Rifle Scopes SWFA SS10X HD

[azemspilot]

Re: SWFA SS10X HD

Uh, $799? Is the glass that much better than the 3-9x? I thought this scope would cost the same or less than the 3-9x.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: SWFA SS10X HD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 858</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is "HD" glass?</div></div>
"HD" stands for High Definition. It should really be called low dispersion since one element in the objective lens uses glass that has lower chromatic dispersion (color separation) than normal optical glass. This is a problem in high magnification (long focal length) lenses used for cameras and results in color fringing - the separation of colors at the image plane.

When the objective lens uses low dispersion "HD" glass, it can be designed for less color separation and is sometimes called apochromatic. Since the colors don't separate as much, the image has higher resolution - you can see finer details. This is the source of the term "High Definition." However, I wonder how much improvement can be obtained with "HD" glass in a 10x scope.

IIRC, "HD" glass is softer than normal optical glass. If it's on the inside of the objective lens, there is no problem; if on the outside, then it would be more easily scratched and might be more of a problem in a tactical scope. Maybe someone knows whether this is correct or not, and whether coatings can be applied to protect it.

 

[ToddM]

Re: SWFA SS10X HD

Certainly some, since the most expensive highest power camera lenses easily available (we can leave out the $90K 1200mm canon L lenses, all 6 of them), are around 11x (800mm) or less and they all seem to get more resolution/quality out of their LD/HD glass. However, frankly I don't think any scope glass would stand up to those type of resolution standards that photographic glass is put through, maybe some of the stuff north of $3000.

It would be interesting to see not only what the cost of the raw materials and production is on a $2000 high end camera lens -vs- a $2000 rifle scope, but also to have an independent lab evaluate the glass quality itself. I'd be willing to bet if either of those things were made public guys with $2000 scopes would be really pissed.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: SWFA SS10X HD

Magnification in a riflescope and a camera lens are two different things. A better yardstick might be focal length, since focal length x angular dispersion = linear separation in the focal plane.

Magnification in a riflescope = focal length of objective/focal length of ocular.

Magnification in a camera has to do with the physical dimensions of the image at the film plane, for example. In a 35mm film camera, a 43mm lens is "1x" - gives the same magnification as the human eye and is called a "normal lens." But in a typical digital camera, the normal lens is often about 18mm because the sensor array is a lot smaller than 35mm. But it's also proportional to focal length.

In the 10x HD scope, the objective focal length might be, say, about ~6 inches or ~150mm, in comparison with the Canon lenses you mentioned. Apochromatic lenses for a 35mm camera are usually 500m or longer, as you suggested.

 

[prplhaz72]

Re: SWFA SS10X HD

I have one of these scopes, got it last Thursday. Optically it is slightly better than my IOR 3-18x in low light. They look equal during the day light.

It completely blows the old Super sniper ( I have one of those too) out of the water in every area. Knobs are better, glass is better, adjustments are more tactile. It is just a better scope. I have not had the chance to test it on a rifle yet but will when I can.

So far it is easily worth the $800 no problem. If the adjustments are as accurate of the original it will probably be one of the best 10x scopes on the market IMO.

 

[Halvis]

Re: SWFA SS10X HD

prplhaz, thanks for the preview-review. Sounds promising.

Chris, "I don't know why we take so much undeserved heat over here, give us a chance before you start booing." Everybody is an armchair quarterback these days, ya know?

I'm still saving up for the $319 model, so I probably shouldn't even add my 2 cents, but I have found that if a manufacturer is standing still, they are moving backwards. Good luck with the HD & new variable models.