My take on the OPTIMA 3-12x44 AOE Scope

[Mod90]

I bought a new scope, the OPTIMA 3-12x44AOE. Tube is 30mm. After initial mounting & zero at 20 yards, this is my short review of this unit.

This scope is a little heavy, but imo it's not too bad for it's size & doesn't add so much weight to the AT44-10 to make it a chore to shoulder or carry. It also comes with high rings. When I checked, there was a slight cant, but this was easily corrected by slightly loosening the rings from the tube & rotating them into true vertical & horizontal position.
The optics on this unit are very clear and sharp, with very good light collection properties in low light conditions as far as I can tell.
In my short range testing, the markings relating to yardage on the objective bell are actually on the mark. At max magnification over 10,15,20 & 30 yards, when the bell is rotated to the corresponding marker, the target image becomes perfectly focused. The objective bell is a little firm to move but smooth, that should improve with time & usage.
Illuminated reticle can be turned on to whatever brightness you choose, though it only illuminates red, which is fine for my uses.
Turrets are easy to adjust, no tools or fingernails needed.  Just remove the caps, & they move very smoothly with just a finger resting on the surface.

So far, minor adjustments & weight aside, for the cost I have to say I'm mildly impressed.  Now to see how well it stands up to hunting abuse.