Thread: Best value no frills 3-9 hunting scope

Originally Posted by Jonno

Vixen scopes seem pretty good. Haven't given mine a thrashing yet but is light and glass seem ok

@Jonno had the 4-16sf version for a bit
Sf adjustment knob fell off
They replaced it no worries though just lost confidence a little bit after that as that is the kind of thing that can screw up a hunt

Originally Posted by Carbine

Fullfield IV 2.5-10×42 Plex 400$
https://55six.co.nz/product/burris-f...-5-10x42-plex/

They look pretty perfect don’t they
A little more on the lower end of mag and a little more on the higher also

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Second hand Bushnell Elite 3500. Better glass than any of the others you have on the list

Yep wouldn’t say no if one showed up possibly

Originally Posted by Carbine

Fullfield IV 2.5-10×42 Plex 400$
https://55six.co.nz/product/burris-f...-5-10x42-plex/

I definitely would recommend the burris fullfield IV series. Recently got the 3-12 x42 E3 reticle and really love it. Great crisp glass etc. Managed to get it for $500 too. So I reckon that 2.5-10 would work well, imo.

have a Zeiss Diavari 3-9x36, plex reticle if that's of interest. $600

I have one might be a 4200 I know it's an elite not being used.

Swaro 3-9 x 36 it is one of the best in its class and can be had for under 8 hundy second hand. Optics clarity is where its at.

All the options below are sensible choices and you are unlikely to go wrong with any of them.

Leupold VX1/VX2/Freedom - More expensive than others with similar optical performance.
Bushnell Elites - Bulkier than they need to be.
Weaver Grand Slam - Whole eye piece turns when adjusting magnification.
Burris Fullfield II - Eye piece rubber used for focusing keeps falling off.
Nikon Monarch - Tunnel vision effect.

Something to be aware of is that the lower value scopes often have / suffer from a lot more parallax than higher priced scopes, despite some having very good glass. Bad parallax error will result in unexplained missed shots and general stuff ups
The Bushnell 3500 Elite has very minimal parallax which is in part why I suggested it. Whilst good, none of these cheaper scopes will come close to the Swaro recommended by Mathias if you can stretch to one

Go secondhand if you have time, I look at the Zeiss above (love mine), kahles 3-9x42, swaro 3-9 are great, or Leupold 3.5-10x or 2.5-8x. $600-$850 depending on condition.

Others to consider Zeiss conquest 3-9x

There’s a couple of great options in there. I’d have to say from what I’ve used and or brought second hand. Vx3i, 3.5-10 B&C. I 1.5” at 100m, the check at 300m (or 350/400) and make minor correction to set the holdover is spot on. Check and 25m and 100 to know you hold (usually +1-1.75”) then never touch again.. I’ve found this method really practical for hunting at normal ranges. You’ll find for $500-600. If budget allows $1000-1500etc swaro z3 3-10x42 with holdover reticle does the same, Just better in the dark bush or at the limits for the day.. all the best.

Nikko sterling panamax for value is bloody hard to beat, hawke are also excellent most people think they are air rifle scopes but they are air rifle rated so are built bloody well. Put a leuopold or ziess on a springer air rifle and see how long it lasts.

Originally Posted by rambo-6mmrem

They look pretty perfect don’t they
A little more on the lower end of mag and a little more on the higher also

I agree on the FF IV. Have a 2.5x10 e3 on my .375, great glass, great reticle, holds zero great with heavy recoil.

I give it my official stamp of approval!

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Something to be aware of is that the lower value scopes often have / suffer from a lot more parallax than higher priced scopes, despite some having very good glass. Bad parallax error will result in unexplained missed shots and general stuff ups
The Bushnell 3500 Elite has very minimal parallax which is in part why I suggested it. Whilst good, none of these cheaper scopes will come close to the Swaro recommended by Mathias if you can stretch to one

I'm afraid parallax is inherent to optical sighting devices, it can't be "designed out" no matter what the budget. The main issue is what distance the parallax is set to zero, eg 100yds v 150yds. For deer-size targets, it's really a highly over-rated variable under 200yds. You'd have to have your line of sight waaay off the optical centre to have any real effect.

Originally Posted by 6x47

I'm afraid parallax is inherent to optical sighting devices, it can't be "designed out" no matter what the budget. The main issue is what distance the parallax is set to zero, eg 100yds v 150yds. For deer-size targets, it's really a highly over-rated variable under 200yds. You'd have to have your line of sight waaay off the optical centre to have any real effect.

Agree Parallax cant be designed out but I have found that some scopes suffer a lot more parallax error than others compared side by side, with some being worse at every distance and having no 'sweet spot'