Author Topic: Light Transmission in scopes (Read 1265 times)

Donaldo · « **on:** June 02, 2004, 03:10:37 PM »

I have been researching the degree of light transmission in scopes. Frankly what got me interested is that in looking at Leupold Rifleman scopes they seemed to have inferior light gathering than some other scopes, some of lesser cost. Then I began to notice that the Rifleman only had 88% light transmission, whereas some of the others had 91% and 95%. Now I don't know if I could really tell the difference in 88 and 91 or if this is just a bunch of advertising bs. Now the question. Does anyone know what the transmission factor is on the Simmons Aetec scopes. I know they are fairly cheap scopes but man do they look clear to me. I can't figure out how to contact Simmons. I thought Jon from Optics Zone might have the answer.

Dave in WV · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2004, 03:25:27 PM »

You may or may not notice the difference. There are other considerations when choosing a scope. One thing you pay for is clarity. You will not get the clarity from a scope costing $150 or less that you will from a $220+ scope. Younger eyes will help make up the difference but as you get older the better scopes will be more appreciated. I have found a good quality scope will allow you to see as clear with a lower magnification as a cheap scope with more magnification. 88% light transmission will do almost anything you will need in LEGAL shooting light. If a cheap scope holds zero and doesn't fog it will do the job. A Geo Metro will get you from point A to B and so will a Mercedes. I just ordered a Leupold VX2 1x4. A VX3 1.5x5 may have better light transmission or clarity but not enough for me to spend another $140 to get a smaller field of view and a scope that weighs a bit more.

Zachary · « **Reply #2 on:** June 02, 2004, 03:41:25 PM »

I don't know the light transmission for any of the Simmons scopes, but I DO know that I have seen quite a few scopes literally fall apart. I know that there are people out there that have many Simmons scopes and swear by them, but I wouldn't take a Simmons scope for free.

The reason I say this is because I don't want you to think that light transmission is everything - because it's not.

It's like buying a car...you don't just look at the engine to see how much horsepower it has, you have to look at it's quality, reliability, etc. You also have to look at the transmission, brakes, suspension, handling, etc.

As for light transmission, I can tell the difference between 88% and 95%, but I don't know if I can tell the difference between 88% and 91%. But trust me, the better the light transmission, the better you are, even if shooting during legal shooting because there is just nothing wrong with having very good glass.

Zachary

Zachary · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2004, 05:10:18 AM »

Actually, 2 scopes that I saw fail were the Aetec models. :oops:

I know that our sponsors sell Simmons scopes, and that's great, but I advocate the Nikon Monarchs and Buckmasters, Bushnell Elite 4200s and 3200s, and Zeiss Conquests.

I bought a Nightforce NXS scope from Chris at riflescopes.com. It cost over $1,000, but it is an AWESOME scope.

Still, I understand that not everyone can afford expensive optics. But when comparing a High end Simmons to an Elite 3200, I'd take the 3200 every time.

Zachary

flintlock · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2004, 06:14:30 AM »

Dave and Zack...Amen...to what ya'll said....Donald...Let me tell you a story....I was hunting a field of cut corn about 5 years ago, with a buddy...we were on the ground...had a decoy on the field...rattling, grunting...having a good time....He had a new .270 with a Simmons Aetec...I had my .243...with a Leupold VX-II...3x9x40mm...In NC...legal shooting is 30min before sunrise and 30min after sundown...About 10 minutes after sundown the does started piling into the field...we waited about 10 minutes....At that time, I told my buddy to go ahead and take a doe...they were about 50 yards away...and feeding our way...toward our scent trail....He picked up his gun...and couldn't see them in his scope...I handed him mine...and he could see to shoot them....He's a lefty...so he handed back to me, and told me to shoot...scared my gun might not be "on" for him....At that moment...another deer stepped into the field....Head held high...looking at those does, about 150 yards away....I took a rest...popped him in the shoulder...8 point....My buddy was fit to be tied....the gun store clerk told him the Aetec was just as good as the more expensive Leupold....He now has a Leuopold...

One of my younger brothers has a VX-IIIx50mm on his Browning .280...I have hunted with this gun...My eyes can't tell a difference in light gathering...But my brother loves it, and has never had a problem with...He agrees that its no better in low light than his VX-II 3x9x40 that is on his 7mm-08 on his Model 7...Like Dave said...you need to get somwhere above $220 to get a decent scope....If a man wants to spend $1200 for a Swarovski...that's fine...its his money...he'll be happy...If a man spends $89 for a Wal-mart special....he won't be satisfied....
By the way...I think that 30min after sundown...is late enough...for safety reasons...flintlock

Bullseye · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:51:32 AM »

There is more than a couple scopes for under $220 that will work plenty well at 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after sunrise for us average hunters that do not have huge stashes of cash.

Zachary · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2004, 08:41:23 AM »

And those scopes are the Bushnell Elite 3200 and the Nikon Buckmaster. You can get these scopes in the $150 to $200 range - depending on model.

Like I said, I'd take an Elite 3200 3x-9x-40mm (which costs about $160) over any Simmons Aetec or otherwise for the same price.

In fact, from my experiences, I wouldn't use any Simmons scope even if you gave it to me for free. Why? Well, the story above tells it all - if you have a Simmons Aetec, but can't even see a deer 50 yards away, but CAN with a Leupold VX-II, then the Simmons is actually MORE expensive than the Leupold.

Zachary

goose7856 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 08, 2004, 07:47:40 PM »

I know that not many people have said anything about Swift scopes and Pentax but those are two other scope brands that can be relied upon. The pentax is a little more expensive about $215. but you can get a swift for about $145 (depending on model in both cases). Just my opinion :lol: :lol: :grin:

goose7856 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 17, 2004, 08:34:41 AM »

What does everyone else think about those two scope I mentioned??

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** July 17, 2004, 09:22:44 AM »

Quote from: goose7856

What does everyone else think about those two scope I mentioned??

I can't say anything about the Pentax but the Swift Premier line has some excellent scopes for the money, probably one of the best buys in optics. It's American owned so another good point. I would NOT recommend the standard line, I've heard some complaints about them but none about the premiers, in fact I've heard nothing but praise for the premiers, in particular the 676 which is a 4-12x40AO. They have a lifetime over-the-counter replacement policy and they stand behind it, can't ask for more than that. Tim

Dave in WV · « **Reply #10 on:** July 17, 2004, 10:41:14 AM »

I have a Pentax Lightseeker 2x8 and I like it.