Riflescopes with 56 mm objective, 3–12x magnification range, and illuminated reticle are probably the most popular target optics today. JAGDPRAXIS subjected seven of them to an extensive comparison test. From Jagdpraxis 2/2013.
In our first issue, we tested variable-driven hunt riflescopes with illuminated reticles because the steadily increasing wild boar population means that driven hunts are nowadays necessary to achieve the required distances.
The second possibility to move the black fellow on the rind is to sit at night in the moon or snow. Since the sows always come to the feeding station when clouds darken the moon – or they remain in the shadows of the trees – you’ll need riflescopes that are as bright as possible if you want to be effective.
There are two trends in the choice of the magnification range – some manufacturers prefer 2.5-10x, while others prefer 3-12x. We opted for the 3 – 12x riflescopes and only tested models that are exactly in this range to obtain real comparative figures – 56 multi-zoom riflescopes (e.g., from Swarovski or Leica) were therefore excluded from this test.
What makes a good riflescope for a hide in poor light?
As a hunter, it is imperative to see what you are shooting at and to be able to recognize enough details to place the ball in the right place. That is what the commandment of woe righteousness demands. The best possible transmission is important; in twilight and the dark, night transmission is particularly important.
Good resolution and edge sharpness are also interesting to be able to recognize details and also perceive what is happening at the edge of the field of view. The latter is particularly important on narrow aisles to avoid package shots. Otherwise, sows that slide into the picture from the side are often recognized too late.
Those who prefer strong (= strong recoil) calibers when hunting wild boar should also ensure that their eyes are as large as possible – it should be at least 8 cm to protect the eyebrows from injuries.
The position of the reticle in the riflescope is interesting – with almost all European rifle scopes, it was in the lens plane for a long time. It became thicker and finer with higher magnification the more the magnification was reduced. Today, more and more manufacturers are placing the reticle in the eyepiece plane so that the reticle does not cover too much of the game, even at high magnification.
If there is an illuminated reticle, this does not cause any problems, even in poor light, because the center of the reticle is clearly and easily identified by a lighted dot or illuminated cross. In the case of telescopic sights with illuminated reticles, the arrangement of the reticle in the eyepiece image plane is therefore advantageous. However, because of the nature, a change in the point of impact when adjusting the magnification is possible, such target optics need the highest quality during development.
The illuminated reticle itself should be able to be dimmed down so that it can just be seen. If it is even a tad too bright, it outshines the image, and you can no longer see the target. The ease of use of the zoom ring and brightness adjustment of the illuminated reticle is also important. Necessary readjustments should also be easily possible when the stop is on; To do this, first taking the rifle back into the pulpit takes time and can also cause noise.
The test
riflescopes For the test, seven high-intensity hide riflescopes 3 – 12 x 56 with illuminated reticles were selected – regardless of the price, so that inexpensive and expensive glasses can be found in the test field. The separation takes place later in the leaderboard, which is divided into three price categories. A model that only scores mediocre in the test may well be the reference lens in its price range. The technical details of the glasses were tested.
First, the seven test riflescopes in detail and the test team’s impressions of the controls.
Meopta Meostar R 1
rifle scopes from the Czech manufacturer Meopta have meanwhile become well established on the equipment market, primarily due to their well-known good price-performance ratio. The Meostar R 1 is quite compact with a total length of 363 mm and weighs only 665 g. Its black anodized surface is very smooth and has proven to be scratch-resistant.
The height and windage adjustment works with a fine click mechanism and adjusts the reticle to 100 m in steps of 0.7 cm per click. The magnification change takes place via pleasantly short adjustment paths. Like Schmidt & Bender, Zeiss, or Kahles, the rotary knob for the reticle illumination is located on the left of the central tube.
The illuminated dot’s brightness can be adjusted in seven measures, with the illumination turning off in between. This interim switch-off is known from Schmidt & Bender, it has the advantage that the ideal lighting level can be set once for the hide, and then the lighting can be switched up or down by half a level to save battery. If the game appears, it is sufficient to turn half a step further, and the previously determined optimal light intensity is available. This is much faster than turning the controller up from the starting position, and you have the right setting immediately.
