Best scope

[pilgrimmick]

Most stalking 6-8 mag is fine. Then there is the light gathering ability of the scope. this is optimised at 7
so a 6 mag scope should have an objective lens of 6x7= 42 42mm an 8 mag scope 8x7=56 56mm
so generally a 6x42 to 8x56 scope should cover everything you need. what you want is a different matter!

 

[Vipa]

My first stalking scope was a S&B 8x56... superb.. I traded up to a Swaro Z6i and was disapointed that the optics (in daytime at least) appeared no better on the scope costing 3.5x as much. Then sold the Z6i and got a Trijicon Accupoint (after looking through many £6-700 variable scopes) which I have now sold and bought a gen 2 Z6i again..

My point?

If budget is available just buy a swarovski.. if not, get a S&B 8x56. The glass on all the variable scopes I have looked through at the £5-700 mark is woefully lacking and not pleasing to look through. The fixed 8x56 S&B is as good to my eyes as a £2k Swaro variable... so.... limited budget, forget variables and get good glass in a fixed scope... unlimited budget... go variable but buy swaro Z, Zeiss Victory sort of level.