Opinions on scope for $500-600
- Thread starter karolko
- Start date
Well, for comparison's sake, let's say we're talking about a 3.5-10x40, and a 3.5-10x50, both with 1" tubes.
If everything else is equal, (lenses, coatings, etc.) then what you gain by going to a 50mm objective over a 40mm, is size of exit pupil. The basic equation is objective diameter divided by magnification.
So a 3.5-10x40 ranges from 11.4mm at 3.5x down to 4mm at 10x
and a 3.5-10x50 goes from 14.3mm down to 5mm.
This difference makes the 50mm scope look brighter at higher magnifications in low light situations, though at low magnification you won't be able to tell the difference because the exit pupil from either is larger than your pupil will dilate to.
Now with either one, you have the same internal equipment after the objective lens, so how is your FOV going to get any larger? You're still looking through the same diameter hole!
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
FOV is determined by lens configurations in the eyepiece. In regard to objective lenses, given two scopes from the same manufacturer with the same lens coating, the one with the larger objective lens allows more perceived light through.
However, as Dustin mentioned, there's a limit to what size the human pupil can dilate to. The large objective lens really plays a role in the higher magnifications since you want to maximize the size of the exit pupil.
I have a lot of expensive optics( zeiss,Leica,Swarovski,Schmidt and Bender etc). If I was to buy a scope for your purpose and budget it would be the Bushnell elite 4200 2.5-10x50. It is bright and has good glass . It is hands down a best buy in my opinion and very reliable.
- Location
- Invermere, BC
Thanks for the clarification Dustin and bearkilr. What got me confused was that when I was looking at the specs for Zeiss 3-9x40 vs 3.5-10x44 the 3.5-10 has a big FOV than the 3-9? Why would this be?
You should also notice that the 3-9x40 has a longer eye relief. That extra eye relief appears to come at the cost of a smaller field of view. Compare the 3.5-10x44 to the 3.5-10x50, and you will see that the FOV is the same.
also worth noting, is that in this price range, you are never getting the exact magnification they tell you. the 3-9 may actually be 3.3-8.6 and the 3.5-10 could be 3.2-9.8 (I'm just pulling numbers out of my ass... anyone with the current gun digest can dig out the actual numbers for a scope if so inclined)
