I had two Leupold VX-3 1.5-5x20mm 1" tube scopes that I sold last year. I didn't like the field of view. I did use one on my 404 for elephant and PG in 2014, so they work.

However, for my Alaska black and Kodiak hunts I used a Zeiss 1.5-6x42 Victory (30mm tube) on my 375 H&H; and used the same scope on my 404J for buffalox2 and PG in RSA last summer.

I like the 1.5-6x42 30mm much better than the Leupolds. I wish Zeiss still made this scope. I got mine for $1,250 in 2014; and a few years later Optics Planet had a bunch they bought and were selling for $750 (I should have bought more).

Well now the only scope in this class with a large objective is a S&B 1.5-6x42 (and a 1.5-8x42). Everything else in the 1-6 and 1-8 range are straight tubes - from all the premium brands.

BTW - the GPO 1.5-9x44 looks interesting - thoughts?

QUESTION: For folks that have hunted with the newer 1-6 & 1-8 straight tube 30mm scopes, do you think they would compare well to a 42mm objective scope for FOV and light?

Thanks!

PS: I loathe all the "tacti-scopes" like the FFP Trijicon 1-8 with a 34mm tube. I do like the Trijicon 2-10x36mm Credo on my 6.5 Grendel AR, but not hunting DG with that rifle, most shots are long.

I remember that special on the Zeiss back then, AH, and wished I could have got one at that price - but getting scopes from the US was a PITA. Our local shop had one; I looked through it and liked the field blending but the dealer wanted twice OP's price.

I liked the moderate 4x multiple of that Zeiss 1.5-6×, too, as I have doubts about increasing ranges, esp. when putting it all inside an articulated erector tube.

Unless you have myopia or intend to shoot after dark in the European way, I think a 24mm objective inside a 30mm straight-tube scope will probably be adequate for light gathering.

Field of view is not necessarily defined by the objective diameter, though a big exit pupil can add to 'eye-box' flexibility. At the lower powers where we should generally carry our variables, that should not be problem, though.

I don't like the GPO business concept but have no view on the scopes themselves. Were I buying for your purposes and wanted a modern scope, I might look at either that S&B 1.5-6× or the Swarovski Z6 1-6×.

Thank you! Great feedback!

The last couple of years I have used a Kahles Helia 1,6-8x42 on my "moose rifle" a M70 FW in 338-06.
Made in Austria.
I see it as an exellent and modern update of the classic European big game scope, the 1,5-6x42.

1 cm click at 100m and a very good and crisp red dot.
A light and handy scope of top quality that handles both dense brush and more open ranges.

quote:

Kahles Helia 1,6-8x42

I've seen that Kahles scope in the past, think they might have made a steel version a well. Alas, no longer available.

I got a GPO 1.5-9x44 30mm tube for my wife's 35 Whelen. NICE scope!!!!!