The reticle is arranged in the second image plane and does not enlarge with it. The ring for magnification adjustment is pleasantly handy and has a tangible cam at 6x so that the magnification that has just been set can be felt very well even in the dark. Optionally, the glass is also available with a Zeiss inner rail.
With a sales price of $969, Meopta is in the upper-middle class.
Burris Four-X
The Burris rifle scope from the new Four-X series was specially designed for the European market. In the USA, the manufacturer Burris, which belongs to the Beretta Group, is a big number on the ZF market, but the models there are not very appealing for European hunting use. This is different with the Four-X series – the glass has a 30 mm central tube diameter and the focusing is done at the end of the eyepiece.
The tower for the illuminated reticle is located on the left of the central tube opposite the side adjustment. With this, Burris responds to the tastes and requirements of European hunters who have never been able to get used to the US diopter adjustment and the tower of the light unit on the eyepiece. The ring for magnification adjustment is thick rubber armored and easy to grip. The edge of the eyepiece is also padded with rubber. The American development engineers did their homework well. The velvety black, matte surface turned out to be a bit sensitive to scratches.
The dust protection caps of the height and windage adjustment feature non-slip, coarse knurling, the rotating wheel of the illuminated reticle is finely grooved but also quite handy. With a total length of 365 mm and a weight of 605 g (manufacturer information 630 g), the new series has also become significantly shorter and lighter. The point of impact changes by 7 mm per 100 m per click.
The test lens was equipped with the 4 LP reticle, a quadruple reticle with a fine bar, and a red illuminated dot. The intensity of the light point can be adjusted in 10 steps, whereby the lighting switches off in the intermediate steps as with the Meopta. In the second image axis, the reticle is located. After two hours, an electronic device switches off the illuminated reticle.
In the JAGDPRAXIS test, the Burris Four-X proved to be a fully equipped rifle scope designed according to the most modern aspects. With a price of just $ 599, it is positioned in the lower price range.
Kahles Helia CSX
The Austrian manufacturer Kahles began with the CSX series to equip their target optics with digital technology. There is no longer a wheel with different lighting levels for the reticle lighting. Still, digital technology has moved in: Pulling out the multifunctional control element (ON) on the left side of the telescope body unlocks it and switches on the lighting. The red indicator ring is now visible, and the digital control unit is in operating mode.
The illumination of the reticle works at the switch-on intensity. By turning and holding the multifunctional control element as far as it will go in the plus (+) or minus (-) direction, the lighting intensity is increased or reduced. The ideal lighting intensity is digitally adapted to the respective lighting conditions. But the bald can do even more.
The illuminated dot is automatically switched off and on again when the weapon is taken from a horizontal position – so quickly that the user does not even notice it. When looking through the telescopic sight, the illuminated reticle is always on. In the corner of the pulpit or in the gun cabinet, the light unit is always switched off automatically. This saves electricity, and the illuminated reticle is guaranteed to be on when it is needed.
A big advantage of digital technology is that it is completely silent, everything works completely silently. The magnification is adjusted using a rubber-armored adjustment ring, which has a tactile cam at 6-fold. As is customary with European target optics, the reticle is in the second image plane, and the focus is at the eyepiece’s end.
The tube body with a central tube diameter of 30 mm is turned from a piece of aluminum; optionally a version with Swarovski inner rail is also available. The reticle adjustment changes the point of impact at 100 m by one centimeter per click.
With a total length of 356 mm and a weight of 580 g, the CSX is surprisingly short and light. In terms of price, however, at $2,064, the Austrians have established themselves among the “heavyweights” in the industry.
Leapers EZ Tap Accushot Leapers
riflescopes are manufactured in China. In terms of price, they belong to the lowest class. The 3-12 x 56 Accushot is the Best Rifle Scope Under $500; technically, a lot is offered.
The illuminated reticle can even be illuminated in either red or green. The Accushot has a 30 mm center tube and a clean, deep black anodized aluminum housing.
Considerable effort is made to adjust the reticle – zero-speed adjustment towers are mounted that can be blocked by the coarse-toothed rings underneath. This prevents unintentional adjustment – a clever idea.
