Check Latest Price on Amazon. Bullet drop compensation, or BDC, is a long-range scope reticle for over 500 yards and more. Magnification in spotting scopes can range from as low as 11x to as high as 100x, depending on the model. However, high-quality compact binoculars may also provide a great viewing experience. Most will agree that a fine setting for 300 yards would only need to be at 4x magnification, or 6x at about 400 yards. A typical spotting scope will have an objective lens between 45 to 100mm, though the range between 60 and 80 is most common. You can also have a great view of a moving object. 3-9x stands for the magnification range. The first two numbers represent the magnification range and the last number is always the size of the front lens. Eye relief: If the scope showcases the numbers 3-9, this means the magnification power can be adjusted between 3 to 9 times. The 3 equals the lower end of the magnification. The best scopes you can find for less than a grand. For a 15-45x60 model, then, you have a spotting scope with a zoom magnification range of 15-45x with a front lens of 60mm diameter. A rifle scope that terms 6 2450 means the scope has an adjustable magnification range within 6 to 24 times. Some new scopes have a magnification range of 8x or more. Check Optics Planet Price. The 9 equals the higher end of the magnification. I'd also avoid the lower cost Nightforce. Basically the magnification number determines how many times better you will see an object than with your naked eye. A 4-16x is great too, though it may be more expensive to find a scope with a 4x zoom range vs. the 3x zoom ranges we listed before. Red dot sights are more lightweight and affordable than LPVO sights. 4.5 x 14 is good out until x yards. . For a spotting scope, prices can range from around $100 to $1,000. Pinty 3-932 Illuminated Rangefinder Scope. Answer: Being a small distance range, go for scope magnification that gives you a clearer image even it is just 2x-4x no magnification at all for large targets. When shooting targets at 400 yards, they will appear to be 100 yards away through a scope with 4x magnification. Last weekend I shot my first 1000 yard F-Class Open match using my Vortex Golden Eagle (15x60 power with the ecr-1 reticle). Not that a 6x-18x-50mm scope doesn't have its place in the shooting world, but on a deer rifle it's probably a bit much. 9x is the highest magnification level for this scope and the same target will appear to be 20 yards away. When it comes to long range hunting, the scope magnification is one of the most important factors. #2. Below are a few considerations to take when buying a spotting scope. Due to its straight bolt, it must be mounted higher than he likes. For regularly sized targets, lower magnification is not an issue. Most will agree that a fine setting for 300 yards would only need to be at 4x magnification, or 6x at about 400 yards. Some scopes come with the eyepiece permanently attached, while others have detachable eyepieces and multiple choices available. The lower your magnification is set, the more quickly you can find your target in the scope and get off a shot. Both the red dot sight and LPVO have true 1x magnification. 1. It is generally recommended to shoot dangerous game at ranges between 50 and 150 yards whenever possible, so high magnification scopes are not necessary. So, instead of the 3-9x that once awed sportsmen with its versatility, you can get a 3-12x, a 3-15x, or a 3-18x. A scope with 4x-12x or even 16x settings can handle multiple situations. Explaining the Rifle Scope Magnification Most rifle scopes nowadays are variable-power, meaning they have a magnification range they can be set to like 1-10x, 3-18x, 5-25x, etc.. Pinty 3-950mm Red Green Rangefinder Illuminated Scope. The 40 equals the size of the objective lens in millimeters - in other words, the distance across the front lens of your scope. With a bigger field view, the picture or the object gets clear and easy to spot. 1.3 Vortex Viper HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope. What magnification is generally used at what range? The magnification of an optical system is determined by dividing the focal length of the primary objective by the focal length of the eyepiece. Hunters who use fixed rifle scopes often have a larger field of view than those who use variable rifle scopes. A higher than 10-15X magnification power may be difficult to make corrections for bullet drop (elevation or holdover). If you're hunting smaller, faster-moving objects, you'll need a greater magnification setting. UUQ 4-1650mm Tactical Rifle Scope. The magnification is a physical property of the scope. You can find the magnification power of a pair of binoculars somewhere between 4x and 25x. There are scopes with 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x and even 8x magnification ranges, scopes with 24mm (1 inch) main tubes, as well as 30mm, 34mm and even 35mm. As you can see in the image above, the power range. Not really, I typically take most shots in the 30 to 50-yard range with the scope powered somewhere in the 8-10 range (again, given my poor vision in my right eye). 