Leupold VX-5HD vs Vortex Viper PST Gen II

[flat8]

Shifting gears a bit and now looking at Z6 or Z5 Swarovski. Thoughts?

 

[Dr Ray]

I like my Swarovski scopes
I also use Leupold
I find that the Swarovski is better in clarity so there’s my opinion.
On my 300 based on a Remington 709 action that I had made for me, I have a 3-9 x 40 Leupold scope.

 

[geoff rath]

Not really applicable in this case; I'm setting up a Ruger in 416 Rigby, and have two of the older VX 111 Leupy 1.5-5 scopes that I'll sight both in for a set range (100 yards?) As a D/G rifle, and identical reticles, I think (HOPE) I'll have all eventualities covered
Is it feasible to do the same with a "plains game" type rifle?

 

[TTundra]

Z5 is a scope that there are options for direct to consumer models that are half the cost and identical if not better quality and features.
Z6 is a nice scope... If looking in that arena, I personally prefer a Leica 1.5-10 over a z6 1.7-10 as I have some some side by sides and my eyes gravitated that direction...subjective opinion.

 

[Red Leg]

Shifting gears a bit and now looking at Z6 or Z5 Swarovski. Thoughts?

The Z6 is a magnificent optic. I think it, the Victory series Zeiss, Leica Magnus, and S&B Zenith are about the best hunting optics available (The PM series is even better, but a specialized tool). It is true the differences between these instruments and Leup-Vor-Force competitors are at the margins - Things like the last ten minutes of shooting light, the black buff in the thick black jess at sunset, etc. That quality is not needed for most of our hunting. Neither is a Rigby, Marcel Thys double rifle, Holland & Holland, or a Al Biesen .270. Those creations exist for someone willing to invest in the "best". The best and the good enough or often two very different things (well maybe not in parachutes!). I think it is a natural human reaction to say that my scope/rifle/whatever has never failed me, seems as good to me as that thing costing three times as much, hence I don't need that and anyone else is foolish for making that sort of investment. We all do it. I love my Blaser S2 Blaser - it has never failed me, it is incredibly accurate - it is to my mind an undervalued double rifle. But I also know in my heart of hearts it isn't, and never will be, a Rigby Rising Bite .470.

You need to ask yourself if you want an effective optic or the best. Several of my regularly hunted rifles now carry ERi Leica scopes. I personally believe they are the best combination of value and quality on the market. However my little Rigby .275 carries a Magnus. I was willing to make the investment in what I consider the "best" for it (though the little Rigby is itself not a London Best). There are any number of brands that are effective ( and models within brands). For instance the Zeiss conquest series was built to compete with Leupold, Vortex, etc. It is an effective optic - it has little in common with the Victory series other than the name. If you want effective, lay out your budget and by the most effective within that budget. If you want the best, then determine the best qualities that fit your needs and write that check.

 

[markferrigno]

Lot of opinions here, which is good, but not a lot asking the needed questions in my mind. I worked for Opticsplanet for 5 years and then for a scope manufacturer for 2 more. I've seen every brand listed here come back in returns for legitimate damage or manufacturer malfunction, but most were hunter error. Yes, Ive seen first hand and in person how manufacturers test scopes that come back that "don't hold zero" or don't accurately adjust elevation or windage. For the manufacturer facilities I've been at, almost all are hunter error (kinda makes you wonder if people even read the manuals on them).

For your build, you need to decide what your going to do the majority of the time, and what you want to stretch your limits to. A few questions that help narrow down choices...

-Do you hold over or do you spin? I prefer hold overs when hunting, but dial turrets at the bench. For my hunting scopes, I like capped turrets. I don't even like locking (exposed) turrets because I have had issues before and then your trusting a zero stop if your scope has one. If you want the rifle to be both, you will want locking turrets and a zero stop.

Question 1 leads to question 2

If you spin your turrets, what tube diameter meets your needs for range? If you plan on shooting no more than 500 yards-ish, a 1" tube can get it done, but a 30mm tube wont hurt. If you want to stretch it out if you're doing some paper or steel punching, a 30mm may be better. A 20 MOA base can make any 1" tube scope take you to 500 yards regardless. Keeping in mind usually, a 30mm scope will be heavier all thing similar, but not always

What magnification do you want? For most hunting, a 2-10x is plenty for me. I also try no to hunt over 500 yards. Some buddies like to dial up to 20x for whitetail and others use a 6x for varmint shooting. Its a personal preference, but a max mag of at least 10x-15X is plenty for most shooting under 500 yards and even over 500 yards in many cases.

Weight? Do ounces matter to you and how much? There are some great lightweight tough scopes out there and there are anchors

Do you want/like color amplification? This may seem odd, but many companies amplify certain colors, I prefer glass and coatings that do not amplify certain colors.


There's a few more questions to go along, but this may help you think about what you want and shoot over some more specifics. Some have pointed out you get what you pay for...well, that is not always the case anymore. There are direct to consumer companies that offer the same quality if not higher for much less than a national brand can sell for. Not too many of them, but they are out there and can be found with some quick google searches. Its consumer discretion at that point but if you want to PM me, I can share more thoughts there.

Back to your original post...out of those two choices, I would go with the VX5....but I would do some research on the direct to consumer companies as well before you buy. Lastly, when you buy, try to go to a store or order from a company and look thru the scope outside. Looking in a store isn't enough and most companies will give you 30 days to own the scope without mounting it and then can return if you aren't happy with it.