The reticle adjusts very finely per click with 1/8 MOA steps, that is 0.36 cm at 100 m. Parallax compensation is attached to the left of the tube body, which extends from 10 m to infinity. The focus adjustment works on the European model as a quick adjustment at the end of the eyepiece.
The light unit on the eyepiece is controlled by two pushbuttons. The left button for green, the right button for red. Press one button, the illuminated reticle switches on in the desired color; if both buttons are pressed at the same time, it switches off.
To change the light intensity, you tap; there are nine levels available. It can only be dimmed down; switching brighter is not that easy. If the reticle is too dark, it must be switched through completely until the desired brightness is achieved.
The test glass was equipped with a reticle 4 in the second image plane with a luminous point. At 350 mm, the Leapers is very compact but weighs 793 g (manufacturer information 780 g).
Technically interesting optics at a more than affordable price, even a screw-on sun visor and hinged eyepiece and lens caps are included.
Zeiss Victory HT
riflescopes and binoculars from Zeiss are extremely bright and many “night hunters” swear by the optics from Wetzlar. The new HT series not only got new lenses but a lot has also been changed in terms of design. The shapes have become more flowing – the lens is no longer sharply delimited but merges into the tubular body in a curved line.
The new eyepiece is slightly shorter, which reduces the overall length by 10 mm compared to a varipoint. While the Varipoint still weighed 640 g, the HT only weighs 598 g. The locking of the reticle adjustment changes the point of impact with a click by 1 cm at 100 m.
The adjustment buttons for height and side can be operated without tools and are easy to grip. Its adjustable zero position also allows you to easily return to the reticle position of a load that has already been shot. After zeroing in, you simply lift the knurled ring and place the thick line at the end of the scale on the index point – the zero position.
It is even better to order the glass with a quick reticle adjustment (ASV), as this can be done easily without screws on the cover caps. With long shots, the appropriate shooting distance is simply set. The scope of delivery for Zeiss models equipped with ASV includes a complete set of easily
exchangeable, engraved rings that cover the bullet waste of almost all loads available on the market. Our test glass was equipped with it.
The light metal tube body is 2 mm thick and consists of one piece. The rubberized adjustment ring for the magnification is easy to grip and has a knob at 6x magnification. Half a turn is sufficient for the entire adjustment range. Zeiss now uses HT (High Transmission) lenses from Schott, which ensure very little light loss.
The reticle is made from a fiberglass thread that is only 0.04 mm thick – for comparison: that is less than half of a human hair. In the middle, it is cut off at an angle and polished. The light point is formed there. The diameter at this point is only 0.025 mm.
If the illuminated reticle is switched off, the normal crosshairs are available – without the annoying black point in the middle, as is usual with most glass reticles.
The reticle can be dimmed continuously, and the set value is saved when the lighting is switched off. After three hours without any change, the illuminated reticle switches off automatically. The new Zeiss is an elegant, finely crafted riflescope, but it also costs $2,155 – without the ASV, of course.
Luger Pro NA
The 3 – 12 x 56 used for our test is the most expensive Luger rifle scope for the European market at 599 $, its features are accordingly:
The light unit is attached as the third tower on the left of the 30 mm thick central tube and allows the light point to be dimmed in 11 Stages. The adjustment button for the reticle illumination caused an audible click.
The test glass had a 4 A reticle with a luminous point. There is no automatic switch-off for the illuminated reticle. The reticle is also in the second image plane on the Luger.
The fairly smooth adjustment ring for the magnification is anodized in blue and allows the magnification range to be used over half a turn. The white lettering on the rifle scope proved to be unsustainable – the white letters rubbed off with a little handling, and the anodizing of the barrel body is also quite susceptible to scratches.
The quick adjustment for focusing is at the end of the eyepiece; the reticle adjustment changes the point of impact per click by 0.7 cm to 100 m. The protective caps for the height and windage adjustment are comfortably ribbed.
The Luger is in the standard range for riflescopes with the characteristics 3 – 12 x 56 – a target optics in the lower price range with full equipment, with an overall with a 360 mm overall length and a 648 g weight.
Docter Unipoint
The last rifle scope in our test series comes from Docter Optic (Analytik Jena AG / formerly Carl Zeiss Jena). The Unipoint is Docter’s top model and has reticle illumination with digital control (Tip Control).