2. In this case, for distances of approximately 500 yards or more, a magnification power of up to 10x will do. The objective lens is located on the front of the scope (the end closest to your target). A high magnification will allow you to see targets at a much greater distance than if you were using a lower magnification. Scopes are designed to be used during the day, so a large magnification like 60x will be affected by ambient . For example, if you see 20-4070 mm where 20-40 refers to the magnification and 70mm refers to objective lens diameter. However, it's always a nice option to be able to power up to 20X or higher for shots on a squirrel's head at 60 or 80 yards. FFP vs SFP Scopes: What's the Difference? Fixed will only offer a single . You would describe this scope as a "three to nine by forty." Some scopes have a 3x magnification range such as a 3-9. Bigger lenses let in more light, but they also add to the bulk and weight of the scope. Also, remember that combat involves stress and also requires absolute situational awareness. At 10x magnification, Nikon's 2.5-10x56mm Monarch Gold offers a large 5.7mm exit pupil for low-light situations. Still, only the LPVO sights can adjust at a higher magnification level. These scopes may be only slightly larger, depending on objective lens size. Varmint hunting: 3x9 is good out until x yards. But in a 1-4 or 1-6, you probably won't be doing much ranging, so an SFP scope could fit the bill . Then the scope was pulled out by hand in steps of 10 mm and the images . Out to 300 yards, the view through a 3-9X riflescope set at a . If you are shooting 20" steel plates at 1000 yards a cheap fixed 10 power may be adequate. A spotting scope is always represented by two sets of numbers. Spotting scopes begin in magnification where conventional binoculars stop. For example 20-60x means 20x to 60x variable zoom. January 28, 2021 By Anthony Licata. Nightforce Optics 5.5-2256 NXS Riflescope. Spotting scopes and binoculars have a noticeable difference in their magnification range. An average binocular has a 25-42mm lens. #1. A 40x magnification makes the distant object appear to be 40 times larger at the eye. Microscope magnification is the microscope's ability to enlarge an image of an object through a series of lenses to a size multiple times larger than the actual size of the object. Whether it's near or far, you can always look at the target as if it was just close to you. We know the scope's lens has a focal length of 480mm and we know the magnification range. For hunters looking for a little more magnification than the typical 1-4x scopes, even a 2-7x scope can provide a better chance at a shot on a moving animal inside 25 yards than the more ubiquitous 3-9x optics. The lower your magnification is set, the more quickly you can find your target in the scope and get off a shot. Mag, .470 NE and similar cartridges. FFP reticle placement for high magnification scopes used in long range means that the reticle's measurements are the same at all magnification levels (the subtension remains constant). #5. You will easily find used 5-25 & 3.6-18 Mk5's on any forum. 8.5 x 25 is good out until x yards. For example 20-6080. The second number refers to the diameter of its objective lens. 150 yards is the maximum distance I can handle based on the previous section. Celestron Regal M2 65ED Spotting Scope. 1.2 Nikon Prostaff 5 20-60x82mm Zoom Spotting Scope. The magnification is a physical property of the scope. As the magnification increases, the apparent distance to the image decreases in direct proportion. 1.1 Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope. When you consider shooting medium-range targets with a custom gun, a .22BR scope can allow you to increase magnification power . Dec 9, 2019. This is the best price/value all-round scope with a magnification of 16x-48x. The average binocular has an objective lens smaller than a spotting scope. A target viewed through a 3 magnification scope will appear to be three times closer than its actual distance - targets at 300 yards will appear as if they were 100 yards away. These types are often parallax free meaning that no matter where you move you head left or right, the crosshairs will remain on the target. This rapid change has been driven by remarkable advances in equipment. 6.5 x 20 is good out until x yards. The Final Verdict. The gun is a BAT action with a HEAVY Krieger barrel with McMillan stock 'smithed by Mr. Gary O'Cock. BDC Reticle. Nowadays I find myself just leaving them set at max for everything. 