March 2015 - Optics Den

Redfield Rebel 8×42mm Review

Binoculars stand as one of the most used optical aid gadget, coming second only after eyeglasses. Owing to this demand, there are numerous brands available in the market and the choice for which binos to purchase should depend on the task which it is to perform be it birdwatching, hunting, boating and marine use or for entertainment value in theater and concerts. The Redfield Rebel 8×42mm binoculars have a multitude of unmatched optical, functional and mechanical features. The dimensions and specifications of the Redfield Rebel makes it known for its accurateness, reliability and ruggedness making it the obvious choice for high performance tasks. The 8×42mm comes in an array of colors. Here are some of the specs that make Rebel 8×42mm a must have bino.

Aluminum body

The Rebel 8×42mm is manufactured using aluminum and rubber. The rubber is used to cover the handles creating a soft case that is not only pleasant to hold but also for effectiveness because of the subtle friction that creates sufficient grip and allows the much needed steadiness when operating high magnification binoculars. This feature makes the Rebel 8×42mm ideal for all weather, including rainy environments. Aluminum casing covering the remaining surface area gives this bino durability status. This is because the aluminum metal is corrosion free and can therefore be used on a rainy day without any worry. Aluminum is also light, therefore reducing the overall weight of the gadget making it ideal for the outdoors.

Twist up eyecups

The eyecups of the Rebel 8×42mm are created for easy use and flexibility. Keeping in mind uses like hunting and birdwatching which require swift action, these eye cups easily slide up making sure that no inconvenience is occasioned.

Top notch prism system

This is the most attractive feature of the Rebel 8×42mm so far. It has high resolution capability because it is fitted with BAK-4 prisms. This type of prism is manufactured using a glass of superior optical quality that can produce crystal clear images. This feature makes these binos fun to use, especially for nature lovers who enjoy watching beautiful scenery, seasoned travelers, hunting enthusiasts and even sports fanatics. They are arranged in a straight like manner inside the optical tube forming a roofing-style prism system that makes the set of binoculars compact. Needless to say, the BAK-4 prisms are the best in the market.

Multi coated lenses

The AR coating is easy to clean and its anti-reflective coating keeps away shadows, making this pair of binos suited for night vision owing to the clarity of the images it forms. The AR anti-smudge technology gives the lenses its durability quality. The lenses in the Rebel 8×42mm are multi-coated as most of its air to glass surfaces are coated using AR anti-reflective material giving it high ability to reduce light glare.

8× Magnification

This set of optical aid is able to magnify images eight times the ability of the naked eye. This in effect means that it magnifies the image making it eight times bigger than its original size. This dimension makes the Rebel 8×42mm ideal for military canvassing and surveillance as it is able to magnify movement of objects as well.

This high magnification capacity, however, has a downside in that it affects the diameter of the exit pupil. The exit pupil is what regulates the amount if light entering the lenses. A very small exit pupil hinders ambient light from reaching the lenses. In the Rebel 8×42mm this phenomenon is avoided by increasing the diameter of the objective lens (42mm) therefore achieving a 4.0mm exit pupil diameter.

Rifle Scopes

Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Review

Redfield is one of the most respected names in the scope industry, and its return to the mainstream in 2008 after Leupold purchased the company means that its legions of fans now have a chance to sample its world class scopes. Redfield’s Accu-range 3-9x40mm scope was originally used with the USMC M40 sniper during the Vietnam war. The new Redfiled Revolution 3-9x40mm scope is considered to be on the lower end of the tactical scope market, though the Revolution line of scopes represents some of Redfield’s finest scopes that are made in Oregon in the U.S.

Looks

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope’s tubes are CNC-machines from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy which gives the scope a look that is very similar to the Leupold VX line. The scope has a matte black finish that is evenly applied over the scope’s body. All markings are done in white.

Optics

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope’s eyepiece is done in the traditional non-fast focus style. The entire eyepiece rotates when the user adjusts the focus of the reticle. The reticle itself has a wide threaded area to adjust for the diopter. The lock ring can be twisted until it touches the eyepiece and locks it in place once the user adjusts the diopter. Though this style does just fine, it’s rather slow. The eyepiece has a light knurling on the top part to help the user get a better grip.

