Schmidt and bender scope,

I’ve had one of these for a few yrs now
Should have bought two ! It’s on a 308 my go to cal really point red dot 🔴 and shoot
Which model do you use ? I've ordered a Stratos, and it's going direct to Germany to have a BDC elevation turret fitted. My Zenith has that too, but the Classic type. Just a fantastic scope, glass brilliant.
 
Is there much difference between the 3-12x50 Klassic and the 3-12x50 zenith, Iv seen a few differences but is it worth the extra few hundred pounds Iv seen a good deal on the Klassic, I got a 8x56 Klassic and that’s been a fantastic scope, that’s not illuminated.

I have one of each (non-illuminated classic 3-12x50), and like them both, but they're different.

The crosshairs are a good bit thicker on the classic, which some people don't like (they say it obscures some of the target, especially at high mag), but it does mean that having illumination isn't so important in poor light.

If I absolutely had to choose one, it'd be the Zenith FD7, but I love the classic too.
 
I have one of each (non-illuminated classic 3-12x50), and like them both, but they're different.

The crosshairs are a good bit thicker on the classic, which some people don't like (they say it obscures some of the target, especially at high mag), but it does mean that having illumination isn't so important in poor light.

If I absolutely had to choose one, it'd be the Zenith FD7, but I love the classic too.
That’s cleared a few things up for me thank you.
 
The L3 reticule has the thinner cross hairs and at x10 mag the dot in the middle is 1” at 100m. I have only needed the illumination twice in 10 years and it has worked flawlessly. Having used this scope in Scotland, England and Montana i have never felt the need for more. The downside was the weight as I was cutting as much weight as possible when hunting in Montana at altitude. FWIW I’d save the money and buy the Klassik it’s a great scope and you are not getting a significant improvement for the extra £600 of the zenith. It’s certainly not nearly twice as good!!
 
I upgraded from a 8x56 to the 2.5-10 x56 fd7 a long time ago for the first one and at a higher price than Macleod‘s are doing them for now, I now have several on my Cf’s and as others have said used them in locations from Scotland to Africa, woodland, open hill, bush, dusk, dawn and lamping great scope for sure.
 
Which model do you use ? I've ordered a Stratos, and it's going direct to Germany to have a BDC elevation turret fitted. My Zenith has that too, but the Classic type. Just a fantastic scope, glass brilliant.
2.5-10-56 zenith compact tough and trust worthy I have a similar doctor but will change that to a zenith when funds allow
 
Is there much difference between the 3-12x50 Klassic and the 3-12x50 zenith, Iv seen a few differences but is it worth the extra few hundred pounds Iv seen a good deal on the Klassic, I got a 8x56 Klassic and that’s been a fantastic scope, that’s not illuminated.
You really cannot compare the two. They are completely different designs with decades between their technical development status (even though the Zenith isn't exactly to be called 'new' either).
Look through a Klassik and move your head behind the eyepiece. You will see how the crosshairs will 'bend'. On a Zenith this cannot be observed. I like them both, depending on the application. And both have the same rugged build quality.

A word on the Stratos line. In the standard configuration they come with the choose-your-light unit installed. A piece of sh..t, if you ask me. I've had it and it's simply a pain in the neck. The good thing is, you also order them with the regular illumination control unit. I even sold my 1.5-8x42 Stratos with the choose-your-light unit and reordered it the standard control unit. Great piece of kit for all round use including driven hunts.
 
What's worst with the new fangled illumination switch ?
It's the push-buttons operation. You have to KNOW, where to position your finger and for how long you need to press. There is no tactile feedback. Also the buttons themselves can hardly be identified just be feeling around for them. And if you only use it occasionally you tend to forget where to push for how long for which operation.
 
It's the push-buttons operation. You have to KNOW, where to position your finger and for how long you need to press. There is no tactile feedback. Also the buttons themselves can hardly be identified just be feeling around for them. And if you only use it occasionally you tend to forget where to push for how long for which operation.
Gotcha. Progress is not necessarily good then.
My main reason for ordering was I just really loved the clarity, but then the Zenith is the same, and the mag/objective are about perfect for what I want it for. Time will tell how I get on with it. I'm not selling the Zenith unless the kids need new shoes.
 
As Rider states, if you’re buying a Stratos I would opt for one with the conventional S&B illumination control.
 
I’m a big fan of the Zenith series, great optics and the flash dot reticles are brilliant. They’re much more compact compared to the klassic series.
 
As Rider states, if you’re buying a Stratos I would opt for one with the conventional S&B illumination control.
Too late I fear, although the scope is currently at Schmidt having the elevation turret fitted... I'll see how I get on with it, bearing in mind I very rarely use it.
 
Cheers, I may have to start taking longer shots (presently all well within 200 yards) due to change of hunting ground, in which case will get my zenith done.
The Zeniths I think can only be fitted with the Classic type, which I believe a fellow forum member was recently qouted less, think 99 euro?
 
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