Review on S111 10-50

[StraightPipes]

Good point here.

In the early days of "side focus" POI shift could be related to the the "new mechanism". If you were to adjust "after" sighting in between shots, POI shift was noted. To me, the "close" or narrow range of focus is a plus. There are alot of parts moving around inside of the side focus varible power scopes.

 

[Jeffsavage]

I shot my rifle with the new S111 10-50 this weekend and will have to agree with Steve on the touchy focus. To me, I found that shooting on 45x seemed about right where the focus wasnt quite as touchy and I didnt have as much of a problem with eye alighnment.
I thought the brightness and resoution were good and will add that the scope seemed to hold point of aim very well.....I shot some really good groups.

Jeff

 

[Flybuster]

Good to hear your honest unbiased opinions gentlemen. I hope the scope works out well for you guys.

 

[Steve Blair]

Butler Creek scope covers arrived today (thanks, SWFA). The #17 eyepiece cover and #54 objective cover fit well. The #54 is pretty snug, but that is good. The #17 fits well but was sized for the full diameter area forward of the reticle focus ring. That does not give it a lot of purchase but seemed the best course. I will see if I can shoot it off the scope.

 

[TX65]

I received my SIII 10-50x, mounted it and spent a day at the range shooting about 200 rounds at 300 yards with an outside temp running in 70's and bright sunlight.

Overall a nice scope, good light transmission and clarity was good. At 50x, was able to read the mirage clearly.

Criticisms of the scope

1. Some people may find the elevation and windage clicks to be very light compared to a Nightforce BR 12-42 which is probably the most comparable scope to this Sightron. Not a deal breaker in my opinion, but something you need to be prepared for. Its not that the adjustments are sloppy, just take very little effort to move.

2. A scope like this should come with a sunshade so having to spend $40 for something that comes with competitors scopes needs to be factored into the value comparison.

3. The scope does come with flip up lens covers (not as solid as butler creek), but I would prefer some basic screw in covers for storing the rifle and pass on the flip ups. The screw in covers will be available shortly per Sightron.


Overall,

Sightron 10-50x to the Nightforce BR 12-42x,

If you factor in the added cost of the Sunshade and lens covers from Sightron, the Nightforce BR is only a bit more expensive. It is a close comparison with the Sightron giving you extra magnification, side focus, greater range of adjustment and is a bit lighter in weight. Nightforce does have firmer click adjustments and is more established as a quality product in the long range shooting circles.

Sightron 10-50x to the Nightforce NXS 12-42x

When Nightforce starts shipping 1/8 clicks on the NXS late Spring / early summer, that will be the most direct comparison to the 10-50x since both are side focus The Sightron will still have the edge in magnification and is lighter in weight for those trying to keep within a weight class. The NXS will have exposed adjustments without covers that people may prefer. At the end of the day, you have to figure though that you can buy almost 2 Sightrons for the cost of one NXS 12-42x scopes.

No regret or buyer remorse buying the Sightron and if it proves to be a durable piece over the long haul, it is a nice addition to my collection.

I am waiting on an S&B PMII 12.5-50x with a fine reticle for another rifle and that will be an interesting side by side comparison. Not that I expect the Sightron to be on par with S&B, but see how well it does for 1/3 the cost.

 

[NateHaler]

I received my SIII 10-50x, mounted it and spent a day at the range shooting about 200 rounds at 300 yards with an outside temp running in 70's and bright sunlight.

Overall a nice scope, good light transmission and clarity was good. At 50x, was able to read the mirage clearly.

Criticisms of the scope
Sightron 10-50x to the Nightforce BR 12-42x,

If you factor in the added cost of the Sunshade and lens covers from Sightron, the Nightforce BR is only a bit more expensive. It is a close comparison with the Sightron giving you extra magnification, side focus, greater range of adjustment and is a bit lighter in weight.

When Nightforce starts shipping 1/8 clicks on the NXS late Spring / early summer, that will be the most direct comparison to the 10-50x since both are side focus The Sightron will still have the edge in magnification and is lighter in weight for those trying to keep within a weight class. The NXS will have exposed adjustments without covers that people may prefer.

It's not accurate to describe the feature -- to which you're referring -- as "side focus". It's parallax adjustment. The focus feature of both scopes is built into the ocular (rear) lens housing. Parallax is the apparent movement of one object relative to another because of the objects being in different focal planes. Parallax should be corrected for that condition -- not used as "focus".

As to "exposed adjustments", what you're referring to is turrets without covers. Even so, the covers can simply be left at home or in the range bag. The turrets are certainly waterproof without the covers. And thus exposed. Whether turrets are subject to inadvertent movement during transport or something bumping against them while "exposed" is worth considering. Stiffer turret adjustment detents help prevent that sort of thing. If your turret adjustments are a bit too easy for peace of mind in that regard, and if they feature screw on covers, then that's a reason to use the covers. Otherwise, leave them in the scope's original box and let the next owner obsess over using them or not.

 

[TX65]

Nate

Yes, you are technically correct it being parallax adjustment, but many people just refer to scopes with side parallax adjustment as side focus whether it is technically correct or not.