The scope has a generous eye relief that ranges from 3.7 inches to 4.2 inches depending on the magnification. This allow the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope to be used on high-power rifles that have greater recoil. The scope’s lower magnification, however, makes it less suitable for use on high-powered rifles that need more eye relief. The generous eye relief allows for a wider range of mounting options.

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope has a magnification of 3.3-8.5x, and is well referenced in the name of the scope. This is something quite unusual because many scopes do not specify their power range. The elevation knob is located externally and is shorter than many scopes in keeping with the scope’s overall compact build. The numbers are clearly marked on the knob from 0 through 14 and 15 MOA. At sea level and standard atmospheric conditions, this is enough to shoot a Sierra Match King bullet at 2600 fps from 100 yards to over 500 yards with just a single rotation of the knob and more than 800 yards using two rotations. The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope lacks rotational hash marks below the elevation knob to indicate when the knob undergoes a full revolution or to show the total number of revolutions. The scope, however, has enough elevation to take a 308 from 100-1,000 yards as long as it is mounted using a 20MOA canted base.

Windage

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope’s windage knob looks very much like the elevation knob with the same nice clicks. It has 15 MOA adjustments per revolution which means that the numbering overlaps at 7.5 MOA, which is enough for a 175 gr 308 to shoot out to 800 yards in a 10mph crosswind without the numbers overlapping. The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope has 56 MOA adjustment for both the wind and the elevation.

The scope lacks an adjustable objective/parallax, which is typical of scopes under 10x. Scopes with no parallax are usually set at the factory to be parallax-free for up to 150 yards. The scope seems to follow this rule as well.

Miscellaneous

The rest of the scope is free of frills and pretty straightforward. Overall, the scope is small, light and compact. The scope’s 40mm objective lens is small by today’s standards, though it was standard not too long ago.

Verdict

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope is priced at $300 (but can often be found for under $200), which puts it at the lower end of the tactical scope market. The scope seems to have sacrificed on magnification range, and the objective lens which is quite small. The scope, however, has good functionality, good accuracy of clicks and is well capable in the 800+ yards tactical shooting range. The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope does pretty well for a scope in its class.

If you want to get a second opinion on the merits of the scope, check out this awesome overview:

Monoculars

The Best Monocular

the best monocular buyers guide A great alternative to a conventional set of binoculars is a small scope designed to produce magnification like a binocular but only requires a single eye like a telescope, called a monocular. Like a telescope, a monocular has a single viewing lens and body. Like binoculars, a monocular utilizes lenses and prisms to reflect light and magnify an image. When choosing to purchase a monocular, make sure to consider the range of factors that fit your intended purpose, budget, and needs. Here are five things to consider before choosing the right monocular for you:

Purpose of the Monocular

Whatever your viewing requirements may be for your next professional and recreational activity, there is a monocular for you. If you plan to be around water during your sailing or canoeing adventures, then a waterproof and fogproof monocular will protect your unit from the natural environment. Will darkness be an issue? No problem. Choose a night vision monocular with a sophisticated Infrared illuminator to allow night vision capability for your hunting for camping trips.

Magnification

While magnification levels are generally higher in a telescope, and viewing depth is generally greater in binoculars, a monocular is suitable for situations that require a lightweight and compact device. The magnification of a monocular is how much larger the viewed image is enlarged over normal and is indicated by the first number of the optical specification, as in the 12 in “12×50.” (The second number is discussed below.) Lower magnifications ensure that the zoom on the object is minimized and field of view is maximized. As the magnification increases, the field of view becomes smaller. Here are the advantages to both lower and larger levels of magnification.

