Thread: Question about scipe sharpness of definition

As a rule, does a fixed power scope of say 6*40 give a higher definition view of fine detail than say a 3-9*40 vari power scope set on 6 power?

Interesting thought.... would have to compare apples with apples i.e. swaro glass variable will be better than a bushnell fixed (not that there is anything wrong with bushnell)

Originally Posted by Woody

As a rule, does a fixed power scope of say 6*40 give a higher definition view of fine detail than say a 3-9*40 vari power scope set on 6 power?

A new set of progressives would help more

For the same price, probably yes.
A non magnifying scope will be easier to build and have a lot less lenses inside, so should offer better glass than an equivalently priced magnified scope.

That being said, there are so many factors they come into scope design and pricing that it's basically impossible to say such a rule exits.
Also factor in that technologies are changing all the time as well as the cost's of production going down, a fixed 6x from 10 years that cost $600 will likely not perform as well as a $600 variable scope from 2019.

Definition will more come from the quality of glass then anything else, quality = more $$$

Bonus of the fixed is they weigh a little less

I found a US blog where a Leupold rep apparrently stated a vxiii 3.5-10*40 would have a brighter image than a vxiii 4.5-14*40 set on the same magnification. Extra lenses therefore have a reducing effect on light available to the eye.
I wonder how much better resolution a FX 6* 40 scope has than a 2-10HD*42 has on 6*?

I don't have a FX6 scope, but it'd be fair to assume the glass on the VX5 will have far better resolution.
The VX5 being a much much newer design and better coatings.

The VX5hd and similar scopes are night and day better than the older VX3 models.
I had a 4.5-14x40 Mark 4 and my VX5hd is better in every way.

Good to know. Thanks.

While I cannot speak to the "sharpness" of the image, a fixed 6 versus a varipower set on 6 of the same physical dimensions (eg a 6x40 versus a 3-9x40 as your OP) the fixed will be lighter and will have a wider field of view. The simpler construction internally usually means the fixed power scopes have less to go wrong and are more robust scopes