Matt has posted the audio only version of last week's discussion of prismatic scopes and a brief written summary https://www.everydaymarksman.co/podcast/prism-primer/

There are a couple of things there that I thought I should clarify and add some specificity, because I have not tested all prismatics out there.

One is the statement that under $1k I would take one of the modern prismatics over any LPVO. That is generally true, although I do make an exception for the Delta Stryker 1-6x24. It is well built and has a nuclear bright fiber dot for an aiming point. I also happen to like Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 for the same reasons. The Tract 1-8x24 is growing on me, but it is over $1k.

In general, however, with LPVOs, I very strongly prefer FFP models. I tend to need drop and wind holds quite frequently and I often shoot on intermediate magnifications. The least expensive currently available FFP LPVO that I recommend is probably SAI 1-6x24 https://bit.ly/3mOjBoE (by the way, the introduced a 7.62 BDC reticle option). There are less expensive FFP LPVOs out there, but the ones I have seen did not impress me enough to recommend them. Perhaps, there is something out there I have not seen that are good enough, but I can't speak to that. Obviously.

Another important thing to emphasize is that we are talking about general tactical use on semi-auto platforms like ARs and AKs. If, for example, we are talking about hunting use behind clip-ons there is a lot to be said about good quality SFP LPVOs. Quite a few clip-ons out there are designed to attach to the objective of conventional scopes. That's how I use Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 and Tract Toric 1-8x24, for example.

If a thermal clip-on has a picatinny mount, it can usually be lined up in front of a compact prismatic and 2x/3x prismatics do work well with most commercial clip-ons. For example, Burris' RT-3 works very nicely with Burris' BTC-50 thermal clip-on (https://bit.ly/3E1bb2w). Now, that I have been spending some time with different clip-ons, however, I find that with QVGA clip-ons (the ones with 384x288 or similar resolution), I am perfectly happy using them with 2x/3x prismatics. However, with higher resolution VGA clip-ons, while the full field of view is with the scope on ~2x, there is enough resolution to zoom in up to 4x/5x when I am ready to pull the trigger. That's one of the reasons I use an LPVO with Steiner's C35. Between the higher resolution core and very effective image processing, I have enough resolution to zoom in a little. Same goes for the iRay Micro RH25 when used as a clip-on, although with its wider FOV, there is also a benefit to dialing magnification down a little.

One of the things we really discussed with Matt was how much performance modern inexpensive prismatics offer if you are on a budget. Well, if you are on a budget, you might not be looking at thermals all that much. Even budget thermals, if you want something half way decent, are a lot of money.

Before I list the specific prismatics, it is also worth mentioning that with fixed power scopes, for rapid close range performance, you are relying on an offset or piggybacked red dot. If you have sever astigmatism, that might not work for you. In that case, LPVO is your best bet.

Going back to prismatics, the word "budget" is really key here. When we are talking about modern prismatics, we are talking about scopes in the $300 to $500 range. For that money, compared to similarly priced LPVOs, you are getting lighter weight, better image quality, wider FOV and, potentially, better durability. Compared to more expensive LPVOs, you are usually getting better FOV, lighter weight and lower price.

Here are the 2x and higher prismatics that have impressed me in the last couple of years:
PA GLx 2x for $369 https://bit.ly/3vWrUks
PA SLx Micro 3x for $320 https://bit.ly/3KuU7oL
Burris RT-3 3x for $379 https://bit.ly/3yrNUpF
SwampFox Trihawk 3x for $250 https://bit.ly/3uUhxvP
Vortex Spitfire Gen2 5x for $450 https://bit.ly/3ASliZJ
SwampFox Saber 5x for $390 https://www.swampfoxoptics.com/saber-prism-scope-5x36

SwampFox Trihawk and Saber are large prism scopes, so they are comparatively heavy at 17 and 25 ounces respectively. However, even the just released 25 ounce Saber is in the same weight range as an LPVO with mount for less money and with a much more immersive FOV.

The others are rather small and trim designs. I am particularly partial to the 2x GLx from Primary Arms.

To re-iterate, none of these are as good as my Elcan Spetre 4x, but they are a better bang for the buck.

If I was building a starter 5.56 AR for one of my nephews today, for example (their ARs have LPVOs on them), they probably would end up with PA's 3x SLx or SwampFox Trihawk on them and an offset red dot.

For starter AKs or 300Blackout ARs, it would probably be PA's GLx 2x with a red dot.

For a budget large frame AR, I might lean toward a little more magnification and go with one of the 5x options.

Equally critically, these recent advancements with prismatics are not over. There is more coming. I'll release information as soon as I am able to.