Best $1500 CAD Scope?

EDIT: It's primarily going to be used shooting at a range on my .308 out to 1000m, and I'll also be using it for some hunting

There are quite a few scopes brands/models and varying qualities dependent on the features you actually need/want. To me, spending money on the optics is generally more important than spending money on the rifle (yes, that's vague and doesn't contribute).

Based on your intended use, you are conceptually looking for a hybrid-style scope, which are generally characterised by relative high magnification, target-type turrets yet reasonably light enough to carry around.

The type of shooting and type of hunting will heavily influence your choices. Shooting from a bench out to 1000m targets is very different from PRS/"tactical" style dynamic shooting. Hunting can mean anything from walking/stalking to driving out to a stand to sit/observe and shoot.

Reticle: Tree reticles are en vogue for PRS or any kind of relatively quick holdover shooting, but in hunting can be a hindrance for some as cluttering the view. Sometimes less in more but it's all in the eye of the beholder in terms of how much info you need. Also, consider FFP or SFP as it applies to you.
Turrets: How often and likely are you adjusting turrets for shots? Locking turrets, turret caps or other devices may be preferable if you are hunting. Competition shooting bench shooters typically don't care for these safeguards.
Mag range: A hybrid and/or DMR type is probably a safe start point depending on your typical range including how far you plan to hunt from, ie ~4/5-18/20x or maybe ~5/6-25x)
Tube size: For the money and practicality (ie weight) of current tech offerings, 30mm is probably a happy medium.
Illumination: How important is this for you? Shooting low light? In hunting, it could be very useful. Do you want the whole reticle illuminated or just aiming point or cross hair, etc?
Glass quality: Lastly but most importantly, for the money, do you want better glass, or do you want acceptable glass and more features?
 
There are quite a few scopes brands/models and varying qualities dependent on the features you actually need/want. To me, spending money on the optics is generally more important than spending money on the rifle (yes, that's vague and doesn't contribute).

Based on your intended use, you are conceptually looking for a hybrid-style scope, which are generally characterised by relative high magnification, target-type turrets yet reasonably light enough to carry around.

The type of shooting and type of hunting will heavily influence your choices. Shooting from a bench out to 1000m targets is very different from PRS/"tactical" style dynamic shooting. Hunting can mean anything from walking/stalking to driving out to a stand to sit/observe and shoot.

Reticle: Tree reticles are en vogue for PRS or any kind of relatively quick holdover shooting, but in hunting can be a hindrance for some as cluttering the view. Sometimes less in more but it's all in the eye of the beholder in terms of how much info you need. Also, consider FFP or SFP as it applies to you.
Turrets: How often and likely are you adjusting turrets for shots? Locking turrets, turret caps or other devices may be preferable if you are hunting. Competition shooting bench shooters typically don't care for these safeguards.
Mag range: A hybrid and/or DMR type is probably a safe start point depending on your typical range including how far you plan to hunt from, ie ~4/5-18/20x or maybe ~5/6-25x)
Tube size: For the money and practicality (ie weight) of current tech offerings, 30mm is probably a happy medium.
Illumination: How important is this for you? Shooting low light? In hunting, it could be very useful. Do you want the whole reticle illuminated or just aiming point or cross hair, etc?
Glass quality: Lastly but most importantly, for the money, do you want better glass, or do you want acceptable glass and more features?

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I'm out of the country for a while, so unless there's an amazing deal, I probably don't buy anything until next year. I'm just doing the research. I'm quite interested in the Athlon now. I'm not too concerned with size or weight. I've humped plenty of heavy ass rifles, for plenty of kilometers. I'm also going to be at the range a lot more than hunting.

I don't shoot off a bench, ever. More dynamic/prone shooting. And the X-Mas tree reticent is a must for me. I don't find it distracting, and I don't really plan on getting a scope without it, unless there's an amazing deal. etc.
 
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Hey all, I initially was very interested in the Tract Toric, and even applied for a IIC, but it looks like shipping things into Canada is plain expensive and a hassle, so I'm looking elsewhere. I've been fairly interested in the Vortex Viper PST Gen II, and the Athlon Ares ETR. Does anyone have any opinions/experiences with either of these that could help? It's very back and forth between the two. As well, anything else within that price range that is well liked would be awesome! Thanks!

EDIT: It's primarily going to be used shooting at a range on my .308 out to 1000m, and I'll also be using it for some hunting

I just ordered a Tract Toric from the States and it was no hassle at all. It took about 15 minutes to fill out the import form, it was free. Tract took care of everything else and there was no big expense for shipping it into Canada. The scope is excellent, if your interested go for it.
 
I just ordered a Tract Toric from the States and it was no hassle at all. It took about 15 minutes to fill out the import form, it was free. Tract took care of everything else and there was no big expense for shipping it into Canada. The scope is excellent, if your interested go for it.

Thanks, I saw your post on that thread. I've got my IIC, and I'm honestly thinking of going for it. I can also get their 15% discount. Considering just grabbing that, with their $256 accessories pack.
 
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