The entire reticle illumination is controlled via a touch button on the left of the central tube. A double click switches the lighting on or off like a PC mouse. Holding down the control button initiates brightness control:
It is initially regulated upwards, i.e., lighter. The setting is retained when the button is released. Pressing it again initiates regulation downwards. When the maximum or minimum intensity is reached, the reticle flashes, the button must then be released to initiate a change of direction again. A triple-click when switching on calls up the last setting used.
After three hours without a button being pressed, the illuminated reticle switches off automatically – a very convenient and simple control that is completely silent. In addition to a reticle 4 with a luminous point, Docter also has a reticle zero in its program, which only has a redpoint without a bar.
The ring for changing the magnification is wide and well-grooved; half a turn is enough. Here, too, a cam can be felt with 6-fold. The focus at the end of the eyepiece is softly padded with rubber.
The reticle adjustment with click lock can be set to zero and changes the point of impact by one centimeter to 100 m. A version with a Zeiss
inner rail is also available as an option. The black anodizing of the one-piece tubular body proved to be scratch-resistant and tough. With a total of 376 mm, the Docter is the longest glass in the test field and weighs 680 g. In terms of price, the Unipoint is mid-range at $ 1,419 – surprisingly cheap for a rifle scope.
Measurement in the Laboratory
All seven test glasses were measured in the optical laboratory for technical optics and optoelectronics at the Georg-Simon-Ohm University in Nuremberg. We have summarized the results in a clear table. We also have the laboratory manager, Prof. Dr. Hanskarlreiber, to provide a brief statement on the measured data for each rifle scope. First of all, the JAGDPRAXIS optics expert’s assessment of the individual models.
Summary of the measurement results
Fortunately, the maximum magnification, the ametropia compensation, the total adjustment range, and the longitudinal exit pupil distance were achieved by all test objects within limits permitted by the standard. The resolving power was also very good without exception. All samples passed the shot test.
There were big differences in the viewing angle, the aperture, the magnification at nominally 3x, the transmission, and the illuminated reticle.
Luger
While the maximum magnification of 12.3x is well within the norm, the minimum magnification of 3.7x was 19 percent above the nominal value and therefore did not meet the standard specification. At just 46.5 mm, the entrance pupil is also 17 percent below the datasheet value. At the lowest magnification, the pupil is only 20.5 mm, while other glasses usually offer values of 45 mm. Together with the modest transmission of only around 70 percent, the result is a comparatively noticeably darker picture.
The mechanical structure causes a noticeable change in the target point when changing magnification. The ametropia compensation still fulfills the norm with +2.75 to –1 dioptres but is unsuitable for myopic users. The illuminated reticle of the Luger is dark and uneven.
Conclusion: worst glass in the test that does not meet the norm in several points.
Zeiss Victory HT
This glass fulfills the requirements of high-performance riflescopes in all respects. The field of view is very high at 12.3 and 3.4 m / 100 m; the resolution with only 3 arc seconds is optimal. The spectral transmission is the best of the test items; only the diameter of the illuminated dot appears a bit small – best glass in the test.
Burris Four X
The glass offers optimal results in terms of magnification and pupil values. The field of view is 10.5 or 3.44 m / 100 m, the transmission better than with the Luger, but not in the area of the top optics. At maximum magnification, the resolution is close to the best value. The illuminated reticle does not shine very evenly.
Conclusion: a mechanically excellent glass without serious defects; of limited use for hunting in poor light.
Meopta Meostar R1
This model just misses the value for high-performance telescopes at the maximum magnification of –5.8 percent. All other data are almost top-class – the field angles are high, the transmission of 87 percent at night is excellent. The glass has the second best-illuminated reticle.
Conclusion: an excellent glass without defects.
Doctor
This manufacturer also misses the value for high-performance telescopes regarding the value of maximum magnification with –7.5 percent. The pupils are large, and the field of view is 9.6 or 3.6 m / 100 m, the highest value at maximum magnification. The transmission is good at 84 percent, the resolution the best in the test. The illuminated reticle is exemplary, evenly shining over the entire surface.
Conclusion: an excellent glass with a particularly high resolution and a well-illuminated reticle.