6x and below – These lower magnifications will keep the object smaller and are suitable for viewing wide landscapes.
7x to 14x – These mid-range magnifications are a good balance between a diminished field of view and increased object size.
15x and higher – These higher magnifications with decreased field of view are excellent for viewing specific objects at quite a distance

Objective Size

The objective size of a monocular is the diameter of the front lens given in millimeters and is indicated by the second number of the optical specification, as in the 50 in “12×50”. In this case, the diameter of the objective lens is 50mm, or about the average length of an adult’s thumb. This number indicates the light gathering ability of the device. Although a larger lens does allow more light and thus enhanced clarity and sharpness of the image, increased size and weight does become a factor.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is especially significant for people who wear glasses. Eye relief, measured in millimeters, is the furthest distance that the eye can be placed from the eyepiece while allowing the widest possible field of view. If your eye is further away from the given eye relief distance, you will loose the end of the sight picture. To accommodate the offset effect of various eyewear, it is recommended that you choose an eye relief distance in the range of 14mm – 16mm.

Lens Coating

Monocular coatings come in a variety of finishes such as fully multi-coated, multi-coated, fully coated, and coated. Each type of coating is associated with increased brightness, clarity and reduced glare of the viewed image. Expect to pay a bit more for fully multi-coated lenses than simply coated lenses. In general, multiple coatings increase light transmittance and definition.

The Best Monoculars on the Market Now

Polaris Explorer – 12X50 High Powered Monocular – Designed for any weather environment, this powerful monocular allows you to view objects at 12 times their original size. The 50mm lens allows for a clearer and brighter range of view. At about 50 yards, individual leaves on a tree may be easily seen. Use the focusing mechanism to make minor adjustments to clarity. The Polaris Explorer High Powered Monocular features fully multi-coated lenses and renders a high quality image under low lighting conditions. In addition, the waterproof and fogproof features secure it from dirt, dust, and debris. The durable external protective material makes this monocular capable of withstanding wear and tear.
HDE 15x – 55x Zoom 21mm Compact Monocular – At just 4 ounces, this monocular can easy fit into your pocket or bag while allowing for the same power that much larger units offer. You will value the wide range of magnification settings from 15x up to 55x zoom allowing you see up to five miles away. The 21mm lens is most suitable for bright conditions at a long distance. To compensate for vibrations associated with higher magnification levels, the HDE® Compact Monocular comes with a tripod screw for steady viewing.
Night Owl Optics 5-Power NOXM50 Night Vision Monocular – For your next campout or hunting trip, amplify light under the darkest conditions with this rugged high quality monocular designed with the latest optics technology. The 5x magnification and 50mm lens with activated infrared light will clearly illuminate a small area up to about 100 yards. The Night Owl Optics Night Vision Monocular comes with a sturdy protective finish, hand strap, and plastic focus ring for increased clarity. Requires a lithium battery that is not included.

Conclusion

Ultimately, monoculars are single-tubed optical devices used to view distant objects under a variety of conditions. Although the main advantage over binoculars and telescopes is portability and carrying convenience, the main disadvantage is lack of comfort, depth, and ease of continuous viewing. When purchasing the right monocular for you, make sure that the purpose, magnification, objective size, eye relief, and lens coating specifications align with your sightseeing goals for a fun, comfortable, and enjoyable experience.

Using Your New Monocular

Once you’ve selected the monocular that will fulfill your needs, check out the video below to learn how to properly and effectively use your new optic:

Boresighters

The Best Boresighter

Boresighting is a method of adjustment that aligns the optical sight on a gun barrel with the axis of the bore. Boresighting should always be given priority after you are done mounting the scope. This not only gives you a good reference point from which to start sighting in your gun but also saves you time as well as spending too much on ammunition or even from suffering some shoulder recoil.

It’s important, however, to remember that boresighting does not sight in your gun. You must do this by firing a specific type of ammunition from a distance.

The Origins of “Bore Sighting”

Boresighting is quite an old craft. There are several ways that boresighting can be done. The oldest method involves removing the bolt on a bolt action rifle and simply looking down the bore. The gun is secured so that it does not move, and is positioned to point at the bullseye of a specific target located about fifty yards away. The user then looks through the scope and carefully adjusts the windage turrets and the elevation until the reticle gets correctly centered on the bullseye, all the time being careful not to move the gun. Though this boresighting method has an elegance borne out of simplicity, its major drawback is that it cannot be used on many types of guns including lever guns, pumps, semi-autos and most types of handguns.

