Evolution of the tactical rifle scopes

[wildphil24]

Recently I was impressed with the new optics offered to the rifleman looking for the best scope for his tactical/service rifle.

My opinion is that a variable power scope starting at 1x is more simple, compact and reliable than a red-dot + magnifier or a scope + mini red-dot.

The last decade hopefully brought a lot of new 1-4x scopes allowing everybody to find one meeting his requirements or budget. But 4x is not that much. And we don't want to lose those 1x benefits.

1-6x have long been offered only by european manufacturers. And they seemed more designed for hunters, rich hunters.
Then last year Leupold released the new Mark6. Wow! But the price is still prohibitive.

Lately I heard about the Trijicon VCOG 1-6x FFP. Wow! And the price is getting closer to the price of the military-grade 1-4x.
And now Bushnell announce a Elite 1-8.5x FFP! I didn't see the price but I guess a 34mm tube impact on that.
I hope we'll see NightForce, Burris and Elcan follow this thrend!

Beside these Mark6, VCOG and Elite, are there new 1-6X or 1-8.5X that I didn't notice?
Anyone looked trough the VCOG? How's the clarity/ lens quality?

 

[barrett50cal]

Elcan SpecterDR 1-6
Vortex Razor HD GenII 1-6

 

[wildphil24]

Elcan SpecterDR 1-6

Did they release that or you're talking about the 1.5-6x?

 

[barrett50cal]

Did they release that or you're talking about the 1.5-6x?

Yes sorry, 1.5-6x for the Elcan.
Also, Swaro has a 1-6.

 

[marcoman]

US Optics 1-8, and S&B Short dot. Doesnt IOR have a couple in this range also?

 

[supernova]

Sightron 1-7. And they smartened up and put useful reticles in them.

 

[wildphil24]

Models of 1-6+ riflescopes

Brand and model	Magnification	Tube	MSRP
Sightron S3	1-7x24mm	30mm	1040$
Vortex Razor HD gen2	1-6x24mm	30mm	1900$
US optics SR-8S	1-8x27mm	30mm	1995$+
Bushnell Elite SMRS	1-6.5x24mm	30mm	2120$
Bushnell Elite SMRS	1-8.5x24mm	34mm	2150$
Leupold Mark 6	1-6x20mm	34mm	2200$
Trijicon VCOG	1-6x24mm	integral mount	2270$
Valdada Eliminator	1-10x25mm	35mm	2375$+
Swarovski Z6i	1-6x24mm	30mm	2480$
US optics SR-8C	1-8x27mm	30mm	2495$+
Leupold Mark 8	1.1-8x24mm	35mm	3000$
Elcan Specter TR	1/3/9	TBA	3200$
Schmidt&B. ShortDot	1-8x24mm	30mm	3600$

Interestingly, the larger tube doesn't allow a larger objective lens. Particularly the Mark6 has an objective of 20mm in a 34mm tube!?
If I understand correctly, the more zooming power you use, the less light you gather. Therefore, a 8x24mm won't be optimal in low-light, no matter how great are your lens. I believe the optimal 7mm exit pupil is lost at 3.4x with a 24mm objective. So that additional zooming power isn't useful in every lighting condition. Correct?

Beside that light limitation, there's the increased size and weight. The Mark8 has an extra 2" and 5oz over the Mark4 MR/T. The Bushnell 8x has an extra .7" and 6oz over the Bushnell 4x.
And of course the increased price.

I think I convinced myself to keep my optics and money. For now at least...

 

[umdiddly]

I think 5.8 mm exit pupil is more reasonable. 7 mm is like peak condition young eyes. As you age, your eyes just go to #### all over.

 

[wildphil24]

Updated post #7 with the new Elcan TR. Any other new models I missed?
Nightforce, wake up.