Side focus parallax adjustment worth it?

K12

K12

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Hello all,

I'm new to using scopes and have been researching for a while on purchasing a scope for my savage rifle in .308. I have been to a few gun stores and looked at a few different scopes, but haven't had much in the return of feedback or advice from employees.

I've narrowed it down between the Zeiss 3-9x42 or a Vortex Diamondback HP 3-12x42.

The vortex has a side focus adjustment and I noticed looking through the Zeiss that it was unclear and that the Diamondback had the parallax adjuster.

My question is it worth it to get the diamondback? Which scope would do me better or is there a better one to buy, I plan on using the rifle for target shooting, and eventually hunting.
 
An adjustable objective is beneficial for high mags at closer ranges (50 yards and under). It is also required for competition target shooting.

Parallax is when you move your head relative to the reticle and it also moves the observed point of impact. In a perfectly focused scope you can move your head slightly, but he point of aim does not change. For hunting it isn't normally an issue because low mags are used and the effect of parallax is small. For target shooting where magnifications are high and accuracy is critical it is important to be able to make the scope parallax free to get that extra bit of accuracy. Many hunting scopes are set-up for parallax at 100 yards if they are non-adjustable. This is fine for a 3-9 scope, but a 32x target scope would be useless without the ability to focus it.

I don't have personal experience with either of those scopes myself, but having a scope that can focus is a benefit on the range, but so is having good glass (which I am sure the Zeiss has).
 
On a long-range scope absolutely but on a 3-9 I can't see much benefit. Try the ocular focus ring on the Zeiss to clear up the sight picture.
 
When hunting, a shot may come up unexpectedly and there is no Time to "dial in your scope". A fixed 100yd parallax would be ideal for this situation.

When target/Long-range shooting, you have all the time in the world. So adjustable parallax makes sense.
 
Side focus is very important for mag over 9X. BUT that mechanism has to be tied to a properly functioning scope. Alot of side focus mechanisms don't work well even with some pricey costs.

So, it is important, yes. Should you get a side focus in a quality high mag scope, absolutely.

See Sightron as they have all sorts to fit and with super glass and function.

Although a bit big, the SII big Sky 6.5-20X50 LRMOA would cover your target shooting needs easily and no too bad for hunting - glass is superb and I feel the best in a 1" tube. The SII Big Sky 3-9X42 is a generic hunting scope in appearance but glass is way better then most every 1" scope out there.

Just depends on your budget and goals.

Lots to choose from

Jerry
 
I absolutely swear by parallax adjustable scopes and most of mine are such. The two exceptions are a youth 22 scoped with a fixed parallax 40 of yards and my hunting rifle at 100 yards.
I wanted to make the youth rifle as simple as possible and this works well for him on the VX2 2-7X33. On my hunting rifle I can't be bothered to dink with an AO on large targets when seconds count. IMO 14X is about the most magnification I'd ever want without an an AO. Therefore my scope of choice is a CDS 3.5-14X40 fixed parallax.
Any rifle of mine that is used for range or small targets has an adjustable parallax.
 
You don't have to constantly adjust your parallax just because it's adjustable. On my higher magnification hunting scopes I just set it for the conditions of the day and never look at it again. I wouldn't be without it on my higher magnification scopes.
 
I would add... For hunting the difference will be minimal at 100 meters. Big target and 1" left or right will not make a huge difference. But for precision target shooting it can make a big difference.
 
like they all said.... but, for fast shooting/hunting, like coyote hunting, a non-focus scope may be beneficial. I have a Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10x44 RZ600 on my HK SL8 and LOVE it..... When those 'yotes break out and haul ass I dont need to worry about adjusting focus and getting a sight picture. I just whip the rifle up, acquire target and shoot. Nice. On my long range rifles the side focus is a must!
 
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