Budget v Premium scopes

Should you pay more for a Quality Scope?
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[@AAROnair]

Merchandise available from www.aar-OnAir.com Vector Optics scopes available from www.vector-air.co.uk PLEASE NOTE..Vector Optics are not owned by Vector Air, the names are purely coincidental. Vector optics were used in this review as opposed to any other company, because these were available at the time of filming. Any mention of a company or supplier is not a paid promotion, but simply a recognition of thanks. That said, people will still jump to their own conclusions.

[@lindihoxhaj4095]

Do I need a license to own the airgun in UK? I'm a huge fun of hunting....

[@tahsin95]

@@lindihoxhaj4095 no if it’s

[@vulpine321]

the tube diameter does not let more light in, it simply allows for more adjustment of the turret. the size of the objective lens influences the amount of light which comes in. Also, large turrets like the zos hadare regarded as an advantage and a even larger geared turrets are becoming a trend.

[@3BrothersRC]

Hi Andy! What a fantastic video my friend! I just want you to know that this video is the one that pulled me in as a subscriber. I have been watching your channel for awhile but I am very picky about my subscriptions. You are a "straight shooter" and that's what I enjoy about watching you! No BS, just straight up honest information, bravo my friend! 👏👏👏

[@gmcgeester0966]

@@lindihoxhaj4095if you live in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 yes you need fac even for sub12

[@sergentcolon1]

Good video, one point you didn’t address however was exit pupil, a scope with a maximum zoom of 25 and a front element of 56mm will have an exit pupil of 2.3 mm which in anything other than bright light will lead to a dim image no matter what tube diameter or quality of lens, yes better quality lenses and coatings will perform better than poor quality ones. The human eyes pupil can open to 8mm and to maximise image brightness in dim light the exit pupil of a scope needs to match or come close to this. So a 3-9x50 will have an exit pupil of 16mm at the lowest mag and 5.5 and it’s highest which will give a much brighter image in poor light than a 2.3 mm exit pupil. Sometimes a lower magnification image with higher brightness will make for more accurate shooting than a higher magnification dim image. So bigger zoom isn’t always better. Just my observations, keep the videos coming.

[@GsyMoo]

Agree. My favourite low light scope is my Hawke Vantage 2-7x32 AO, which works especially well with my NV007A add-ons. However my favourite strong light scope is my Hawke Airmax 30 Compact 6-24x50 SF. Pin sharp, brilliant parallax elimination, and you don't need a spotting scope, plus if you wavy to use the Mildots for range estimation you can put it on 10x or 20x. Right tool for the job. 👍

[@ralphtaylor9968]

I bought the 6-24x44 Veyron after watching your review video, and have not been disappointed, far far from it. Everything you say about it is spot on. Good clarity optics, with accurate tracking and parallax adjustment, and I love FFP I have also got a larger Parallax wheel and focus lever from SMW Engineering, not because they need it but because it improves already good turret movement, making it a tad smoother and easier fine control. Pity that Vector don't produce on themselves. Excellent video as usual, thanks. Also rock solid on my HW77.

[@TheHeat55]

Thank you for a great review Andy. Now I know exactly what to look for in a good scope. I've bought several of the guns you've reviewed so far and never disappointed.

[@craignapoli]

I only discovered Vector Optics scopes about two years ago while shopping around for a replacement of the now destroyed "Big Name Brand" on my magnum springer, the owner of my local gun shop suggested, supplied and fitted my first Vector Optics scope and today i own three of them, thank you Andy.

[@heretikpapy]

You are sooooo nice to watch. Your voice and the way you express yourself is very entertaining. I very like to learn stuff from you. A lot more than most KZbinr. The editing is also nice with little close-up and lower voice insertions etc.. I appreciate all from your channel as a noob in Air Guns for Self Defense. Cheers with a big pint, from Canada!

[@nealtressler1661]

Very well explained…so glad that you mentioned “diminishing returns”….nowhere is it more apparent than in optics

[@monochromechaos9757]

So I guess the takeaway is - start with the Hawke 3-9x40AO for 50 quid, as recommended in the 'best budget scope' videos. Then, when you want to upgrade, skip the online £100-ish scopes, because they aren't actually an upgrade - you need to be spending around £200 or so to get a noticeable improvement.

