Sightron SIII 10-50X60 - Can I have my cake and eat it too?

[supernova]

Giving Sightron a good hard look without having a Sightron to look through brings me to this thread. I have a few specific questions for owners of this scope, if you may. I'm concerned with its real world performance in the hands of real world shooters.

1. Assuming one is shooting in good lighting conditions, does optical quality suffer a great deal in the upper end of magnification range? Enough to prefer a lower magnification under good conditions?
2. Does eye relief and eye box shrink considerably? (Does it become finnicky to maintain proper sight picture)?
3. Does the higher end of magnification get substantially darker as light fades? (Sounds obvious but I mean this in a speculative way as compared to other quality scopes)
4. Would you consider a lower magnification model in the Siii line after using a 10-50x60?

Now these questions will all be subjective to the individual, I'm not asking for scientifically quantifiable results or muddy opinions based on a spec sheet. I'd just like to hear from owners of this scope. Intended use will range from load development, chasing tiny groups at various ranges, banging steel at various ranges etc. I like the option of high magnification but not if optical quality takes such a hit that it isn't worth cranking up to 32X+.

 

[Silvertip13]

I have a couple of the 10-50's, a 8-32 Sightron and a NF 8-32. I have compared them all in different lights at the same time. If you dial the 50 back to 32 the 50 is a little brighter. I find the Nightforce is a little brighter and clearer. Problem with the Nightforce is that you can't see the mirage as soon as the sightrons. If I am shooting distance and playing with shifting winds the sightrons come out. If I need to see the group size on paper at 800 then the Nightforce is tool of choice. Ask yourself when comparing the 32 to 50 power, would you ever dail below 10x? If not then I would go with the 50x. On a nice bright day it is useable until the day gets hot then i usually dial back to near 30x. With the 32x I'm dailing back to 25x ish on the same day. The eye relief/eyebox has not been an issue, I use adjustable cheek rests to maintain proper weld so it isn't something that can go wrong. All said and done, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another 50x. Just what I have seen!

 

[supernova]

Thanks Silvertip, I used to have an NSX 8-32 so your review is very informative. As for min. magnification, I rarely dial below 10 and am usually 1/2 to full mag. depending on conditions. Thanks for your input!

I have a couple of the 10-50's, a 8-32 Sightron and a NF 8-32. I have compared them all in different lights at the same time. If you dial the 50 back to 32 the 50 is a little brighter. I find the Nightforce is a little brighter and clearer. Problem with the Nightforce is that you can't see the mirage as soon as the sightrons. If I am shooting distance and playing with shifting winds the sightrons come out. If I need to see the group size on paper at 800 then the Nightforce is tool of choice. Ask yourself when comparing the 32 to 50 power, would you ever dail below 10x? If not then I would go with the 50x. On a nice bright day it is useable until the day gets hot then i usually dial back to near 30x. With the 32x I'm dailing back to 25x ish on the same day. The eye relief/eyebox has not been an issue, I use adjustable cheek rests to maintain proper weld so it isn't something that can go wrong. All said and done, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another 50x. Just what I have seen!

 

[Mystic Precision]

I have competed with these in F class since they were released. With the need to see and adjust point of aim as little as 1/2" at 1000yds, these are my observations.

1. Assuming one is shooting in good lighting conditions, does optical quality suffer a great deal in the upper end of magnification range? There is very little drop in image quality at the top end.. BUT it will get more sensitive to seeing mirage to a point where most will dial down. On a clear winter day, you can see amazingly well at 50X but things muddy fast in the heat. I leave my scope at 32/35X all the time as it is plenty to let me see the target and gives me a great view of the changing mirage and nearby targets (very important to me)

Enough to prefer a lower magnification under good conditions? When competing in FTR, I want 32/35X mag.. when shooting rocks and gongs, I use the SIII6-24 at 24X. For tactical style shooting, service rifle and LR hunting, I will be using the STAC2.5-17.5X56

2. Does eye relief and eye box shrink considerably? (Does it become finnicky to maintain proper sight picture)? NO, there is precious little change in eye box with changes in mag... one of the most stable high mag scopes I have ever been behind.

3. Does the higher end of magnification get substantially darker as light fades? (Sounds obvious but I mean this in a speculative way as compared to other quality scopes) - for daylight target shooting, I have never run out of light. Big objective and great lenses help here.

4. Would you consider a lower magnification model in the Siii line after using a 10-50x60? For rocks and gongs, I use the SIII6-24. Some prefer the 8-32 as the middle ground. For FTR, I use the 10-50.

If you want the one of the best high mag target scopes on the market today, the SVSS 10-50X60 gets the nod. See my site for comparison against all comparable scopes on the market in Canada. I am converting all my FTR rifles to use the SVSS for 2016... yes, it is that much better vs the SIII which is already a gem.

Jerry

 

[No Fear in Accuracy]

I have SIII 10-50x60 LRIRMOA. It is an amazing scope for that price. The eye relief is pretty the same from 10 to 50.

I shoot Precision Shooting matches and I use this scope for all range, 200 yards to 1,000 yards. Actually, you can see the mirage very clearly.

I do notice that when you crank to 50x, the light transmission is a little darker. From 10 to 45x, it is still bright due to 60mm diameter.

You can see a bit of heavy mirage through the scope. I believe that was about 40x.

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[calvados.boulard]

I have the 6-24, the 8-32, and the 10-50. I would get them again in a heartbeat. Lovely scopes that are super clear at all mag ranges. There is a slight drop in brightness at 50, but nothing of major concern. Closer to dusk or under dark clouds I dial back to ~45. Jerry has my interest peaked with his praise of the SVSS 10-50X60.

Thanks,
Cal.