Thread: Good bush scope options these days

What's the go for a good bush scope these days?
I've run Bushnell 3200 Elites on both mine and my partners bush rifles for years.
She came into the hut in the Pureoras last night and I noticed there was a lot of moisture condensed on the inside of the front lens of her scope. So at least one of our old reliables is a goner.
3-9 preferred and preferably quite light weight as both our rifles are just on 3kg all loaded for bear.
Budget probably in the $600 range with a $800 max if it'll really make a difference for this use case. Happy to buy new or second hand.

Vixen fits into that price range

3-9 is around the same price point btw

https://www.riverstoranges.co.nz/pro...x33-hunt-plex/

Sorted

Another Bushy?

Originally Posted by Chur Bay

Another Bushy?

Unfortunately, a selection that is a shadow of their former good choices for the reasonably priced Elite 3200/4200 scopes. I thought about another one brought second hand but there doesn't seem to be warranty support for them any more.
We'll take a look around the Sika show on the weekend and if the Leupolds are doing well for others I'll go with that. I've always been a bit hesitant with cheaper Leupolds since their friction adjustment bullshit in earlier models. Love my VX-5s but just don't need that grunt on a bush bashing rifle.

In that mag range and price range (2nd hand) i really like the old zeiss conquests. Light with great glass hard to beat. But if you get something like a vortex strike eagle 1-8x24 the bottom end is very useful in the bush.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

leupold freedom...either 3x9 or the 2x7
recent thread on issues with the high end ones ,definately happy with the base models...so far zero issues.

I've been using one of these for the last 3 years and very happy with it: https://www.leupold.com/vx-3i-15-5x20-duplex-riflescope

Check the poor light ability of any scope before buying is my thought. In my comparison tests here all the leupolds below vx5 were beaten by the Bushnell Elite 3200

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Check the poor light ability of any scope before buying is my thought. In my comparison tests here all the leupolds below vx5 were beaten by the Bushnell Elite 3200

Then go look at 30mm tubes in low light/ spotlighting

Originally Posted by Sharki

Then go look at 30mm tubes in low light/ spotlighting

A 30mm Leupold 'Euro' in the trial is gone and replaced with a Delta

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Check the poor light ability of any scope before buying is my thought. In my comparison tests here all the leupolds below vx5 were beaten by the Bushnell Elite 3200

Yep. And mostly when looking at a scope in a shop the seller invites you to take it outside where it is bright and the image thru the scope is stunning. This is a good selling ploy.
But, try it first in the shop, looking at some dim corner of the shop. See how it handles the dimness.

Been happy with my new Bushnell TrophyXLT. Sure it's not top spec but the glass is top notch, with clear picture out to the edges and good contrast. Take a look at a Bushnell prime or engage 2-7 at sika show as they run ED glass and won't break the bank

I like this new optic from Riton Optics. It is their 5 Primal 2-12X44 with a 30mm tube, parallax adjustment, and SFP. The 44 mm obj would be perfect for your needs, beating out a 24mm obj optic in both FOV and light transmission. I have one on my .308 Win rifle that I use for deer hunting in the States. I have also had it on my .375 H&H for pig hunting. There are zero issues with the recoil or toughness of this optic. The movable magnification ring is a great feature and superb design.