[@thenameisluckyboy]

I would like Andy taking a comment on this, I wonder if he didn't change his mind about that hawke?

[@stevewilliams2895]

the hawke scopes are very good

[@jimmydigital]

that's the scope I just bought. they must have gone up in price in the past 2 years as they're £85 now. haggled the shopkeeper down to £75

[@precisionairgunninghunting6265]

Great 📹 Andy. Good content.. I started with the Hawke Vantage, then went Sidewinder (x2), then Frontier FFP, each time the quality, especially the clarity of image, got better. But now I have a scope with a BIG elevation turret, IOR Vulcan 6-24x56 FFP 35MM, absolutely gorgeous. The clarity just blew the Frontier into darkness. As we know, you get what you pay for

[@stephengeoghegan-doughty.5870]

Hi Andy I used to be one of those "that looks big for the money, bought from the corner pet come gun shop of bygone years" the only thing he sold were springers both rifle and pistols BSA mostly, BSA SUPERSPORT was one of his best sellers, site wise he did a lot of the big cheap rubbish that the springer destroys, i still have a scope and box as a reminder of past stupidity and money wasting days, all changed now thankfully. Memories flying about all over the place, really enjoyed your video as always bud, thanks. Take care Stay safe and keep it lit.👍 my friend

[@alansaville7860]

looks like you and air gun gear show are going head to head this week

[@hotchihuahua1546]

You hit the nail on the head with your starting comment , “point of diminishing returns “ ! Tough stay on zero scopes don’t have to cost an arm and a leg !

[@jackworsley2562]

Thanks for this video, new to the sport and just what I needed to see, lots of great info off to find your vector scopes video now 😊

[@bertbccfu9564]

Ive got a vector sentinel 25 m benchrest ,10-40x50 ,ive had scopes that were a lot more money but not the clarity and precision of my vortec , i absolutely love it

[@grandadp798]

Interesting and informative. Thank you Andy.

[@markundrill6480]

Great information Andy thanks 👍👍

[@paulroberts9326]

Hi firstly thank you for your videos they have taught and made me think. I have purchased the Vector optics everest 3-18x50 after watching this video .Hope to try out today will update.

[@TechnicIsFun]

I have a lot of experiences with Nikko Sterling. Good price, good quality. Even on a rimfire rifle, they hold. It does not have to cos hundreds of pounds.

[@iyeetsecurity922]

It definitely shows that I've been watching this channel _a LOT_ because my inner monolog has been _this guy_ for a few days now.

[@terrydinsdale1115]

Hi Andy, I bought the Vector Veyron 6x24 ffp. All the lads at the range can't believe how good it is. Definitely worth the money

[@crazycressy7986]

Is it still going ,I've just bought a 6-24×50 Hugo GT ,not had it it 24 hours, and the side parralax is just spinning ,going back tomorrow

[@davidmorris7094]

I have the Vector Taurus 5-30x56 FFP. Best scope I've ever owned. The guys I shoot with all own Elements and even they're impressed with the quality.

[@AAROnair]

An excellent scope, thank you for your positive comment. Enjoy it. Stay safe. Andy

[@tomtigerwoods]

I bought my first rifle in December for £800 (after a good review by Andy) and the only scope with the right mounts in the shop was a £39 model which I thought looked fine. I changed it the next week for a second hand scope that cost £70. Still not happy I bought another from ebay for £175 which is ok. A month on I bought a vector optics Taurus 3-18 x50 FFP for £320 after seeing a few reviews. This scope is excellent with crystal clear glass. It also comes with a lifetime warrranty everything about it just says quality. I can’t imagine anything much better at any price and will buy another one the same for my next gun. Keep the reviews coming Andy. Very helpful and entertaining.

[@garypritchard3446]

Nice informative & professional review Andy. I've made the mistakes you highlighted in my past purchases. Thanks to you I won't be doing it again. Gonna buy a Vector when my beloved Air Arms Pro sport arrives.

