AO versus side focus ??

[warrenb]

Is it just ergonomics or is parallax adjustment better using one method than the other? I notice a lot of scope manufactureres seem to be going the side focus route. The only experience I have is with my 4200 4 x16 with AO. Just wondered if one was "optically" better than the other?
Scopes with AO tend to be cheaper than their side focus counter parts too.
Is there a lot more to side focus adjustment than I'm aware of?

cheers,
warren

 

[Cummins4x4]

My understanding is its the same adjustment just different way of doing it. I have 2 high power Leupolds with the side focus and its great to be able to adjust while looking at a target, something I find difficult to do with my one AO scope.

 

[wild1]

I havent noticed a real difference between the 2 except the side focus is alot nicer to use. They have different methods to acheive the same result. I have read that some BR guys prefer to use the AO style on the front as it has finer adjustments but I personally havent noticed it.

 

[warrenb]

Thanks guys. I just found this link. It pretty much explains everything I wanted to know but its long to get all the info.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f18/parallax-vs-focus-1988/