Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 FFP
The Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 FFP earns a best-in-class slot for target variable rifle scopes by delivering high-magnification range, excellent HD glass and rugged mechanics at a significantly more accessible price than boutique competitors. Against the Nightforce and Kahles it sacrifices a bit of the ultra-premium refinement but outperforms many peers on cost-to-performance, making it the go-to choice for shooters who need top-tier capability without the highest-tier budget. Its combination of large objective, reliable tracking and value-oriented warranty positions it as the practical favorite for long-range target work.
36x zoom — eagle-eye
HD glass — crystal-clear
36x zoom — eagle-eye
HD glass — crystal-clear
Review Summary
"Long-term users praise the Razor HD Gen III for excellent optical clarity and value-for-money performance compared with other high-end scopes, with dependable tracking and a robust VIP warranty; common complaints are its weight and bulky size for extended field carry. Overall owners find it a top-tier choice for precision shooting without the top-tier price."
FFP reticle — range-savvy
6–36x magnification with a 56mm objective optimized for extended-range target work.
FFP reticle — range-savvy
6–36x magnification with a 56mm objective optimized for extended-range target work.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 FFP earns a best-in-class slot for target variable rifle scopes by delivering high-magnification range, excellent HD glass and rugged mechanics at a significantly more accessible price than boutique competitors. Against the Nightforce and Kahles it sacrifices a bit of the ultra-premium refinement but outperforms many peers on cost-to-performance, making it the go-to choice for shooters who need top-tier capability without the highest-tier budget. Its combination of large objective, reliable tracking and value-oriented warranty positions it as the practical favorite for long-range target work.
36x zoom — eagle-eye
HD glass — crystal-clear
FFP reticle — range-savvy
6–36x magnification with a 56mm objective optimized for extended-range target work.
First focal plane reticle combined with premium HD glass and low-dispersion elements for clear resolution.
36x zoom — eagle-eye
HD glass — crystal-clear
FFP reticle — range-savvy
6–36x magnification with a 56mm objective optimized for extended-range target work.
First focal plane reticle combined with premium HD glass and low-dispersion elements for clear resolution.
$2,000-2,800 CAD
Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 F1
The ATACR 7-35x56 F1 sits at the market-leader premium end for target variable rifle scopes thanks to unrivaled mechanical precision, tracking, and optical consistency across the magnification range. While it is typically the most expensive option compared with Vortex and some Leupold models, its superior turret repeatability, thermal stability and long-range clarity justify the investment for competition and professional long-range shooters. For users who prioritize absolute mechanical certainty and extreme elevation range in target applications, Nightforce remains the technical benchmark.
7–35x reach — long-range beast
Precision turrets — click-reliable
7–35x reach — long-range beast
Precision turrets — click-reliable
Review Summary
"Owners consistently rate the Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 F1 as class-leading for mechanical precision, untouched tracking, and outstanding low-light glass, with durability that justifies its premium price; criticisms are limited to its high cost and substantial weight. Users who need uncompromising performance largely consider it worth the investment."
Low-light punch — dusk-proof
7–35x magnification and 56mm objective built for extreme long-range precision.
Low-light punch — dusk-proof
7–35x magnification and 56mm objective built for extreme long-range precision.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The ATACR 7-35x56 F1 sits at the market-leader premium end for target variable rifle scopes thanks to unrivaled mechanical precision, tracking, and optical consistency across the magnification range. While it is typically the most expensive option compared with Vortex and some Leupold models, its superior turret repeatability, thermal stability and long-range clarity justify the investment for competition and professional long-range shooters. For users who prioritize absolute mechanical certainty and extreme elevation range in target applications, Nightforce remains the technical benchmark.
7–35x reach — long-range beast
Precision turrets — click-reliable
Low-light punch — dusk-proof
7–35x magnification and 56mm objective built for extreme long-range precision.
Exceptional optical clarity and light transmission from high-end coatings and glass.
7–35x reach — long-range beast
Precision turrets — click-reliable
Low-light punch — dusk-proof
7–35x magnification and 56mm objective built for extreme long-range precision.
Exceptional optical clarity and light transmission from high-end coatings and glass.
$4,200-5,500 CAD
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP
The Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP balances weight, optical quality and advanced turret design to offer a competitive mid-to-high-end choice for target shooting where ergonomics and speed matter. Compared with Nightforce it is typically lighter and easier to mount, and compared with Vortex it can offer subtler optical refinement and factory-calibrated turret systems, often at a mid-tier price point. Its M5C3 turret and reliable glass make it especially appealing to shooters seeking a blend of precision and carry-friendly practicality for variable-target engagements.
Versatile zoom — hunt-to-target
Match-grade turrets — sniper-grade
Versatile zoom — hunt-to-target
Match-grade turrets — sniper-grade
Review Summary
"The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP is widely praised for a balanced mix of excellent optics, precise turrets, and lighter weight than some competitors, delivering consistent long-term performance; a few users note reticle preferences and price as minor downsides. Reliability and user support are frequently highlighted as positives."
Bright glass — sight-smooth
5–25x magnification with the M5C3 reticle in the first focal plane for accurate holdovers at any magnification.
Bright glass — sight-smooth
5–25x magnification with the M5C3 reticle in the first focal plane for accurate holdovers at any magnification.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP balances weight, optical quality and advanced turret design to offer a competitive mid-to-high-end choice for target shooting where ergonomics and speed matter. Compared with Nightforce it is typically lighter and easier to mount, and compared with Vortex it can offer subtler optical refinement and factory-calibrated turret systems, often at a mid-tier price point. Its M5C3 turret and reliable glass make it especially appealing to shooters seeking a blend of precision and carry-friendly practicality for variable-target engagements.