Collimators and Arbors

Using collimators and arbors is another old boresighting method. Arbors are also known as spuds. A collimator is a device that has a grid that resembles a graph paper that the user sees when looking through the scope. The collimator is held in place using arbors that are inserted into the barrel from the muzzle-end of the gun. The user looks through the scope and adjusts the windage and elevation turrets so that the crosshair is correctly centered on the grid. For this to work though, the spuds must be correctly sized. The big downside of using collimators and arbors is that some calibers such as .17 and shotgun gauges require their own specific arbor sizes which are often hard to get.

Magnetic Boresighters

Using magnetic boresighters is one of the most convenient and effective ways to boresight. These boresighters simply attach the muzzle of your gun with strong magnets instead of inserting any arbors into the barrel. Some people fret about the idea of inserting anything into their barrels using a cleaning rod. The beauty of magnetic boresighters is that they fit all calibers and gauges, and no extra parts are required. Magnetic boresighters can be conveniently used to check zero after transporting your guns or after your gun suffers a hard drop or even after hard use. To accomplish this, sight in your gun to check where your crosshairs are located on the boresighter’s grid. Remember this placement (it’s best to write it down) and use it to check zero later.

Laser Boresighters

Laser boresighters are some of the most popular boresighters around today. Some laser boresighters project a laser beam from an arbor that is inserted into the gun’s muzzle, while some have the dimensions of a cartridge case that the user can insert into the gun’s chamber and close the action. When using a laser boresighter, you need the target to be somewhat reflective so that it can reflect the laser beam. You should also use a gun vice to help you easily center the scope’s crosshairs into the laser point.

Points to Remember about Boresighters

No boresighter can sight in a gun. Boresighting can only be done by shooting a gun using a specific type of ammo from a distance. Different ammos have different impact points.
Always remember to remove your boresight arbor before shooting
Every shooter should aim to own a boresighter whether they mount their own scopes or not

The Best Boresighters

Boresighters, just like any other gun accessories, are not created equal–some are great while others are more average. Here is an overview of some top boresighters:

1. SiteLite Ultra Mag Laser Professional Boresighter

SiteLite Ultra Mag Laser, also known as SL-150, is a laser boresighter that uses a red laser with a battery that can give 40 hours of continuous service. The boresighter sells for $149.95 at Amazon where users have given it a perfect 5-star score. This boresighter weighs 1 pound and is popularly used by the USMC and US Navy weapons that range from 5.56mm to 20mm canon. The SL-150 includes the Ballistic Targeting System software program that can be used to create a custom laser boresighting target for a specific rifle and ammo type. The boresighter comes with a lifetime warranty and an optional app for use on an iPhone or iPad.

2. Wheeler Laser Bore Sighter

The Wheeler Laser Boresighter is a professional boresighter that uses a high-power visible green laser that is easily visible even in bright daylight. The boresighter weighs 1 pound and uses a high-strength magnetic connection to the barrel that delivers fast and accurate bore sighting. The magnetic connection helps to precisely align the bore without risking damaging the gun’s bore. The borseighter has a well-machines aluminum body with a soft rubber over-molding that houses the laser module.

3. Bushnell Magnetic Boresighter

The Bushnell Magnetic Boresighter is a low-budget boresighter. The boresighter is also light-weight as well, weighing just 4.8 ounces (0.3 pounds). This Boresighter sticks to the end of a gun barrel by means of its powerful magnet that is located below the bell of the boresighter. The boresighter can be used effectively on rifle barrels of .22 caliber all the way to .50 caliber, as well as stainless steel barrels. It also works well on shotguns and handguns. The manufacturer says that it can be used with red dot optical sights, adjustable iron sights or telescopic sights.

4. Sightmark .22LR Boresight

The Sightmark .22lr Boresight is another low-budget but effective boresighter. The boresighter weighs just 4.2 ounces (0.26 pounds) and can be used without firing shot—simply chamber the bore sight just like you would a regular bullet. A laser dot will appear where the rifle is aiming. Live fire can be used to fine-tune the gun to compensate for inconsistencies such as when the gun is fired at a distance.

Boresighters are generally quite affordable and you should aim to have your own. With so many varieties available, buying a good one might simply boil down to whether you are comfortable with the working mechanism of a laser boresighter or those of a magnetic one.

