It has the same glass as the Monarch (95% light transmission) which means that it has excellent optics. I think that it has a 30mm tube as well as the traditional tactical features. You are right, it has one heck of a scope for the money. However, if you are willing to spend about a few hundred dollars more, then you can get a Nightforce scope which is in a class by itself. The Nightforce scopes are commanly used in the 1000 yard benchrest competitions.
Zachary