.

Check-out my <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"Optolyth S80 HD Compact"</span></span> thread for a full write-up on the Optolyth S80 HD Compact as compared to a Zeiss 65T FL. Over the years I've also had occasion to use and/or look through: Zeiss 85T FL, Swarovski ATS 65s', Swarovski ATS 85, Swarovski STS 85, Swarovski ATM 85, Leupold Golden Ring 25X[60mm], Leupold Golden Ring 15-45X[50mm], Leupold Golden Ring 12-40X[60mm], Leupold Mark 4 12-40X[60mm] Mildot, Leupold Mark 4 12-40X[60mm] TMR, two Vortex 20-60X[85mm] Razor HDs', a Leica Televid, and a Kowa 85mm Prominar. And after using and comparing the Optolyth S80 HD Compact and my Zeiss 65T FL side-by-side I sold the Zeiss 65T FL, and have absolutely no regrets.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + RRS BH-30 LR and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece (GT1550T's Center Column removed for prone use</span></span>

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + RRS BH-30 LR and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece. Here the scope is set-up to
the Left of the shooter/spotter. The spotting scope has been rotated to the Right within it's Collar, while the Eyepiece's Reticle has
been rotated to the Left to remain "square" with the target area:</span></span>

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + RRS BH-30 LR and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece. Here the scope is set-up to
the Right of the shooter/spotter. The spotting scope has been rotated to the Left within it's Collar, while the Eyepiece's Reticle has
been rotated to the Right to remain "square" with the target area:</span></span>

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + RRS BH-30 LR and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece. Ready for seated use:</span></span>

Keith

 

[aziator]

Re: MilDot Optics recommendation (binos and spotter)

I saw someone mentioning a new Leupold 10x42 will mil reticle but I can't find anything about it. It was a Leupold BX T 10x42mm Tactical Binocular. Might be something new they are going to offer but I can't find a single thing about it.

 

[DeadNoise]

Re: MilDot Optics recommendation (binos and spotter)

Its actually discontinued but you may be able to find one used, I got lucky and found a set on here, I have them and the Leupold mark 4 spotting scope with mil ret and i like it alot. Havent got my binos yet they are still the mail, hopefully show up today and ill let ya guys know!

 

[threetrees]

Re: MilDot Optics recommendation (binos and spotter)

okay. another spotting scope with mildot: Bushnell Excursion FLP

 

[threetrees]

Re: MilDot Optics recommendation (binos and spotter)

more details on the vortex binos: Viper R/T 10x50

i think i ought to combine everything into a nice table ...