Question about lower x zoom vs higher x zoom.

[ImpactX]

Ok so I saw this youtube video this guy was doing reviews on scope and he said if a scope is 3x16 50AO and 5x 24 50AO. It is better to buy the lower X zoom. So the 3x16 is going to be much clearer than the 5x24 of the same scope and brand. Is this true? I thought the higher X Zoom would be better since you can zoom as low as 5x up to 24x for further shot. And the 3x16 you are limit to 16x. Shouldn't both be the same clearity if it's the same scope and same brand. If I am going to purchase a scope and there are 2 verison, 3x16 and 5x24. Which should I get for better clearly and tracking? Will shoot out to 150 yards and maybe max 200 yards.

 

[OutdoorEDventure]

For pellet gun distance 5x zoom is a lot.
As for clarity and brand specific 5x will look more enhanced because you are zoomed in 2x more but not necessarily better. If you’re only shooting paper targets and don’t need to track 5x will work. But 3x zoom will be easier to see flyers, track moving target, and acquire the initial target.

Coming from center firearms hunting world 1x zoom per 100 yards is a good measurement with moving coyote, hog, deer elk, etc…

 

[boscoebrea]

True. Also, lighter weight and sometimes shorter scopes,if that matters,plus less shake.If you are shooting greater distance and have a rest, then a higher magnification can help you. Clarity is more important than higher power. Air gun shooting at 150 to 200 yards will take more than a higher-power scope.Now, you're going to have a better-than-good scope.
Research and be positive about what you really want to do.....in your case ,higher power in a reliable scope that offers great clarity is your goal; it is easy enough to get a scope that will work for you and only takes $$$$$...in the end, be sure.

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

Basically, if the scope magnification range doesn't have to travel that far, it will be a clearer image. There are trade-offs for different magnification ranges versus scope size, focal plane design, among other things. I can't speak on how each nuance effects the other, but there's definitely a lot of of variables that the scope gurus can explain in better detail.

 

[Bedrock Bob]

The more extreme your zoom the more distortion and focus problems.

You will have to spend a pile for a scope that will go 6x-24x and be usable at the upper extreme. Lots of "quality" scopes are distorted at max or min magnification even with a modest zoom range.

You get what you pay for. And what you ask for. You won't know until you use it at various magnifications.

The utility of a wide zoom range on most air rifles for most purposes is debatable. If you demand an adjustable objective and tons of magnification you will have to pay for quality or accept that the upper end of your mag range is going to be distorted and low quality.

Reasonably sized objectives with a reasonable zoom range is where the quality and value is at. Huge objectives and tubes and a zoom like the Hubble telescope is demanding a lot. You'll need to spend a pile of frogskins for a scope that will truly perform with those requirements.

 

[steve123]

Just musing...

You mostly get what you pay for so take the time to research the best bang for the buck brands and scope lines. You can get very nice scopes for less than $600. But I personally stick to $400 and up as a general rule. I do that because clarity and the general quality of the scope is more assured especially once one has found that ideal zone of desired features in the best bang for the buck scopes.

The lower powered scopes should have thicker reticles if they are FFP scopes and this still applies to SFP when its important to see the reticle in compromised lighting conditions. I go either way so both lower to mid magnification FFP and SFP for hunting and plinking but my favorite so far is Athlon's Helos G2 DMR 2-12x42 which is FFP. I also like Athlon's SFP Heras 4-20x50 which is SFP. These land in that "great value" category.

Usually the higher powered scopes have thinner reticles that more excel for target applications but also crossover to hunting. I only prefer the thinner reticles for target use otherwise not so much.
My favorite in this area is the Helos G2 6-24x56 which is FFP for general purpose as well as some match use.