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Lens size vs. cost |
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Shenko
Optics Apprentice Joined: April/20/2008 Location: WA Status: Offline Points: 249 |
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Posted: September/03/2008 at 00:05 |
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A Nikon Prostaff 3-9x50 costs the same as a Buckmaster 3-9x40.
A VX-I 3-9x50 costs the same as a VX-II 3-9x40.
A Bushnell 3200 3-9x50 costs more than a 4200 3-9x40.
Even given the difference in the exit pupil measurement, it seems to me that the better, smaller scope would be the way to go. A lot of people must see it the other way. Does the larger lens make that much difference?
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crispycritter
Optics Apprentice Joined: July/30/2004 Status: Offline Points: 115 |
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Not for me. I'd rather have the better glass and keeping the scope low makes it more better IMO.
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silver
Optics Master Joined: November/04/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2291 |
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Lens quality and coatings matter more than size alone.
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"If we weren't all crazy we, We would go insane." Jimmie Buffet
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Roy Finn
MODERATOR Steiner Junkie Joined: April/05/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4856 |
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A scope having a larger objective size lense will only help once you get the the highter magnifiation settings. As stated, better glass amd coatings will go further in providing a sharper, brighter image. A scope with a 50mm objective lense with cause you to mount a scope in higher rings, which in my opinion prevents you from being able to mount the scope closer to the line of sight. I would go eith the 4200 3-9x40.
Roy Edited by Roy Finn - September/03/2008 at 15:10 |
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mercenary1947
Optics Master ** Joined: April/02/2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1392 |
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40 or preferably 42mm ..... no size of objective lens DOES NOT mean better results .... quality and coatings are the answer .... that's an old mistaken idea a larger OBJ will increase anything if the quality is'nt there .
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One Shot One Kill .... *S.O.F * Head Shots Only
SWFAM |
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dougedwards
Optics Apprentice Joined: April/16/2008 Location: Williamsburg, v Status: Offline Points: 213 |
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I will have to chime in here and say that a larger objective lens allows for a larger exit pupil and if all else is equal will give a better sight picture in very dim light.
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but you brethren are not of the flesh but of the spirit if indeed the spirit of Christ dwells within you...Romans 8
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HuntMaster
Optics Master Joined: March/19/2007 Location: St Stephens,Al. Status: Offline Points: 1053 |
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This is true, however, it will only be noticed in higher quality glass.
Derek
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FunShot
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/18/2008 Status: Offline Points: 91 |
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Yes i second that. There also seems to be a practical choice, even given high quality glass. For example a top of the line 50mm objective scope vs. the exact same brand scope in 56mm. Yes there would be a difference but i bet it would be hard to decipher. For normal hunting and target shooting purposes, for me, a good quality 44mm objective lens max, is the most practical, anything over would just be a novelty. However, for low light hunting, extreme range target shooting, or for military sniping, then a larger 50 or 56 mm obj lens with a 30mm or larger tube may be what is needed. |
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silver
Optics Master Joined: November/04/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2291 |
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Just remember that the eye reacts to the amount of light transmitted through the scope. It does not open up just because because you have a larger lens.
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"If we weren't all crazy we, We would go insane." Jimmie Buffet
WWW.formitch.com |
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dougedwards
Optics Apprentice Joined: April/16/2008 Location: Williamsburg, v Status: Offline Points: 213 |
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That is understood but a larger objective lens can be appreciated in very dim light when a smaller lens offers no sight picture at all. The difference is very noticeable to my eyes.
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but you brethren are not of the flesh but of the spirit if indeed the spirit of Christ dwells within you...Romans 8
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Dogger
Optics Jedi Master Joined: January/02/2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 8921 |
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Depends on the magnification that you are trying to use in the dim light scenario Doug.
A 4X-32 will let in all the light you can use whereas you would need to go to approx 50mm obj if you were using 6X to achieved the same perceived level of illumination.
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God save the Empire!
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Chris Farris II
TEAM SWFA - Admin MODERATOR Joined: August/13/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3196 |
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I have a Swarovski American 3-9x36 on a custom gun. Mainly to keep weight down. I also have a Kahles 3.5-10x50 KX on a Weatherby Mark V Lightweight 240 Wby mag. The Kahles is better on higher powers in low light but, there is only a noticeable difference after about 6 power. I use my setup with the Swaro 90% of the time just came across the Kahles at a good price. I personally would rather have better optics and a smaller objective.
CFII
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One day your life will flash before your eyes; Make sure it's worth watching.
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dougedwards
Optics Apprentice Joined: April/16/2008 Location: Williamsburg, v Status: Offline Points: 213 |
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Can we infer from your post that you feel that the superior optics of the Swarovski over the Kahles is the reason for a smaller objective lens projecting an equal or improved sight picture at lower powers?
Doug
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but you brethren are not of the flesh but of the spirit if indeed the spirit of Christ dwells within you...Romans 8
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dougedwards
Optics Apprentice Joined: April/16/2008 Location: Williamsburg, v Status: Offline Points: 213 |
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So what you are saying is that 8mm of exit pupil is 8mm of exit pupil no matter how you slice it? If we have the same level of optical quality........a 50mm lens will be of no more benefit at 4x than a 32mm lens even in the darkest situations? I am asking a question here, not making a statement.
Doug
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but you brethren are not of the flesh but of the spirit if indeed the spirit of Christ dwells within you...Romans 8
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Dogger
Optics Jedi Master Joined: January/02/2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 8921 |
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That's it exactly - assuming the same level of optical quality. |
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God save the Empire!
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Chris Farris II
TEAM SWFA - Admin MODERATOR Joined: August/13/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3196 |
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They are very close in optical quality but what I was getting at is without a substantial difference in glass quality the objective size will not make a substantial difference. It does make a difference in low light but, ONLY on higher powers when the exit pupil will begin to come into play.
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One day your life will flash before your eyes; Make sure it's worth watching.
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dougedwards
Optics Apprentice Joined: April/16/2008 Location: Williamsburg, v Status: Offline Points: 213 |
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Well I learned something today. Today is a good day.
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but you brethren are not of the flesh but of the spirit if indeed the spirit of Christ dwells within you...Romans 8
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