How long ago did you work for Optics Planet? Just curious about their inventory system, I gave up on them years ago because nothing was ever in stock and it would take weeks to get anything......

 

[TTundra]

How long ago did you work for Optics Planet? Just curious about their inventory system, I gave up on them years ago because nothing was ever in stock and it would take weeks to get anything......

I left in 2013. They operated on a heavy drop ship type system, so inventory was always harder to control. They opened a larger warehouse and brought more in which helped in 2015(ish) and updated their systems. from what I've seen checking in on their site they've gotten much better, but certainly agree it was aggravating for a long time.

 

[flatwater bill]

As I am still in the market for a good low power variable, this thread is very interesting. FWIW I just went to ebay and checked S&B scopes. There are too many for a quick look, but searching prices for those up to 8 power, the price range is $1699 to $6809.................so the prices quoted above are very good indeed..................FWB

 

[meigsbucks]

I'm a Leupold guy for the most part and own a fair number of them. I've had excellent luck with them (knock on wood) and I think the price is spot on for what you get. I've beat the crap out of a few and they're still tight. I also like Zeiss a lot.
For what it's worth, a lot of the avid shooters at my range have bought Vortex and most want to "upgrade" to Leupold or NightForce.

 

[Dwight Beagle]

I believe Ttundra covered it pretty well. What I haven’t seen mentioned is everyone’s eyes are different and most people see better through certain brands of scopes than others. As an example Swarovski makes excellent scopes, it’s hard to argue that they don’t. I recommend them and sold a bunch of them but I flat out don’t see as well through them as I do Zeiss, Leupold and Meopta. This point was driven home over and over again when I was selling optics and firearms.

So since I see well through Leupold I’d take a VX-5HD over any Swarovski.

When it comes to Vortex though I find the Viper line and all lines below it to be lacking in eye relief, eye box and low light. The Razors are good scopes but for a hunting rifle they don’t have much that appeals to me. If I were a target shooter I’d take a hard look at a Razor.

OP, we can all give recommendations til we’re blue in the face but it won’t amount to a hill of beans. You need to look through Leupold, Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss, etc. and find what you see through the best.

 

[geoff rath]

In some respects I've been lucky. Had to have my eyes operated on, cataracts developing. The put "plastic" polymer replacement lenses in,but we lose the ability to focus at varying distances. With the lenses in my eyes, one is focussed at reading distance, t'other at long range. (Lenses are made by Zeiss!). So, two sets of specs, one for reading, t'other for long range. Just don't do what I did, went hunting in Africa, and left BOTH pair behind ...
Meantime Leupold and Nightforce suit me best .

 

[JPbowhunter]

I have to back @Red Leg 's opinion on this one also. I find the optical quality of most of the Leupold line to be lacking, with some exceptions. Vortex is a product I just can't wrap my mind around at all. Go to a Cabelas bargain cave and look at the DOZENS of return and refurbished Vortex scopes that are there at any given time. I have no doubt they have a great warranty, but it appears that a lot of people need that warranty by data that is more than just anecodotal, see for yourself and compare the number of vortex sold new at Cabelas compared to all other brands, then look at the volume of returned/refurbished Vortex scopes compared to all other brands in the bargain cave....staggering.

For $300-$500:
-Used Schmidt & Bender on eBay
-New clearance Leica er5
-New Zeiss Conquest
-New Zeiss HD5

For $700-$1500:
-New Leica eri
-New Swarovski
-New Schmidt & Bender clearance
-New higher end Zeiss

I've never seen nor met someone that says "I really wish I didn't buy that Leica, Swarovski, Kahles, Zeiss or Schmidt & Bender scope for X money, I should have bought the Vortex/Leupold/Trijicon/Nightforce instead".

I'm sure they all can make a nice scope, I just think the "Big 4" make a better product at similar pricepoints.

I need to move to the states if you can buy s&b for that cheap!

To be a contrarian my brother is selling his swaro z5 to buy a vortex. Looking for different magnification though.

To add to that his swaro whem compared to my vxr was clearly outdone. I have a 30mm tube and 50mm objective though. But better low light transmition ar half the price

 

[rookhawk]

I need to move to the states if you can buy s&b for that cheap!

To be a contrarian my brother is selling his swaro z5 to buy a vortex. Looking for different magnification though.

To add to that his swaro whem compared to my vxr was clearly outdone. I have a 30mm tube and 50mm objective though. But better low light transmition ar half the price

You can get S&B scopes used (refurbished) all the time for $200-$600. Here's one that is $350 or best offer as one example. https://www.ebay.com/itm/German-Sch...173104?hash=item3b1187a670:g:qKoAAOSwTodbKDuW I've bought from this seller before myself I think. (I recognize the pink/red background) Now you're not getting the brand new $3000 model for $300, but you are getting a deal. I bought a 1-4x24 S&B for my little girl's 243 for around $500. Someday that scope would be just as home on a 416 Rigby and I challenge you to find a better scope for $500 than a 20 year old S&B. Here's the same guy with a nice scope for $420. https://www.ebay.com/itm/German-Sch...105835&hash=item3b0c491fdc:g:Ir0AAOSwdQda8NwH

Have your brother call me about his Z5, I'll take his Z5 and hand him a Vortex refurb I'll go buy from the pile at the Cabelas bargain cave any day he wishes. I'll be out $200-$300 for a Z5...although I'll have fleeced a fellow in the process...a heck, I'll do it if he insists. (not joking, have him message me)