[@bhgdetjbngfd]

I loved my 120y.....and the London Armoury 6-24x50 FFP on my R10TH

[@altruisticscoundrel]

Beaufiful job!! Greatly informative video!

[@adamtyper1]

In a nutshell the vector optic scope is Hawkes new competition. And having used most Hawke scopes the Vector optic's range is on a whole new level regarding quality, value for money and top notch engineering. Keep up the good work Andy.

[@AAROnair]

Thank you for your comment and encouraging words. Stay safe. Andy

[@williamczupryn2642]

Take a look through the new Sidewinder and you’ll never mention vector again. Airmax is superior also. Meet the new boss!

[@bertbccfu9564]

I agree my vector is one of the best scopes ive used as far as clarity ,zoom , paralax. And the repeatability of it it's just an awesome scope what

[@shubbagin49]

I have an old Bushmill on my old faithful HW77, still spot on, even though I have to use a shooting fork now at 72 as the old girl has quite a whack, the good old scope deals with it over 20yrs shooting.

[@50Postie]

One of the first scopes I bought was the ZOS 6-24 X 50, and it sat atop my Air Arms S510. It came in a cut sponge box with sun shade and flip up covers and mounts. I did not use the mounts as they felt like a Chinese soft cheese product, but the scope worked faultlessly until I sold it on. In contrast, it's replacement was an Optisan EVX 6-24 X50 costing considerably more would regularly creep off zero. I could not wait to get rid of it. So I guess there is good and bad at any price level.

[@crazycressy7986]

My 10x40x50 Zos sat on my .223 for 5 years ,1 hole groups at 100m ,you could see a .223 hole in paper at 200m ,a few lads had them on 308s and were great

[@eddiewright377]

By far the best KMSL thanks so much for the help keep up the great work

[@bellshooter]

Great advice Andy. I mistakenly bought a 'Zos' scope, no focus adjust an parallax set to 100 yds.... Lesson learned !

[@cheapairgunner1966]

I have always found UTG/Leapers scopes to be quality beyond what you pay. Good for people looking for a budget friendly scope.

[@codyowens755]

The acushot 4-16x didnt last me very long unfortunately but the bug buster is a good little scope in my humble opinion

[@philmoore8145]

I have 3 Vector optics taurus scopes, very good scopes with no issues whatsoever

[@georginaK21]

SWFA fixed 6x scope is the best sub 12ft pound scope. 10m to infinity parallax, 6x is great magnification from close range up to 55 yards. With it being fixed, more of the budget goes to better glass due to less lenses and this also means it is more rugged and less to go wrong and can take springer recoil. And yes, it's built to last as it was made for the military.

[@georginaK21]

@Ivan Moreno How so? A pellet shot through the same rifle with a fixed scope or a variable scope will hit the target in the same place. Having more zoom than you need doesn't increase accuracy. Up to 55 yards a 6x fixed scope can see the target clearly, with extra peripheral vision which is optimal for hunting. And at sub 12ft lbs you are not going to be reliably hit anything further than 55 yards anyway. Taking into consideration that variable scopes have more to go wrong, are more fragile and lose zero when switching between magnifications, a fixed scope for sub 12ft pounds is great logic.

[@dd119ful]

Great channel. You are a very talented presenter, makes it very engaging. Thank you

[@grahamsimpkins1540]

Hello AAR Just to let you know, I really enjoy this channel, I am not an Air rife guy. but you have started to convince me, I should potentially look at the sport Thanks Graham 👍

[@ukairgunner3267]

Very informative vid Andy! And yes, i remember the 120Y 👍

[@stuartbingo]

I remember them too but it would’ve been over 40 years ago and not 30 😂

[@markcouch4235]

Just "splurged" on a $90 USD base model Hawke 4x32 for my incoming Seneca Aspen.

[@youngeroldie5089]

Hi Andy, I have purchased Hawke's in the past based on your reviews and great scopes they are, recently purchased a Veyron based on your past review. Not used Veyron yet as waiting for rifle delivery so I can't comment on it. This last review would have been interesting if compared the Veyron to the Hawke or is that one in the making.

