D80V56TI-MTR-4 vs Majesta 80x

[d0nkey]

I’ve done quite a bit of digging but haven’t found many solid write-ups or real-world comparisons between these two scopes on here.

I’m ready to pull the trigger on one of them, but I’m also trying to rationalize the cost: is the extra spend worth it compared to the “base” HM-80X version?

If you’ve had real-world experience between the two (not just what the spec sheets say), I’d love your feedback. I’ll be using this for F-Class, so here are my big question areas:

• Which differences did you notice between the two in everyday use (mirage, target pop, reticle clarity, etc.)?
• What are the real pros and cons of each?
• Specifically around mirage: I once looked through a March “Majesta” around High Noon in Houston and noted the mirage seemed more manageable than what I get through my current 15-60× Ares. My question: How does the HM-80X hold up mirage-wise versus the Majesta? Anything notable that made you lean one way or the other?
• Lastly: anyone from Texas going to Bayou Rifles Juliff soon who’d let me look through your HM-80X? I’d appreciate the chance to compare in-field.

Donkey

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

There are 2 models of the March-X 8-80X56 riflescope. The original model is the D80V56TI with various reticles and the other one is the Majesta.

The original model has ED lenses, an AOV of 20° and was designed about 12 years ago. It is a solid riflescope and has been around a long time and has garnered many medals.
The Majesta was introduced in 2023 (corrected, thanks F-Class John) and has Super ED lenses, a 25° AOV and features the shuriken turrets.

What does that all mean? Well, the Majesta has a wide-angle view that is 25% wider in linear view, and 56% overall. This means that at the same magnification, you will see 25% wider with the Majesta compared to the original model. In F-Class, at 80X, you will see your entire target frame and about one half the adjacent target frames on either side of yours. I shoot at Bayou every month, and I'm always at 80X. As are a lot of other Majesta owners. However, some elect to shoot at lower magnification and enjoy the very wide view afforded by the Majesta.

Because of the wide-angle aspect of the riflescope, new reticles were designed for it and many F-class shooters use the MTR-WFD reticle, which was designed specifically for F-Class. If F-Class is not your game, the MTR-W0, or -W1, or -W2 should be considered.

You are confusing the term HM, with respect to March riflescopes. The HM moniker means High Master, which is the name of the lens system that uses Super ED instead of ED or regular optical glass. The original model 8-80X56 is not a High Master (HM). Many Majesta owners have been reporting that they are able to stay at 80X or near enough in bad mirage conditions. They picture is not clear by any means, but they are able to see the aiming black and the rings, and they stay round and distinct which means the image is not floating, so it's a usable image for precision shooting. The other comment is that the Majesta is able to show the slightest inkling of "mirage", sooner than any other riflescope, except perhaps another HM riflescope from March.

March riflescopes are currently the only ones that use Super ED glass.

If you come to the monthly match at Bayou rifles (first Sunday of the month), there are plenty of Majestas on the line. I am usually there, and I bring other toys with me at times, and you are certainly welcome to look through.

Note: if the 8-80X56 Majesta is too heavy (40 ounces) or too pricey, or you do not want the wide-angle aspect, you might instead look at the March-X 10-60X56 HM. This is a High Master lens systems (it has Super ED lenses), which has a 20° AOV, and has the MTR-4 reticle. It weighs in a 32 ounces or so, saving half a pound and some money. This was the original High Master riflescope from March, the first one with Super ED glass and lots of people know it as simply the High Master.

 

[d0nkey]

There are 2 models of the March-X 8-80X56 riflescope. The original model is the D80V56TI with various reticles and the other one is the Majesta.

The original model has ED lenses, an AOV of 20° and was designed about 12 years ago. It is a solid riflescope and has been around a long time and has garnered many medals.
The Majesta was introduced in 2013 and has Super ED lenses, a 25° AOV and features the shuriken turrets.

What does that all mean? Well, the Majesta has a wide-angle view that is 25% wider in linear view, and 56% overall. This means that at the same magnification, you will see 25% wider with the Majesta compared to the original model. In F-Class, at 80X, you will see your entire target frame and about one half the adjacent target frames on either side of yours. I shoot at Bayou every month, and I'm always at 80X. As are a lot of other Majesta owners. However, some elect to shoot at lower magnification and enjoy the very wide view afforded by the Majesta.

Because of the wide-angle aspect of the riflescope, new reticles were designed for it and many F-class shooters use the MTR-WFD reticle, which was designed specifically for F-Class. If F-Class is not your game, the MTR-W0, or -W1, or -W2 should be considered.

