Let’s Talk About Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope
The Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope from Optima is designed for shooters who need variable magnification and adjustable parallax in a budget-friendly package. It boasts features like an illuminated mil-dot reticle, side-focus parallax adjustment, and fully multi-coated optics, making it seem like a solid contender for airgun enthusiasts, varmint hunters, and recreational target shooters. This scope piqued my interest as I was looking for an affordable optic to mount on my air rifle for backyard target practice and occasional pest control.
I needed a scope that could handle the unique recoil impulse of an air rifle while providing sufficient magnification for accurate shots at varying distances. The promise of adjustable parallax and an illuminated reticle also appealed to me, as I often shoot in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Upon unboxing, the scope felt surprisingly solid for its price point, with a matte black finish and easily adjustable turrets.
Compared to my Leupold VX-Freedom and Vortex Diamondback Tactical scopes, the Optima lacks the refined feel and optical clarity of those higher-end models. However, its feature set and lower price point made it an intriguing alternative for a dedicated air rifle scope. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the scope seemed to offer a lot of features for the money, but I was eager to see how it performed in real-world conditions and if it could stand up to the abuse that air rifles can inflict on optics.
Real-World Testing: Putting Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope to the Test
First Use Experience
I mounted the Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope on my Hatsan Bullboss .25 caliber air rifle and headed to my backyard range for initial testing. The range offers distances from 10 yards to 50 yards, simulating realistic hunting scenarios. The weather was clear and sunny, providing good visibility, but a slight breeze added a bit of a challenge.
The scope performed adequately in the good lighting conditions. Adjusting the parallax using the side focus knob was essential for achieving a sharp image at different distances, although the side focus did not adjust below 20 yards as advertised in the negative feedback. The turrets, while large and easy to grip even with gloves, felt a bit mushy and lacked the precise clicks found on higher-end scopes.
After my first shooting session, I noticed that the scope needed frequent parallax adjustment and found that the included mount didn’t fit my dovetail rail. It also required re-tightening the mount screws after only 20 shots, which was concerning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope started to show some signs of wear and tear. The matte finish scratched easily, and the turrets became even looser than before. Regular cleaning was essential to maintain a clear sight picture, especially after shooting in dusty conditions.
Compared to my experiences with more durable scopes like the Leupold VX-Freedom, the Optima felt noticeably less robust and required more frequent adjustments. The optical quality degraded noticeably in low-light situations, and the illuminated reticle, while helpful, suffered from noticeable bloom at higher brightness settings. I found myself wishing I had invested more in a scope that could handle the rigors of frequent use.
Breaking Down the Features of Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
The Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope features a variable magnification range from 6x to 24x, offering versatility for different shooting distances. The 44mm objective lens allows for decent light gathering, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions.
The scope utilizes an illuminated mil-dot reticle, providing aiming points for holdover and windage adjustments. The reticle is located in the Second Focal Plane (SFP), meaning its size remains constant regardless of the magnification setting.
With a 30mm tube diameter, the scope provides ample internal adjustment range. The adjustment click value is 1/8 MOA, allowing for precise corrections.
The Optima has a parallax adjustment range from 20 yards to infinity. This feature is essential for eliminating parallax error at different distances.
The scope weighs approximately 1.5 pounds (estimated), adding noticeable weight to the rifle. It measures 15.3 inches in length, making it a relatively long scope.
It is constructed from aluminum with fully multi-coated glass lenses. These coatings are supposed to improve light transmission and image clarity.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the scope’s performance and usability. The variable magnification and parallax adjustment allow for accurate shots at different distances, while the illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope performs adequately for its price range, providing sufficient magnification for target shooting and varmint hunting. However, its optical clarity and overall build quality fall short compared to higher-end scopes. The illumination is inconsistent and the lowest parallax adjustment of 20 yards is a significant shortcoming.
The strengths of the Optima lie in its variable magnification, illuminated reticle, and adjustable parallax. Its weaknesses include its mushy turrets, limited low-light performance, and questionable durability. The Optima meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly scope, but it does not exceed them in any significant way.
Design & Ergonomics
The Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope features a simple and functional design. The matte black finish is aesthetically pleasing, but prone to scratches. The large turrets are easy to grip, but lack the precise clicks found on higher-end scopes.
The scope feels relatively heavy, which can affect the balance of the rifle. The side focus knob is conveniently located for easy parallax adjustment. The scope is user-friendly, but the mushy turrets and imprecise adjustments require some patience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope‘s long-term durability is questionable. After several weeks of use, the finish started to scratch easily, and the turrets became loose. The scope requires regular cleaning to maintain a clear sight picture.
Repairing the scope may be difficult or impossible, as replacement parts are not readily available. It is unlikely to withstand heavy use or harsh conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope comes with basic accessories, including mounting rings and scope caps. The included 11mm dovetail mounts may not fit all rifles. There are limited customization options available for this scope.
The scope is compatible with standard 30mm scope rings, allowing for some flexibility in mounting options. Aftermarket sunshades and lens covers may also be available. Be sure to verify compatibility as needed.
Pros and Cons of Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope
Pros
- Variable 6-24x magnification is useful for varied shooting scenarios.
- Illuminated mil-dot reticle aids in low-light target acquisition.
- Side-focus parallax adjustment provides clarity at different ranges.
- Fully multi-coated optics enhance image brightness and clarity (though to a limited degree).
- Budget-friendly price makes it accessible to many shooters.
Cons
- Turrets lack precise clicks.
- Durability is questionable for heavy use.
- Minimum 20-yard parallax adjustment limits close-range focus.
Who Should Buy Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope?
The Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope is perfect for casual airgun enthusiasts, recreational target shooters, and those on a tight budget. It is a good entry-level scope for those who want to experiment with variable magnification and adjustable parallax without breaking the bank.
This product should be skipped by serious hunters, competitive shooters, or anyone who needs a scope that can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions. It is also not suitable for those who require precise adjustments and exceptional optical clarity. A must-have modification would be a better set of scope rings, as the included ones are prone to loosening.
Conclusion on Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope
The Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope offers decent performance for its low price. However, its questionable durability and less-than-stellar optical clarity make it a risky investment for serious shooters. The side-focus adjustment won’t go below 20 yards either.
The value proposition is questionable; while the price is certainly attractive, the potential for premature failure and the scope’s limited capabilities may outweigh the initial savings. I would personally only recommend it to those who are on an extremely tight budget and understand its limitations.
If you’re just getting into shooting and need a scope for occasional backyard plinking, the Optima E-SFT 6-24x44mm Rifle Scope might be a decent starting point. Just be prepared to upgrade to a higher-quality scope in the near future. Before you buy, though, consider saving a little more for a more reliable and optically superior option.