Sightron scopes have been around for quite some time, and have greatly excelled in terms of fame for their line of long-range scopes. The company manufactures riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, electronics, and accessories relevant to rifles and optics.
Their pricing and quality are an admirable factor for many, and here we will learn about the ‘why’. Plus, we’ll also review some great scopes from their line. In case you’re looking to buy one!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Sightron Scope Reviews
- OUR TOP PICK: Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm
- RUNNER-UP: Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Sightron SIII SS 8-32x56 LR Side
Comparison of the Best Sightron Scopes
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Who is Sightron?
Sightron is a company manufacturing and selling rifle scopes and other firearm optics and accessories. This is owned by a Japanese company and was incorporated in 1993 with its headquarters in Youngsville. The president of this company is Mr. Yoshinobu Hamada. Earlier all their scopes were manufactured in Japan. However, as the business expanded they shifted the production of a few of their lower-end models to the Philippines. But that doesn’t cut out on quality in any manner.
The company offers a limited lifetime warranty on all their products sold and used in the U.S. However, their electronic components’ warranty is only limited to two years and their GPS warranty to only one year.
Why Are Sightron Scopes So Popular?
Sightron is exclusively popular for its line of long-range scopes. Their scopes offer unmatched quality at a very reasonable price compared to scopes from other bigger brands.
Their warranty policy isn’t in any terms weaker than their competition. They offer a limited lifetime warranty and back it up. Another reason for their popularity is their scopes being ‘made in Japan’. Since almost everybody is obsessed with the quality of products manufactured in Japan. Which indeed is an undeniable fact.
Additionally, Sightron also has a wide range of products directly related to the optic scopes, camping, and hunting sectors.
Review of the Best Sightron Scopes
Yes, Sightron has a long line of products to offer. But you’re not going to buy all of them anyway. Plus, scouring their line can be frustrating as every selection seems better than the previous one. To solve that affair, we have handpicked and reviewed the best scopes Sightron has to offer.
Best Overall:
Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm
Pros
Cons
Best Uses for the Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm
The best use for the Sightron SIII FFP scope is target shooting up to 1000 yards. Which is made possible by the crystal clear glass, fine reticle, crisp turret adjustments, and a 6-24x magnifying power. Since the least magnification it offers is 6x, you will also find it suitable for hunting beyond 100 yards.
This scope is an affordable alternative to very expensive scopes, and you can also use it for practice and learning the basics of long-range shooting until you are ready to invest in a pricier scope.
Is the Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm Compatible With Any Rifle?
This scope will work with all bolt action rifles and other semi-autos with appropriate rail space. It is compatible with high power rifles due to its tough and shockproof design. It is best used with rifles in .30 caliber. It won’t suit shot rifles like AR pistols due to its weight and length.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm?
The Sightron SIII does not come with scope mounts. So you should find one for yourself. Due to the large objective lens, medium or high scope mounts with horizontally cut rings are recommended. The eye relief is around 3.8 inches which are good enough to suit most rifles. Plus the quick focus eyepiece doesn’t black out when moving your head.
The turrets are super smooth and the tracking is just amazing. Sightron recommends Burris 30mm L - shape ring mount for the scope.
Runner-up:
Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50
Pros
Cons
Best Uses for the Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50
The best use for this model is clearly long-range shooting. That includes hunting, practice, casual precision shooting, and informal competitions. This scope is a winner in terms of clarity and quality, beating other high priced scopes to a significant extent.
The eye relief is forgiving and the scope allows crisp adjustments for parallax, windage, and elevation. The illuminated red dot reticle and big objective help with low light shooting.
Is the Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50 Compatible With Any Rifle?
You should prefer using this scope on rifles that can match its magnifying power. The scope is good for shooting targets up to 800 yards which makes it suitable for .223, .308, and .338 calibers. That’s what people have been using this scope.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50?
The scope doesn’t come with any mounts or mounting hardware. So you are free to choose whatever mounts you deem fit. We’d recommend medium height rings for the best output. The turret adjustments are very smooth. The scope is 14.75 inches in length so take note of proper placement as further adjustments will be hectic.
The travel at 100 yards for windage is 40 MOA and for elevation, it is 80 MOA. The scope doesn’t include a sunshade so you may purchase one separately if needed.
Best for the Money:
Sightron SIII SS 8-32x56 LR Side
Pros
Cons
Best Uses for the Sightron SIII SS 8-32x56 LR Side
This SIII scope is clearly not meant for close-range shooting. You’d find this scope most suitable for shooting at distances between 500 to 1500 yards. Which eventually qualifies its best use as a bench rest shooting or competition scope.
The minimum magnification is 8x which won’t let you focus on close targets. Plus the small field of view and parallax are other deterring factors. You may also use it for extreme long-range hunting if you have the skill.
Is the Sightron SIII SS 8-32x56 LR Side Compatible With Any Rifle?
This scope is only suitable for long-range rifles. Which obviously translated to high caliber rifles. It has been tested to resist shock and harsh shooting conditions. The scope will suit the range of .223, .308, 6.5 mm .338, and even 50 BMG.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Sightron SIII SS 8-32x56 LR Side?
This scope is huge compared to those normal 3-9x hunting scopes. The objective is 56 meters in diameter. That’s six mm more than many long-range scopes. Plus it also weighs significantly more due to its size. Which is why you need high mounts to offer significant clearance.
