Schmidt Bender 3-20x50 PM II/LP/MTC/LT

[etisll40]

Does anyone own this on here?

3x20 seems kind of odd? Is it better to have 3x18 or 3x21. Why is it that the zoom isn't an even multiple? Does this effect the clarity in the upper ranges.

What would be the maximum distance in use be. I don't like to have too little magnification. They do have a 5x25x50,56 too. Is that the way to go?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[bruce_ventura]

There is nothing magic about integer multiples in the zoom range. We're now seeing anything from 2.5:1 to 10:1. High end European companies tend to give accurate magnification values. For most other companies, the marketing staff rounds off the magnification values. See this link for more information about rifle scope optics:

Optics Tutorial

Often the very wide range scopes have some limitations. For anything greater than about 5:1, the scope tube is at least 30 mm, which increases weight. Glare performance tends to be worse in scopes with really high magnification. In the case of very low magnification (below 3X) the exit pupil is smaller than one would expect from the formula: exit pupil = objective diameter / magnification.

Minimum range is probably limited by focus distance, rather than field of view. Check the specs for focus distance. 3X should have ample field of view for acquiring quick shots at close range, unless you're after dangerous game in thick brush. Then I would recommend 1.5X or lower.