For those of you smarter than me. Is a 32X at 16X easier to focus correctly than a 16X scope?
Focusing 16X or 32X at 16X
- Thread starter Skip-in-WV
- Start date
probably depends on quality .. i have found that 16 power scopes tend to just be 'better' in just about every department than say a 24 of the same make and build level and are a good compromise of mag, clarity, eyebox, brightness, field of view etc .. so my personal rule is if i dont need more mag stick with a 16 ..
Upvote 0
When using a 16x scope on maximum power, you’re asking it to perform at its maximum on maximum. I’m afraid you might experience some possible parallax distortion trying to range correctly which will lead to mis-ranged targets. I believe you can test this theory by experimenting using a 16x scope on say, 12x and see if your target appears sharper and clearer on a lower power setting.
Also, I’m sure your experience will depend greatly on the quality of the glass in that brand and model of scope.
Personally, my scope is a 24x used on 16x (I think you’ll find this is a common practice) just for the reasons I stated above.
Also, I’m sure your experience will depend greatly on the quality of the glass in that brand and model of scope.
Personally, my scope is a 24x used on 16x (I think you’ll find this is a common practice) just for the reasons I stated above.
Upvote 0
My experience is that focusing becomes easier, but less precise, as you reduce zoom from the max of any scope.
By less precise, I mean that at higher/est zoom there is a very small window for absolute focus, clarity and parallax.
As I reduce the zoom factor, the window for absolute focus, clarity and parallax becomes larger, but the margin for error also becomes larger and, therefor, less precise.
I hope that makes sense?
By less precise, I mean that at higher/est zoom there is a very small window for absolute focus, clarity and parallax.
As I reduce the zoom factor, the window for absolute focus, clarity and parallax becomes larger, but the margin for error also becomes larger and, therefor, less precise.
I hope that makes sense?
Upvote 0
I can't speak to the physics, just what I have observed using the scope in my signature and an Athlon Argos BTR GEN1 8-34x56 FFP. (smile)
Last edited:
Upvote 0
ThomasT
Member
- Apr 25, 2021
- 3,834
- 5,527
- 83
Hello Skip-in-WV,
I believe I can see your question, I think. But I believe that the quality of the glass makes a big difference. With that said, in your question using a 16x, once you have focused to the Stop, there would be no future adjusting. Using a 32x once you reached 16x there ? could ? be the need for a bit more adjustment ( in and out ) to achieve max clarity in the view. So in that case it would be a bit harder.
Have a great day,
ThomasT
Upvote 0
I realize the depth of focus is greater at 16X than at 36. That in itself makes focusing at 16X more difficult.
Upvote 0
No ,you do not buy a 32x scope to focus down to 16x, why have that excess weight and length?
You want 16x get a 16x fixed power scope,it would be a lot better,But hard to find.
Nay,If 16x is want you really want,also scope to be variable with parallaxe get something closer to that range.
I would also call the scope manufacturers and ask them that question and please let us know what they say.
I know the Nikon I have is better at a lower power than at higher power.Yes the quality of glass and the precision the scope has is a deciding factor.
High power variable cheap scopes are usually bad at the higher powers....
You want 16x get a 16x fixed power scope,it would be a lot better,But hard to find.
Nay,If 16x is want you really want,also scope to be variable with parallaxe get something closer to that range.
I would also call the scope manufacturers and ask them that question and please let us know what they say.
I know the Nikon I have is better at a lower power than at higher power.Yes the quality of glass and the precision the scope has is a deciding factor.
High power variable cheap scopes are usually bad at the higher powers....
Upvote 0
Although I do not recommend it for a variety of reasons, the scope in my signature actually does well at the max zoom of 27x. The main reason why I *ever* lower the zoom is because of lighting conditions and occasionally because the shot is SO close! Lowering the zoom in low light conditions allows me to actually SEE the target and for those really close shots, lowering the zoom lets me acquire the target quickly even if it isn't in focus (9 yards or less).
I agree that if you buy a 32x (or whatever higher powered scope) then you are intending to USE that higher power. If it can't perform at full zoom, then why buy it?
My only experience with a fixed power scope was with an SWFA SS 20x42 fixed. SWFA should be ashamed of themselves for STILL selling that piece of crap. If the lighting is not "PERFECT", then you can't even get an image. The scope "whites out". Just take my word for it. Supposedly, the SWFA SS 16x fixed doesn't have this problem, but I have had really CHEAP scopes (variable) that did better than the SWFA SS 20x42 fixed. Again, SWFA should be ashamed for continuing to sell that piece of garbage!
Last edited:
Upvote 0