Spotting Scopes

The Best Spotting Scope Tripod

Tripods are used with a wide variety of optical equipment. These devices are essential accessories not only for supporting spotting scopes, but also for other optical equipment such as telescopes, binoculars and cameras. Tripods play two main important roles namely:

They improve the steadiness of the equipment when using sensitive and high-magnification instruments
They support the weight of large and heavy instruments that the user would otherwise struggle to support adequately

Tripods have two basic parts: a tripod head that holds the optical product and a tripod leg set. On less expensive tripods (cheaper tripods usually cost less than $100) the tripod head and the leg set are sold together by the manufacturer. Most of these tripods do not allow the user to remove the head and switch it with a different one. For more expensive tripods, however, the heads and leg sets are interchangeable and can be bought separately. For instance, a Bogen tripod only sells the leg set if the customer orders for a ‘‘Tripod.’’ If the customer needs the complete device, they must order for a ‘‘Bogen Kit.’’ Manufacturers of high-end tripods usually mention this in the product specifications.

Heavy instruments require tripods with heavy heads, and these tend to be expensive. It’s important that you buy a tripod that matches your specific needs otherwise you will end up wasting your money. Most cheap tripods feature plastic heads which are prone to cracking and can easily drop your spotting scope on the ground. These types of tripods are often not the best for use with spotting scopes. Some manufacturers specify the correct payloads for their tripods. But, it’s always best to take these figures with a pinch of salt since they are often inflated.

Compact Tripods

Compact tripods are bigger than table-top tripods, but can still be used conveniently when the user is sitting on a chair. These tripods are loved by backpackers and mountain hunters due to their portability. Compact tripods are best for spotting scopes of not more than 70mm but not so good for spotting scopes larger than 80mm.

The Leupold Compact Tripod 56446 is one of the best compact tripods. The device sells for $142 on Amazon. It weighs 2.3 pounds and measures 17 x 9 x 5.2 inches. It is reputed to hold spotting scopes as large as 19 inches and supporting weights of up to 4.5 pounds quite well.

But, for people who prefer larger scopes, it would be better to go for the Bushnell Trophy XLT 20, a heavy-duty and waterproof spotting scope that comes fitted with a good compact tripod. The spotting scope sells for $374.95 on Amazon, though you can get it at an off-price of $185.30. This spotting scope and tripod weigh 7.2 pounds.

Full-Size Tripods

Full-size tripods allow a user of average height to use a spotting scope while in a standing position. Being full size, however, does not automatically mean that the tripod is ideal for heavy loads. The user should make sure to match tripod strength with the weight of the spotting scope. It’s also important to remember that as a general rule of thumb, cheap plastic tripods are only suitable for light weights and cannot be expected to support heavy spotting scopes reliably. The average full size tripod with its head attached extends from 26 inches to 57 inches but can go up to 72 inches with the center column at its highest point.

The Bushnell advanced tripod is one of the best full size tripods. The tripod sells for $166.95 on Amazon and weighs 5.5 pounds. This full-featured tripod can support 11 pounds of instrument and has a minimum height of 18.3 inches and a maximum height of 61 inches (50.3 inches without the column extended). It’s a great device to use where portability is not a primary concern. The universal head fits a wide variety of scopes, range finders and binoculars. The tripod is sturdily built with rugged corrosion-resistant finishes that guarantee years of trouble-free service.

Table Top/Shooter’s Tripods

Table top tripods, or shooter’s tripods as they are commonly referred to, are tripods that are designed for use on a table or a shooting bench. Most of these tripods are between 8 inches and 18 inches in height depending on the model and the manufacturer. Table top tripods mostly do not have telescopic legs. This limits their range of adjustability since many can only be adjusted using an extendable center column, though some models lack this feature. A shooter tripod consists of a table top tripod that has a knob that can be used to make fine adjustments on the evaluation and windage. Their light weight and narrow led span make them ideal for use in limited spaces but they are generally not recommended for use with heavy equipment.

If you feel that a table tripod is good enough for you, the try the Alpen Micro Adjustable tripod. It sells for just $72 on Amazon and weighs a mere 1.2 pounds. The tripod is a real midget and has a maximum standing height of just 13 inches, though it can go to 16 inches when the legs are bunched. The good thing about it is that it is sturdily built and made entirely of metal (with the exception of the adjustment knobs) which makes it a good choice even for heavier loads.