Leapers SCP3 Accushot
This model achieves the value for high-performance telescopes with a maximum magnification of 12.4, but the minimum magnification deviates from the nominal value with 3.9 over 23 percent; thus does not meet the requirements of DIN ISO 14135.
The pupil values are very good, but the field of view of only 9.2 and 2.95 m at the end of the test candidates. The transmission does not even reach 70 percent. The resolving power is decent; the red or green illuminated reticle emits unevenly, the light spot too small.
Conclusion: A usable rifle scope with defects that you can get over at a corresponding price, unsuitable for hunting in poor light.
Kahles Helia CSX
The Austrian premium brand achieves the values for high-performance riflescopes for all parameters specified in the standard. The entrance pupil at the smallest magnification is only 32 mm below average.
The field of view is in the top group at maximum magnification and, together with the Zeiss, achieves the best value with a minimum magnification of 12.3 m / 100 m.
The transmission is over 87 percent, but the resolution is a bit below the best values. The illuminated reticle is neatly round and has a largely even beam.
Conclusion: an excellent glass without defects. So much for the optics expert’s assessment.
Measurement results from the optics laboratory
After the laboratory measurements, the riflescopes were compared by our test team in the twilight. When it comes to high-intensity hide riflescopes, we have emphasized performance in poor lighting conditions.
It was also about evaluating the handling and checking whether the laboratory measurements are also subjectively perceived by the human eye.
It is quite possible that closely spaced laboratory measurement values can no longer be distinguished by the human eye in practice. It would be neither fair nor in the interests of the buyer to rate a model better for this alone because it has top laboratory measurements that the eye can no longer process.
Here is the subjective assessment of the individual rifle scopes; the JP test team was not previously aware of the measurement data from the optics laboratory:
Zeiss, Kahles, and Docter were the ones who liked handling the most. Its zoom ring was easy and jerk-free to operate, and the illuminated reticle was easy to adjust. The digital light units from Kahles and Docter were particularly convenient. No major differences in handling were found with these three optics; they get full points.
Meopta follows shortly afterward, here the testers deducted a point for the lack of an automatic switch-off. If you forget to switch off the illuminated reticle, the battery will run out quickly. An automatic switch-off does not require a great deal of technical effort and should be on board with a modern rifle scope.
Then came Burris and Leapers, which do not show any major weaknesses when it comes to handling. We liked the digital light unit of the Leapers very much, but the gradation is a bit too low. The option of letting the reticle shine green is of little use in practice. These two optics received 7 points from the test team.
One pointless was awarded to Luger – the zoom ring is a bit wobbly, and the diopter compensation, which only extends to minus 1 DPT, is a nuisance during use. Especially at night, many users have to turn into the minus range.
When assessing the luminous point, only Zeiss, Meopta, Kahles, and Docter performed well. Your red target points are placed in the middle and sharply delimited. The gradation of the dimming is fine enough; the brightness can be turned down far enough. In contrast to what the optics experts said in the laboratory, the test team liked the small illuminated dot of the Zeiss HT very much.
Together with the Docter, we liked the illuminated reticle of the Zeiss best, but Kahles and Meopta also have a very good illuminated dot for twilight hunting. These four models get the full 10 points.
With the Burris, the illuminated dot is well centered but a bit dull. That’s just enough for 7 points. Leapers and Luger performed even worse, their luminous dots are neither well centered nor delineated, and there are no more than 5 dots.
The Zeiss HT has the best overall optical package. It delivers a bright, sharp-edged image with perfect resolution. The bald is not inferior to that, our testers thought here too, like the Zeiss, it deserved full marks.
Meopta and Docter follow behind at the same height. In terms of edge sharpness, they are slightly worse, and the color fastness is also not on the level of Zeiss and Kahles, although this factor hardly plays a role in night hunting – all sows are black at night. The edge sharpness, on the other hand, is far more important. There were 8 points for this.
After that, there is quite a gap, which is not surprising in terms of price. The Burris was rated 6 points. Contrast, edge sharpness, and colorfastness are significantly worse, but okay for a glass in this price range – you can’t expect more for less than 600$.
The two even cheaper glasses received 5 points – Luger and Accushot are unsuitable for hunting in poor light.
