Author: Urimaginaryfrnd
Subject: What general-purpose scopes are 'tough?'
Posted: May/05/2013 at 18:58
Before we entirely drop the spotlighting issue let me tell you about what makes a scope useful or not in low light. First lets start by taking the rock solid choice suggested by JG Raider the Leupold FX3 6x42. While this optic does not have an illuminated reticle it has better than average glass with good low light coatings. However because of optical physics to determine how bright the scope will be in comparison to other optics you not only look at glass quality and the quality of lens coatings which effect the transmission of light, but if you take the objective size 42mm and divide that by the power setting 6x then you get 7mm exit eye pupil size. A exit eye pupil of 7mm is ideal in low light the human eye of a young man in good health will dialate to about 7mm so more is not needed but less will tend to make an optic look grey in low light. 10x with a 42mm objective = 4.2mm exit eye pupil 10x with a 50mm objective = 5 mm exit eye pupil 10x with a 56mm objective = 5.6 mm exit eye pupil. So if you want to brighten your image view in low light dial the power down to 6x or below. In bright light it doesnt matter but in low light it does.
Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - Yesterday at 19:55
Subject: What general-purpose scopes are 'tough?'
Posted: May/05/2013 at 18:58
Before we entirely drop the spotlighting issue let me tell you about what makes a scope useful or not in low light. First lets start by taking the rock solid choice suggested by JG Raider the Leupold FX3 6x42. While this optic does not have an illuminated reticle it has better than average glass with good low light coatings. However because of optical physics to determine how bright the scope will be in comparison to other optics you not only look at glass quality and the quality of lens coatings which effect the transmission of light, but if you take the objective size 42mm and divide that by the power setting 6x then you get 7mm exit eye pupil size. A exit eye pupil of 7mm is ideal in low light the human eye of a young man in good health will dialate to about 7mm so more is not needed but less will tend to make an optic look grey in low light. 10x with a 42mm objective = 4.2mm exit eye pupil 10x with a 50mm objective = 5 mm exit eye pupil 10x with a 56mm objective = 5.6 mm exit eye pupil. So if you want to brighten your image view in low light dial the power down to 6x or below. In bright light it doesnt matter but in low light it does.
I have two of the Vortex Vipers both 2-7 scopes and they work well. The Vortex line does have a no fault type of warranty http://www.vortexoptics.com/content/vip_warranty and if you really anticipate abusing the scope that might be a good thing. The Leupold and the Super Sniper also have very good warranty. I really think you need to set your price then decide what power range you need to work at the distances you will be shooting after that you try to get as many of the features as possible withing your budget. I dont see you getting all of the features you want for $500 but there are several good options that are within budget.
Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - Yesterday at 19:55