Thread: Scopes - Zeiss vs vortex vs nightforce

I'll just speak on the vortex, as I have no experience with the other brands.

Unless you particularly want the illuminated reticle or an FFP reticle, consider one of the other vortex lines instead of the PST. Either HS, HS-LR or HS-T.
Main differences are the turrets-
HS - capped resettable numbered turrets. Lower max travel than the others.
HS-LR - windage turret as above, elevation turret target-style with 1/2moa increments.
HS-T - Both turrets target style, 1/4moa.

I've had the HS-LR 4-16x44 for around 2 years now on my 223 which I really like. Low light is impressive, clarity is good, dialling and return to zero all spot on. Had a number of people use that rifle/scope and come away very impressed. (if you're ever passing through Fairlie you're welcome to pop in for a look)

The reason I've suggested one of the other lines against the PST, is I lined mine up next to a PST once with 3 different sets of eyes looking through them both, the HS-LR was unanimously streets ahead of the PST for clarity. (This may have been down to that one PST just being poor, but..)

Being at the bottom end of your budget (HS-T and HS-LR should be <1k), I'd imagine the Zeiss and NF would probably have it beaten on optics, but it could still be a decent option..