Favorite optic for under $500

[Shoobie]

My choice is Vortex Diamondback Tactical. Fight me! For the money, the glass clarity is insane, the warranty is bulletproof (literally, they'll replace it no questions asked) and it tracks true. I've spent more on optics that performed worse, sometimes the mid-tier stuff is the sweet spot.

 

[marshalldodge]

I'm not in the fighting mood

Vortex has a great warranty but I have had to use it three times on a PST and two Razors. In comparison, I have a Nightforce from the late 90s, along a few others, that have never been back to the factory.

In the last 4 years, I have come to really like Sightron's products. The glass quality is very good, especially in their higher end models. I have a STAC that has been knocked around quite a bit in a DMR role, but has held up nicely https://sightron.com/products/s-tac-ffp-3-16x42-zero-stop

It is my preferred sub $500 optic

 

[Alan]

I'm not in the fighting mood

Vortex has a great warranty but I have had to use it three times on a PST and two Razors. In comparison, I have a Nightforce from the late 90s, along a few others, that have never been back to the factory.

In the last 4 years, I have come to really like Sightron's products. The glass quality is very good, especially in their higher end models. I have a STAC that has been knocked around quite a bit in a DMR role, but has held up nicely https://sightron.com/products/s-tac-ffp-3-16x42-zero-stop

It is my preferred sub $500 optic

Totally get it . Nightforce is rock-solid, no doubt but Sightron really punches above its weight

 

[DRJ65]

They are called Warrentex for a reason! It's not iff you will use the warranty but when you will use the warranty. Everyone that has ever owned a Warrentex product has a warranty story. Imagine that. Best advertising gig in the industry. Oh buy Warrentex and when it breaks / falls apart, we will replace it and you get on social media and tell the world how wonderful and amazing we are! There is over 70% margin in those optics.
You can go with a Leupold VX3-HD and be money ahead in that price point.

 

[marshalldodge]

....There is over 70% margin in those optics.

.....

Probably more than that. I spoke to a GM at Zeiss a few years back. At that time, he said it cost less than $150 to ship a boxed and ready to sell optic from China.