Monarch 3 vs 5 - thoughts

Is the 5 that much better?

I really want a 4x16x50 but you can only get that in the Monarch 3.
The Monarch 5 which should be much better glass only comes in 4x12x50.

Ill just go with the 3 since you have more power if they are pretty similar but after doing some research, the 5 has better coating on the glass.

Thoughts?

BTW, this is the BDC reticle im speaking about.

What are you using it for? Often times the higher magnification is only good for target shooting. All those fancy coatings are not needed on a range.

Glass quality trumps magnification, always.

I have the 4-16x42 with the XR turret on one of my .308. I don't know if it is a good or bad thing, but you must be lined up on the scope correctly to get full sight picture. I own several higher dollar scopes and many lower cost scopes and this scope is by far the worst with it. Once you get lined up correctly, the glass quality is very, very good. Much better than Vortex Viper or Zeiss Terra, but not quite as good as my VX 6 or Z3.

Hope this helps.

My thought is if you are using for hunting, I prefer the Nikoplex reticle and XR turret. A lot less trash to look at in the scope.