Let’s talk scopes

[Bear44]

His hunting area offers mostly 100 yard shots and closer, according to him. His criteria doesn't really demand a higher end scope...Unless of course that is what he wants. More power to him if he wants a higher dollar glass. There's nothing wrong with it.

I realize not all glass is equal. Not even close. Some of the higher end scopes are fantastic. I have never needed one for hunting, but everyone is different.

Again, I will foot stomp the point of having good low light capabilty. In the woods and fields I have hunted, I believe it is the most vital aspect of a good hunting scope.

For deer hunting, if the light gathering capability does not limit your ability within legal shooting hours, good enough. I've been able to count points on a deer at 250 yards 10 minutes after legal hours with a VX II.

 

[Bear44]

And there is the rub. On a clear evening, over looking a pasture, most all scopes will give you enough light to see well BEYOND legal light (in Georgia). Conversely, on a thickly clouded evening, under an early season thick canopy, you're done at least 15 if not 30 minutes before legal light is over even with the most expensive glass.

Maybe. I've never experienced the problem, but it's possible I've never been in that situation and had a deer in front of me.

 

[MRH]

Your experience is obviously common and I don't doubt your perception, but... I read an article once on the physics behind scopes and objective size and it made the case that the limiting factor in a 3x9x40 or 50 is not the objective, but the physiology of the human eye. The summary as I remember it, is you could not in fact tell the difference, especially at lower magnification levels, due to limits of the human eye. Of course I can't find the article now...
Perhaps someone is familiar with what I'm referencing.
I have an older Leupold VXIII 6.5-20x 40. The low light gathering leaves much to be desired. I suspect it's me trying to constantly count the whiskers on the coyote's snout from 200 yards at last light using full magnification, than it is improvements in glass/coatings etc... but who knows. I just know it's a let down. I do believe a 50m in that setup would make a difference.

I was referring to the difference between 40mm and 50mm in the exact same model scope, and for me there was a definite difference in low light. Until then, I had never really given 50mm a second thought.

And of course I am talking about legal light.

 

[MRH]

For deer hunting, if the light gathering capability does not limit your ability within legal shooting hours, good enough. I've been able to count points on a deer at 250 yards 10 minutes after legal hours with a VX II.

Sounds like that's the scope we need.

 

[GeauxLSU]

I was referring to the difference between 40mm and 50mm in the exact same model scope, and for me there was a definite difference in low light. Until then, I had never really given 50mm a sec

I know. And what I'm saying is the "math", if you will, supposedly limits the human eye to light in take well below the 50mm objective in a 3x9. OK.... now I have to find the article.....

 

[MRH]

I know. And what I'm saying is the "math", if you will, supposedly limits the human eye to light in take well below the 50mm objective in a 3x9. OK.... now I have to find the article.....

Hmmm...I have no idea. Only what I can or can't see! Lol

 

[Burdy]

Right now I don't think this can be beat. It's a Light Optical Work Japan Optic. That company makes Nightforce, Elite Bushnells, Tango 6's, Razors, EOTech Vudu's etc. The only reason they are even in your price range is because they are direct to consumer. No distributors, no retailers, no reps. You get a pure pass through directly to you. Otherwise this scope is $1000. And take a look at the weight of it. This scope is going on an upcoming Ruger #1 build for me:
https://shop.mavenbuilt.com/collections/stock-optics/products/rs-2

Thats a nice looking rifle you have btw. Keep it classy regardless of your scope choice.

 

[crippen]

On a side note MRH and Bear44 Can one of you two change avatars please

 

[crippen]

The low light issue is something I want to pay attention to. My eyes aren’t getting any better as I age and I do have night vision issues.

 

[crippen]

So what’s the verdict on the CDS. Seems like a frill I’ll never use. If someone answered that I missed it.