What is a Budget Optic

[Milf Dots]

I agree 100% with this also. But will still try to find the best what ever I’m buying for the cheapest price.

I don't see anyone arguing against this foundational strategy- even those who just buy what and when they want to.

 

[Compadre]

$800-$1200 can be considered mid range

 

[TheOtherAndrew]

Just buy a scope then show us - using your money which I assume is tied to your [budget]...

 

[Milf Dots]

Why won't the stubborn just save more money for longer- so they can get non-CheapComm optics?

ETA: Of course take advantage of a sale or discount. Or buy a higher end, clean used optic, here in the PX.

 

[hafejd30]

Many Vortex models are good to go.

If a guy can't afford better than an Arkon, then he needs to save more money over time- so he can buy something better than Cheapcomm.

My couple Arken EP5’s are decent for the money. Both have already outlasted my Viper PST’s that I owned in reliability

 

[Cr1775]

Budget optics are the first thing to have to be replaced when the eyes get older.

 

[FuhQ]

Budget optics are the first thing to have to be replaced when the eyes get older.

As someone who has a continuously worsening astigmatism caused by eye trauma, I have noticed this, as well. And many times I will get headache or migraines the next day from eye strain using the lower-quality glass for hours on-end at the range. For years I never put 2+2 together, until I used nothing but some of my high end scopes all day on the range, and had zero migraine or headache the next day. Then I tried it again the following week with cheap scopes, and headache that night or the next day.

 

[Convex]

As someone who has a continuously worsening astigmatism caused by eye trauma, I have noticed this, as well. And many times I will get beaches or migraines the next day from eye strain using the lower-quality glass for hours on-end at the range. For years I never put 2+2 together, until I used nothing but some of my high end scopes all day on the range, and had zero migraine or headache the next day. Then I tried it again the following week with cheap scopes, and headache that night or the next day.

When I was about to have my surgeries for cataracts/astigmatism, my surgeon warned me to be prepared for possibly getting some bad headaches.

His response to my asking why was that all these years while my vision was bad/"mush", my brain/eye combination hadn't had to work on focusing on fine detail/changing focus, so w/the return of clear vision there was going to be an increased workload that my eyes weren't used to.

He was right, I was getting headaches, bad ones.

Besides taking pills, what worked was just laying down w/the light out/in a dark room to go easy on these old eyeballs until they got used to the new workload.

 

[RTH1800]

One thing that stands out to me on most threads is the general placement of features over quality. Fluff over substance.

Once you insist on exotic features and prioritize price over quality you have built your own trap.

 

[Rebels010]

I don’t buy Chinese scopes. So the lowest budget scope I will rock is a fixed SWFA. To me, that’s what I personally think of as a budget scope.

 

[paulrem308]

Any one know which budget scopes that are Not made in china!!!!! Asking for a friend. Maybe get a list of Chinese shit so everyone can know. Picked up an atlon 2 years ago. What does say on botom: made in China. OH well

 

[Im2bent]

Everyone calm down the way things are developing they will soon say made in India. That'll be way better.

 

[Makinchips208]

Any one know which budget scopes that are Not made in china!!!!! Asking for a friend. Maybe get a list of Chinese shit so everyone can know. Picked up an atlon 2 years ago. What does say on botom: made in China. OH well

may not be up to date in 2025, but enjoy.

https://sageratsafaris.com/master-list-of-illuminated-variable-1x-rifle-scopes/

And if you scroll to the bottom there are other categories. For example this one, under $750.

Mid-range hunting scopes under $750 - Optics Database

All mid-range hunting rifle scopes under $750, with reticles, street prices, and links. Updated: May 12, 2021, 134 optics, 302 reticles.

sageratsafaris.com

 

[paulrem308]

Checked this out. Not really surprised of some made in china. Some I suspected. Quite a few made in Philippines. Oh well.

 

[TahoeDust]

I have two "budget" Strike Eagle 5-25s and I don't hate them enough to replace them.