Zeiss Duralyt Opinions?

[Banana Moja]

Hi, would like to hear some thoughts on Zeiss Duralyt by any1 who has had an opportunity to use them.

I have a 2-8x42(non-illuminated) on my .300 Winmag and think the optics are quite a bit clearer than say a VX3 Leupold, so pound for pound a better deal.
However I do have to admit that the Leopold's do seem to have better eye relief, just ask a friend who was not too familiar with a .300 and has a pretty scar to show off.

I 'am considering changing the Aimpoint (just not bonding with it) on my 9.3x62 for the same Duralyt in 2-8x42, however what do you guys think of the 1.5-5x36 variable, considering I live and hunt in Botswana, and I have Kgalagadi long range hunting available (think Gemsbok/Eland/Gemsbok) as well as close quarter's, such as the Tuli block.

I doubt I will get to go dangerous game hunting here in Botswana, so not too worried about being charged, therefore not too worried about loosing the fast finding and both eyes opened qualities of the Aimpoint.

 

[joester]

I have a Lighted Reticle Duralyte in 2-8 x42 on a .375 Ruger Browning Lever Rifle ( custom barrelled). Its a great scope. I have not had an eye relief problem with it, even in .375. Sorry I cannot comment on the 1.5-5, but the versatility of the 2-8 is wnderful. My wife & I just returned from Zim (Save) & Moz (Coutada 9) with the Duckwoths of Mokore Safaris, the Duralyte did perfectly on buffalo, zebra, warthog, plus wildebeest & impala for rations, from 50 to 200+ yards. I'm sold on them!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I have a Lighted Reticle Duralyte in 2-8 x42 on a .375 Ruger Browning Lever Rifle ( custom barrelled). Its a great scope. I have not had an eye relief problem with it, even in .375. Sorry I cannot comment on the 1.5-5, but the versatility of the 2-8 is wnderful. My wife & I just returned from Zim (Save) & Moz (Coutada 9) with the Duckwoths of Mokore Safaris, the Duralyte did perfectly on buffalo, zebra, warthog, plus wildebeest & impala for rations, from 50 to 200+ yards. I'm sold on them!

I'd like to hear about the durability of these scopes. Up until a month or so ago I was sold on and recommended the Conquest series. But two scope failures, one while in Africa, this summer along with a 3rd a couple years ago has made me a doubter. For the money I love the scopes performance, but reliability especially in a DG scope is paramount.

 

[B9.3]

I have a 3-12x50 Duralyt on my Winchester Model 70 Super Grade 300 WM. I like this scope very much. It is good in crappy light & bright enough for me.
I have a 3-9x40 Conquest on my Weatherby Euromark 375 Wby Mag for the 4" eye relief. I am very happy with this scope also.
I just put a Zeiss HD5 2-10x42 on my Remington 700 CDL 30.06. I have not had a chance to use it yet but it stacks up pretty well to the Duralyt when looking
across 445 yds of paddock to the gumtree in twilight. I test all my scopes that way in varing light as it is very much like hunting. I also scan the distant hills
looking at grazing sheep & cattle in sunlight & shaded areas at different times of the day as the picture changes a lot.
I have a Zeiss HT 2.5-10x50 on my CZ550 American 9.3x62. This scope is clearly superior to the others & if I could afford it I would have them on all my rifles.
However I am entirely satisfied with what I have & I don't think that will change.

 

[Norwegianwoods]

I have one Duralyt scope. A 3-12x50 and I am very satisfied with it and it is better than Leupolds and Conquests when it comes to low light conditions and is also clearer in good light.
When it comes to the durability of the scopes when used on harder kicking guns, I don't know, as I use mine on a 223
But I am considering to get one for my 375 Ruger instead of the Leupold I have on it now.

 

[Adrian]

I have a 3-12x50 on my .243 for hunting in the U.K. and think it is an excellent value scope that does exactly what it should.
My only minor criticism is that the cross hairs could be slightly thicker for low light but that is a very small point. I would definitely get another for my African rifle.