Different eyes see things differently. I’ve read many, many reviews of people who think the Nightforce/Japanese Glass is superior. (Or at least on par.)
My take is good glass is good glass. 94%-96% light transmission the highest the best scopes on earth can generate. Can an every human eye really discern a 1% difference? Everyone? Even most people? Now, I know everyone talks about Color Contrast, Edge Quality and the infamous
Chromatic Aberration.
To me, Color Contrast is tricky. People like different color shades. So a different color “contrast” through one scope, may look BETTER to one person & worse to another.
Ok, now, Edge Clarity is granted. Although, all that needs to be super clear, is the target view. I mean, not for nothing
And last is Chromatic Aberration. Honestly, when I hear online people talking about this, to me they are talking out their backsides. Here’s what is supposed to be an example of Chromatic Aberration! Now, if the “corrected” & “un-corrected” weren’t there, do you really believe you can discern a a difference here?? And is it worth an extra $1000!? Or another $2000!!?
Anyone can go on YouTube and see guys shooting 1000yds, 1200yds, 1500yds even a Mile, using inexpensive scopes! I just watched one with a guy puts a $225 Arken SH4, 4-16x50 on his Bergara M40 style rifle, and process to hit the small round plates at 950yds. And he also speaks of something I’ve touched on. How cheaper, Chinese made scopes aren’t the same as 20+ years ago. EVERYTHING has changed so much. However, the Top Tier scopes haven’t really changed in the last 20 years. If they were at 95,96% light transmission then, it’s not like they are at 190% now! (Although I think some Scope Schnobbs out there think like that!)
It’s just there is a ceiling to optics sight picture. Yet somehow, manufacturers think there is no cap on prices. And I guess not, because someone will always spend the money.