Skip to content

Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21×50

Introduction

Schmidt & Bender is a synonym for high-quality riflescopes all over the world. They’ve been in business over 60 years and are known for offering plenty of configuration options for their premium class optics, so you can basically customize the riflescope anyway you see fit. This year (2019), I visited their booth at Shot Show to check out their new products. I was shown the new 3–21×50 from the Exos series which is hunting-oriented.

Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21x50
Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21×50

New features

S&B combined an amazing 7x zoom factor with a 50mm objective lens for true all-around usability. Their engineers have come up with a “True Color” optic design that provides clear images during observations. The light transmission rate is said to be above 90 % (detailed data is not listed for now). It is equipped with a 34mm tube and weighs 925 grams (32.63 oz.). It measures 34 cms (13.4 inches) in length, meaning that it is among the shorter models in this category on the market. As is expected from S&B, this riflescope is extremely robust, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures from –55 to +70 °C . It is made of hard anodized aluminium.

Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21x50
Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21×50

It is equipped with a tactical turret (non-capped) which produces fine, crisp clicks. Both turrets are repeatable and high temperature resistant. I was told that S&B achieves ultimate repeatability of the turrets by using the “S-Spring Technology” that they have patented. The user can choose between MIL and MOA configurations as far as the turrets’ click value is concerned. Buyers will be able to buy either a double turn or single turn elevation turret model. One revolution equals 38 MOA (155 cm on 100 m), but the internal travel that this turret offers is huge – 148 MOA which translates to 430 cm on 100 m. The windage turret is capped and equipped with the zero-stop function. S&B added 11 illumination intensity levels with an off-switch between each individual level. With this, they made the scope suitable for all lighting conditions – from dusk to daytime. An automatic turnoff function has been implemented – illumination is turned off after 6 hours of inactivity. Additionally, the scope will power off if the riflescope is tilted more than 45 degrees to the side or 70 degrees upwards / 110 degrees downwards from the horizontal line (demonstrated in the image below). This function helps preserve battery life, which is a welcome addition at this price point.

The Automatic Turnoff Function; source: S&B
The Automatic Turnoff Function; source: S&B
Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21x50
Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21×50

For now, only one reticle is available: D7. It is positioned in the second focal plane. S&B added their “Minimum Deviation Technology” to their new Exos. This technology basically minimizes deviation in the point of impact that many second focal plane riflescopes suffer when one turns the magnification from minimum to maximum.

The new Exos has an adjustable parallax adjustment (side focus). The user can set it from 25 m / 27 y all the way to infinity.

Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21x50
Schmidt & Bender Exos 3-21×50

Conclusion

S&B Exos 3–21×50, available in black only, is expected to retail from 2850 €. All the additional configurations for this ‘Made in Germany’ riflescope, such as a double turn turret, will cost extra. It carries a high price tag, sure, but the user is provided with S&B quality, on both the optical and physical level. This is not only a great riflescope for long range hunting – its minimal magnification of 3x, compact size and 50mm objective lens make it an excellent all-rounder.

Picture Gallery

SHARE THIS POST

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *