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Scope Objective Size

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Graysteel View Drop Down
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    Posted: October/18/2007 at 09:10

As the thread on maximum useful scope power did so well, I figure the logical extension is a thread on the largest practical objective.

 

I expect I will be a bit more in the minority on this one as I tend to prefer larger optics. I don’t generally mind the extra weight, and their advantage in low light is a clear win for me.

 

As for how big is big enough, I prefer an exit pupil of about 7mm. So, in an ideal world I would like 7mm if objective for every 1x of scope power. Of course, that becomes impractical rather quickly.

 

The combination of larger easier to bump glass and the tendency of larger optics to be more fragile means that at some point too big is too fragile. Also as the objective housing is cantilevered off of the front ring, I don’t tend to like anything over 42mm on a 1 inch tube and even that is a bit on the large size. On a 30mm tube I feel that 56mm is the largest practical size for lugging around. Any thoughts?

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cyborg View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cyborg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/18/2007 at 09:23
I'm partial to a 50mm and any where between 5 and 7mm exit pupil suits me just fine for low light.
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8shots View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/18/2007 at 09:31

I had a saying in my military days, whilst I am walking patrol and carrying a rifle and 120 rounds of ammo, I wish for the smallest rifle and calibre. But when the paw-paw strikes the fan and some shooting needs to be done, I wish for the biggest calibre and rifle made for infantry!!!

So I guess it is the same with scopes. Whilst i am lugging it around the mountains, or in and out of a vehicle, give me a 20mm Objective, but when I line up on the buck, please let it grow to a 56mm!!

The old story of trade-offs.

For hunting I use a 40mm due to ease of carry and rifle handling. For target shooting I use a 50mm due to better light gathering abilities.

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cyborg View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cyborg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/18/2007 at 09:36

kinda like it's too hot, I wish it was winter, it's too cold I wish it was summer.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote HuntMaster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/18/2007 at 21:16

It all depends on how late(dark) you stay out.It has been my personal experience that a 56mm was optimum, whether it was a 1' or 30 mm didn't seem to matter- same internals.But my new Seeadler 60mm is a whole new experience. It will now be up to me to decide if I want to take my chances with the guys in khaki uniform who don't mind writing tickets and taking away firearms.

 

 Even though I sell German optics and want to do well with my business,I have always said, German scopes are only good for extreme ranges,and hunting in the dark- which is precisely what they were designed to do.

Derek

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