+1 on airgunner1042 (Gen2) if your considering HFT. Ever notice how when you began to look into your scopes’ ocular eyepiece you would get a dark “halo” until you got your cheek weld just perfect?
Virtually non-existent in the Gen 2. With a generous 4” eye relief it projects an even more generous eyebox. Your not going to be bobbing your head back and forth trying to get a full sight picture. Another quality feature addressing your concerns on illumination of the reticle, there are six levels of illumination with off setting between each level.
The glass is super clear and I’ve not had to use the illumination but a couple of times. When I did, the target was placed in a sheltered enclosure with a face plate painted black, the KZ was small and shot up around the edges. I don’t recall ever having to use it otherwise even on targets in shaded lanes.
Hawke has a “No Fault” lifetime warranty so even if you dump it out of your cart onto the ground and land on the scope (yes, I witnessed this happening) they have you covered.