The most important thing to consider when buying a tripod for your spotting scope is how well it can support your scope. The height is also important, though the weight tends to be a secondary concern for many users.

Rifle Scopes

Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope Review

leupold vx1 3-9x40mm The Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a perfect entry-level scope for beginners due to its price range and Leupold’s standard of excellence. While there are some cons to this riflescope, which can be expected due to its low price, the scope still has enough benefits to make it a winner if you’re not looking for a professional accessory. This review will give you a good idea of what you’re getting if you choose the VX-1 model.

General Information

The VX-1 is a 12.6-inch scope that weighs about 11 ounces and has a zoom rating between three and nine times normal magnification. The objective diameter is 40mm when looking through the scope, and you can choose either a matte or glossy black finish. This scope comes standard with a Duplex reticle, though you can also choose other reticles when buying the scope.

Reticle

This will discuss the default reticle used in the VX-1. The Duplex reticle was developed by Leupold and is mimicked in many other scopes due to its ability to help hunters quickly acquire targets. It features thick black lines around the outside that become small, precise lines near the center. This ensures that your eye naturally avoids any distraction outside of your intended target.

Waterproofing

A scope that’s filled with water is practically useless. The VX-1 comes standard with nitrogen treatment that is performed on every Leupold scope. The oxygen is removed from the scope and replaced with nitrogen, which ensures that water cannot seep into the body. More expensive scopes are also treated with argon and other gases that provide better waterproofing, but the VX-1 only uses nitrogen.

While this isn’t the best protection that Leupold can provide, it should be more than enough to keep water at bay.

Elevation Adjustment

This is the only problem with the scope. There is an elevation adjustment that allows you to better aim your gun at higher or lower elevations. For some, the adjustment is perfect and can easily hit targets from 100 yards away. For others, the adjustment is a little erratic and unreliable.

If you use the right type of ammunition and properly calibrate the adjustment, then it should be fine. Just make sure to test it out at a range before going in the field.

Eye Relief

The eye relief has been noted as exceptional in most Leupold riflescopes. You will find that it’s between 4.2 inches at minimum magnification and 3.7 inches at maximum magnification. This is better than most scopes, and it also makes the scope a great addition to magnum rifles.

Lens Coating

Glare is a hunter’s worst enemy. It can keep you from using optimal angles and areas, and it makes using a scope a pain and a hazard. Every Leupold scope, including the VX-1, is treated with Multicoat 4 protection. This is a special coating that removes glare and improves usable light. This will make it much easier for you to find targets, even as the sun goes down.

Warranty

Leupold offers a lifetime warranty on all of their scopes, even if you aren’t the original owner. If anything ever happens to the scope, such as it not maintaining perfect impact or the lens becoming foggy, then you can send it to Leupold and get a new scope for free. Leupold is very particular about maintaining their standard of excellence, and they are more than happy to replace broken or imperfect scopes.

Conclusion

The VX-1 is a perfect scope for beginners or anyone looking to see the Leupold difference without spending a fortune. While this model doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of their more expensive models, it’s still an efficient scope with many practical benefits. Click here to buy one on Amazon, or watch another review to see a second opinion of this great scope:

Rifle Scopes

The Best Hunting Scope for 2018

the best hunting scope The right scope can make or break a hunt. No one wants to be caught out in the field with shoddy equipment that causes a missed shot. Thankfully, quality scopes are available from top manufacturers across a spectrum of prices. This guide will introduce you to a few and give you the information you need to select the right scope for your rifle. Though the examples given are rifle scopes, these same principles apply if you are shopping for a pistol, shotgun, or muzzle-loader scope.

Where do I start?

Your scope selection entirely depends on the type of firearm and style of shooting you will be doing. Personal preferences like features and reticle types will play a secondary role. The type of scope you select should match the type of firearm you’re using. Mounting a pistol scope on a rifle leaves the lens of the scope too far away from the hunter’s eye for accurate shooting.

The Qualities of a Hunting Scope

The right hunting scope will share certain qualities regardless of your personal preferences or type of firearm.

