Ilya, I have a thought/consideration for future reviews? How about including/considering the used/discounted acquisition cost for scopes costing above $1200 in future DLO? Example: since I don’t really think what I said explains what I am thinking very well? Such as the SIG Tango6 1st gen stuff was going out the door significantly lower than the normal street price (to make ready for the gen 2 stuff). Do they become say a better choice than a SWFA 3-15×42 for the regular price when they can be had for say $700/900? It may just be too much of a swamp too, I guess? Derrel
I’ve thought about it, but it is kinda difficult to predict how far down prices on recently discontinued scopes go. Same for used ones. They fluctuate enough to make any sort of classification difficult. I point out good deals when an opportunity presents itself, but that is largely it.
Gen 1 Tango 6 is a good scope that is generally on par with SWFA’s SSHD stuff and better than SWFA Classic. For a while there you could get a Gen 1 Tango6 for an absolute steal.
Have you had a chance to review a Sig Whiskey 5? If so, how does it compare to the new Razor LHT? If the prices are similar, which one would be the better choice?
These three compete against each other and there isn’t a ton of difference between them in terms of performance. Optically, Whiskey5 and VX-5HD are very close with HD-LHT beind just a touch better. Mechanically, it is hard to say for sure since HD-LHT is quite new. Its predecessor HD LH was quite robust, so I expect this one to be good too.
I have not tested the SFP version of the Optika6, but if I understand it correctly, the optics and mechanics are the same. I would go with the Razor HD-LHT over the SFP Optika6. The Razor is a little better optically and weighs less. Extra weight make sense if you want FFP, but for a SFP hunting scope, going lighter is a good thing.
I’m looking to change from a Kahles k16i to a more durable “battle” optic like the Acog or Elcan specter os4x you recommend. The problem is, both are practically unavailable right now in Europe. I’m looking for some weight savings, durability gains compared to the Kahles while not loosing on optical quality. The Prisma will be used with a red dot and 4x is fine with me.
What would you recommend?
To be honest, if you are looking for weight saving, there are not that many options. Steiner makes nice prismatics, but they are heavy. I have been using some less expensive prismatics with good success, but they will not give you the optical performance of Elcan or Kahles or Hensoldt. They have been proving to be very durable though. The catch is that I do not really know what is available in Europe. Here in the US, there is no shortage of options. Also, keep in mind that I am about to turn off the comment function on this website since I moved the discussions to my new website at http://www.darklordofoptics.com
i immediately went to ZCO’s website after reading your updated recommendations regarding the ZC420. Impressive! i read a review by Jim Fisher on September 6, 2020 on the ZC420. Again, impressive. he did state that it has some tunnelling in the 4-4.5X range. he stated that this is probably due to common hardware with their ZC527. your comments please on this.
regardless, this is one impressive piece of optics. i’m torn between the ZC420 and the TT315P.
4-20×50 ZCO does tunnel, but really slightly. With TT, I really prefer the lighter TT315M model. TT315P is really excellent, but heavy. If you do not mind the weight, just get the 5-25×56 TT and be done with it. That’s sort of what I did: I have TT315M and TT525P.
The 4-20×50 ZCO is sort of a different beast simply because of the magnification range. If 15x is sufficient, I think TT315M is the one to beat in performance per ounce. If you want 20x top end in a compact package, get the ZCO or 5-20×50 S&B. I have been messing with the S&B 5-20×50 Ultra Short with the new DT II+ turrets and I really like what I am seeing. If size is not a big deal and you are looking for a precision scope, TT 5-25×56 is probably the one to beat, unless you are looking for more magnification. If you are, March 5-42×56 is your huckleberry.