[@Donuts_random_stuff]

Im new to the sport and you just stopped me from making a BIG mistake with a cheap scope. Now I decided to save up longer for a good scope thank you

[@earleysamantha]

Back in the day we had Tesco 4x20 scopes on our mercury and vulcan and did alright,how times have changed😐

[@peterstratton4075]

Thanks, was thinking of either a 110 k or an R 10 carbine, will now go for a Rotex and a good tele! Can always upgrade to one of the other 2 ..... but think Walther will be fine, always used springers with open sights but now wish to do more target shooting.

[@keithcacahuete8066]

well done for this something that has be making me wonder

[@garydean1983]

Good advice .. Thanks

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Very helpful info, thank you...

[@jcdupuy4809]

Great review. The hawke scope are Nice too

[@Jesusandbible]

Your idea of budget is not mine, I was thinking £20 - £30.

[@jaymears9077]

That's the problem with being poor I suppose 😆

[@woowah32]

Yeah you’re not going to get anything even half decent for that! The extra investment makes for happier shooting and zero frustration.

[@joekerr6685]

If £20-£30 is your budget you would be better off with open sights

[@coaldust01]

​@@joekerr6685You'll be surprised how good a budget scope can be, I had a £44 Amazon 3x9x40 AO scope on my PCP rifle for a while and considering the price it really surprised me, The non AO budget scopes truly suck but the AO ones can be very accurate and the glass ain't bad neither, Not as clear as the Hawke Vantage that replaced it but for the price they certainly do the job.

[@robertoliphant2851]

Thanks you have helped big time. keep t up.

[@5Komma5]

When I first received my IR Optisan scope I thought the IR mechanism was broken because it did not light up. It did work but it is designed to be seen when it gets dark and not during sunny a summer day 🙄🙄. Compared to ebay scopes which are designed to be seen during the day and blind you once it gets dark. I'd still recommend a fixed power ebay scope if all you do is back yard plinking at roughly the same distance and money is an issue. If not, get a Vector Optics. They are VERY good for the price. I sure love mine.

[@darylpace8556]

Great video Andy

[@rogerasbahr9152]

Thanks!

[@gabepettinicchio7454]

I've never bought a scope for more than low $100s and most have been under. Watched a friend take a header, smashing his Leupold on a 2-ton piece of granite that was in the way. I hunted that day, he sobbed! I've always done well and have enjoyed myself every bit as much, as any with a Simmons. I also drive to my destination safely & quite successfully, with my 13 yr. old Suzuki rather than a with a 60g SUV. I stop for breakfast at McDonald's rather than at the Lazy Dog Cafe'. Yup, you guessed it ... a Sausage Egg McMuffin and their award-winning coffee, rather than egg's benedict sprinkled with Saffron. Yup, on the way home I uh, stop for obvious reasons at the same McD, because they'll actually let me use the facility w/o purchasing. "The circle of life" completed ... without breaking the bank. Just having some fun Andy. You've always been greatly appreciated by this "cheap-skate!"

[@petersimon6222]

love the videos and i do understand your point however i have always used nikkostirling scopes on the cheaper side 50 to 80 pounds and i have had no issues in the past 20 years or so still we dont have to agree all the time thanks again for the opinion though

[@vainparasite]

I've just bought my first scope over £40, I bought the vector veyron 6-24x44 that you have there and on first impressions it's as good as you say 👍👍👍

[@Miclor54]

I have been using a Vector Veyron ffp on a springer for some time now and they certainly are a quality scope,and always maintain zero,

[@Normanskie]

Thanks for this. Love the backdrop, is it 3x2 or 3x3. Really sets the scene.

