I’ve been doing my research and I can’t make up my mind on which glass I want to upgrade to. 2 years ago I upgraded both of my hunting rifles to Leupold scopes and it was a rush purchase and now I regret purchasing them. Looked into vortex, zeiss, swavorski, and Burris. My absolute farthest shot will maybe be 300 yards on clear cut but still want plenty of zoom though. Budget is $1,200.00

Which Leupolds did you buy and what didn’t you like about them? I’m a big fan of Zeiss and Meopta optics but all the manufacturers you listed have quality products and each have different pros and cons. If we know exactly what you’re looking for in a hunting scope then we can make more helpful suggestions.

This^^^ I'm surprised Clark hasn't chimed in yet 😂

In the $1200 price range, I would recommend a Swarovski Z5 model. Either a 2.4x12x50mm or a 3.5x18x44mm model. Excellent, crystal clear glass which will allow you to see well past legal light.

Go see Jeff at Simmons sporting goods in Bessemer and he can hook you up.

This^^^. Just bought one for a custom 6.5PRC. Haven't had it out at dusk yet but I assume it'll be plenty bright enough.

I have a couple nice scopes with German glass and will have to say that Leupold vx6HD I just bought is some of the clearest glass I have owned.

Agreed. The VX5 and VX6 scopes have excellent glass, on par with most of the German optics and a better price point. Didn't suggest them because the OP apparently had bad experience with Leupold.

Go to www.samplelist.com and look at the demo scopes they have. Their inventory changes frequently but you can get some great deals on that site.

I bought a demo Swarovski 3.5-18x44 a few years ago for $1,100.

It may be me but I didn’t find the clarity that great with leupold. When it hit that 30 min after sunset you couldn’t really see well what’s in the field 75 yards in front of you. I purchased a VX-3i 3.5-10x40 and a VX-3i 3.5x10x50 from Simmons in Bessemer. More or less I’m wanting to spend $1200 or less per rifle, and the most important thing is clarity of the glass and second would be magnification.

The VX5 HD and VX6 HD models have much better glass than the vx3i line. The VX5 line is about the most scope for the money IMO.

Look at the Meopta R2 line. I have a 56mm and it is very clear and bright. I don’t know that I can detect any deficiencies. But I’ve never owned or looked through one of those $2400 scopes side by side at dark.

Leupold VX-5 HD is a very good scope, excellent in low light.

Look at Zeiss conquest V4 6-24x50.

Imo, swarvo Z5 can't touch it.

I've owned both.

I disagree. I own both and the Z5 has a sharper image and better lowlight performance IMO.

Why the hell would I keep giving advice to people who already know everything?

I think the exact opposite. I sold my Z5. My Z5 was not as crystal clear and had lots of edge vignetting.

Everyone's eyes are different.

I believe you're right, everyone has different eyes. Always spend some time with different scopes before making your choice.

The V4 is a good scope and it tracks very well. Dialing for distance it is probably more reliable than the swaro.

Leupold can’t touch Zeiss, Meopta, Swarovski, Kahles, or even Zeiss Conquest. I went elk hunting with someone with a brand new V6 and was shocked how much better my old Conquest looked. I have had lots of luck with the Z3. Is the Z5 much better. I know the Z6 is awesome!

And I can shoot further than the 300 yards OP stated he would be shooting.... with a good solid 3-9x run-of-the-mill Bushnell scope all day long.

So I would probably just get a Leupold and not worry about it unless I was trying to shoot in low light. Which is sort of a moot point round here considering the game regs and legal shooting times.

I would get the Swaro if I was going to spend the full $1200. Zeiss ain't what it use to be.

Looking up reviews and different items, I'm either leaning towards the leupold vx-5 or the swavorski z5. Going to look at both this weekend and let y'all know which one I decide to go with. Hopefully the leupold glass in the vx-5 is better than my current vx-3 model

Thanks