Two scopes sit on the table, each promising to bridge the gap between your rifle and your target. On one side, the Monstrum Beast 3-18×50, a tactical-looking instrument built for dialing in distant shots. On the other, the SVITVU 3-9X32, a more traditional hunting optic that emphasizes simplicity and value. The choice between them isn’t just about specs; it’s about matching a tool to your specific mission. This is a classic showdown between a dedicated long range optic and a versatile, budget-friendly hunting scope.
My honest take is that both have their place, but they serve distinctly different shooters. One offers expansive magnification for precision, while the other provides a reliable, no-fuss sight picture for closer engagements. Let’s break down where each one excels and where you might feel the compromise.
Scope Overview & Core Philosophy
The Monstrum Beast announces its intent with its model number: 3-18×50. This is a scope designed for shooters who think in terms of wind calls, bullet drop, and minute adjustments. It’s built around the concept of repeatable precision, featuring a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle and tactical-style turrets. The included cantilever mount signals its readiness for an AR-platform or other modern sporting rifle where eye relief is critical.
Conversely, the SVITVU 3-9X32 embodies a classic approach. The 3-9x magnification range is the decades-old standard for North American big game hunting, from whitetail in timber to pronghorn on the plains. Its design philosophy centers on durability, straightforward functionality, and providing a clear image when it counts. Honestly speaking, if the Beast is a precision calculator, the SVITVU is a trusted, sharp pencil.
Magnification & Objective Lens: Power vs. Light
This is the most fundamental difference. The Monstrum’s 3-18x range offers immense flexibility. You can scan a wide area on 3x power, then dial up to 18x to identify a target’s specific features or place a precise shot at extended distances. That large 50mm objective lens is key here, as it gathers more light to feed that high magnification, aiming to maintain a bright image even on the upper end of the zoom range.
The SVITVU’s 3-9x range is more constrained but highly refined for its purpose. For most hunting scenarios inside 300 yards, 9x magnification is more than sufficient. The 32mm objective is smaller, which generally means a lighter, more compact scope. The trade-off is in the exit pupil size; in low light, the smaller objective may show a dimmer image at higher magnification compared to the Beast’s 50mm glass. From my honest perspective, the SVITVU is perfect for the hunter who shoots at dawn and dusk but doesn’t plan on taking 500-yard shots.
| Feature | Monstrum Beast 3-18×50 | SVITVU 3-9X32 |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification Range | 3-18x | 3-9x |
| Objective Lens | 50mm | 32mm |
| Best For | Long range shooting, precision target work | Hunting, general-purpose use |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm (inferred from mount) | 1 inch (25.4mm) |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Optics, Reticle & Illumination: Clarity Meets Calculation
Glass quality separates good scopes from great ones. The Monstrum Beast incorporates Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass in its multicoated lenses. This is a significant feature aimed at reducing chromatic aberration (color fringing) and producing what Monstrum calls its sharpest image ever. The reticle is a complex “Christmas Tree” style in the First Focal Plane (FFP). This means the reticle scales up and down with magnification, keeping its subtensions accurate for holdovers and ranging at any zoom level. Its illumination boasts 6 levels, up to a “daylight bright” setting.
The SVITVU uses full multi-coated green lenses. Green coatings can enhance contrast in certain outdoor environments, and the multi-coating on all air-to-glass surfaces increases light transmission for a brighter sight picture. Its reticle is a standard duplex or crosshair style, residing in the Second Focal Plane (SFP). An SFP reticle stays the same size regardless of magnification, which is simpler for many hunters, but its markings are only accurate at one specific power (usually the highest). I honestly believe the reticle choice here is the biggest philosophical divide: the Beast is for active calculation, the SVITVU for instinctive aiming.
For a deeper dive into how these designs fit into the bigger picture, our guide on the types of gun scopes is a great resource.
Durability, Mounting & Real-World Use
Both scopes claim robust construction. The Beast comes with a specific Monstrum cantilever mount built to handle strong recoil, which speaks to its intended use on larger calibers. Its turrets feature precision clicks (1/4 MOA) and a configurable zero-stop on the elevationa premium feature for long-range work that lets you return to your zero quickly after dialing for distance.
The SVITVU’s body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and is shock-resistant, waterproof, and fog-proof due to O-ring seals and nitrogen filling. A huge practical advantage is its inclusion of both 20mm and 11mm mounts, making it incredibly versatile for mounting on various rifles, including many airguns with 11mm dovetails. This flexibility is a major point in its favor for the tinkerer or someone with multiple platforms.
Weight & Balance is a missing entity in many comparisons. The Beast 3-18×50 with its 50mm bell and likely 30mm tube will be noticeably heavier and bulkier. This can affect the handling of a lightweight hunting rifle. The SVITVU, with its smaller dimensions, will preserve a rifle’s handling characteristics better. My honest assessment is that the Beast is a scope you build a rifle around, while the SVITVU is a scope you add to a rifle.
Warranty & Customer Service
This is a critical differentiator often overlooked. Monstrum’s listing focuses on the product features. The SVITVU listing explicitly highlights its “satisfactory after-sales service,” promising a response within 12 hours for any issues. For a budget-conscious buyer, this commitment to support can be the deciding factor, offering peace of mind that isn’t always present in this price segment. To be completely honest, a strong warranty can sometimes outweigh a slight spec sheet advantage.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
So, which scope wins? The answer depends entirely on your answer to one question: what are you actually going to do with it?
Choose the Monstrum Beast 3-18×50 if: You are venturing into the world of precision rifle shooting or long-range hunting. You value the ability to dial your shots and use a reticle for accurate holdovers at any range. The FFP “Christmas Tree” reticle, ED glass, and zero-stop turret are tools for a specific, technical job. It’s the stronger candidate for our topic of long range scopes.
Choose the SVITVU 3-9X32 if: You need a reliable, clear, and versatile scope for general hunting or plinking. Your shots are typically inside 300 yards, and you prefer a simple, durable optic that won’t complicate a quick shot. The included dual mounts and emphasized customer service make it an outstanding value proposition and a true best budget scope. It’s a classic hunting optic that gets the job done without fuss.
For those specifically wondering about which is better Monstrum Beast or SVITVU for deer hunting, my honest opinion leans toward the SVITVU for the majority of hunters. Its 3-9x range is ideal, the lighter weight is preferable, and the simpler reticle is faster in thick cover. However, if your deer hunting involves open landscapes where 400+ yard shots are a real possibility, the Beast’s capabilities become relevant.
Both represent strong values. The Monstrum Beast offers high-end features at a mid-range price, pushing into territory often occupied by more expensive brands. The SVITVU solidly defends its position as an affordable long range scope comparison winner for what it isa supremely capable traditional hunting scope. Your mission dictates the tool. Choose the one that aligns with your range, your rifle, and your reality. And for more unbiased gear insights, you can always rely on the team here at Honest Opinion.
Additional Note on Air Rifles: The SVITVU’s inclusion of an 11mm mount makes it a direct candidate for airgun use. If that’s your primary application, it’s worth reading specialized guidance from authorities like Pyramyd Air to ensure optimal pairing.