Expensive scopes vs. cheap ones. What's the difference?

[ysr_racer]

I know nothing about rifle shooting. What does an expensive scope get me, over a cheaper one?

[pennstater]

Define expensive over cheap. You're about to get a lesson in optics.

MLC

[pennstater]

Delete. Double post.

[MongooseV8]

Glass quality and a consistent reliable erector assembly. These are the most important qualities in any scope. Cant hit what you cant see, and it is critical that your adjustments be repeatable.


Also more fancy features like paralax adjustment, zero stops, etc.

[Full Clip]

Clarity and durability.
You always get what you pay for.

[SmokeTheClay]

[Tango_Down]

Just subtract the cost of a cheap scope from that of an expensive scope and that will leave you the "difference".
It's simple math but feel free to use a calculator if it makes it easier.

[n8vrmind]

I know nothing about rifle shooting. What does an expensive scope get me, over a cheaper one?

Ask Cyclops Joe

https://youtu.be/cYciPnyQHRE

[M76]

superior glass and overall quality

[pennstater]

OP, you can spend a couple grand on Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss or $60 on a Simmons. If you're just starting out, A Burris FF II 3x9 will be fine. More info needed tho. The Burris is about $200.

MLC

[ysr_racer]

Define expensive over cheap. You're about to get a lesson in optics.

MLC

Good point, thanks.

I'm talking about the 3x9 Bushnell that came on my Savage Axis, vs. Something that costs 200 bucks.

I'm going javelina hunting in AZ, and my buddy says at the most 150 yards.

[jarhead714]

Quality glass takes time to polish and assemble. Look at the glass for telescopes, it takes years of continuous and even polishing to get those right. Scaled down, it’s the same deal for firearms optics. That **** takes time by skilled laborers to make.

[DrewN]

Good point, thanks.

I'm talking about the 3x9 Bushnell that came on my Savage Axis, vs. Something that costs 200 bucks.

I'm going javelina hunting in AZ, and my buddy says at the most 150 yards.

Will it hold a zero? Then it's fine for hunting. You don't need expensive glass at 150. Check your mounts though, many many more shots have been missed due to loose mounts than cheap glass. I'm headed to Az myself at 05:00 tomorrow or I'd lend you one of my myriad cheap Leupolds, all of which work just fine.

[Imageview]

So aside from better durability and finish, better glass. Clarity is the most visible aspect, but it will provide less distortion and better handle adverse lighting conditions. There's plenty of reasonable glass in your price range, I like leupold's vx freedom line but any of the more reputable companies will get you a quality product.

[Fjold]

On the 1,000 yard F class target, I can see the 1" X clearer with my Nightforce at 12X than with my Burris Fullfield II at 14X