The eye relief says pretty much the same at all magnification settings. Which may be a good feature depending upon your preference.
Best Sightron Spotting Scope:
Sightron SIIBL Series 20-60X85 HD
Pros
Cons
Best Uses for the Sightron SIIBL Series 20-60X85 HD
This is a 20-60x scope that can be used for bird watching, stargazing, and spotting targets during long-range hunting. The scope has a pull-out sunshade that will reduce glare in scorching summer and can be folded back during low light for maximum light transmission.
The eyepiece is angled for easy handling, and the eyecups can be rotated to suit your position. The finish is rubber and will withstand rugged outdoor use.
Is the Sightron SIIBL Series 20-60X85 HD Compatible With Any Rifle?
The scope is suitable for use with any rifle regardless of the caliber. It can be used for spotting targets at extremely long distances. However, it cannot estimate range or other metrics since it is devoid of a range finder. Otherwise, it is a great value spotting scope.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Sightron SIIBL Series 20-60X85 HD?
This scope comes with a pre-mounted ring and a fixed mounting point on the base. You can mount it on a camera tripod or any other base of your choice. The eyepiece is angled so make sure you choose a stand that can be shortened to a significantly lower height to support your prone stance.
However, the eyecup rotates and allows the scope to be used as a straight spotting scope. Plus, it also works for people with spectacles.
Best Sightron Tactical Scope:
Sightron SIII SS 10-50x60
Pros
Cons
Best Uses for the Sightron SIII SS 10-50x60
This scope has been designed for extreme long range shooting. So an F-class competition would be a great place to start. Other than that, this scope is also perfect for bench rest shooting, if you are pushing the limits and shooting at 1500 yards or more.
This scope also doubles as a spotting scope for sighting distant targets or just viewing the scene.
Is the Sightron SIII SS 10-50x60 Compatible With Any Rifle?
This scope will work with any rifle from .22lr to 50 BMG. It all depends upon what you’re using it for. Since it is an extremely long-range scope, you’ll mostly find it mounted on high caliber rifles that can justify its use.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Sightron SIII SS 10-50x60?
The bell of this scope is large. 60 mm is not a common objective size and you should be careful about the strength and height of the rings you use. The scope will suit high rings for sure because of its size. Plus, a single piece mount doesn’t seem very practical for it.
Whatever mount you choose, make sure it is strong enough to handle the weight and not flex under pressure. Since this is a bulky scope
Types of Scopes From Sightron
Sightron is mainly focused upon manufacturing high power variable magnification scopes for the competitions and hunting vertical. However, there are three major categories of optics sold by them
Rifle Scopes
This includes the SIH, SII, SIII, and SV series of scopes that offer variable magnifications. These product lines also include long and extreme long range high power scopes with a myriad of reticle options to choose from.
Binoculars
Sightron also has a good range of binoculars marketed under the name of SI, SII, and SIII series. These are ultra-high-quality binoculars and monoculars that are famous among firearm enthusiasts due to their quality and affordability.
Spotting Scopes
The company sells five different spotting scope models under its brand name. These range from 13-40 x to 20-60 x magnification and offer images in HD clarity.
Sightron vs. Vortex - Comparison Overview
Let’s compare the two very popular brands of optic rifle scopes on different factors to analyze their points of excellence and drawbacks.
Night Vision and Optical Quality
Sightron scopes in general work better with night vision devices as compared to vortex. Both these scopes work perfectly in daylight. But sightron has a slight advantage when used with NV’s.
Sightron is also a clear winner in terms of optical quality when compared in price with Vortex. However, the high-end scopes from Vortex that cost more also have an edge.
Value for Money
Both Sightron and Vortex have many scopes that are comparable in price. But the same cannot be said for value. Sightron scopes with FFP reticle and larger magnifying power tend to cost around $100 - $150 less than Vortex scopes. Both companies offer a good comprehensive warranty.
Conclusion
Sigtron is a Japanese-owned company with its manufacturing facilities in Japan and the Philippines. The company is renowned for its high quality and affordable line of long range scopes suitable for target shooting, hunting, and competitions.
People Also Ask
Now let’s find answers to some curious and unresolved queries about Sightron and it’s products that are quite common on the market today.
What is the Sightron Warranty?
Sightron offers a limited lifetime warranty on their products. However, their electronics are only covered by a 2-year warranty. They also have a limited lifetime international warranty for products sold outside the U.S.
Where is the Serial Number on Sightron Scopes?
The serial number on sightron scopes can be found right beneath the windage turret on the base. It mentions the serial number and the location where the scope is made. You’ll be required to quote the serial number for any communication regarding your scope with Sightron.
How Much Does Sightron Charge For Changing Reticles in the SIII?
Sightron will change reticles as long as that reticle is available for the model in question. Changing the reticle will cost around $150 give or take. The exact price will depend upon the reticle type, number of dots, and several other factors.
Why Was the Sightron SII Bigsky Discontinued?
The Sightron SII Bigsky was discontinued in late 2017 to replace it with a new line of scopes called the S-TAC series. Which features a larger 30 mm one-piece tube.
How Do I Set the Zero on a Sightron SIII?
The zero stop is an innovative feature on the Sightron SIII scopes. To set the zero stop, you have to first zero the rifle, match the “0” mark on the turret with the line beneath, fully rotate the zero stop ring until it stops and tighten the three screws on the ring. Now the turret can only be moved upwards and when you rotate it back, it sets to zero.