Versatile zoom — hunt-to-target
Match-grade turrets — sniper-grade
Bright glass — sight-smooth
5–25x magnification with the M5C3 reticle in the first focal plane for accurate holdovers at any magnification.
High-quality glass and strong low-light performance with Leupold durability.
Versatile zoom — hunt-to-target
Match-grade turrets — sniper-grade
Bright glass — sight-smooth
5–25x magnification with the M5C3 reticle in the first focal plane for accurate holdovers at any magnification.
High-quality glass and strong low-light performance with Leupold durability.
$3,500-4,800 CAD
Tangent Theta TT525P 5-25x56
The TT525P 5-25x56 represents a boutique, competition-focused option that emphasizes custom reticle options, precise machining and features tailored to target shooters at a price that undercuts some traditional premium houses. While it may lack the decades-long brand heritage of Kahles or Nightforce, it competes strongly by offering bespoke features, tight manufacturing tolerances and very shooter-focused ergonomics that appeal to competitors and serious hobbyists. For those wanting highly specific reticle and turret configurations for target work, Tangent Theta delivers advanced customization without the top-tier premium markup.
Tactical reticle — math-friendly
Zero-stop turret — dial-true
Tactical reticle — math-friendly
Zero-stop turret — dial-true
Review Summary
"Tangent Theta's TT525P 5-25x56 gets strong marks from owners for sharp glass, modern feature set, and competitive pricing, making it a compelling value option for precision shooters; however, some long-term users report occasional QC inconsistencies and less established service compared to legacy brands. It is generally seen as a high-value alternative if you accept modest risk on resale/service."
Light chassis — pack-friendly
5–25x optics designed specifically for competitive target shooting and long-range accuracy.
Light chassis — pack-friendly
5–25x optics designed specifically for competitive target shooting and long-range accuracy.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The TT525P 5-25x56 represents a boutique, competition-focused option that emphasizes custom reticle options, precise machining and features tailored to target shooters at a price that undercuts some traditional premium houses. While it may lack the decades-long brand heritage of Kahles or Nightforce, it competes strongly by offering bespoke features, tight manufacturing tolerances and very shooter-focused ergonomics that appeal to competitors and serious hobbyists. For those wanting highly specific reticle and turret configurations for target work, Tangent Theta delivers advanced customization without the top-tier premium markup.
Tactical reticle — math-friendly
Zero-stop turret — dial-true
Light chassis — pack-friendly
5–25x optics designed specifically for competitive target shooting and long-range accuracy.
Superb edge-to-edge clarity, repeatable turret mechanics and configurable reticle options.
Tactical reticle — math-friendly
Zero-stop turret — dial-true
Light chassis — pack-friendly
5–25x optics designed specifically for competitive target shooting and long-range accuracy.
Superb edge-to-edge clarity, repeatable turret mechanics and configurable reticle options.
$3,800-4,800 CAD
Kahles K525i 5-25x56 MOAK FFP
The K525i 5-25x56 MOAK FFP is recognized for exceptional optical neutrality, sub-minute reticle clarity and refined ballistic reticle integration, making it a favorite among precision shooters who prize optical fidelity. It generally sits in the same premium neighborhood as Leupold and Nightforce on price but distinguishes itself by delivering some of the cleanest glass and fastest eye relief ergonomics in its class, which benefits long target sessions and high-resolution aiming. For target-variable applications where pure optical performance and crisp reticle definition are paramount, Kahles is a top technical choice.
Austrian optics — optical-purity
MOAK reticle — hold-magic
Austrian optics — optical-purity
MOAK reticle — hold-magic
Review Summary
"Kahles K525i 5-25x56 MOAK FFP is consistently lauded by experienced shooters for exceptional optical clarity, crisp turrets, and refined engineering in a relatively lightweight package, delivering reliable long-term performance at a premium price. Users consider it one of the best glass packages available, with minimal complaints beyond cost and limited reticle preference issues."
Silky erector — smooth-zoom
5–25x magnification with the MOAK reticle in the first focal plane for precise mil-based corrections.
Silky erector — smooth-zoom
5–25x magnification with the MOAK reticle in the first focal plane for precise mil-based corrections.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The K525i 5-25x56 MOAK FFP is recognized for exceptional optical neutrality, sub-minute reticle clarity and refined ballistic reticle integration, making it a favorite among precision shooters who prize optical fidelity. It generally sits in the same premium neighborhood as Leupold and Nightforce on price but distinguishes itself by delivering some of the cleanest glass and fastest eye relief ergonomics in its class, which benefits long target sessions and high-resolution aiming. For target-variable applications where pure optical performance and crisp reticle definition are paramount, Kahles is a top technical choice.
Austrian optics — optical-purity
MOAK reticle — hold-magic
Silky erector — smooth-zoom
5–25x magnification with the MOAK reticle in the first focal plane for precise mil-based corrections.
Renowned Kahles glass delivering outstanding contrast and resolution across the field.
Austrian optics — optical-purity
MOAK reticle — hold-magic
Silky erector — smooth-zoom
5–25x magnification with the MOAK reticle in the first focal plane for precise mil-based corrections.
Renowned Kahles glass delivering outstanding contrast and resolution across the field.
$3,300-4,400 CAD