Low light whitetail scope

23 November 2023, 02:25

Brandon.Gleason

Gents,

I'm researching a low light scope for whitetail hunting at or around 100yds at dawn/dusk. South Carolina allows for shots an hour before and after sunset. This past year, that's when I saw the majority of the deer. I'm planning for a return trip next year and I'm looking for a scope that's better suited to twilight shooting. The intended rifle will also be used for hogs.

Does anyone have experience with the S&B Klassik 2.5-10x56? EuroOptic has these on sale (albiet, backordered) for $1100 with illuminate reticle now. I'm not opposed to stepping up to an S&B Polar or Swaro Z6i, but obviously trying to be minorly cost conscious.

Thanks,

23 November 2023, 06:06

WBT

I don’t have that particular scope, but I do have a fixed 8x56 Klassic that I bought from Optics Trade EU for $700 something dollars a few years ago. It’s one of the Hungarian scopes, but there’s no discernible difference between it and my other German SB scopes. I also have a Polar 2-10x50 that I bought for an African cat hunt. It’s noticeably better in low light, but I can’t say it’s worth 4x the price of the Klassic.

23 November 2023, 12:34

MD375

quote:
Originally posted by Brandon.Gleason:
Gents,

I'm researching a low light scope for whitetail hunting at or around 100yds at dawn/dusk. South Carolina allows for shots an hour before and after sunset. This past year, that's when I saw the majority of the deer. I'm planning for a return trip next year and I'm looking for a scope that's better suited to twilight shooting. The intended rifle will also be used for hogs.

Does anyone have experience with the S&B Klassik 2.5-10x56? EuroOptic has these on sale (albiet, backordered) for $1100 with illuminate reticle now. I'm not opposed to stepping up to an S&B Polar or Swaro Z6i, but obviously trying to be minorly cost conscious.

Thanks,

The illumination on the Swaro and clarity is better than the S&B. I have the S&B 3-12x50 Klassik as well as the Z6i 3-18x50 and 1.7-10x42.

I am not sure what your Swaro prices are but the S&B is well worth the money.

The Klassik illumination does not work in daytime.

24 November 2023, 01:27

eny

Main thing is big objective and illuminated reticle. No need to get over 8x or use more on a variable.

24 November 2023, 18:11

gr8fuldoug

During our Black Friday Weekend Sale we've got some great opportunities in variable options. Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss what might be best for you. Thanks

02 December 2023, 04:21

Stonecreek

You won't be able to make out the quality of the antlers, and maybe even not the sex of the animal 59 minutes after sunset, assuming there is not a clear sky with better than a half moon. Hunting that late is a mistake waiting to happen.

02 December 2023, 19:42

Brandon.Gleason

quote:
Originally posted by Stonecreek:
You won't be able to make out the quality of the antlers, and maybe even not the sex of the animal 59 minutes after sunset, assuming there is not a clear sky with better than a half moon. Hunting that late is a mistake waiting to happen.

I don't disagree with you that we all have to take ethics into account in our decision whether or not to shoot. I had nights and stand set ups that allowed me to see 10 minutes after dark, and others that allowed me 20 minutes after dark with good ability to actually see the deer. This was with a Z6 1.7-10x42. With a Z3 3-9x36, that was much more limited. I'm looking to push those time capabilities while still realizing there will be physical limits based on other variables.

03 December 2023, 05:30

sambarman338

If all your hunting is done from a stand, one of those big scopes might make some sense. If you walk around with it as well, I'd go for something with a smaller objective that will be more bump-resistant. As Stonecreek indicates, obsessing with light gathering is a mistake. Few people can use more than about a 6mm exit pupil, even in the poorest light.