Author Topic: Too much magnification? (Read 1164 times)

Zachary · « **on:** December 16, 2002, 04:35:45 AM »

At what point do you consider a scope having too much magnification for big game such as deer?

Zachary

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** December 16, 2002, 07:25:48 AM »

I agree with GW. It really isn't so much the magnification but the FOV I concern myself with. But since FOV is reduced as magnification rises the two are so interelated as to be inseparable. Everything in optics is a trade off. To increase either FOV, magnification or eye relief you have to reduce one or both of the others.

Anything much over 6X is really a waste for the vast majority of deer and other big game hunting situations. Yeah folks use more at times on a shot but it really isn't needed inside of 300 yards or so. I have nothng more powerful than a 3-9 on any rifle for such use and only one wears that much. All others wear less magnification.

GB

savageT · « **Reply #2 on:** December 16, 2002, 09:10:33 AM »

Zachary,
Ever used a spotting scope out in the field or at the range and had to visually sight along the tube with your un-aided eye just to line up the target? The field of view is pretty small at full magnification isn't it? Well that is the problem with large magnification gunscopes. If you are trying to pick out a target in the brush or trees you want a low-mag, large field of view to quickly find the spot in a hurry, like GB said. No need for anything much higher than 6X, or time to crank up the magnifcation for that 300yd. elk bugling for his girl friend.

savageT

Lead pot · « **Reply #3 on:** December 16, 2002, 05:36:09 PM »

Zachary>To me field of view is important.If the deer is to close all you see is fure.If your a beanfield shooter a 3-9 workes for me.If I use the shotgun mine has a 1.5-5 set on 1.5 for the rifle I use in Mich.it has no scope on it,to many trees,and it's usually snowing, and for a quick shot it workes best for me.Lp.