jgerrington
12-18-2010, 08:33 PM
I just wanted to share my thoughts on the vortex viper 6.5-20x44 compared to the bushnell wlite 4200 2.5-10x50 and zeiss conquest 4.5-14x44. (I have all 3 for a side by side comparison.)
The zeiss has an edge over the other 2 in clarity and sharpness. I would say the bushnell second and vortex third.
Comparing them all 3 side by side at dark for light gathering, I would give it to zeiss slightly over bushnell and vortex. The bushnell has a bigger objective than vortex and I had to look VERY hard to tell any difference in light gathering. I bet if I had a 50mm vortex it would be even, but as is bushnell edged it out.
I have to exclude bushnell from this b/c it is not a side focus. The vortex is hard to get a sight picture on and if I move slightly it is gone. Kinda like i'm looking though a tunnel. With the zeiss I have more eye relief and it's easier to get my sight picture and keep it. The vortex has a 30mm tube and the others have a 1in tube. The vortex has the most features and I love the turrets on it. It tracks perfectly (the others do too.)
The zeiss tops the others in everything, but it costs about double the others, vortex being the cheapest. If vortex would fix the eye relief and sight picture it would be my go to scope. I think the new PST fixed those issues. Maybe they will upgrade the viper line also.
I think my midline priced scope (under $500) will be the bushnell elite for hunting, but is is not good for target shooting. For a $400 dollar target/hunting scope the viper is hard to beat. I got the BDC reticle, I like MOA/MOA. It would be hard to pay another 400 for a zeiss with slightly better light gathering and clarity, unless you need that extra eye relief.
Just my thoughts. Chime in if you disagree.
Hope this helps anyone when deciding on getting the viper or not.
The zeiss has an edge over the other 2 in clarity and sharpness. I would say the bushnell second and vortex third.
Comparing them all 3 side by side at dark for light gathering, I would give it to zeiss slightly over bushnell and vortex. The bushnell has a bigger objective than vortex and I had to look VERY hard to tell any difference in light gathering. I bet if I had a 50mm vortex it would be even, but as is bushnell edged it out.
I have to exclude bushnell from this b/c it is not a side focus. The vortex is hard to get a sight picture on and if I move slightly it is gone. Kinda like i'm looking though a tunnel. With the zeiss I have more eye relief and it's easier to get my sight picture and keep it. The vortex has a 30mm tube and the others have a 1in tube. The vortex has the most features and I love the turrets on it. It tracks perfectly (the others do too.)
The zeiss tops the others in everything, but it costs about double the others, vortex being the cheapest. If vortex would fix the eye relief and sight picture it would be my go to scope. I think the new PST fixed those issues. Maybe they will upgrade the viper line also.
I think my midline priced scope (under $500) will be the bushnell elite for hunting, but is is not good for target shooting. For a $400 dollar target/hunting scope the viper is hard to beat. I got the BDC reticle, I like MOA/MOA. It would be hard to pay another 400 for a zeiss with slightly better light gathering and clarity, unless you need that extra eye relief.
Just my thoughts. Chime in if you disagree.
Hope this helps anyone when deciding on getting the viper or not.