[@donalosullivan6237]

Good advice

[@tonyormond7795]

Great review

[@anthonyclark8766]

Just got a Enfield scope and it is really good. Have you ever tried one

[@DeanoTheSaxman]

Hi Andy ... I'm a returning newbie shooter, I've just purchased the new Gamo Varment Swarm with 10 shot magazine ... As a reborn newbie shooter I would be very interested in seeing you do a review of this gun, and see what you think of this break barrel beauty ... Thanks, & keep up the great work on the channel ... Regards Dean'o

[@baabbylon]

Excellent, 👍

[@malcolmdarroch273]

Another outstanding review. There seems to be a lot of comment about promoting Vector-Air and Vector Optics (no relation I believe); but you cannot dispute that the reviews are honest, down to earth and entertaining to watch compared with some of 'UK air gun reviewers' who are absolutely dire and actually don't really know the product they are reviewing. If it's that pro V-A, why does an outlet in Nottingham (which has limited parking among other things) still advertise AAR on their website? Because the reviews are trusted by air gunners all over the world and generate good business in shops all over the UK and beyond.

[@mikenick4571]

2 -3 years ago everyone loved Vortex scopes....Then several of them, especially the one eyed guy, only love the Element brand. Well I have a $200 Vortex Crossfire 2, 4x12x50 on my PCP and can (and do) shoot squirrels at 75 yards all the time. Thanks for not selling out, Andy!

[@rodolfodumaliangiii7342]

You mean element is paying Cyclops the youtuber?

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

Datsun 120Y, I learned to drive in one of those. Excellent review. It seems basically that you pay the same fir your scope as your gun.

[@gh-vi9tk]

I had a 180B :)

[@sirdavehetherington1037]

Just like you said,I bought 2 Ebay specials,before settling on my vector veyron.Its an excellent scope for under £300.

[@indulgentraconteur1754]

great video!

[@laurieharper1526]

Much good advice, but I'd steer clear of side focus in anything other than expensive scopes. It means more lenses, greater complexity and extra weight and cost. Better to go for the best glass and the least bells and whisltes in your price range. The basic Sightron, for example, has front focus and the glass is a lot better than others at the same price.

[@smitbar11]

Very true

[@joaorebochooaw6321]

I'd say that going for a FFP scope it being a sf definitely makes a huge difference. I like the fact that the veyron cut off everything but the absolute necessities (like IR for example) and stuck to only the most important features.

[@aboutthemetal8783]

One thing I learned Is buy good glass if you really want the very best from your rifle ( I'm not knocking the budget scopes from hawke and Nikko sterling, they are great ,especially when you are just getting into shooting , the mount master 4 x12 x40 or 50 are brilliant for hunting. I use Bushnell elites ( very outdated to some but perfect for me ).

[@luissantiago5163]

Gnarly! Early congrats on 90k subs. So close

[@havok2396]

My grandad who taught me to shoot always said you should spend a minimum of 50% of the value of your rifle, on a scope. If it's a more top end rifle, that's a good place to start looking, if it's a cheaper rifle, you should spend 100-150% of the rifle value.

[@aboutthemetal8783]

Love the honeycomb filters, they work well in the English sunlight ( IMO) I have them on my two Hawks. Do vector do a 5/25x44 ? I like a relatively small objective on my scopes.

[@EnlightenedProphit]

I’ve bought a Hawke 4-16+50 mil dot IR. It cost me £110 so I’m guessing it’s still in the budget zone but it works a treat on my airarms S410 rifle. What’s your take on Hawke Andy.

[@markhill1353]

I do like Vector but just can’t get weather to go for the Element Helix ffp of the Titan, vector make lots of scopes red dots etc but I worry about quality control on the large amount of products they make as Element only have four, I’ve not even heard about the Paragon but I do know about the Continental looking at Vector Optics on the web it’s not so easy to choose a scope as there so many and I would find it easier if they Vector, had there scopes in some sort of category ie Hunting scopes, Target Scopes etc etc. But as always a great blog Andy.👍

[@BedsitBob]

"This one, at least, has a small knob". Now you're getting personal. 😁

[@baby1971baby1971]

Amazing.

[@hu884rd]

Also a second focal plane scope will only be accurate for hold over at maximum power zoom, a small calculation will have to be made when on other powers. Whereas a first focal plane is accurate for hold over/under at any power due the reticule being proportionate.

[@simoncarrier8]

Hey Moustache can you add links in your videos to the product? Just saying makes it easier when going to buy from a great review... PS you made me buy the BSA R10th walnut of course and become a subscriber. Good Job!