Ilya, I have a thought/consideration for future reviews? How about including/considering the used/discounted acquisition cost for scopes costing above $1200 in future DLO? Example: since I don’t really think what I said explains what I am thinking very well? Such as the SIG Tango6 1st gen stuff was going out the door significantly lower than the normal street price (to make ready for the gen 2 stuff). Do they become say a better choice than a SWFA 3-15×42 for the regular price when they can be had for say $700/900? It may just be too much of a swamp too, I guess? Derrel
I’ve thought about it, but it is kinda difficult to predict how far down prices on recently discontinued scopes go. Same for used ones. They fluctuate enough to make any sort of classification difficult. I point out good deals when an opportunity presents itself, but that is largely it.
Gen 1 Tango 6 is a good scope that is generally on par with SWFA’s SSHD stuff and better than SWFA Classic. For a while there you could get a Gen 1 Tango6 for an absolute steal.
Currently waiting on the UPS truck for the delivery of my TT 3x15m. Your descriptive of how things work fuels my interest.
I value your reviews.
Chris
Let me know how you like it. Who did you order it from?
Hi DLO,
Have you had a chance to review a Sig Whiskey 5? If so, how does it compare to the new Razor LHT? If the prices are similar, which one would be the better choice?
Thanks!
And how does the Leopold VX5 compare to the Razor LHT and Whiskey 5?
These three compete against each other and there isn’t a ton of difference between them in terms of performance. Optically, Whiskey5 and VX-5HD are very close with HD-LHT beind just a touch better. Mechanically, it is hard to say for sure since HD-LHT is quite new. Its predecessor HD LH was quite robust, so I expect this one to be good too.
ILya
Thank you!!!
And how does the SFP 3-18 Optika 6 stack up against the Razor LHT? Thanks!!
I have not tested the SFP version of the Optika6, but if I understand it correctly, the optics and mechanics are the same. I would go with the Razor HD-LHT over the SFP Optika6. The Razor is a little better optically and weighs less. Extra weight make sense if you want FFP, but for a SFP hunting scope, going lighter is a good thing.
Thanks again for your expert opinion.
Hi Ilya!
I’m looking to change from a Kahles k16i to a more durable “battle” optic like the Acog or Elcan specter os4x you recommend. The problem is, both are practically unavailable right now in Europe. I’m looking for some weight savings, durability gains compared to the Kahles while not loosing on optical quality. The Prisma will be used with a red dot and 4x is fine with me.
What would you recommend?
To be honest, if you are looking for weight saving, there are not that many options. Steiner makes nice prismatics, but they are heavy. I have been using some less expensive prismatics with good success, but they will not give you the optical performance of Elcan or Kahles or Hensoldt. They have been proving to be very durable though. The catch is that I do not really know what is available in Europe. Here in the US, there is no shortage of options. Also, keep in mind that I am about to turn off the comment function on this website since I moved the discussions to my new website at http://www.darklordofoptics.com
good afternoon Ilya!
i immediately went to ZCO’s website after reading your updated recommendations regarding the ZC420. Impressive! i read a review by Jim Fisher on September 6, 2020 on the ZC420. Again, impressive. he did state that it has some tunnelling in the 4-4.5X range. he stated that this is probably due to common hardware with their ZC527. your comments please on this.
regardless, this is one impressive piece of optics. i’m torn between the ZC420 and the TT315P.
Help!
4-20×50 ZCO does tunnel, but really slightly. With TT, I really prefer the lighter TT315M model. TT315P is really excellent, but heavy. If you do not mind the weight, just get the 5-25×56 TT and be done with it. That’s sort of what I did: I have TT315M and TT525P.
The 4-20×50 ZCO is sort of a different beast simply because of the magnification range. If 15x is sufficient, I think TT315M is the one to beat in performance per ounce. If you want 20x top end in a compact package, get the ZCO or 5-20×50 S&B. I have been messing with the S&B 5-20×50 Ultra Short with the new DT II+ turrets and I really like what I am seeing. If size is not a big deal and you are looking for a precision scope, TT 5-25×56 is probably the one to beat, unless you are looking for more magnification. If you are, March 5-42×56 is your huckleberry.
thanks Ilya – completely agree. the TT525P is the solution.