Subjective bad light test: 2xS&B vs. 1xKahlesK vs. Philippino Vortex vs. Chinese Vector

[ptosis]

In the recent years very decent optics got much more affordable. I have always been very conservative, as far as optics go -- bought expensive, proven models, and kept them for a long time. But since quite some time I started wondering whether high-end models available here in Europe are worth the extra money for my applications.

To answer this question, I have put a few scopes to a [totally unscientific] test, specifically concentrated on ELD and bad light (low sun in the face, twilight).

A totally subjective and unscientific test of “long range” rifle scopes: über-expensive vs. reasonably affordable – geladen.ch

geladen.ch

Hope it can prove useful to others.

 

[jinxx4ever]

nice write up, but i'm more impressed with your view of the valley. Beautiful

 

[ptosis]

nice write up, but i'm more impressed with your view of the valley. Beautiful

Thanks! It is beautiful indeed, wish I could spend more time there (I live in the suburbs in lowlands, much less spectacular).

 

[cake5150]

Thanks for the writeup, very insightful.

 

[Lug Nut]

Thanks for sharing.

good stuff.

 

[rhsc]

Nicely performed comparison. I'm surprised at the poor showing of your S&B PMII 3-12x50. Have you considered sending it back to the manufacturer to have them check it for defects?

 

[ptosis]

Thanks for the writeup, very insightful.

You're welcome! Glad you find it useful.

 

[ptosis]

Thanks for sharing.

good stuff.

Thanks!

 

[ptosis]

Nicely performed comparison. I'm surprised at the poor showing of your S&B PMII 3-12x50. Have you considered sending it back to the manufacturer to have them check it for defects?

The SB 3-12x did not actually perform poorly -- it's still excellent optics, totally bulletproof. I have mine for maybe 7-8 years, and I have shot with many other such scopes (it is one of the most popular models in our parts, since the army has adopted it around the turn of the century). For the parasite light elimination, I don't think it is this specific scope which has a problem, but would rather suspect a general design "feature".

 

[rhsc]

Well, the 3-12 being an older design, maybe it's expecting too much for it to outperform some of the better scopes that are coming out of China and the Phillipines these days.