Compact Lightweight scopes

Printable View

07-06-2019, 09:59 PM
Tentman

Compact Lightweight scopes

Hello - I have asked similar questions before, and so have other folks but here goes again . . . what are the options for something in the 2/2.5/3 to 10 (or so) with an objective of less than 40mm and 340gms/12 oz or under - in better/top quality glass.

I can think of two current models with good glass, the S&B Summit 2.5-10x40 and the Vortex Ranger 2-10x40. SWFA make a 2.5-10x33 that is very compact but the eye relief is a bit of an issue for a scope that will be used on a powerful rifle where steep uphill shots are frequent (weatherby eyebrow anybody?).

There are some older scopes that would also suit, I have a couple of S2 Kahles 2.3-7x32 that are wonderful scopes but getting pretty long in the tooth for a everyday hunting rifle. For some reason the more modern Kahles and the Z3/Z5 Swaro's just don't do it for me.

What else is out there ??
07-06-2019, 11:07 PM
nor-west

Leupold vx2 ultalight but not 'top glass' as such, Minox Za5 1.5 to 8 if you can find one, if you go up to 14 ounces you have more options.
07-06-2019, 11:19 PM
akaroa1

VX3i 2.5>8 with an S1 dial is hard to beat.

I know its not high end euro but they just work
08-06-2019, 05:21 AM
Frodo

As far as I know, there are no high-end 'svelte' scopes on the market. Closest I can think of are the Nickel scopes out of Germany, but they're about 4k a pop for their 1-6x model.

The old kahles are nice, size/glass-wise. It's a shame everything is so goddamn big and bulky nowadays.

The euro manufacturers are now putting out 36mm tubed scopes.

Despite all of the technology flooding the market, I can't help but think - nothing beats a set of good iron sights. Cheap. Light. Sleek/elegant. Reliable. And 100% light transmission. Not to say they don't have their drawbacks...:) But a good compromise all the same.
08-06-2019, 07:14 AM
hotbarrels

Can someone please define "high end"?
08-06-2019, 07:16 AM
MSL

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotbarrels

Can someone please define "high end"?

Expensive
08-06-2019, 09:06 AM
The bomb

I love iron sights until I can’t see them in the evening!!
08-06-2019, 09:25 AM
Shearer

VX5hd 2-10x42. Or as @akaroa1 said, VX3 2.5-8x is light, compact and the optics are well good enough for most hunting.
08-06-2019, 10:12 AM
Tentman

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I've got a couple of Leupold VX3's and they are great scopes alright, dammed hard to beat for most NZ hunting. If nothing else comes up a new VX3 is probly the way I'll go. I want a 25.4 tube, I don't like the bulky look of a 30mm tube, but most of all I like to carry my rifle with thumb through under the scope - and usually with 30mm there's not enough room (yes I know I'm fussy and cantankerous)

A Kahles CT model in 3-9x42 has been suggested, I think I used to have one and sold it, does anyone have experience with the CT or other Kahles of that era ??
08-06-2019, 03:16 PM
chainsaw

1 Attachment(s)

Got Kahles 3-9x42 on the 308 Maral that I bought from Philipo - very nice glass. Also have had the smaller version 2-7x36 on a 7mm08.

o Attachment 112895
08-06-2019, 04:42 PM
sneeze

Swarovski z3 3-9 or 3.5-10 would fit as well but the Vortex Razor LH 2-10. is the better option imho. Genuine 2x on low with a very good FOV. (56ft compared to the leupold 2.5-8 at 37ft) heaps of internal adjustment, very good glass and the defender caps are great. Both reticle options work well but I prefer the floating dot in the G4
08-06-2019, 05:30 PM
ANTSMAN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tentman

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I've got a couple of Leupold VX3's and they are great scopes alright, dammed hard to beat for most NZ hunting. If nothing else comes up a new VX3 is probly the way I'll go. I want a 25.4 tube, I don't like the bulky look of a 30mm tube, but most of all I like to carry my rifle with thumb through under the scope - and usually with 30mm there's not enough room (yes I know I'm fussy and cantankerous)

A Kahles CT model in 3-9x42 has been suggested, I think I used to have one and sold it, does anyone have experience with the CT or other Kahles of that era ??

