That's right, the mfr's think they have this covered without realizing the component of weight and reticle - finding the magic combination of the right weight, right magnification range and right reticle has been the challenge for those of us looking for a proper MPVO optic. Maybe it's helpful to identify exactly what we're talking about with different scope categories (all FFP):
- LPVO = magnified optic that starts between1-1.1x and under 22oz
- MPVO = magnified optic that starts between 1.2 - 2.5x and under 25oz
- Medium Range Optic (MRO) = magnified optic that starts between 2.6 - 4.0x and under 32oz
- Long Range Optic (LRO) = magnified optic that starts between 4.1 - 5.5x
- Extreme Long Range Optic (ELRO) = magnified optic that starts above 5.5x
This is a generalized rule and not a hard fast rule, some optics can span multiple categories. Then there's the issue of FOV, please don't give us a soda straw or tunneling optic (like the Bushnell DMR 3.5-21 or NF ATACR 4-20 where some optics that start at 4.5x have greater FOV), we have to have generous FOV throughout the range. One other consideration is length, now that NV and Thermal clipons are becoming much more prolific (as costs come down) mfr's need to consider that shorter scopes are necessary in order to "clip on" the device in front of the daytime scope.
How often are the March 3-24 and LHT 4.5-22 scopes looked at simply for the weight, but rejected due to other issues. March addressed the low power part by introducing the FML-TR1H reticle with the circle/donut of death feature last year, this is a fantastic reticle but the 3-24 design is rather limited on FOV and the optical quality above 18x suffers somewhat. The LHT mag range is a head scratcher, why start at 4.5 when a lot of hunters (assuming this was designed for crossover community) are wanting a bit more FOV at the bottom, even a 4-20 would have been better. I've thought an MPVO version of the LHT FFP would come out that was something like a 2.5-12x42 that weighed just under 20oz but again, the reticle has to be right where you have a really bright center dot or donut for easy acquisition at lower magnifications, but have proper subtension detail and tree for longer range purposes. This last part, the reticle, is where many mfr's appear to either not understand or simply drop the ball. Bushnell's G2H was ahead of it's time when they introduced the donut of death, March now has the FML-TR1H and it would be nice to see other manufacturers follow suit, take queues from effective LPVO reticles and blend those with current long range reticles and you're on to something.
Of all the scopes released this year the March FFP 1.5-15x42 appears to have the most promise to actually fulfilling on all the above, yes it's a little heavier than I would have wanted at 24oz but it's within reason given the huge magnification range. The last new FFP from March was the 4.5-28x52 which is a very impressive scope so hoping March took queues from the successes of this design. These scopes are supposed to ship in a month or two so hopefully we'll be finding out soon, I got in on an early order so once I get mine I will share initial thoughts and then do a full review.
element-optics.com
rokslide.com
marchscopes.com