Final
billing The assessment of the test team and the optics laboratory is essentially close together. The illuminated reticles were rated slightly differently because of scientists at the university measure. At the same time, the JAGDPRAXIS test team comprises experienced hunters whose point of view is slightly different.
We come to the point evaluation
10 points are awarded for the field of view, which a lens with 12 or more meters receives at the smallest magnification. This was achieved by Zeiss and Kahles, who both have an identical field of view of 12.3 m. For every meterless, there is a point deduction, so Meopta and Burris get 8 points and the other three glasses 7 points each.
In terms of shot resistance, all optics passed and therefore received 10 points. It is gratifying that the cheap optics are also bulletproof. In terms of resolution, the inexpensive optics also showed very good values, so that all test glasses achieved the full number of points. All riflescopes have a resolution of 6 or better.
For the interpupillary distance, 10 full points are given for 80 mm or more – the distance at maximum magnification is decisive because stand glasses are usually not used with minimum magnification. Only the higher-priced glasses from Zeiss, Kahles, Docter, and Meopta are over 80 mm.
With an eye relief of 78 mm, the Burris just misses the full 5 points and has to be content with 4. Leapers and Luger only get 3 points for 72 and 73 mm eye relief.
The transmission is of crucial importance for riflescopes for twilight. It was measured day and night as well as at the highest and lowest magnification. For the JAGDPRAXIS comparative evaluation, night transmission at the highest magnification was selected – from 90 percent, there are a full 15 points, every percent below that means one point is deducted.
In this supreme discipline, the wheat is separated from the chaff. Only the Zeiss HT achieved over 90 percent and thus the full number of points. Meopta and Kahles follow with identical 87.1 percent, which is an excellent value, especially for the inexpensive Meopta. There are 12 points for this. The Docter is 84 percent and gets 9 points. After that, nothing comes for a long time.
With the Burris, it is still enough to get one, Leapers and Luger get 0 points, their night transmission is a whopping 20 percent below the top models – it gets dark very quickly when the light fades.
There was a surprise in the evaluation in the measured magnification category because there were sometimes significant deviations above the tolerance limit of 5 percent. Only Zeiss, Kahles, and Burris are within the tolerance and get 5 points. Meopta gets one point because its maximum magnification was only measured at 11.3.
The Docter has to be content with 2 points; the measured maximum magnification is only 11.1. The two optics from Leapers and Luger, on the other hand, have problems with the initial magnification. With the Luger, it is 3.7 times, with the Leapers even 3.9 times, so both are so far outside the tolerance limit that there are no more points.
When checking the point of impact when changing the magnification, Luger and Docter exceeded the tolerance limit of 2 cm. The Docter barely, which is assessed with one point deduction, the Luger only gets 3 points.
The last point is the price-performance ratio: the most expensive test model is the Zeiss HT at $ 2,155. But you also get a riflescope with a very large field of view, maximum transmission, and without optical defects. Nevertheless, a proud price, which for many hunters is beyond their financial means, for which we gave 7 out of 10 points.
The Kahles is only marginally cheaper at $ 2,064, has a good optics package, an identical field of view, but less transmission. There were 6 points for this. Meopta has a smaller field of view, but good transmission, a great illuminated reticle, and no major weaknesses – a great rifle scope for $ 969 (less than half). That was worth 9 out of 10 points for JAGDPRAXIS.
Docter also offers a lot for $ 1,419, has a smaller field of view than Meopta, but a great illuminated reticle. That was worth 8 points to us. The evaluation of the three cheap optics is difficult; you get the best value with the Burris – for 599 $ the glass is not bad, even if it does not come close to the top optics – just usable for hunting in poor light. That was worth 7 points to the testers.
Leapers and Luger build bulletproof riflescopes at an affordable price. However, their transmission is too low – more recommended for sport shooters than for hunters, there were still 5 points.
Overall evaluation
The evaluation of all criteria shows that a very mixed test field was at the start. The top model and with 97 points, the new reference riflescope from Jagdpraxis is the Zeiss HT.
The Kahles took second place with a very good 93 points. Its night transmission is 4 percent lower, which young hunters can see with good eyesight. Prints cost a hefty price because the bald one is not even $100 cheaper than the Zeiss.
