Recommendation for a rifle scope for a high country deer hunt in Colorado

[Work2hunt]

I think I am going to buy a new scope for this upcoming high country deer hunt I should draw for this year. Any recommendations?

[Ikeepitcold]

Check out Vortex. Just got one for my 308 and I have a spotting scope. Been very happy with the glass for the price.

[Work2hunt]

What magnification did you use on your vortex?

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Rifle?
Budget?
Ranges?
Rank these qualities in how important they are too you:

Optical image quality.
Mechanical precision (tracking/zero holding)
Warranty
Low light performance
Weight
Dimensions

[Work2hunt]

I'm think I am going to use my 280 in a 700.
My preference will probably be mechanical precision, optical quality, low light performance, then warranty.

Anything jump to mind? What magnification would you go with?

[Bitterroot Bulls]

What is your budget?

[Work2hunt]

Depends on what I decide I like, but I would like to keep it under 500 if possible

[Bitterroot Bulls]

The Vortex Viper HS scopes are great values.
Meopta Meopro scopes are optically outstanding.
Sightron's S2 Big Sky series are good overall.
If you can find a deal on one of the discontinued Zeiss Conquest scopes, you are in business.

Low light performance is a priority, so lower magnifcations will be best. a 3-9 or 2-10 will be a good match.

My high country scope is a 2-7X32 Vortex Viper.

All of these scopes are optically superior to any comparable Leupold scope in features and price. However, Leupold's ultralight scopes are quite nice and very lightweight. They make very good high country scopes, but the variable eye relief is a bit annoying.

[Ikeepitcold]

Vortex Crossfire II 3x9x50 not as good as the Viper but a decent scope for the price. I would look into the Viper since your budget can allow it.

[bigmoose]

I have a Leopold 3X9X50, Vari XII that is great in low light on my 7WSM if you don't mind the big glass. It is in your budget.

Moose