IOR Valdada

C

chino69

Guest
Anyone out there have experience with IOR Valdada scopes? I am looking at Nighforce and/or IOR. I am curious if anyone has been able to make a comparison side by side.

Items of interest:
1) optical clarity/resolution at distances (400 yds. on)
2) mechanical quality, repeatability, ruggedness
3) factory support/back up for problems, if any

I would be interested in hearing from shooters who have actually owned and shot with these scopes giving their pros and cons with each.

Lou Baccino
 
Greetings Lou. I saw this post earlier (Yesterday) but wasn't able to respond until now. Interesting you should post this. I just received my IOR Valdada 4-14x50 2 days ago. Alas, I can’t answer all your questions because I don’t have a Nightforce for comparison, and I haven’t even been able to mount the scope yet. What I can say though is this-

I wanted one really nice scope (Quality) to mount on my new Savage 10FCP .308 for paper punching out to 300 yards, and long range fun shooting (Silhouettes and informal silhouette matches) out to 1000. I did meticulous research and agonized for weeks over which scope to buy. I experimented with an existing scope and determined I didn’t need a high power scope (24X and above), as I could see (Well enough to shoot) gongs of various sizes out to 1K yards with about a 14-16X power scope. My budget at that time being about $650.00 I began looking at fixed and variable power scopes in that price range. I was about set to order a variable power Leupold, but to get the features I really wanted would have bumped the price of that Leupold up to about $1100.00. And based on reviews I read, Leupolds, while nice, are not $1100.00 scopes. Sorry Leupold fans :D So, what then?

I often march to the beat of a different drummer, so I started looking at Zeiss, Kahles, Meopta, and when I learned about them, Valdada. True, any of these would exceed my $650.00 budget, but I figured what the hell, I want a nice scope, so I increased my budget. The Zeiss Conquest and Kahles KX get glowing reviews, but sadly, they’re a bit lacking in elevation adjustment (Only about 45 MOA total). So I began to seriously research and consider IOR Valdada. Turns out Valdada is not some "Wing-Ding rinky-tink" outfit but a respected, established company which has been producing quality optics for over 70 years. And they're using German Schott glass in their scopes. Cool! So based on price, features, and reviews I eventually decided to go with their 16x42 fixed power MP-8 reticle which was a bit over $800.00. I must have contacted 8 different outfits trying to locate that scope, but no luck, everyone was out. I finally found a guy who was pretty sure he could get one, though it would take 6 weeks. So around the first week of October I placed my order. Alas, some things are not meant to be.

At the end of 6 weeks he reported no joy, he couldn’t get one after all. So, what to do? I really wanted a Valdada, but a fixed 10X wasn’t enough “Oomph” for me. The new 3-18X42 35mm tube look and sound really nice, but at around $1400.00 they’re in a whole ‘nother price category, touching on Swarovski. Nope, too much. So I went with a 4-14X50 30mm tube MP-8 reticle (Non-illuminated).

Now all the above you probably all ready know and have researched, so I apologize for the extraneous B.S. info. I duuno, I just felt kind of "Wordy" tonight. Sorry. Okay, on to the meat of your question (Which sadly is a bit lacking in the details you want).

As I say, I’ve only had it 2 days and haven’t mounted it yet. But the initial inspection results are: Wow, yeah, this is a keeper! Right there on the box: Schott glass, Germany. Nicely boxed, very cushioned and padded. Unwrap it and, wowzer, this thing is Beefy! When you’ve fired your last round and the Huns are through the wire you can take this scope off and use it as a club! Steel construction (Vice aluminum) I believe? It doesn’t weigh a ton, but it’s noticeable heavier than “Western” scopes. In any event, very well made, a quality item. I think someone, somewhere said you could drive nails with it and then mount it and use it without loss of accuracy? :eek: I can believe it.