You are confusing the term HM, with respect to March riflescopes. The HM moniker means High Master, which is the name of the lens system that uses Super ED instead of ED or regular optical glass. The original model 8-80X56 is not a High Master (HM). Many Majesta owners have been reporting that they are able to stay at 80X or near enough in bad mirage conditions. They picture is not clear by any means, but they are able to see the aiming black and the rings, and they stay round and distinct which means the image is not floating, so it's a usable image for precision shooting. The other comment is that the Majesta is able to show the slightest inkling of "mirage", sooner than any other riflescope, except perhaps another HM riflescope from March.

March riflescopes are currently the only ones that use Super ED glass.

If you come to the monthly match at Bayou rifles (first Sunday of the month), there are plenty of Majestas on the line. I am usually there, and I bring other toys with me at times, and you are certainly welcome to look through.

Note: if the 8-80X56 Majesta is too heavy (40 ounces) or too pricey, or you do not want the wide-angle aspect, you might instead look at the March-X 10-60X56 HM. This is a High Master lens systems (it has Super ED lenses), which has a 20° AOV, and has the MTR-4 reticle. It weighs in a 32 ounces or so, saving half a pound and some money. This was the original High Master riflescope from March, the first one with Super ED glass and lots of people know it as simply the High Master.

I appreciate that — and my apologies for the confusion. I originally thought the HM and HM-Majesta were just two variants of the same scope. Thank you for clearing that up.

I do attend the monthly HP matches and I’m already signed up for the upcoming 1000 yard in December. I’m definitely interested in looking through the original 8-80×56, especially since I was lucky enough to have another competitor at last month’s match let me send 10 rounds through his setup.

What you mentioned about the image “floating” at full 80× is exactly the kind of insight I’ve been trying to get. In heavy mirage, I really want to see how the original 8-80× holds up. As for the Majesta being pricey — absolutely. But I also don’t want to leave anything on the table if the improvement is truly visible. If there’s a clear, noticeable difference with my own eyes, I’m more than happy to pay for the upgrade.
I’d be grateful if I could take a look through your original 80× next time you’re out there.

---

Some additional questions, if I may (if I’m going to spend 4–5k on a scope, I’m definitely going to ask a few, lol):

At 80×, when mirage becomes dense enough that the image starts to ‘swim,’ does the original 80x actually hold a stable aiming reference? I’m trying to understand whether the Super-ED significantly helps stabilize the distortion or just makes it more visible vs the Original.

So bottom line — in real match conditions, do you feel the Majesta delivers a meaningful, on-target advantage over the original 8–80× that truly justifies the extra cost?

My mind is not made up, but I am swaying towards the 80x.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I'm sorry. I do not have an original 8-80X56. I have been using a Majesta ever since they came out. It replaced my March-X 10-60X56 HM that I had been using for the prior 3 years. Before that, I had a March-X 5-50X56 which was the same design as the 8-80X56. I had that one for7 years before I switched. I am not sure if anyone has an 8-80X56 at Bayou, most everyone moved to Majestas or stayed with their HM and of course, other brands.

I think the 8-80X56 holds a good reference point in mirage, but I always used my 5-50X56 at 40X. It would be the same with the 8-80X56. I ran my HM at 50X all the time. The Majesta is a whole new level, but it takes getting used to, especially if you're old.

And the FOV of the Majesta is something else.

I have been attending the montly matches since 2006 or so. Let's talk at the match.

 

[d0nkey]

Decided on the Majesta with the MTR-WFD reticle. The reticle looks like it's gonna have a learning curve as I've never worked with a reticle quite like it (always used Christmas tree type reticles). Maybe Black Friday will save me a few bucks.

@Turbulent Turtle, thanks for all the information!

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

As a prospective Majesta Owner, you might want to look at these links:

Detailed overview of the Majesta and MTR-WFD

Detailed description of the MTR-WFD reticle:

Best Practices with the Majesta

And you can also ask me questions about the MTR-WFD reticle at the matches or here, or via DM, I'm familiar with it.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

And one more since you were asking about mirage, something with which we are very familiar at Bayou:

Super ED glass and Mirage

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Thanks to @F Class John for pointing out that I had the wrong year for the introduction of the Majesta. It was 2023, not 2013 has I had incorrectly stated. What's a brace of lustrums (lustra, take your pick, I'm easy) between friends. I blame this mistake on Trump and Global Warming.

 

[d0nkey]

Just purchased the Majesta with MTR-WFD reticle. Excited to use it for the Dec 7th match. I finally connected the dots and it seems you collaborated this reticle with March, maybe I can snag some tips from you provided you are at the Dec 7 match. Thanks for the info on the Majesta. @Turbulent Turtle

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I am registered for the match and intend to be there. I will be happy to discuss the reticle and the Majesta with you. See you next week.