Schmidt and Bender Polar T96 vs ZEISS Ht?

[sako75 hunter]

Hi lads, as the title suggests I'm wondering which of these scopes is actually the best for low light stalking. I'm looking to get a dedicated stalking scope for the new season which starts September the 1st here in Ireland. I can't find any head to head comparisons between the two. Thanks for all replays!

 

[Dickie]

Which ones there are different model in both ranges?

 

[sako75 hunter]

I was looking to the 3-12X54 S&B and the ZEISS 3-12X56, thanks

 

[Malxwal]

I have looked through them both, but only in daylight. My eyes prefer the S&B, and to me the S&B feels a better made thing, but they're both undoubtedly top notch kit.
Only thing is bear in mind the big tube on the Polar ?

 

[sako75 hunter]

Thanks Malxwal, i was told by a dealer the same, he also said the S&B seemed more solid and better build and taught the glass was better. I looked through a ZEISS HT a couple days ago that a friend has and it is super glass but I've been told by a couple fellow stalkers that if I'm gunna invest €2,400 in a stalking scope and want it to last then go with S&B! Seemingly they've had problems with ZEISS with there servicing etc.

 

[Malxwal]

Mcleods of Tain had a special offer on the 2.5-13x56 Stratos, now that is a lovely thing to look through too, which I would have bought but funds were (are) limited.

 

[3Badge_Gold]

Macleods have the 2.5 - 10 x 50 on a deal at £1195 I don't know the Zeiss prices always been a S&B fan.

 

[sako75 hunter]

Have never looked through the Stratos, how does it compare to other scopes? Am I right in saying that S&B use there own glass and ZEISS, Swarovski etc use Schott glass?

 

[sako75 hunter]

Macleods have the 2.5 - 10 x 50 on a deal at £1195 I don't know the Zeiss prices always been a S&B fan.

Just checked out there page, there's no shortage of scopes there! I just emailed them to see if they will send to Ireland!

 

[PasqualeM]

The glass qualities are probably so close that it comes down to personal preferencies. I`ve owned a HT and they`re sooo goood in low light. Compared it to a Swaro Z6i 2,5-15x56 that I also had and the HT was way better in low light.

 

[Dawnrazor]

What's the customer care like with zeiss and s & b?
I think I may have read on here that zeiss aren't great?

 

[Malxwal]

I found the Zeiss glass to have a slightly more coloured hue to it. My reasons for preferring the S&B are the feeling of absolutely solid build quality, and the ease of sight picture. Not 100% on tbe Polar, but my Zenith and the Stratos (I think) are first focal plane, which may or may not be to your tastes.
The S&B BDC system I also like for its simplicity.

 

[sako75 hunter]

The Polar line come in both FFP and Sfp. Would I be right in saying that with the S&B BDC you'd have to work out your own clicks for drop unlike the HT which comes with rings with clicks values for different calibres ? Kinda like that idea.

 

[Malxwal]

In practice, you're going to check your drops with your chosen load anyway. Its horses for courses, either remember your clicks for various ranges, or set the various dials on the more "complex" system.

 

[Gm81]

I have looked through a polar 4 - 16 x 56. Very nice. Can you get ballistic turrets on them? This would without question make me buy one if you could.

 

[sako75 hunter]

Yes GM81 you can get them with ASV. I still havnt looked through one but from all the feedback that's been giving I'm definitely buying one! How would you compare the glass compared to others you have looked through?

 

[Gm81]

I really liked the scope. It was simple and I am drawn to German products. I work for a German company and am biased.
Obviously to look through in a shop is hard to comment fully. It was a dull day and free hand. But it looks straight into the undergrowth of the conifer wooded area with ease and detail. You couldn't see with my eyes. To dark. It's a simple looking scope. Adjustment was perfect smooth and consistent resistance. It was what you expect at this level. Only reason I stopped looking. I wanted ASV.

But, one thing in my mind at the shooting show. The glass I looked through there. All had a funny colour. Yellow tinge from the light in the roof area. Only two I looked through sorted it out. Zeiss V8 and the Steiner. Pm2 and a few other top brands did not. But in a building not a fair shout. Would you still shoot in that light if needed, easily.

My fathers zeiss victory will go way past legal time. But he uses his conquest always.
As with everything in this bracket. I am not sure you would see much in it, with this quality of glass.

The polar was a very nice scope and if turreted. Ticks my box

 

[Cyres]

Why don't you consider a S/H or new Diavari with illumination?

D

 

[Cyres]

Have a look in optics for sale, Diavari for sale which will do all you want and more at a very good price.

D

 

[Dickie]

Perhaps they don't want a Diavari