Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Zeiss V6 3-18x50 - cheaper alternative?

I've been buying the Zeiss V6 3-18x50 scopes with the exposed target turrets the last few years because, while not perfect, that model checks a lot of boxes for me. I am mostly a hunter who likes to do load work-ups and thus I do a lot of target shooting, in addition to hunting. That 18x power comes in handy at the range, not to mention the V6's good optics and good reliability. Plus, it is not crazy heavy and I prefer a 2nd focal plane reticle. I will probably soon start shooting at long range targets, too, so a good range of elevation of adjustment is helpful and some reliable dialing capability is appreciated. When that scope was introduced a few years ago, I could find them under $1500, new, and it was a good value. Now, unfortunately, the scope is selling for over $2100, and no longer within my budget. At first, as the retail price rose, I switched over to buying used examples, but, as the retail price continued to rise, used V6's are now also significantly more expensive.

Anyone got any suggestions for a good alternative to this Zeiss V6, that, while cheaper, is still a good scope? I am not expecting Zeiss quality for cheap, but, I think there should still be good scopes out there with close to the same features that are closer to the $1500 range. And, I am comfortable buying used to control costs, too.

I know the Zeiss V4 4-16 is a possible option, but I really like the 3-18 zoom range, which is obviously not available in the V4 series.

Thanks.

V4. I liked the optical formula on them actually better than the v6. I think 16x is plenty to shoot as far as you need to.

Check out the Tract Toric offerings.

Op,
You might take a look at the leica amplus 6 3-18x44. Seems pretty comparable to the v6.

I like the V4, 4->16. Bought one after MuleDeer suggested it to me a year or so ago. Zero complaints, great scope.

CC is spot on. Love my 4-16x44 Zmoa-2. Great glass and tracks well. Made in the same Japanese Low plant as most Nightforce.

Spence

Why not go Leupold VX5 or VX6? Quality glass with good reticle and adjustment options

I know you stated you'd prefer a bit more power, but I just mounted a Trijicon Credo 4-16x50 for the 1st time the other night. Picked it up on here sometime last year. Very positive initial impressions

Think store pricing is around 1k, I picked my up for less than half of that.


https://www.trijicon.com/products/details/crhx1650-c-2900001

Another vote for the V4. You could always get the 6-24 if you need more on the top end.

I like Trijicon Tenmile. I have the 6-24X with lit dot and hash marks. It is a personal preference, but I think the reticle is easy to see, and useful. I bought 5 over the last year, and I am pretty happy with them. All are mounted, and I have other quality glass on the shelf.

https://www.eurooptic.com/Trijicon-Tenmile-Riflescopes.aspx

Have to looked at the Sightron S-Tac 3-16 or 4-20?

I really like the 4-16x50 v4, it’s on my old faithful 7mm just because the HD5 works so well with the z800 reticle on my 300 Weatherby. I have the V4 6-24 on my creedmoor. My cousin has your V6 he says he’d never pay extra again for the difference between the two.

If you like your V6 the V4 is the obvious answer to save money without sacrificing the Zeiss performance.

You guys are making a good case for the V4.

I've checked out the other suggestions, and I appreciate the input. I am liking the V4 the best out of the suggested alternatives.

Here's another vote for the Zeiss V4. I've had a couple of the 4-16x44 versions (one with capped turrets and the other a dialer) along with multiple 3-12x56s. All were illuminated and with the #60 reticle. My daughter currently has a 3-12x44 with the non-illuminated #20. We have no complaints. They are good, solid and reliable scopes.

Thanks for everyone's input. Of the various alternative suggested, I am thinking the V4 is the best option for me. The first Zeiss scope I bought was a V4, and I liked it just fine. I just grew to like the V6 better. I guess I'll go back to the V4s for now. And no doubt the V4s are an excellent choice for hunting, I'll just miss the 18x for target shooting.

Tract tekoa 4-16x44 (made in Japan)

$499

Anyone know of any feedback on the Leica Amplus 6 3-18x44?

Trijicon 3-18x44 can be had for ~$1300. Incredibly good glass and you won't find anything tougher.

The made in Philippines Sightron S-Tac Series offers a few great options. Good solid scopes, variable reticle options, both FFP and SFP options and priced very fairly