I have been planning my next purchase will be the exact Leupold you mentioned above for a few months now. In fact I will be ordering one at the first of the month. The only issue I have is that the reticle isn't the exact one I want. The physics and engineering of optics and related digital technology are often just a mystery to me that I let the experts handle. Oh, poor me-I'm spoiled to the good life and complaining about not having the perfect scope. Great pic btw!If you want to step back in time just a bit. Leupold 6.5-20x40.
There is your 3x to 4x zoom ratio. And your , " contrasty." I'll add to this Accurate color rendition, and pleasing to the eye.
The rest of this is a no-brainier. About Scopes.
Camera's : That is different. You cannot compare a premium rifle scope to a Digital Camera. It does not matter how far that camera zooms.
Especially a Celly phone. The size of the sensor in a , full frame, 2025 , top of the line , mirror-less camera is about 3-5-7K, Or more. Is 35mm. By contrast, the cell phone sensor is about the size of your pinky fingernail. That means the larger the sensor in the camera ( the more photosites along with density) along with auto-focus, is better than your eyes. Now if you post process that image. Of course it's going to be sharp and contrasty, for your eyes.
Now, you have to buy a Lens.
Not just any lens. One that gets out there.
That is going to be a 600mm or more. Depending.
It will be big and heavy. It will be expensive. And then you have to learn to use it.
Conversely.
The Rifle optic may well have better, or even, the best glass.
It will be bright. It will focus sharply. But you cannot control the light with a rifle scope. The light is what creates the image.
You Can control light , with a camera.
I hope this helps you in your, search.
I too, practice with camera's, Len's and light.
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