Parallax question

[kansasj]

Am I missing something?   It seems like most lower end optics include fixed parallax settings ie 3-9 scopes and most 3-9 + have adjustable parallax adjustements.  I understand this and how it works and how the adjustments correct this.  My question is why do most higher end scopes have no adjustments for this or mention the same.  Do their superior optics allow or correct for this?

[spruce]

In my opinion parallax is a non-issue when talking about big game hunting scopes.  Under field conditions it's such a small part of the accuracy equation to be insignificant.  Besides that if you position your eye in the same place behind the scope each time there is no parallax, regardless of the setting.

Now, in higher powered scopes used for precision shooting (long range varmints/target shooting) parallax can pose a problem.  Hence, most scopes designed for this type of shooting have adjustable parallax settings.

And no there is no "automatic" parallax adjustment regardless of how good the optics are.  They are either set for a given range or have a manual adjustment.

[Catfish]

If you want to get a better understanding of parllax put your gun in something that will hold it solid and not let it move. Then look through the scope and move your head side to side and watch the cross hairs move on the target. They will not move at the range the parallax is set at, but as you get closer of farther from that point they will start to move. If you hold your eye in the exact same palce behind the scope parallax will not bother you, it`s only when you get center of the scope.

[kansasj]

I understand parallax and how it works.  I have checked it out a hundred times when on the bags shooting groups.  Of course one does not focus on it when shooting varmits just try and set the right parallax distance on the scope if you have time which is seldom on coyotes.
My question remains why cheaper optics have parallax settings and the very expensive scopes do not.  I cannot believe the very upper end scopes would set for instance the parallax on 150yds and let the shooter live with the rest when the cheaper scopes give one the option!

[fish7x57]

My question remains why cheaper optics have parallax settings and the very expensive scopes do not.

I haven't noticed that trend, but I have no desire to have AO on a game scope.

Weight, complex gas seals, more complex mechanics and WARRANTY cause better makers to increase the production cost.  I saw a new night vision binocular set yesterday.  It has a little green LED flashlight mounted between the two objectives. 

[spruce]

The better scope makers are selling high quality optics.  The makers of cheap scopes can't compete with optic quality at their price point so they add on some bells and whistles and hype up the "importance" of these to sell scopes.

[diggler1833]

With good glass, parallax isn't usually an issue with lower magnification optics.  It honestly isn't really needed below 9x.  With 10x it can be touchy somewhat, but still isn't much of an issue unless you are trying to punch little groups in paper.

For a in-depth answer about parallax: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallax

[helotaxi]

Most of the better scopes I've seen without parallax adjustment state that they are parallax free past a certain range, usually 50-75 yards.

[Dave in WV]

Over 10X parallax adjustment can be useful. The only 3x9 scopes I can think of with parallax adjustment are rimfire/air rifle scopes for shorter ranges. I had a Leupold 3x9 EEFR scope on one of my .22 rifles and sold that scoope last year. For hunting I found the adjustable parallax a pain to deal with.