CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 2.5-10x40e

The CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e scope doesn’t look like your average scope by hunting or tactical means but it sure comes with some cool features to help level the playing field. It’s not your typical long barreled scope and thus has a shorter range than say your high powered Leupold scope.

The 2.5-10x40e is the ideal beginner’s scope, and not just because it has a shorter barrel or range. Rather it has a number of features particularly for beginners to help you become accustomed to shooting with optics.

As a lightweight scope, it also comes with two different mounts (20 and 11mm) so it’s interchangeable between rifles. This is another point about this scope—it’s versatile. It’s insanely cheap compared to other high-quality scopes, but we rarely found a customer who was dissatisfied with the optics or level of focus and magnification.

Features

This scope has a laser, simply put. Why? To help with targeting. The laser’s range is only about a hundred yards, which further adds to the proposition that this is a beginners scope. Anyhow, the laser will help you know if you’re locked onto a target, but only at a close distance. It’s also mounted to the side of the scope (right next to the main barrel), so the targeting may be off by a slight inch.

  • The laser can be controlled independently and adjusted to suit your needs.

The reticle also illuminates in a couple of different colors to aid you at certain times of the day.

Specs

  • Magnification: 2.5-10x
  • Field Of View: 100 yards of 32.5′ at 2.5x/8.9′ at 10x
  • Laser Reaching Distance: 100 yards

Overall

This is a budget scope that comes with a couple of neat perks to back up its low price. The laser is thought of by most customers as enjoyable or unnecessary depending on preference. Regardless, this CVLIFE would make a great beginners scope for most rifles that fit its mounting system.

With the addition of power settings for the reticle and other dials for adjustments, the 2.5-10x40e scope will make a great entry for you into the world of sporting optics.

Monstrum Tactical 3-9×32 AO Rifle Scope

At first glance, one might think the Monstrum Tactical 3-9×32 AO Rifle Scope is one giant dial with all the adjustment rings it has. These dials and rings do not limit the performance of the scope but do you a variety of options when it comes to magnification, illumination, and range estimation.

Due to its variation, the AO has uses in hunting and tactical situations. It’s not your average long barrelled scope like the ones you might find on Leupold’s market.

Features

One of the neat aspects about the AO is that its target reticle can be illuminated five different ways to help you see better in low light. This portion of the scope does require a CR2 battery however, which can be annoying to replace whenever it’s depleted. Unless you are using the scope every day, the battery should last you a long time.

Perhaps the most notable feature of this 3-9×32 scope is its adjustable objective lens (AO) which is promptly named for. This focus allows for increased sharpness in imagery and range estimation. The ring at the very end of the scope can also be used for focusing.

  • Some people prefer to carry a rangefinder which may give a more accurate representation of range, but it’s your preference.

This scope might be preferable for the extreme marksmen who is looking for a parallax free scope. The AO on this scope allows for adjusting that should eliminate parallax in most cases.

Ranging

As we all know, a bullet begins to drop away as soon as it leaves the barrel. Beyond three-hundred yards, that drop is going to increase dramatically. Now that aspect has more to do with the ballistics and the rifle itself, but this scope can still help you get on target. With a 3-9x magnification and adjustments to the other dials, you can still be on track (while accounting for your ballistics weight and drop).

When zeroing in your rifle (preferably before you introduce it to hunting and competitions), it is especially important with this scope, in particular, to practice with different magnification and focus levels. This will help you understand your target when conditions and terrain aren’t ideal compared to a shooting range.

Specs

  • Materials: 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • Compatibility: Rifles with Picatinny or Weaver Rails.
  • Scope Range: Close to Mid Range, 300+ Yards.
  • Magnification: 3-9
  • Objective Diameter: 32 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.5-3.8 in
  • Weight: 1 lb
  • Length: 9.3 in

Overall

We may have described this scope as perfect for extreme marksmen, but its various features make it very user and beginner-friendly. If you intend to brave it against the elements, you can rest assure that its interior will remain safe. The body is nitrogen sealed to keep the inner workings and optics free of contamination.

You may find that you have little need for all the rings and dials on the scope but in the end they’ll always be there if you need them. This scope compensates for the smallest of optical aberrations and elements so one way or the other, you’ll end up hitting very tight groups.

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Wingspan Optics Spectator 8×32 Compact Binoculars Review

When we think of binoculars, we can be quick to classify any of them as good for any purpose. This simply isn’t so. Take a look around Optics Den and you’ll see the various sorts of optics used specifically for different purposes.

This is where the Spectator 8×32 compact pair of binos by Wingspan Optics comes in. These binos almost fit in the entirety of your hand but we aren’t classifying them as toys or mini-binos by any means. The most popular hobby that these binos are used for is birding.

  • Wingspan Optics is a brand known for their focus in birding optics, so you can already see how specialization in the optics industry occurs.

