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

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

Sorted

Another Bushy?

3-9 is around the same price point btw

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

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Originally Posted by Chur Bay

Another Bushy?

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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.

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

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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

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

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Originally Posted by Sharki

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

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

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.

Elite 3200s have lifetime warranty.
I took mine into h n f and got it sent back for repairs.

20 dollars postage later i had a serviced scope back that didn't leak anymore.

Attachment 236127

I'd be checking out what @DELTA NZ has in their range that might fit the price bracket. Or look around for a second hand VX5 2-10, with every body clambering to buy the latest and greatest dial scopes, the 2-10 seems to be out of favour. But they are excellent scopes for the money. Another possibility is a Kahles 1.5-6, amazing scopes with very good low light capabilities. They dont come up often, but a second hand one usually goes for around the $6-800 mark.

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Originally Posted by Nugget connaisseur

Elite 3200s have lifetime warranty.
I took mine into h n f and got it sent back for repairs.

20 dollars postage later i had a serviced scope back that didn't leak anymore.

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How long ago was this?
The Bushnell and Ampro websites seem very unclear about "legacy" warranty. Bushnell folded several years ago and has come back brought by another company as I understand it. So there's a list of older products they'll cover but the Elites 3200/4200 aren't on it. Nevertheless I've emailed Ampro the NZ distributor.

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Originally Posted by Husky1600#2

I'd be checking out what @DELTA NZ has in their range that might fit the price bracket. Or look around for a second hand VX5 2-10, with every body clambering to buy the latest and greatest dial scopes, the 2-10 seems to be out of favour. But they are excellent scopes for the money. Another possibility is a Kahles 1.5-6, amazing scopes with very good low light capabilities. They dont come up often, but a second hand one usually goes for around the $6-800 mark.

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Will catch up with the delta peeps in the weekend their website doesn't have anything suitable but they might have something in the brand. Really like my binos from them.

Closest to that sort of specks would be the Delta Hornet 1-6x24 or slightly more money, the Delta Titanium 1-6x24.

Come hit me up on that Hornet or Titanium at the Sika Show, Stand 74. You might just twist my arm to get n crazy deal on it....

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Originally Posted by DELTA NZ

Closest to that sort of specks would be the Delta Hornet 1-6x24 or slightly more money, the Delta Titanium 1-6x24.

Come hit me up on that Hornet or Titanium at the Sika Show, Stand 74. You might just twist my arm to get n crazy deal on it....

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I'll certainly drop by. 1-6 could be a mint setup. If the optics are as good as your rangefinder binos they'll beat the old trusty bushy.

Burris Fullfield 4 2.5-10x42 is a good option. You can get an illuminated and non illuminated model as well. Lifetime warranty, good glass and only $599 retail for non illuminated and $699 for illuminated.

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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

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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.

The 'Ranger' 1-8 illuminated are surprisingly good for a Chinese scope

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Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

The 'Ranger' 1-8 illuminated are surprisingly good for a Chinese scope

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Mate has one on his bush hunting rifle. 100% have to agree with you Moa Hunter, as much as I don't want to admit it's good.
If there is a downside, it's a bit hefty. But comparable to all the other 1-8 scopes I have run across

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Originally Posted by Makros

How long ago was this?
The Bushnell and Ampro websites seem very unclear about "legacy" warranty. Bushnell folded several years ago and has come back brought by another company as I understand it. So there's a list of older products they'll cover but the Elites 3200/4200 aren't on it. Nevertheless I've emailed Ampro the NZ distributor.

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This was about 6 years ago,
Good to know as i wasn't aware of ownership change.

I think when i looked there also wasnt the 3200/4200 series on the website just as at the moment there isnt:
But the current 4500 series is part of the lifetime warranty program. Mine was repaired without receipt.

https://www.bushnell.com/bu-warranty.html

But there is fine print that the warranty page is for USA / Canada only. so contact our distributor.

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Originally Posted by mcche171

Burris Fullfield 4 2.5-10x42 is a good option. You can get an illuminated and non illuminated model as well. Lifetime warranty, good glass and only $599 retail for non illuminated and $699 for illuminated.

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I do like Burris scopes, all the ones I've looked at looked good. Missus reckons she wouldn't mind a illuminated one... another one on the list to have a look at the Sika show.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Regarding warranty Ampro has e-mailed me back asking how long ago I brought the scope and where. I've let them know at least 10 years ago and HnF (I think). I'll see what they come back with.

Worst case is have go at refilling it with gas yourself. If it's possible to unscrew the back off it, see if you know a friendly welder who will help.
Put it in a bag and fill it with nitrogen or Ego and screw it back together while in the bag. Might cost you a half dozen beers

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Originally Posted by mcche171

Burris Fullfield 4 2.5-10x42 is a good option. You can get an illuminated and non illuminated model as well. Lifetime warranty, good glass and only $599 retail for non illuminated and $699 for illuminated.

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Looked at all the options today at the Sika Show and brought a Burris as you've suggested. Missus liked the illumination so got that version. Wholesaler at the show gave us a great deal so very happy all around.

Ampro are going to have a look at the Bushnell 3200 and see what they can do. Worse case is we'll have a nice spare scope.

I run a vortex strike eagle 1-6 on my bushpig, great up close and 6 power for the longer shots plus an illuminated reticle, good for the dark bush.