agree about the thumb under scope- thought i was the only weirdo that does that :)
08-06-2019, 05:31 PM
erniec

You are not alone I do the same

Sent from my SM-J530Y using Tapatalk
09-06-2019, 10:38 PM
The bomb

I carry mine 4 fingers under scope like a suitcase handle sometimes,when I have a scope fitted that is.
09-06-2019, 10:57 PM
len6163

Have a look at the Nikons
10-06-2019, 08:06 AM
southernman

Leica has a ER 2.5x10x42, swarvo 3x9x36,
I have a Leopold VX-Freedom, 1.5x4x20 pig plex. on my double rifle, very impressed with it.
Quite a few, high end scopes in 1x4, 1x6 with 30mm tubes, designed fro running boar, or dangerous game type rifles. From the likes of swarvo, kales, Zeiss etc.
I really like the swarvo Z8 in 1x8x24, I just don't like the price.
The old faithfull, Leopold 2x7x33, is a good choice for a lightweight compact scope.
11-06-2019, 01:13 AM
ZQLewis

Nikon again,
3-9x40
2.5-10x42
2.5-8x28
2-7x32
1-6x24

So that gives some small scope options. Sure not a S&B or Kahles but certainly up with a VX3 or Minox, and better than most American brands.
I have an older 2-8x32 and a 1-4x20 which do the job.
Z
11-06-2019, 01:23 AM
nor-west

Do all these weigh under 10 ounces ? every Nikon Ive had was over 16 ounces.
11-06-2019, 01:34 AM
Got-ya

Who stocks / is the agent for Nikons in NZ?
11-06-2019, 08:15 AM
bumblefoot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got-ya

Who stocks / is the agent for Nikons in NZ?

I bought mine refurbished direct from Natchez in the USA.
11-06-2019, 09:57 PM
ZQLewis

You could use these guys,
https://www.scopeuout.co.nz/collecti...tion_below-10x

Previously I have purchased my scope though Opticsplanet and last year through
https://www.theriflescopestore.com/

The Nikon are not the lightest out there but have good 4" eye relief and tend to have better than average quality components.
Depending upon your needs I would suggest looking at the Prostaff or Monarch 3 level of the range. The monarch 5 & 7 start getting up in price.
Z
12-06-2019, 12:21 AM
nor-west

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZQLewis

You could use these guys,
https://www.scopeuout.co.nz/collecti...tion_below-10x

Previously I have purchased my scope though Opticsplanet and last year through
https://www.theriflescopestore.com/

The Nikon are not the lightest out there but have good 4" eye relief and tend to have better than average quality components.
Depending upon your needs I would suggest looking at the Prostaff or Monarch 3 level of the range. The monarch 5 & 7 start getting up in price.
Z

Yeah Ive had them as well but the thread description is 'compact lightweight high end scope'
12-06-2019, 11:21 PM
Bagheera

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tentman

Hello - I have asked similar questions before, and so have other folks but here goes again . . . what are the options for something in the 2/2.5/3 to 10 (or so) with an objective of less than 40mm and 340gms/12 oz or under - in better/top quality glass.

I can think of two current models with good glass, the S&B Summit 2.5-10x40 and the Vortex Ranger 2-10x40. SWFA make a 2.5-10x33 that is very compact but the eye relief is a bit of an issue for a scope that will be used on a powerful rifle where steep uphill shots are frequent (weatherby eyebrow anybody?).

There are some older scopes that would also suit, I have a couple of S2 Kahles 2.3-7x32 that are wonderful scopes but getting pretty long in the tooth for a everyday hunting rifle. For some reason the more modern Kahles and the Z3/Z5 Swaro's just don't do it for me.

What else is out there ??

12 Oz is a big ask.

The only Leupolds close are the VX3i 3.5-10x40 at 12.6 Oz. and several 3-9x in the Freedom, patrol and rifleman ranges. Notably, their FXII fixed 6x36 is 10 Oz.