[@stevenpritchard3519]

I had a 120 y, best car I ever had. 40 years on still wish I still hah one.

[@rubberdub5269]

This video was zeroed in nicely .

[@mjg123mg]

Haven't got a huge budget but hawke scopes suit me just fine 👍

[@MrAvant123]

I wish he'd talked a bit more about effects of recoil on scopes cheap and expensive

[@AAROnair]

The review did bring the attention to scopes that were capable of being fitted to springers, rim fires and 338.....

[@RaysTwoPence]

Nikko Stirling mount master does great on umarex syrix 15 tins of pellets gone through it and still holds zero 👍

[@jonhewitt3]

Did you and Giles talk to each other before this week's videos? Both gave great contents :-)

[@Greyzonecompliant]

I bought lasik for my eyes and that was my best Investment. And I still have some good scopes

[@richtaylor6773]

Excellent

[@AAROnair]

Thank you so much 😀 stay safe. Andy

[@stevenjarrett]

Like anything in life....you get what you pay for, to a degree. The law of diminishing returns plays a part too. You’ll see a bigger difference between a 40 and 150 scope than a 300 to 1000. Its more about how much you can afford vs what you expect from a product. My rifle came with a cheapo scope and it would be perfect for tin cans with a springer. But for targets at distance, it’s cloudy, blurry and inaccurate. Does that mean it deserves a scope for a grand? No. With a sub 12 that would be complete overkill. From what I can see Andy tries to give impartial advice that best fits the majority of users. Well done Andy. Keep up the good work and get that new nv video sorted!

[@aboutthemetal8783]

Bushnell legend, is a good scope, as long as you buy a real one. My mate went against my advice and brought that zos scope, and now its fogged up and no good , I sold one of my old Nikko sterling scopes.

[@Amack1966]

Best channel whatever your budget !

[@anthonyworthington6495]

Thank you another head banger,still undecided,what price is a mid range scope what should one be paying?

[@PaulMoorhousehankooks]

I used Hawke and luepold . I also have bushnell original and a

[@spukkefinland7418]

Only have big UTG scopes. Plan was to get Vector or Zeiss from sale if they brake.. Still going strong.. Maybe I was lucky whit them..

[@robertbelfitt2975]

I've got a konus evopro 3 - 12 x 50 side focus ir ....for 150 ish gbp I've found it a great scope, however mill dot would be better, certainly feels and better quality than a hawke scope of the same money

[@eddiecahall3824]

Pretty good review overall. I don't tell what I use. I don't spend big on scopes as today's tech you don't have to overspend. They do cost around 175. Never needed to spend big. Just my experience and opinion.

[@crazycressy7986]

I put a 10 x 40 x 50 Zos on my AR15 ,used it for 5 years and could get a 1 hole group at 100m and at 200m you can see a .223 hole in paper ,it never failed me ,some of my m8s had them on a 308 and they were fine, we had 1 out of about 5 scopes that had a slight problem, and that was the focus diel was a bit stiff

[@Czer141]

Can you do a video on range finders please? Review some maybe? Thanks

[@andrewmorrissey2423]

Nice video. Do you use the turrets to set your zero for different distances or holdove holdunder. As the big Vector scope has repeatability when dialing.

[@dmo848]

I see no one on here talked about discovery scopes. Very good, check em out. Hidden gem in the rough

[@simonwilson2709]

Hi Chap reason for my last post was on your recommendation i bought a Hawke

[@legionaire6542]

I love your videos a lot keep it up and greetings from Greece🇬🇷

[@AAROnair]

Thank you very much! stay safe. Andy

[@professionalidiots101]

Yep, I've got the T shirts for eBay scopes 😭😭

[@hu884rd]

The larger tube e.g 30/34mm tube is to allow for more elevation. Its a misconception that its for more light. The objective lense is what allows more light especially when at max power on the zoom. Such as a 56mm objective lense will give you more light than a 50mm objective. Hope that helps

[@andycarp1288]

Hi Andy yet another excellent and informative video a great way to start my day before I go off to work. Many thanks 😊

[@AAROnair]

Glad you enjoyed it, have a good day, stay safe. Andy