Fixed 6x S&B questions?

[Gallahad]

I believe Schmidt is only making the Hungarian version right now. I'm wondering if the 6x42 has the same light transmission/brightness as the 8x56? I believe according to objective lens diameter vs. magnification it should, but the "twilight rating" is different. Maybe my brain is broke. Experience with both in low light would be great. Is the 6x42 going to have as nice of a sight picture as the 8x56? Both in a 30 mm tube. I'm looking for a lowlight 6x with top notch glass, that holds zero -no dialing. Was looking at an illuminated 8x, but it's quite large, and may be a smidge over powdered. I ain't shooting past 200 yds. Thanks in advance!

 

[TxxAgg]

Interested

 

[Formidilosus]

I believe Schmidt is only making the Hungarian version right now. I'm wondering if the 6x42 has the same light transmission/brightness as the 8x56? I believe according to objective lens diameter vs. magnification it should, but the "twilight rating" is different. Maybe my brain is broke. Experience with both in low light would be great. Is the 6x42 going to have as nice of a sight picture as the 8x56? Both in a 30 mm tube. I'm looking for a lowlight 6x with top notch glass, that holds zero -no dialing. Was looking at an illuminated 8x, but it's quite large, and may be a smidge over powdered. I ain't shooting past 200 yds. Thanks in advance!

The 6x42mm S&B is very good, however the 8x56mm is better in low light- as all top end 8x56’s will be. At the same “brightness” something closer/larger is easier to see.

The 8x56mm is really, really good. Sonos the the 6x42mm.

 

[eamyrick]

I have two of the S&B 6x42s. I have the last made German version and just took it to Alaska for 8 days and didn’t ever notice a lack of anything as far as field performance in low light.

 

[Wrench]

Don't overlook kahles.

 

[JCMCUBIC]

... At the same “brightness” something closer/larger is easier to see.
...

This is it simplified.

One of the nice things about comparing the two mentioned scopes is they are both fixed versions with the same number of lenses, same exit pupil, likely the same coatings, and likely the same lens quality...those things matter.

There are still a lot of "user" and "situational" differences that should be accounted for.

 

[Kwe1982]

Didn't they make a 6x42 PMII as a limited run a while back.

I'd like to have one of them.

 

[JCMCUBIC]

...t the "twilight rating" is different. Maybe my brain is broke. Experience with both in low light would be great. Is the 6x42 going to have as nice of a sight picture as the 8x56? ...

Sorry, I should have answered your questions. I use both the 8x and 6x for hunting.

Regarding the "twilight rating". It's a formula for low light viewing. I believe it's the square root of magnification multiplied by the diameter of the objective lens. So the higher the power, and the larger the objective, the greater the higher the twilight rating. It doesn't factor in glass/coating qualities, number of lenses, eye relief, etc. An 8x56 will always have a higher twilight rating than a 6x42, even with crappy glass and coatings in the 8x, vs "the best" of both in the 6x. It's just a formula.

I use both the 6x42 and the 8x56. The 8x56 is brighter in low light and will allow better vision in low light. Every time I look through the 8x56 I'm impressed with it in low light. I really like to look through it. That said, I rarely use it. When I have a short evening sit over an ag field/wood line edge for a 300 and in shot it's a perfect scope. Because it doesn't have an elevation dial or windage holds I don't like to use it past 300. Because of the power and FOV, I don't like to use it in woods. I use the various 6x's (depending on model/reticle) in both those situations, as well as the ones where I'll use the 8x.

I like the 8x S&B. If it was available with an elevation dial and a reticle with windage holds I'd use it a lot more...but I doubt I'd use it as much as I use a 6x because of the 8x's weight, size, and use in all ranges/conditions.

The 6x PMII mentioned is my favorite scope for "everything, everywhere". I like simple things.

 

[Gallahad]

I did some searching for the PM ll 6x42. No dice. Couldn't even find an example of one. People who own them must hold onto them real tight! Thanks for the suggestions and experience, I'm still listening.

 

[270quest]

Doug at cameraland had a special run of 6x42's a few years ago - pretty sure they where PMII'S - They sold for $2000