The matte finish is smooth and even, very nice. Glass/optic clarity appear to be exceptional, at least so it seems looking through it at houses a hundred or so yards away. I love that MP-8 reticle though it’s the dot and not the full crosshair. And it's an etched reticle too, not wire. First Focal Plane? Not sure. Zoom and focus function and quality appear to be great. Eye relief is pretty generous, I'm guessing about 3 1/2 inches at least (Measured informally with my fingers between forehead and eyepiece. All my other scopes have "3 finger" eye relief. This is 3 1/2 - 4 finger). Showed it to my neighbors and they’re very impressed. So yeah, I’m impressed with the scope and am eagerly looking forward to trying it out. I had hoped to get it mounted to use Sunday in a Silhouette match, but don't think it's gonna happen.

Here’s the 2008 Scope Ranking review from SWFA. Note that Valdada and Nightforce receive the same ranking, so for the price, quality, and features you may want to consider Valdada:

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9913&PN=1

If you are interested Lou I’ll update this once I mount and try out the scope, and will take pictures when I can and post them. In the meantime, what I can do is take it to the match on Sunday and show it around to some of the serious bench shooters and get their opinions/critiques. There'll probably be a Nightforce in use so maybe we can do an informal comparison. And if you have any specific questions, ask away.

Hope this helped.

Cheers,

Mark
 
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El Paso Mark said:
If you are interested Lou I’ll update this once I mount and try out the scope, and will take pictures when I can and post them. In the meantime, what I can do is take it to the match on Sunday and show it around to some of the serious bench shooters and get their opinions/critiques. There'll probably be a Nightforce in use so maybe we can do an informal comparison. And if you have any specific questions, ask away.

Hope this helped.

Cheers,

Mark
Click to expand...

Mark,
Thank you for your reply and yes I am interested in your progress once you mount the scope and put it through it's paces.

Here's where I'm at:
I'm looking for a high power quality scope to mount on a switch barrel rig that has barrels for .22-250 AI, .243 AI, 250 Savage AI, .308, 6mm BR, etc. with more calibers for the future. Right now I have a Burris Signature 8 X 32 1" scope on it which is ok but not the quality I'm looking for. I want 'real guy' testimony from someone like yourself who has no hidden agendas.

The March scope is too expensive, with only one distributor whose warranty questions and future service are not answerable to my satisfaction. Nightforce is a competitor but I'm hearing the optics are not as superior as some would advertise. IOR Valdada has been around for a long time, have an earned reputation, service and warranty back-up, and use Schott glass. Take the time to get into Schott's website; very informative and technical.

The March and Nightforce use Japanese glass, while very good, is not superior in the optical pedigree department the way Schott glass is. If I'm going to spend $1600+ for a scope I will perform due diligence in my research and not follow unfounded recommendations, particularly with regards to the optical quality. The fact that Schott makes glass for many types of challenging environments, from satellite surveillance to radiation fields tells me their expertise and qualifications exceed and surpass those of a scope manufacturer. The Schott cartel has been around since the 1880's.

With respect to the Nightforce, I have two shooting buddies who have the 12 X 42 Benchrest models that I can evaluate. I'm interested in how this scope performs in the field not just a bench. By field I mean laying in a meadow shooting in a mid afternoon sun, in the snows of Vermont behind a camoflage hide, in the mountains of PA, and lastly on the bench for paper punching and groundhog shoots. The scope should resolve images with clarity and no visible dispersion as well at high magnifications as well as low. While I know this is an optical impossibility, some scopes are better than others. I also realize there are desireable mechanical, repeatable and ruggedness features required in a rifle scope that will augment the optical qualities. Nightforce has a pretty good rep. in this area, March is still being evaluated by some.

Please keep me posted and your post was exactly the type of info. I'm looking for.


Lou Baccino
 
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Valdada

I can't tell you about their scopes, but I own a pair of Valdada binoculars and there is nothing that comes remotely close to them in clarity and light transmission. I looked thru a lot of binoculars and these are definetly the best. Nobody has looked thru them and not been impressed, even my buddies with Zeiss.
 
