If brightness was your main criteria, by far, over other features, what scopes would you consider?

Zeiss Victory HT in a 2.5-10X50 or 3-12X56, S&B Klassik 2.5-10X56, Meopta Meostar R2 2.5-15X56

same top three for me too. = Zeiss 3x12x56 Diavari , 3x12x56 Meopta 4k , or 2.5x10x56 S&B Zenth

I would also opt for an ILL.reticle. No good to see the deer if you can't see your reticle. You may have no problems now but for that kind of investment you want to be able to still use it when your eyes are older.

The Meopta will get any legal deer killed just as well as the other two and I'm a big Meopta fan but I can think of at least 3 or 4 more scopes better in low light than the Meostar. Granted I haven't looked through the new R2 but is it really on par with scopes like the top line Swarovski and Khales?

It's going to be for my dad. He's 60. I was thinking about an illuminated reticle

YES, they are! Looked at 4k lighted reticle Meopta 3x12x56 against a 2100 dollar new Zeiss in same 3x12x56 range. The Meopta was better = light drawing. Plus at 1100 dollars thats 1000 dollars better than the Zeiss. Also looked at 3300 dollar Swaro . Its Big round red dot I didnt like. 2.5x16x56 part was great BUT the Dot red lighted reticle was way to big!

You won't get the R2 Meostar 2.5-15 x 56 MM for $1100.00 now that Meopta has pulled them off the US market.

Try $1,449.99 and up for the few that are left around.

I was talking about the 2.5x16x56 Swaro at 3300 IN comparision with 3x12x56 4k Meopta. AND saying how the Meopta out shines a more expensive scopes. The 2.5x16x56 Sawro had a thick reticle and BIG red dots . I was concidering buying 1 till i checked out price and big dot!

Shooters,where are you seeing a 3-12X56 Meopta. I can't seem to find that model.

I think the Meopta R1 is offered in 3-12X56.

I would look hard at the Trijicon scopes as well...and keep some money in your pocket.

I think the best options have already been mentioned, however the situation is sort of relative to what you are currently using as your optic. Depending on what that is... just stepping up to something like the 50mm Swaro Z-3 or just a Zeiss Conquest HD 50mm could make a significant improvement.

If you are trying to judge a rack at dark you need to spend money on binoculars. A scope will never do what a good set of Binos will do in that regard.

My other thoughts:

I can see to shoot a deer in legal light with a Minox Z5HD 50mm I've been hunting with some. It is not too shabby for a $400 scope. I've got a couple gripes about it but for the money... hard to beat.

I've got a Meopta R1 56mm I hunt with all the time and it is great for the money. I'd say best bang for your buck. However...I have a couple gripes about it as well.

Good can be relative. If you want the best probably needs to have Schmidt & Bender written on it.

As far as seeing in low light conditions I'll put my old redfield 1 3/4×5 scope against any scope on the market. I'm sure there are some that are better at light gathering but I've yet to find one

Good suggestions. Now, lets keep it under $700

GO!!

In all honesty,any scope over $400 should take him past legal dark or be good at first light. Just pick one with a good reticle.

A leupold VXR would be a good choice.

^^I love my VXR!!!!!

If 257 still has the Burris Euro Diamond in the classifieds you won't do better for the money. It is extremely bright and has an illuminated reticle.

Yeah, I checked on it. Already gone.

What about the Leupold VX3's?

I'm not a fan but several guys here, like them. I think there are several better choices if low light is your concern. You could probably find a demo or lightly used Meopta Meostar R1 with a #4 reticle for under $700. I know you can find a Trijicon with illuminated reticle for under $700. Even Weaver makes a really good illuminated reticle scope that you can get for under $500 (Weaver Classic Extreme, I think). The reticle will be as important as the glass for low light and visibility.