18x is pretty good if your eyesight is good and you have good clear glass. In LRHS I run the 4.5-18x. Right now, the most powerful conventional riflescope you can buy is the March X-Series 8-80x56mm scope. I have two silhouette rifles. This is useful for quick shooting which is generally what the low zoom scopes are used for. They come in three sizes and are available in a range of powers; 12 to 45 for compact and medium sizes and 20 to 60 for full sizes. Deer hunting: 3x9 is good out until x yards. Answer (1 of 5): The "3-9" aspect of the the numbers refers to the magnification (also called power range or magnification range) of the scope. a 10x magnification would appear 10x larger when viewed through a device. However, if you are targeting a small object, increase the magnification up to 16x for accurate aiming. From here, it just goes higher based on your personal preference. Size and weight: A red dot sight is way more compact and light as compared to a prism scope. Features Night Vision Scope Goggles Monocular Clip-on; Product: Magnification: 3-14x-4x: 1x: Resolution: 3864x2218-35 lp/mm on center: 640x480: Field of View: The first number you see on any power scope is the lowest magnification, while the second one is the highest magnification. Highpower shooters regularly engage targets at long range with iron sights. 1. Vortex Viper HSLR 4-16x50mm. The best thing about FFP is that you can range at any magnification, so it's invaluable in long-distance shooting. The reticle size adjusts with the magnification level so the measurements are always accurate . 5,264. For an example, spotting scope magnification for 1000 yards @ 100-142 ft means you can see the 100th field of view at 1000 yards without any scope or binoculars. Our favorite mag ranges are the classic 3-9x, 4-12x, or the 2.5-10x. Magnification. Objective Lens. Or bump up to 4x on the bottom to get 20x or 24x on the top. They can offer very low magnification of, say 40x, but they can also provide up to 140x magnification and more. It's now just a fact of life in hunting and recreational shooting. It might lose clarity at the far end of its range. Spotting Scope is primarily denoted by two parameters which are magnification and objective lens diameter. 1-5x : The lower magnifying scopes are best used for close range shooting such as turkey hunting. Variable magnification scopes have a specification that describes the range of magnifications provided by the scope. Eye Relief: A red dot sight has a free eye relief whereas eye relief for a prism scope is around 2-3 inches (50-75mm). Fixed vs Zoom Eyepiece Magnification. When you buy a durable and . If you can save up a few hundred, you can find used/demo 4-16 ATACRs in the $1700 - $1800 range. . To calculate the magnification on a microscope multiply the magnification power of the eyepiece you are using by the objective currently in position. Spotting scope also can be used for long-distance viewing but only with your one eye. On the other hand, in contrast to the variable size of an FFP reticle, the SFP reticle is static.Thus, regardless of magnification, the reticle will have the same size. Thankfully at 10x even some of the cheapest scopes on the market will resolve a 1.5-2 MOA target at 1000 yards. Eyepieces: Fixed vs. Zoom. Rifle Scope Magnification Explained. This scope must be mounted higher than one with a 40 or 42mm objective, but if you want an extra-bright reticle, that's one of the trade-offs. Magnification: Magnification is a measure of how large a subject would appear when viewed through a device i.e. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro HD Smart Day/Night 5-2070mm Scope. For instance, a 624 scope will magnify an object 6 times. Some spotting scopes may have a fixed magnification or a zoom magnification. Medium Range Stability Whereas, '50' stands for the objective lens diameter that is stated with millimeters. However, if you use your rifle primarily for hunting large game in forests or mountains (>200 yards), then go for a magnification between 5 - 8x. Thus, a specification of 8.550 describes a scope with 8.5 magnification and an objective lens that is 50 mm in diameter. 1.4 Swarovski ATS-80 25-50x80mm HD Spotting Scope. Magnification. As the magnification increases, the image you see will appear to be closer, so if you double the magnification from 6x to 12x, the apparent distance will be twice as close, or five yards away. Scope magnification for 1000 yards There are several factors that affect how far away you can see with a scope. Magnification is typically the first number that you see in scope performance. . If you compare monocular vs spotting scope, monocular is the lighter of the two. If we look at the reticle of a First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane scope, an FFP rifle scope contains a reticle that follows or adjusts according to the scope's magnification. They can produce much better image quality for the amount of magnification provided at high powers compared to spotting scopes. I used to start out at about 16x on the chickens and dial up to max for the turkeys and rams. If you have to hunt in typical terrain, then a scope with lower power widefield is handy, say a 1.5-6, 2.5-8 or a 2.5-10 would be the best. The size of prism