IOR Valdada Scopes

If it helps any, I own 3 IOR Valdada scopes. 2 - 4x14x50's and one 6x14x50(with 35mm tube). I have been using one of the 4x14's ( illuminated, mil dot reticle) for 2-3 years on my Rem. 700/.257 Weatherby hunting rifle. The 6x24 I have used on my Rem 700/Shilen bbl. 30BR for the past 3 years (illuminated, mil dot reticle) and I really like them. I compared them to my high end Leupolds and they look a lot clearer than the Leupolds. Not to say that I don't like my Leupolds but I am very impressed with the IOR's. I am still waiting for an appropriate rifle to put the 3rd one on. They are built like a tank. They have a little more weight to them than most but I think it is worth the quality and I don't have a weight problem with them. I bought mine out of Utah. I can get you the name of the dealer if you are interested. When I first went looking for another Leupold, this dealer steered me to the IOR line. He said everybody that he talked into getting the IOR liked it better than the Leupolds they had. I have to agree with him. I wouldn't part with mine. I have never had a Nightforce so I can't speak about them. Hope this helps.

Best,
Dan Batko

"Where are we going and why am I in this basket?"
 
wolf gray said:
If it helps any, I own 3 IOR Valdada scopes. 2 - 4x14x50's and one 6x14x50(with 35mm tube). I have been using one of the 4x14's ( illuminated, mil dot reticle) for 2-3 years on my Rem. 700/.257 Weatherby hunting rifle. The 6x24 I have used on my Rem 700/Shilen bbl. 30BR for the past 3 years (illuminated, mil dot reticle) and I really like them. I compared them to my high end Leupolds and they look a lot clearer than the Leupolds. Not to say that I don't like my Leupolds but I am very impressed with the IOR's. I am still waiting for an appropriate rifle to put the 3rd one on. They are built like a tank. They have a little more weight to them than most but I think it is worth the quality and I don't have a weight problem with them. I bought mine out of Utah. I can get you the name of the dealer if you are interested. When I first went looking for another Leupold, this dealer steered me to the IOR line. He said everybody that he talked into getting the IOR liked it better than the Leupolds they had. I have to agree with him. I wouldn't part with mine. I have never had a Nightforce so I can't speak about them. Hope this helps.

Best,
Dan Batko

"Where are we going and why am I in this basket?"
Click to expand...

Dan,
Thanks for the input and offer. I'm still in the investigative stage and am waiting to hear more feedback from owners. Did you shop around for the best price?

Lou Baccino
 
IOR pricing

Lou,
Knowing me, I certainly shopped around for the best price! Let me know if I can be of further help.

Best,

Dan

"Where are we going and why am I in this basket?"
 
IOR pricing

wolf gray said:
Lou,
Knowing me, I certainly shopped around for the best price! Let me know if I can be of further help.

Best,

Dan

"Where are we going and why am I in this basket?"
Click to expand...

Thank you Dan, I'll keep that in mind.

Lou Baccino
 
Greetings Lou. Showed the scope around on Sunday, and got it mounted and shot it a bit today. Sorry, what I have to offer is lacking in technical details and is more a laymans report.

The first person I showed it to took a look through and exclaimed “WOW! That’s clear!” This response/sentiment/opinion was echoed and expressed by everyone I showed it to (4 persons, all fairly serious bench shooters), including the guy with a NightForce. His remark- “That’s clear.” I did a quick look through the NightForce and I feel the clarity/brightness of the Valdada is at minimum at least the same. It is indeed very, very clear and bright.

Everyone commented positively about the MP-8 reticle. Basically the sentiment was “I like that reticle.” I too like it, but the dot will take a bit of getting used to. I don't know the dot size in Mil, inch, or mm, but it's a very, very fine, small dot, and man, you can sure see the slightest tremor, jiggle, etc. Takes a fine and steady hand to hold it on target/point of aim.

All were impressed with the construction quality and noted it did weigh more than western scopes. All liked the side focus.

Some personal observations after use-

The eye piece adjustment (Crosshair focus/diopter) is different than any I’ve seen. It confused me for a minute as I was adjusting it. It (Eyepiece) comes out so far that at first I thought it was push/pull vice screw in/out, but no, it’s a screw in. Rotating it counter-clockwise brings the eye piece out a (Very) noticeable distance, but it retracts once you start adjusting and turning clockwise. It’s not “Bad,” or “Weird”,” or “Awkward,” it’s just different.