The price-performance winner of our comparison test is the Meopta, which also has a night transmission of over 87 percent but remains below the “sound barrier” of $1,000 – a very powerful rifle scope with a good overall optical package at a very affordable price.
Docter also offers a good optical package with a great illuminated reticle. However, its night transmission is still 3 percent lower than that of the Meopta, although the glass is significantly more expensive.
The remaining target optics are no longer recommended for serious night hunters. Even if they are cheap, hunters will hardly be happy with them in poor light.
But even the cheap riflescopes are all bulletproof and have a good resolution. If you are looking for an inexpensive riflescope for the hide up into the twilight, the Burris can be used for 599 $. Mechanically there is nothing to complain about; its image is clear and rich in contrast.
If you only hunt when the moon or snow is good, you can also achieve good results. But if the game damage increases constantly, you should dig a little deeper into your pocket – it should at least be a Meopta.
This is how we rated
This category includes variable rifle scopes with a lens diameter of at least 56 mm, equipped with an illuminated reticle.
Field of view (max. 10 points)
With a twilight rifle scope, the field of view is of great importance, as boar hunting is often done at a short distance. A field of view over 12 m at the lowest magnification means full points. For each meterless, than 1 point is deducted. The field of view at the highest magnification is measured and indicated but is not included in the scoring. But it does provide information about the optical quality of the riflescope.
Shot
resistance (max. 10 points) A rifle scope that is not bulletproof is hardly usable. Therefore this point is a knockout criterion. Either full points are awarded if the glass is bulletproof or 0 points.
Resolution (max. 10 points)
Resolution is understood to mean the ability of the optics to depict two points lying close to one another so that the observer can still clearly separate them. An important criterion for the quality of the optics. The resolution is given in arcseconds. With a measured resolution of “4”, looking through the optics, the observer would be able to perceive two points approx. 2 cm apart as individual objects at a distance of 1000 meters. With a resolution of “10”, that would be two points 5 cm apart at 1000 meters. Optics with a resolution of 6 arc seconds is given full points. There is a deduction of 2 points for every arc second above.
Eye relief (max. 5 points) The distance between the eye and the eyepiece of the rifle scope should be sufficiently large, even with a high-seat rifle scope, to avoid injuries. The interpupillary distance was evaluated here at the highest magnification. Full points were awarded for 80 mm eye relief, one point is deducted for each 5 mm less.
Transmission (max. 15 points)
The transmission is of decisive importance for a rifle scope that is used at dusk. The transmission was measured during the day and night, as well as at the highest and lowest magnification. To obtain comparative values, the transmission at night and the highest magnification was selected for the point evaluation. From 90% night transmission, the full 15 points are awarded. Every percentage below that means one point is deducted.
Compliance with the specified
Magnification (max. 5 points)
The manufacturer of a rifle scope specifies the magnification range for its product. This is often crucial to the purchase. At this point, a check is carried out to determine whether this data is correct or whether there are serious deviations. The real minimum and maximum magnification were measured. A 5% discrepancy is tolerated; for every additional percentage, one point is deducted.
Illuminated reticle (max. 10 points)
Brightness, luminance, and sharp delimitation of the illuminated part of the reticle are important and often decisive for purchase. With a twilight rifle scope, it is important that the illuminated reticle can be dimmed down to not outshine it. Since there are still no accessible standards for illuminated reticles, the quality of the illuminated reticle was determined in addition to the measurements in a series examination with 14 students at the university. A well-defined illuminated reticle that can be dimmed well receives full marks. If there are weaknesses, points will be deducted accordingly.
Overall optical package (max. 10 points)
Several measurements are included here that are important for the quality of a riflescope. Edge sharpness, contrast, color fringing, ametropia compensation and the size of the entrance and exit pupils at maximum and minimum magnification are assessed here. The pupils are measured using an ideally collimated laser beam. The riflescopes must be set exactly to infinity. The pupil diameter is determined with a calibrated CCD camera. Optics that show no weaknesses or deviations from the norm get the full 10 points.
Change of the point of impact when changing magnification (max. 5 points)
Here it is checked whether the point of impact changes from the minimum to the maximum magnification. Up to 2 cm at 100 meters is tolerated here. One point was deducted for every centimeter more.
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