You may be asking, can’t I just use my hunting binoculars for birding? Don’t they do the same job? Not quite. Let’s look at why this set of Spectators is a universal birder’s choice for optics.

Despite their small size, the Spectator’s have a pretty wide depth of field that enables you to see more in a single viewing. The light transmission is just as good at the maximum magnification and range at a thousand yards.

  • An important aspect of birding is being able to differentiate between two species that look almost identical. The 8×32’s give you incredible detail at long range so you can identify those small characteristics.

Don’t mistake the Spectator’s small size for low-quaility optics. These binos boast impressive stats that will help you see what you want to see on a greater level of detail. Let’s take a look at some of its specs.

 

Specs

POWER – 8x

OBJ.LENS DIA. – 32mm

EXIT PUPIL DIAMETER – 4

EXIT PUPIL DIST. – 14.8

DIMENSIONS (LxWxH) – 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.75 inches

WEIGHT – 15.2 Ounces

 

Overall

Just because these binos specialize in birding doesn’t mean you can’t take them anywhere else. Many users have reported that the small size of Spectators allows them to take the binos on trips and excursions where larger optics might prove cumbersome or unnecessary. They do carry a little bit of weight to them but not like true hunting or other sporting optics.

  • Our recommendation would be to simply test them with any hobby that your require optics for whether it be birding, hunting, or even stargazing. You might find that the Spectator is more suited for birding compared to other binos but in the end everyone’s preference is different.

Where the Spectators really stand out is the coloration of the environment or in most cases—animals you are looking at. This where that need for differentiation we talked about comes in. Color and light transmission, as well as visibility all play a role in your ability to see the target.

  • For accessibility, the binos have hooks on the sides where you can thread a strap through. Don’t feel as though you have to carry them by hand everywhere you go.

The magnification isn’t the greatest in the world in terms of sporting optics but the trick with these binos is their depth perception and their ability to pick up detail. A maximum range of around a thousand yards is still an impressive feat.

 

Leupold VX-3i 25x50mm Rifle Scope Review

Leupold is one of America’s top rifle scope manufacturers, as we’re sure you’re well aware by now. The extremely popular VX line of rifle scopes boasts some pretty eye-opening specs that cannot be ignored. Of course, you’re going to be digging into your pockets with the VX-3i 25x50mm. The lowest price tag for the least powerful version of the VX-3I is just over a grand. Don’t let the price tag be a huge deterrent, however.

Let’s take a look at the impressive specs for the 25x50mm:

 

Linear FOV (ft/100 yd) - Low11.20
Linear FOV (ft/100 yd) - High4.40
Weight (oz)22.40
Eye Relief (in) - Low5.30
Eye Relief (in) - High3.70
Elevation Adjustment Range (MOA)80.00
Windage Adjustment Range (MOA)80.00
Actual Magnification Range8.2 / 25.1

 

The scope’s focal planes are interchangeable between MOA (minutes of angle) and MIL (1/1000in) depending on your preference. For those that might be unaware, MIL and MOA are measurements used to zero in rifles. They help you determine the placement of your shot if it doesn’t hit on the dot (which is rare as it is.)

 

Features

As to the VX-3i’s features, it is water and fog proof as constructed of fine, aircraft-quality aluminum so you know you’re protected against the elements. Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the VX-3i is its Twilight Max light management system. When visibility is low or unclear, the VX-3i will utilize the Twilight Max to give you clear and consistent light emission.

While user-friendly in most respects, the knowledge that goes into operating the VX-3i is little more advanced. The magnification levers are all within hands reach and the interior of the scope boasts updated optics that are specifically designed for long life. Since it is Leupold’s most advanced and up to date scope so far, it would make sense that it would be.

 

Compared to the VX-2

The VX line of scopes are extremely popular, no doubt, but what makes one better than the other? Cosmetic and tubular changes to the scope are one thing, but what additional features and enhanced optics come with the VX-3i?

It’s not uncommon to see these types of scopes mounted on bolt action rifles, in particular, the Remington 700 series. Everyone has their preference on how accurate they want their rifle to be. The VX-2 utilizes the CDS (Custom Dial System) that allows you to change the elevation of your shot according to the bullet you are firing. To be more specific, you can tune the VX-2 to be more accurate according to the weight of the bullet.

The VX-3i, on the other hand, uses the same system and has enhanced optics for greater range and target identification. This rifle scope accounts for elevation and windage as well, two very important factors when considering a target a long ways off.

Sure, the VX-3i is going to cost you a lot more than the VX-2, which is why the extreme marksmen is going to prefer it above any other scope. This means that its definitely not your average beginner’s scope. When conditions aren’t ideal, you want to make sure you’re able to get an accurate shot off before your target disappears. As the latest model in the astounding VX line, the VX-3i is definitely the scope for the job.