Thread: Compact Lightweight scopes

Originally Posted by Frodo

You can't have everything. Want the best glass and durability? There's a weight penalty.

If you really NEED lightweight, chances are you're doing some strenuous stalking where every ounce counts. But in that situation, you'll be trying to get as close to animals as possible anyway, where the extra light gathering of a euro scope isn't needed.

Leupold vx3i rules the roost when your priorities are lightweight, compact, and 'good enough glass'. I'd take them over the light(er) weight euro options (I.e swaro z3, Zeiss conquest, kahles helia) which are neither here nor there, and overpriced for what you get. If I'm after the best glass & build quality, I'll swallow the weight pill and go straight for the top tier euro scopes - Swaro Z6/Z8, Zeiss Diavari/V8, Schmidt Bender Zenith/Exos/Polar T96.

I think the leupold vx3i 1.5-5x20 and 2.5-8x36 are the best ultra-light rifle scopes on the market. I've used them both and love them - with the 1.5-5x20 being slightly more favoured due to its shorter length, and recessed objective lens (limits glare from sun, and moisture/debris collecting on the lens when pushing through bush & scrub).

For the price of an entry level, 'lightweight' euro scope, you could buy two leupold vx3's and have them in quick detach mounts. Have one on your rifle and the other in your pack. If you arse over and break one in the field (highly unlikely), just switch it out for the other one. Finish your hunt, then utilize Leupolds excellent warranty to get the broken one fixed.

Agreed. I have a VX6 1-6 on my Marlin lever, it's about 100grams more than the vx3i 1.5-5x20 - weird but you do notice it when a scope jumps from 250 ~ to 350~ grams.

In saying that I wanted a scope with a true 1 power setting as for me I find it means I can keep both eyes open if I need to which for me it is worth it even with the extra weight.

Like you say you can't have everything got to compromise somewhere.