Toughness. Toughness is top of the list, easily the most important quality of a hunting scope. That scope is going to wind up smacked and knocked around while you’re in the field. The scope is no use for hunting if it cannot hold its zero with at least a mild amount of abuse.
Sharpness. The hunting scope should ideally improve your visual acuity and let you see your target clearly. Wildlife like deer can be difficult to spot against the brown backgrounds of trees. The scope needs to be able to show sharp definition so you can clearly see what you are shooting at.
Magnification. Magnification on a scope is often a matter of personal preference. In regular hunting situations, you will likely never need more than 1x-4x magnification. If you want a little more power, there is a strong selection of 3x-9x general use scopes. The 10x and higher magnification categories are readily available on numerous scopes but they really aren’t a “must have” for most hunters.

Over-Hyped Qualities of a Hunting Scope

Of course, there is marketing and over-hyped bells and whistles to wade through when trying to determine the best fit for your hunting optics. The following qualities are often over-hyped.

Pricing. Expensive does not mean a higher quality in the world of hunting optics. You can get quality hunting scopes at reasonable prices when you start cutting away frivolous quality-of-life additions. Furthermore, the everyday hunter is not going to need a 50x scope that can pick up a fly at 1000 yards at dusk. Frivolous additions add a lot to the bottom line. Shop for your usage and don’t get distracted with features you don’t need.
Brightness. Being able to see your target in low-light conditions is obviously important, but the way Brightness is marketed is typically not representative of how it is used. Consider how many scenarios are you likely to run into where this would matter enough to warrant inclusion on your scope. Stretching legal light shooting limits is not a great idea. The local Game Wardens are not likely to be as pleased as you are with your kill.

Additional Considerations

Murphy’s Law states that “what can go wrong, will go wrong”. The Law tends to rear its head at some of the most inopportune times, such as on hunting trips. Complicated machines have a greater risk of something going wrong with them. A complex scope with many features leaves a lot of room for equipment failure. Simplicity can prevent headaches when you’re talking about a scope that will be need to suffer through some wear and tear in the field.
Matte finish is your friend. Sun glare off of a firearm or scope is a sure indicator of a threat to wildlife. You do not want to spook your quarry while moving the firearm into a shooting position.
A basic understanding parallax is an important part of understanding how a scope functions. The simplest definition is that parallax refers to the movement of objects seen in the scope’s field of view in relation to the reticle. If the parallax is off, objects are not aligned properly with the reticle and the hunter will miss shots.

High-magnification scopes meant for precision and long range shooting should have built in parallax adjustments available. The easy adjustment lets the hunter sight the scope to the appropriate range when a target is identified. Parallax adjustments are not standard on tactical scopes because range cannot typically be anticipated. Low magnification and short range scopes do not need parallax adjustments because it plays a very minor role in short range shooting.

A Few Scope Suggestions…

With these points in mind, let’s have a look at a few solid choices for hunting rifle scopes.

Bushnell Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Adjustable Objective Riflescope

Retail: $99.99 – $167.99

The Bushnell Dusk & Dawn model is a low-light rifle scope featuring 4x-12x magnification. The lenses are multi-coated to help assist with brightness in low-light conditions and give the shooter greater clarity. Construction of this model is 100% weatherproof and fog proof. Dials allow for easy adjustment of the rifle scope for wind and elevation.

Nikon ProStaff 4-12×40 Black Matte rifle scope (BDC)

Retail: $292.95

This Nikon ProStaff rifle scope features 4x-12x magnification with coated lenses and a sealed, nitrogen-filled tube. Nitrogen prevents fogging in the scope lenses from humidity and temperature changes. The Nikon multi-coated optical system transmits up to 98% of available light, assisting with clear conditions for low-light shooting. It is easily adjustable in the field with an integrated zero-reset turret. Simply sight in, lift the adjustment knob, rotate to “zero”, and re-engage the knob.

Conclusion

Hunting optics comes in many styles with different options depending on the manufacturer. This guide cannot cover every option out there. Instead, let it serve as a basic guide to what you need at bare minimum whether considering a $50 Cabela or a $2500 Leupold scope. The same basic principles apply.