Panther weak, has something changed?

[MK-84]

Whenever I use (used) a Panther, it WAS to make use of the awesome sight....always longer than 1500. I'd often take note of the guy's name, and see what he was driving....usually a T34 or a PanzerH

1.5K is still in the danger zone for a Panther or tiger.  2.0k is starting to be the point where you begin to become immune to anything save for another panther, tiger(S) or a firefly.
The terrain can be used to further increase your survilability.  A small hill could be driven up slightly to increase the effective angle of your armor, or to put you "hull down"  The superior optics now make a huge difference in targeting.  None of this means you cant be destroyed, but it sure does minimize the risk.

I think the biggest problem is that most(?) of the tank fights occur at such close ranges (under 1.5k)   That alot of the perked tanks advantages are not utilized properly.

[bj229r]

no doubt....remember a scenario recently...3-4 of us were fighting 3-4 of them---was one of those deals where 2 spawns intersected in the middle of nowhere. Kept seeing the same guy in a T34 driving up, and ALL of us noticed it took a ridiculous amount of hits to kill him. What I finally noticed was he AlWAYS turned his T34 about 30 degrees to the far side, and sure enough, 1 shot after another would bounce off him, even from Tigers

[SmokinLoon]

1.5K is still in the danger zone for a Panther or tiger.  2.0k is starting to be the point where you begin to become immune to anything save for another panther, tiger(S) or a firefly.
The terrain can be used to further increase your survilability.  A small hill could be driven up slightly to increase the effective angle of your armor, or to put you "hull down"  The superior optics now make a huge difference in targeting.  None of this means you cant be destroyed, but it sure does minimize the risk.

I think the biggest problem is that most(?) of the tank fights occur at such close ranges (under 1.5k)   That alot of the perked tanks advantages are not utilized properly.

Indeed, I get very comfortable in a Panther when enemy tanks are at 1600 yards and greater.  If can get cover from the direct threats (King Tiger, Tiger, Firefly, and Panther), not much else can run with a Panther beyond 1600 yards in a head to head match up.