I don't think you will get a Schmidt under 1 lb. The summit 2.5-10x40 you mentioned is 16.8 Oz.
The smallest new Kahles I can see is the 1-6x24 at 16.9 Oz.
13-06-2019, 08:15 AM
winaa

It's not under 12oz but this is what I have just shelled out for NX8â„¢ 1-8x24 F1 | Riflescopes & Sport Optics | Nightforce Optics, Inc.
13-06-2019, 01:02 PM
tikka

Quote:

Originally Posted by winaa

It's not under 12oz but this is what I have just shelled out for NX8â„¢ 1-8x24 F1 | Riflescopes & Sport Optics | Nightforce Optics, Inc.

Nice, what rifle and caliber you using it on.
14-06-2019, 12:23 AM
ZQLewis

Ok I missed that little bit about wanting Top Quality Glass. Just fixated on the word "better". That takes out the VX3 range as well.
Nikon do the Monarch 5 & 7 range with the ED glass but they are not compact scopes.
Z
14-06-2019, 09:23 AM
winaa

@tikka nothing special just a 7.08 T3-X shortened to 20" .
Nice handy bush gun very quick at 1x you can shoot with both eye's open, at 8x I can shoot as good groups at 300 as I could with my old 4x14.
I lost too many deer by not being able to find them in the 4x scope when they jump up at less than 15m. I haven't regretted the change even through it cost me twice what my rifle cost, but if I was to go low power I wanted good glass.
14-06-2019, 02:44 PM
tikka

The most compact scope I’m using is a Nightforce NXS compact 2.5-10x42 it’s 302mm long and 600g, has illuminated reticle which I use a lot, not the lightest of weight but ticks all the boxs for my use. Mostly shooting goats and from 5m to 60m and deer 10m - 250m. It sits on top of a rebarreled Tikka T3 12” 300 blackout.
20-10-2019, 05:39 AM
B.pope

@tikka, you interested in swap for nightforce nsx 3.6-15x50. Mil/mil illuminated and zero stop. I’m after a compact version
20-10-2019, 07:12 AM
Bill999

My favourite compact scope is a vxr2-7 firedot the downside is that it's a 30mm tube
I like it a lot more than the 2.5-8 vx3 I have it's shorter but yea 30mm means I can't put my thumb between the scope and action when carrying
20-10-2019, 11:18 AM
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.

^^ That strategy would make the requirement for a big, heavy, 'durable' scope redundant.
20-10-2019, 11:30 AM
308mate

Quote:

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.
20-10-2019, 11:46 AM
Frodo

Quote:

Originally Posted by 308mate

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.

I've always wanted to try a 1-6 VX6. You don't see too many of them for sale. I reckon they'd be a sweet middle ground between glass quality and weight. Still a lot lighter than the euro straight tube scopes.
20-10-2019, 12:27 PM
308mate

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frodo

I've always wanted to try a 1-6 VX6. You don't see too many of them for sale. I reckon they'd be a sweet middle ground between glass quality and weight. Still a lot lighter than the euro straight tube scopes.

Yeah I got mine for a grand on trademe, it was like new never mounted.

It's the older 2016 model I think, non HD model and it's just a duplex with no Illuminated dot. Still it is CDS and once I work out the best load for the 3030 I'll get a turret made up and it should be a sweet setup. The glass is nice.
20-10-2019, 01:07 PM
Nick-D

Quote:

Originally Posted by 308mate

Yeah I got mine for a grand on trademe, it was like new never mounted.

It's the older 2016 model I think, non HD model and it's just a duplex with no Illuminated dot. Still it is CDS and once I work out the best load for the 3030 I'll get a turret made up and it should be a sweet setup. The glass is nice.

That's a bloody steal man
20-10-2019, 01:33 PM
264 magic

i have a vixen 3-12x40 1inch good glass,,a shade over 12oz and under 12 inch,,cost me 420 bucks to door
20-10-2019, 04:02 PM
tikka

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.pope

@tikka, you interested in swap for nightforce nsx 3.6-15x50. Mil/mil illuminated and zero stop. I’m after a compact version

Sorry this is my favorite scope and a bigger scope would be over kill, I did have a nxs 3.5-15x56 on it while I was waiting for the compact to get into the country.

I sold the nxs 3.5-15 and a nxs 8-32x56 for a ATACR 4-16x42 F1 for my long range rig. Theres a big difference in size and weight with those scopes compared the nxs compacts.