scope varies from 100-140mm/4-5.5inch & weight varies from 300-400g/10.5-14oz. For example, a 4X32 scope has a four power magnification which means you can see 4 times better than you could without the scope. You can adjust the range with a scope. The answer is really simple: a 3-9X riflescope provides an additional level of magnification for every 100 feet, all the way out to 300 yards (900 feet). It's important to note that past 100 yards, the drop of a .22LR round is considerably large. After the two numbers, there is a capital letter X on power scopes. Frank did a video on this awhile ago. Thus, a specification of 8.550 describes a scope with 8.5 magnification and an objective lens that is 50 mm in diameter. If the target is 60 yards away, it will appear to be 10 yards away through your magnified scope. Many find that you don't need any higher than 10x for a good 1000 yard range shot. Spotting scopes commonly range from 15x to 60x. Some have 4 or more as in a 4-12. As for a telescope, expect to pay . For example, a specification 954 explains that the scope has a magnification of 9x and 54mm is the diameter of its objective lens. The high power level of this scope makes it ideal for long-distance shooting. Rifle Scope Magnification Explained. The scope magnification also depends on the size of the target you are trying to hit. Our article will help you find the superior . Night Vision Scope vs Goggles vs Monocular vs Clip-on. Variable magnification scopes have a specification that describes the range of magnifications provided by the scope. The higher the scope magnification; the better you will be able to see at a distance. A BDC reticle is essentially a cross hair or duplex reticle with dots as well as markings beneath the center point. For perspective's sake, the minimum magnification power of a scope is 20x. Distance - CVLIFE Mentioned in this article CVLIFE 4-16x44 Tactical Rifle Scope Red and Green Illuminated Built with Locking Turret Sunshade and Scope Mount Included $62.99 CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope with 20mm Mount $64.99 CVLIFE Tactical 3-9x40AO Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Air Sniper Riflescope with 20mm Free Mounts $39.99 I think 3-18 is about the ideal range but also feel like some scope makers have to make compromises to get that kind of mag range, especially with FFP reticles. A red dot sight is used for close distance shooting, while the LPVO is helpful for short, mid-distance, and long-distance shooting. First of all, the huge objective lens required the scope to be mounted in high rings, and secondly, the magnification range was way more than necessary for hunting in the Northeast, where the majority of shots are well inside 100 yards, and any 200-yard shot is the cause . If it's a low power variable, then focal plane will have less of an impact on your use. it should come at no shock that a spotting scope has a much smaller magnification capability than a telescope. With a magnification range of 11-33x, you're still getting a much closer look at objects than you would with binoculars. A spotting scope will usually have a 50mm to 80mm lens. 1 Best Spotting Scope for Long Range Shooting-Our Top Picks. Check Amazon Price. Many of the most popular birding scopes have objective lenses of 50 to 80 mm. It'll make your short-range encounters faster. The first number is the magnification of the scope while The second number is the total diameter of the scope's objective lens. With the exception of the rather cheap lens caps, this is one of the best long-range rifle scopes on the market. With spotting scope vs telescope comparison there are advantages of both devices. (I think) Depending on scope quality the higher the magnification range will give you better clarity. A 3-9x scope has a magnification of 3 times at its lowest setting, and the image will appear 9 times larger at full magnification. The growth in long-range shooting over the past decade can no longer be considered a trend. For example if you want usable 18x magnification a 4.5-27 might be better than a 3-18 in the fact the scope is maxing out. Because of their high magnification, spotting scopes require a tripod, a monopod or a sort of stable surface to lie on. Big difference between an "all around " hunting scope and one that will just be used for long range shooting on the square range or beanfield shooting. Lugging around a 7-35x rifle scope would get old quickly on a sheep hunt, so find a magnification range that works best for what you're doing and you'll be much better off. If you are willing to wait a little bit, Liberty Optics will have about the best price on a new Mk 5. Fixed magnification 2x-3x scopes should be provided with a 20mm objective, which allows a straight 25mm external tube diameter for optimum mounting versatility and rifle balance. One wears a 6-24x and the other wears a 6-20x scope. The first set of numbers refers to its magnification (or zoom). . Well, let's take an example. . Rifle Scope Magnification vs. We used it for bird watching and also for some range shooting. