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Quantifying glass quality

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ma1965 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ma1965 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Quantifying glass quality
    Posted: September/04/2018 at 22:39
Are there any metrics that can be used to quantify glass quality amongst various optics?

For instance, if optics A and B have the same magnification, objective lens diameter, parallax, field of view, etc., how can it be proven that A is better than B or vice versa?

I'm in the market for a new scope and this crossed my mind.  I've read many times people talking about a specific scope and saying how great the glass quality is, but how can that be proven without having subjectivity in the eye of the beholder?

Thanks,
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urbaneruralite View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote urbaneruralite Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2018 at 11:01
It's easy. Buy your top three from a place that will take them back without a restocking fee or perhaps even free return shipping. Take them to the woods and look through them in as the sun sets or rises. Return the ones that don't do what you want. If none of them do, try again.

This is what I do. There is no buyer's remorse. I save money because I do not buy more scope than I need.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3_tens Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2018 at 11:12
Eyes are different and see things in different ways. Hands on is the best way to determine if the optics will work best for you. In today's world of the best choices will being online. This makes it hard to get hands on experience with a wide range of optics. Lens material and the coatings applied make the differences. Better the coatings better and more accurate the light transmission will be. Most of us on Optics talk have a better than average level of experience between different scopes. Not much  here is advertising hype because we are not paid and are only here to help . Welcome to the OP and do some digging. If you can figure out the type and use of your intended optic then the search is well on the way. What optic are you looking for, Binoculars, Spoting scope, or rifle scope. Intended use Hunting , Bird watching, Star Gazing. Give a little more information and I am sure someone will be able to guide you on your way.
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ma1965 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ma1965 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2018 at 20:29
Yeah hands on would definitely be best, but not many places would let you test them without buying.

I'm looking to get a rifle scope to mount on my .308.  Would like to be able to hit targets at 500 yards, possibly longer if my skill allows.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Greek_Redneck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/14/2018 at 21:13
I have also asked the same question. It would make things so much simpler. One of the biggest issues with this is contrast and resolution. It's something that has to be balanced by the manufacturer. More contrast=less resolution, and vise versa. Each person's eye pics up these things in a different way, so you have to find out which one works for you. I have a Sightron sii that has more contrast (brightness) than my Ziess duralyt, but the resolution is no where near. Leupold in my opinion, leans more towards resolution than brightness. In my experience the best balance for me is found in Weaver grandslam, Nikon monarch, and meopta meostar. Vortex razor he is very bright but everything runs together. Different eyes would have a different opinions I'm sure. Here is a link that will shed more light on rifle Scopes in general.http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=122http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=122
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/15/2018 at 02:44
Something somehow got screwed up with your link.

Here is where it is supposed to be pointing to:


ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lockjaw Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/15/2018 at 14:39
I agree it really is something you need to take the scope out and look through it doing what you intend to do with it. 

For example. I have a Monarch 3 4-16X50. I love the scope for its brightness, and its clear and sharp, but not at 16x. Up there, I can't seem to get a clear sight picture, but, someone else might be able to. 

I had a Minox ZA5 3-15x42 which I completely loved. To bad it and nearly all the ZA scopes had poor quality control. I now have a ZX5 3-15x50, and its fantastic. Even up to 15x. 

I have a Zeiss Duralyt, 2-8X42. Love it. 

I have had a Leupold VX2, loved it. I have two VX1's, and love them as far as shooting and looking through and all that. They are sharp and clear, but lacking at dusk. 

Older Nikon 3-9X40. Love it. Great scope day or evening. 

Had a Burris Fullfield 2, not impressed. 

It's like a TV. Some people like them bright, some sharp, some like really vivid colors, some don't. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/15/2018 at 17:37
Complicating it even more: what one scope does is no guarantee that another of the same scope made in the same place by the same people will do the same. You could buy 2 samples of “identical” scopes and get considerable difference.
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