Rifle Scopes Benefits of larger diameter tube

[Mwalex]

I'm hoping to buy some glass for my .308 in the next few months and wanted to ask a question of the scope experts on the site. Most of the scopes I have right now have 30mm tubes. Would you guys please explain the benefit(s) of a larger diameter tube?

Thanks in advance and sorry for such a remedial question.

 

[subwofer2]

Re: Benefits of larger diameter tube

Not an expert but I'm looking to increase my post count.....

I'd venture a guess the larger tube will aid in light collection and in turn a clearer and crisper image.

Maybe added adjustment too?

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: Benefits of larger diameter tube

more room in the tube = more MOA adjustment vertical and horizontal, more area for light to bounce around in = brighter scope, supposedly more rugged.

 

[subwofer2]

Re: Benefits of larger diameter tube

Hum, guess I was right after all!

 

[koshkin]

Re: Benefits of larger diameter tube

A larger tube does not by itself have any direct effect on image quality. It does give the the optical designer a little more space to work with which makes high zoom ratios and other complicated features easier to execute.

I put together a series of short articles on Riflescope Fundamentals some time ago. It is long since I was trying to make it suitable for different people, but if you scroll down to image quality sections, it will give some basics:
Riflescope Fundamentals

ILya

 

[head2h2o]

Re: Benefits of larger diameter tube

Just as an aside, some scope manufacturers like NF deliver a lot of travel in the 30mm tube, which is one of the reasons for the larger tube diameters. I only say this to tell you that if your deciding factor for getting a larger tube scope comes down to elevation travel, there are options in the 30mm range that you are already accustomed to. NF and SS comes to mind.

 

[Mwalex]

Re: Benefits of larger diameter tube

Thanks all for the advice. Ilya, I will read over your write up. Thanks for the link. I do love this site.

 

[Gruff]

Re: Benefits of larger diameter tube

The only things that a larger tube does is add more strength and allow more room for the erector tube to move in (depending on the size of the erector tube). It does nothing for light transmission.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Benefits of larger diameter tube

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: G.Ruff</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only things that a larger tube does is add more strength and allow more room for the erector tube to move in (depending on the size of the erector tube). It does nothing for light transmission. </div></div>

^^^Exactly.