Rifle Scopes 1-4X magnification design

[axio]

Hi guys,

Received my Viper PST 1-4X and I like it a lot. I did have a question on this scope, or perhaps to 1-4X scopes in general. I notice that at 1X, objects up close, say 5 feet away appear to be 1X. However, some objects that are maybe 10 yards out, there starts to be a slight DE-magnification. You can notice this at objects even further out, at say 50 yards or 100. Perhaps a .8-.9X, but that's just a guess, nothing scientific. Is this by design on 1-4X scopes so you can see more of a sight picture as you look through the scope?

 

[dcjs]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

Axio,

let me try to give you a general explanation for what you are observing.

Closer objects seem to be magnified more than objects that are further away with a ~1x optic. This due to the fact that, in simple terms, when looking through the scope, you are "closer" to the target optically by about the length of the scope (actually it's the distance between the first and the second focal plane).

Looking at the target with one eye through the scope and the other eye open, you will notice a difference in magnification for different distances. For objects that are far away, you will see the "true" magnification of the scope, for closer objects, magnification will appear to be higher.

This is because optically you are let's say 8 inches closer to your target optically when looking through the scope. This does not matter at long ranges, moving 8 inches closer to the target at a range of 300 yards will not make the target appear noticeably bigger, but moving 8 inches closer at a distance of 5 feet definitely will. Thats why even a true 1x scope will have a higher apparent magnification than 1x at very short distances.

 

[axio]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

Thanks David, that makes sense. But when I'm looking at it on the 1x setting at objects that are further away, they actually appear smaller through the scope than they do without the scope. With the scope on 1X, it makes the objects seem further away, except in the case where the object is super close. By your explanation, the objects should appear ever so slightly larger instead of smaller. I wasn't the only one who noticed this. I had two other people look at objects through the scope with me at the range yesterday and they noticed it too. Is this by design, or is something wrong with the scope that it demagnifies objects at anything except the very close immediate range?

 

[Outdoorsman9]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

you clearly broke it.

 

[dcjs]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

Axio,

your observation is consistent with my general explanation, you have slightly higher magnification at very short ranges than at infinity/long ranges. I cannot comment on whether your scope is supposed to do what it's doing though, that would be a question only the manufacturer could answer.

 

[axio]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

Thanks again, David. I'll contact Vortex. I appreciate your help!

 

[rescueswimmer]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

Replied to your PM

for anybody else I seemed to have the same issue at close range say 15-25 feet. I had to adjust the ocular lens until everything seemed even in both eyes when looking through the optic. If you play with the adjustment you can get just about perfect. I am very happy with mine after the adjustment. It is almost, Aimpoint Eotech clear with both eyes open.

 

[Scott_at_Vortex]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

Axio,
Most likely you just need to back the fast focus out a hair for it to be correct for your eyes. Any true 1x will appear to be less than 1x if you have the focus/ocular adjusted in to far. Just back it out a hair and that should take care of it.


Scott

 

[eleaf]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

The other option is that it isn't a TRUE 1x.

That is common amongst MANY scopes advertised as 1x, especially in the lower end.

 

[Scott_at_Vortex]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The other option is that it isn't a TRUE 1x.

That is common amongst MANY scopes advertised as 1x, especially in the lower end. </div></div> You are correct this is common, but in the opposite direction of what the OP is explaining. In the scopes you are referring to they will not get down to 1x, the OP is talking about it being below 1x.

As I stated earlier this is very common with true 1x magnified optics when the user has the diopter adjusted too far up.


The PST 1-4 is absolutely a true 1x and this is why it is able to do that along with all the other true 1x's that the OP has used.



Scott

 

[hydro556]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The other option is that it isn't a TRUE 1x.

That is common amongst MANY scopes advertised as 1x, especially in the lower end. </div></div>

How about the SWFA 1-4. Is that one that you are casting aspersions about?

ETA- Why the hatred for Vortex? Based on your bashing of them in every Vortex thread I have seen, I take it that you have thoroughly tested them all.Trying to figure out what someone could have against a mfg that has taken huge strides in bringing high end features at budget prices. And they have an unsurpassed warranty in pretty much any industry.

I dont get the unbridled hatred.

 

[axio]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

Hi guys,

Thanks for your help. Per the suggestions, I adjusted the fast focus out a few turns and everything is perfect now. The reticle is still sharp and very clear. The mistake here was me not knowing how much to adjust for this, the scope itself is really great. After tuning the fast focus, I can have both eyes open and everything is clear, totally reminds me of an Aimpoint setup right now at 1X.

For anyone who has reservations, do not. The Viper PST 1-4X is really nice. The glass is very clear, build quality is excellent, the zero-stops work very well. The clicks in the turrets are very solid, nothing mushy, and the fit and finish is great. The reticle though is just awesome. The two strangers I had look through my scope at the range, the first things they said after handing back to the scope were comments on how they really liked the reticle. This even came from a S&B user. Also, I really like that you guys make this a SFP scope. Everything on this scope works great, I'm very impressed with it. In fact, I can't wait until Vortex ships out the 2.5-10X to SWFA -- I have one on backorder and if it's as good as this 1-4X, I'll be very happy to put the 2.5-10X onto my other AR!

 

[eleaf]

Re: 1-4X magnification design

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hydro556</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The other option is that it isn't a TRUE 1x.

That is common amongst MANY scopes advertised as 1x, especially in the lower end. </div></div>

How about the SWFA 1-4. Is that one that you are casting aspersions about?

ETA- Why the hatred for Vortex? Based on your bashing of them in every Vortex thread I have seen, I take it that you have thoroughly tested them all.Trying to figure out what someone could have against a mfg that has taken huge strides in bringing high end features at budget prices. And they have an unsurpassed warranty in pretty much any industry.

I dont get the unbridled hatred. </div></div>

Didn't even know it was a Vortex he was talking about. I either didn't get that far, or missed it.

I wasn't hating on any particular scope either. I was making an observation on what is a well known fact. Many 1x scopes are not true 1x.