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm FFP Rifle Scope. Many find that you don't need any higher than 10x for a good 1000 yard range shot. Allowing you to cover distances up to 400 yards with good accuracy. Shooting at a target 200 yards away with 4x will appear to be 50 yards . The author's favorite riflea Heym Express in .404 Jefferywith a Swarovski V6i 1-6x. For many years, 300 yards was about the limit of what most big-game hunters considered to be an ethical shooting distance. What does magnification power have to do with distance then? Also, it is optimal for short and middle ranges too. Depends on the application. A MIL on the reticle at 5x is always a MIL on the reticle at 25x. This provides (in the case of a 2.5x20mm scope) an 8mm exit pupil (light pencil). Final Thoughts. The larger the magnification range, the more you will pay, but it makes for a more versatile scope. A 2-7x or 3-9x magnification is quite versatile and to-the-point for most ranged combat applications. Most spotting scopes are larger and heavier than binoculars. A 4-16x can literally do everything under the sun, though if it's a hunting scope with low, capped turrets, it may have a hard time at long range. It is compact and comes in a padded case that we could even leave on while viewing, giving the . 3. In other words, the target is magnified nine times. Telescopes will always come out ahead in the magnification race. . To determine the focal length range of the zoom eyepiece, divide the primary objective focal length by the . A scope with 1.25x or even 1.5x low-end magnification is still very usable even on targets just a few yards away. Or,. For example, if your target is 180 yards away, it will appear to be 60 yards away. The more light that gets in, the clearer the image. Its turrets, lenses and illuminated reticle make it a fantastic piece of equipment worthy of the asking price. Check Latest Price on Amazon. 4.5 x 14 is good out until x yards. Scope Magnification is a measurement of multiplication (zoom) while aiming when compared to an average naked eye, making your target visible over a certain distance. This scope has minimal distortion thanks to high-quality ED lenses designed in-house by Deon Optical, which also machines . Variable-Power Rifle Scopes. The magnification range of night vision scope is 3x to 20x, so you can easily adjust the magnification based on your needs. The Final Decision on Rifle Scope Magnification vs Distance Whatever type of shooting you're involved in, the minimum magnification your scope will offer (whether fixed or variable) is 1x. You can set the view straight, angled with more powerful magnification than binocular. Spotting scopes usually have larger objective lenses than binoculars. The lowest magnification of 3x means that your target will appear as if it is 3 times closer. It has a magnification range of 6-24x and an accompanying 50mm objective lens size for light intake into the tube to help with image quality. For a fixed 4x scope or a 2-7x zoom, a 32mm objective lens is more than adequate. In other words, the target is magnified three times. Spotting Scopes vs. Binoculars- Magnification. 2. #4. Best Spotting Scope. A scope with adjustable magnification gives you the ability to zoom in or out for different shooting conditions. 1.5 Leupold 12-40x60mm HD Golden Ring Spotting Scope. Distance: Why They Go Together Like we said earlier, magnification rifle scopes give you a clear image of your target. In this case, it means that the lowest magnification range is 3X and the highest magnification is 9X. These days, variable scopes offer wide four-, five-, and now six-times power ranges; that is, the highest magnification is four, five, or six times that of the lowest. Magnification of Binoculars and Spotting Scope 15X to 100x Magnification of Spotting scope. Images were acquired at distances of approximately 40, 30, 20, and 10 mm from the lesion site without magnification, and at a distance of about 5 and 3 mm with magnification. I initially used 60X and as the mirage came up reduced the power, ending up at 35X. ATN got into the optics space in 1995 and has continued to produce quality pieces for shooters. I would much prefer a SFP scope in 3-12x power range. The magnification power of scopes is not so big or not so small. For hunting and most applications, a . 4.5 works fine on the low end but I wouldn't want to go much higher. The following method was used to measure the distance between the lesion and the endoscope. Being large in size, the objective lens will make the target brighter and more comfortable for visibility by letting in more light. Featuring a 34mm main tube and 56mm objective lens, this offers a true 10-times zoom ratio and up to 80X magnification. A target at 600 yards, used with 4x magnification, will appear to be 150 yards away. What is necessary is a very wide field of view and long eye relief.