Eye relief as previously mentioned is pretty generous. Again, I’m guesstimating a good 3 ½ inches.

Clarity is exceptional, it’s bright, clear, and there’s no discoloration evident anywhere.

The MP-8 reticle is very fine line, and I really like it. As mentioned above I have to get familiar with using a dot center though.

Big target knobs. The adjustment “Clicks” are very positive and precise. No soft or mushy feel to either the horizontal or vertical adjustments. In some reviews/comments I’ve read the poster mentioned that he did not like the adjustment knob covers. Personally, I think that’s a non-issue. Don’t like ‘em? Take them off and leave them off. Easy.

The side focus is a nice feature. Not that I use the marks on the parallax/focus knob/ring anyway, but this is marked different than others I’ve seen. It’s marked “100” then a couple 2 or 3 dots, then the infinity symbol. That’s it. It does adjust/rotate well past the 100 mark going counter-clockwise (Closer distance), but I’m going to guesstimate you can’t focus below about 75, maybe 65 yards. I eyeball bore sighted at 25 yards and could do nothing about the parallax/blurry picture. Same when I moved target out to 50. Not as bad, but still blurry and massive parallax. So again, I figure it’s correctable only down to 75 yards, maybe a bit less. So this isn’t for .22 benchrest shooters.

I didn’t get to do a lot of shooting today before the wind and cold got to me and I packed up and went home. From the little I used it though, yes, it’s a reliable and accurate scope. I zeroed at 100 meters, then moved out to 200M, and then 300M shooting metal silhouettes and clay pigeons. The clarity/optical quality/resolution at those distances was great. Sunday we were hand holding it looking at silhouettes at 600 and 700 meters and the clarity/quality at those distances was excellent too (Reference the comments made by those that examined it as posted above).

I let the fellow I bought it through (Mel at Sniper Central) use it for a bit for testing and evaluation. He reports it passed the box test and return to zero with flying colors. Hopefully he’ll post an in depth review soon.

Bottom line Lou is that I’m very happy and satisfied with the scope. Unfortunately, other than a few pictures, that’s all I have to offer. Hope it helped in a small way.

(Okay, can't log into Photobucket here at work, so will attach pictures later this morning when I get home)

Cheers,

Mark
 
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Here's a couple pictures Lou-

IMG_0306.jpg


IMG_0313.jpg


IMG_0314.jpg


IMG_0316.jpg


IMG_0318.jpg


IMG_0322.jpg


IMG_0323.jpg


Cheers,

Mark
 
Mark,
Thank you very much for the pictures and observations; I'm currently salivating. What height are those rings; med., high?

Am interested in any further field reports as you become more familiar with scope.

Lou Baccino
 
interesting rest

Elpaso Mark, Interesting front rest. I did the same thing with my Caldwell. The base is fine , but the pivoting top had to go! Looks like nice work on the replacement top.
 
Greetings guys. My front rest is what's commonly referred to as a "Fuddwell." It's a Scott "Fudd" Hamilton top on a Caldwell "Rock BR" bottom. The Fudd top is truly a high quality piece of work.

I got the Caldwell rest before I really knew what I was doing. It's "Okay" as an entry level rest I suppose, but it does have some issues. As noted, it pivots instead of tracking, and the pivot return spring is very weak. The bottom however is a cast iron monster, very stable. I used the Caldwell top for a few months then contacted Scott and bought one of his. Works great.

If anyone is interested in doing the same make sure you tell Scott what type bottom you have so he can make up a compatible center post.

http://www.benchrestspecialties.com/index.html

Cheers,

Mark
 
Ior

I have the new style(large turret)Tactical IOR 9-36x56 MP8 Dot Illuminated reticle I have to part with for $ reasons. It has been mounted in lapped rings but never zeroed. Let me know via email if interested.
 
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