My personal experience with the scope and two other people who gave it try where that the scope has light turret adjustment detents compared to other scopes like Nightforce or Leupold. I am fine with the lighter adjustments for the rifle I put the scope on and what I use it for, but I may find too light for other rifles for other uses.

My comment was a preference for screw in lens covers for storage over the flip covers that came with the scope.

The SIII is a great scope for the money and will give people looking at Nightforce another viable option to consider.

 

[StraightPipes]

gunamonth, some honest words you speak.

Your opinion, when you cheek up to your rifle, just how fussy is head placement? I shoot with as much magnification as I can find. But, these have been "Euro" designed optics and its my opinion that "by design" they are not as fussy. A full view is easier to find and maintain. Do you feel that finding the correct sight picture on this Sightron is tolerable? And once you find it, is it critical that head movement be kept to a minimum?
Euro optic designers have improved in this area from what I have seen. I have looked thru the Sightron 8-32, is the 10-50 much worse in your opinion? I do understand high mag optics and the "fuss" involved and in no way do I want to bash this new Sightron. I am looking to understand it better short of making a purchase.

 

[Illinois_shooter]

Shot the 10x50 today, all I can say is my Nightforces will find a new home.
Glass is clearer
Clicks are very positive
POI is repeatable form 10 to 50 and back to 10
Head placement wasn't a problem
The sight window at 50x can stand some work, kinda touchy
very easy to read the mirage on 50x once you get it adjusted.

I will be be ordering an other one for the 6BR
Just my 2c worth!!

 

[Dean Slater]

gunamonth e-mail sent.

 

[StraightPipes]

?

 

[flatlander]

I read with interest the comments on the 10-50's turret adjustments being 'easy'. I've owned four SIIIs (a 8-32 & three 6-24s) for a couple of years now, and had no issues with the amount of effort it takes to make adjustments on their knobs. However, I recently purchased another SIII 6-24x50 LRMD, and noticed right away that its knobs turned way easier than any of the other four scopes I have. Oh the clicks are distinctive - not mushy at all - but it takes very little effort to turn these knobs.

Until I read the comments on the 10-50's knobs, I was planning to call Sightron and ask about this. Sounds like they've changed something in the whole SIII line, so I'm wondering if it's worth the effort to even call to ask about it.

Aside from the fact that I'd like to be able to get a wider selection of reticles (something similar to NF's range of choices would sure be nice), I've got nothing negative to say about my SIIIs. They're super scopes for the price range.

 

[flatlander]

Not used to answering my own posts, but here goes:
I called Sightron today to inquire about the knobs on the last SIII 6-24x50 LRMD scope I purchased. This scope's knobs are too easy to turn, unlike the previous four SIII's I still have. You have to be careful when handling the rifle with the knob caps off, as it's easy to move the knobs with an accidental brush of a fingertip.

The gal on the other end told me they'd had a batch of the 8-32s with the free-wheeling knob problem, but they'd been unaware that any of the 6-24s were affected. These scopes evidently got the wrong friction washers or pieces installed on the adjustment turrets at the factory; Sightron's got the correct parts and can replace them for a quick turn-around. All I've got to do is return my 6-24 with a note explaining the problem, and they'll take care of it.\

I expected nothing less from Sightron, and wasn't disappointed.

 

[ridgeway]

Is the reticle on the 10-50 etched glass?

I too find the parallax adjustment very sensitive and very annoying to eliminate. I am contemplating on selling the scope on the count of the sensitive parallax and the soft turret clicks.

 

[StraightPipes]

ridgeway, yes its etched. read this thread from the start. we touched on some good stuff, and some bad.

 

[ridgeway]

I knew I read it somewhere, but didn't realize it was this thread, lol.

 

[Taildrag15X]

I have yet to get my hands on one to play with......but the exposed knob problem comes back to mind as my Leupold (with the exposed tapered Target Knobs) with me making sure they where set to "zero" at a fixed known distance, then with a label on the scope or a note pad in the range bag (or on my clip board with the dope book and plotting sheets) I kept a dated record of the settings and when they where changed. This saved me more than once, after a pratice & fun shoot load up equipment, get home unload, clean, wipe, etc......reload car with equipment, unload to make passengers stuff fit, reload car, get to Range unload car at ready line, etc.......drag rifle to line for prep., check scope, is off 2 clicks left and 14 down.......checked plotting sheet, saw last setting and "why", reset to "zero" and am happy to cut a 10, X & X with my sighters before going for Record.

Maybe they do move if bumped, don't know, but that's how I controled any movement and CRS on my part.

 

[Flybuster]

Buy yourself a Nightforce,and dont waist anymore time on Sightrons.....

Why?

 

[MOTORSPORTS55]

CALL SIGHTRON ABOUT THE SUN SHADES FOR THE 10-50 AND THEY TOLD ME I CAN BUY ONE FOR 49.99 !!!! I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE GONG TO BE SENT WITH THE SCOPE BUT WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME ALONG WITH THE CAP BUT AM NO TOLD THE ARE FOR SALE ONLY . FOR THE PRICE OF THE SCOPES THEY SHOULD COME WITH ONE !!!! THAT SUCKS

 

[Recko555]

Heard you can get a sunshade from camera land for $12 that works. Quit crying. It is still a great price even without a shade. Also, take the caps lock off.