Recommend a scope

[Macintosh]

@cafemike thats correct. Tube diameter has nothing to do with light gathering, it is determined by the exit pupil diameter (objective dia divided by magnification) and the lens coatings.
this will explain. https://accurateordnance.com/exit-pupil/

Also, regarding parallax. Parallax error is the change in point of impact versus point of aim depending on whether you are “centered” in the scope field of view. This poi error matters at very long range, but is negligible at the ranges being discussed in this thread, which is why I said it makes no sense to avoid a fixed parallax scope for 400yd and closer shooting.
This is totally different than simply image focus, which sounds like what you are referring to. There are plenty of fixed parallax scopes that are visually crisp from bayonet range to infinty.
Yes, many ffp adjustable parallax scopes have really poor depth of focus and require adjusting—but that says nothing about fixed parallax in general. With some fixed parallax scopes, at higher max magnifications the depth of focus can become more critical and/or you can get some image distortion around the outer edge of the fov at very close range. BUT Id say that is an inherent problem with choosing too much magnification, rather than a problem with fixed parallax in general—ime this only happens at max magnification at extremely close range (say 50 yards or less), and imo its just as easy to dial-back magnification as it is to adjust parallax…and more effective because it comes with the added benefit of optimizing your field of view for such close range. All of my personal fixed parallax scopes are visually crisp from close to far at all magnifications though (including both sfp and ffp). I have found this to be pretty universal, so I dont think a fixed parallax scope that doesnt require parallax adjustment to achieve a crisp focus at all ranges is hard to find.
I personally consider adjustable parallax more of a liability than a benefit on a short-range-only scope. If you want or like adjustable, great…just dont think that its somehow necessary for this use.

 

[30338]

I'd buy any Nightforce that came close to your specs. I have and life has been good.

 

[z987k]

So a larger tube contributes absolutely nothing vs a smaller all things equal?

You get more erector travel.

 

[plebe]

The only one with holdovers. The mil dot.

How does that one handle close fast shots? I’ve heard the reticle is quite fine, which is obviously nice for those longer shots, but may be a bit of a handicap for close range scenarios?

 

[plebe]

So a larger tube contributes absolutely nothing vs a smaller all things equal?

There’s no such thing as light gathering.

And objective size is often the same, one scope to another despite tube size.

However, the quality of coatings and components is sometimes increased in the high end models with larger tube diameter which in some instances theoretically could favor a certain optic’s low light performance over another. Mechanics of the internals are also a factor.

At least that’s my understanding of it.

 

[Kenai_dtracker]

Trijicon credo 3x9x40 with Green illuminated cross hairs is a great scope, and only 17oz. The glass is great in low light.

 

[fmyth]

There’s no such thing as light gathering.

And objective size is often the same, one scope to another despite tube size.

However, the quality of coatings and components is sometimes increased in the high end models with larger tube diameter which in some instances theoretically could favor a certain optic’s low light performance over another. Mechanics of the internals are also a factor.

At least that’s my understanding of it.

You should read the post #41 above by Macintosh.

"light gathering, it is determined by the exit pupil diameter (objective dia divided by magnification) and the lens coatings. this will explain. https://accurateordnance.com/exit-pupil/"

 

[MtnW]

Schmidt Bender 1.5-6X42 on a Dakota 76 in .340 Wea traveled with me on hunts for twenty five years without a hiccup. About a perfect hunting scope rugged like a Landcruiser

 

[plebe]

You should read the post #41 above by Macintosh.

"light gathering, it is determined by the exit pupil diameter (objective dia divided by magnification) and the lens coatings. this will explain. https://accurateordnance.com/exit-pupil/"

Yeah, no.

 

[Macintosh]

Yes, “light gathering” technically doesnt exist as I understand it, but rightly or wrongly is used to describe how bright a scope will appear and how you can resolve images in very low light. It certainly can be PERCEIVED as adding light beyond where you can see with your naked eye, so it’s no surprise people colloquially refer to a optic’s ability to “gather” light. Perhaps light transmission is a better term, or maybe thats not the technical term either. Regardless, the ability of a scope to function better in low light as discussed here is determined by exit pupil (objective diameter divided by magnification), combined with quality of glass and glass coatings.
@plebe If you think thats not correct, please edumacate me.

But again, the reason this was brought up was to make the point that tube diameter does not affect how a scope functions in low light, thats the objective diameter. So all other things being equal the larger objective will appear brighter, even with a smaller tube diameter.

 

[il_cop]

Another vote for the credo 3-9. Have one on a 19" 9.3x62, similar ballistics to the 338 fed shooting heavies. Good retical choices for holdover, good turrets for dialing if you prefer. Solid, reliable and just over 17oz.

 

[plebe]

Yes, “light gathering” technically doesnt exist as I understand it, but rightly or wrongly is used to describe how bright a scope will appear and how you can resolve images in very low light. It certainly can be PERCEIVED as adding light beyond where you can see with your naked eye, so it’s no surprise people colloquially refer to a optic’s ability to “gather” light. Perhaps light transmission is a better term, or maybe thats not the technical term either. Regardless, the ability of a scope to function better in low light as discussed here is determined by exit pupil (objective diameter divided by magnification), combined with quality of glass and glass coatings.
@plebe If you think thats not correct, please edumacate me.

But again, the reason this was brought up was to make the point that tube diameter does not affect how a scope functions in low light, thats the objective diameter. So all other things being equal the larger objective will appear brighter, even with a smaller tube diameter.

Please consider my former response with respect to the first two sentences of the link you posted (to which I was directed to read up on):

“Most hunters and marksmen are familiar with the concept of light gathering. They understand how important it is to have a scope that has a bigger main tube diameter”

Perhaps a better read is:

Stop Buying Scopes with Big Objectives to Gather Light - Petersen's Hunting

Large objective lenses have advantages, but it has nothing to do with light gathering.

www.petersenshunting.com

 

[Macintosh]

Gotcha. Yeah, lame beginning, i thought they eventually said it was a myth as well, but for sure a misleading start. Thanks for digging up a better link.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

You get more erector travel.

You are right except if we are talking LPVOs since the main tube is the objective. 34mm will allow more light in than 30mm or 1”

 

[plebe]

You are right except if we are talking LPVOs since the main tube is the objective. 34mm will allow more light in than 30mm or 1”

Look at the specs.

 

[keystone112]

My 30mm Credo HX 1-6 has a 24mm objective lens.

 

[FLS]

I’ve had two of the LHTs since they came out. Both have made multiple trips out west and get hunted multiple times a week during our 4 month season. They’re both dinged up from use but have given me zero problems. I was shooting steel with one yesterday. I have no doubt they would probably fail the drop test due to their light construction.
The best 0-300 low light scope I’ve used is the 8x 56 Schmidt and Bender. If you can find the one with the illuminated reticle, it has no equal IMO. A very distant second would be the Trijicon 2-10 x 56. Unfortunately it’s out of production.
The Nightforce NXS 2-10 x 42 and ATACR 4-16 with the MILR have the thickest reticles in the Nightforce lineup, and are he only two really useful for hunting IMO. Having had both, still having the ATACR, the NXS is the better hunting scope due to weight.