40 or 50 mm objective

[milo]

For a guy who hunts gophers in the sunshine, is there any reason to consider a 50 mm objective on a scope, for example between the leupold 6-24 x40 and the 6-24 x50 there is a huge cost difference. Also, the scope sits higher on the rifle.

What situations would you notice a difference?

 

[canucklehead]

Low light, primarily. If you're not hunting around dawn or dusk, a 40mm will do you just fine.

The increased size of the 50mm allows more light gathering. I would bet a nice VXIII in 40mm will transmit more light than a cheaper 50mm.

 

[Westicle]

the 40mm vs 50mm is not just a matter of light but also magnification has to be taken into account, at the higher magnifications the exit pupil size of the lens will be smaller then the same scope at a lower magnification.

by going to a 50mm varmit scope you will increase the usability of the higher magnifications and not need to creep up your stock tryng to get the right view.

luepold makes the new 50mm with the dished out lower oblective lens and they will mount as low as a 40mm while giving ALL the benefits of the larger lens.

 

[milo]

That's good info. I have a leup 6-24 x 40 with the 30 mm tube and wanted to get another one either the same or spring for a 50 mm objective, I think I am going to go for the 50 and then I will be able to make an objective comparison side by side on two rifles I like. By the way, I currently have a simmons with the 44 mm objective, I like it just fine but when you look through the leup and the simmons side by side you notice a substantial difference. It seems like the focus is not as good at the edge of the image on the cheaper scope.

 

[Westicle]

as I tell my buddies, a rifle can always be made better thru a new trigger, bedding the action ect. ect...... but a scope is a "you get what you buy" sort of deal.

I tell them to spend the money on optics, the more you spend the better they will be...... there is diminishing returns though after the $1500 mark but up to there you get what you pay for.

 

[350tracker]

milo, I don’t think you see much deference between the 40 and 50 mm with the 30 mm tube except maybe for the field of view because of the size of obj. lens. I’ve check with Leupold and they e mailed me with the info that the internal parts for the 1” tube and the 30 mm tubes are the same. The 30 mm tube was introduced for the European market. I have a 3-9 x 50 mm Euro Leupold. I thought I would just pass on this information if you’re interested...

 

[FranKKL]

The difference of 50mm, every body will tell you is more light: true. But: I just read in a magazine and my expence with photo work ( where calculation of light is important) can change the way you look at it.

A variable scope will transmit less light at maximum magnafication.
The amount of light transmited through a scope a lower magnification and absorbe by your eye will be more or less the same with a 40mm or 50mm.
To get the full advantage of a 50mm lens, you would need to use it at high magnification and low light condition.

Another factor, other then cost is the size: will be high and long. Plus the additional weight. I really liked a 50mm scope but considering all these factors and the type of hunting I do, I got a 40mm.

Evaluate your needs to get something for you. You indicated that you hunt in the sunshine, then a 40mm would do the job.

C U All

 

[eltorro]

a good quality 40 or even 32 mm is to be desired rather than a slightly cheaper 50mm.
The 50 mm scope comes from the old continent.
Many European countries alow hunting at night, but not allow shining light @ game. The 50 mm comes into play when you have a half moon and it works.

as far as I noticed, it has never happend to me to run out of light (looking through my scope) and still be in the right to shoot legally.

since most of the fishcops fully operate during the last minutes of your hunt, a shot at the wrong time can bring a world of trouble. A good glass will give you at least full half an hour after not being able to see the irons at the end of your boomstick.

my2c