Preparing for a hunting trip? Probably, you are looking for the best long range scope to buy. But before making a choice, it is important to understand how each feature of a spotting scope works. And magnification is certainly the most essential feature to consider.
It tells how clear you’d see a view on a given distance. This is essential on any hunting trip, especially in terms of viewing the surrounding, spotting targets, as well as for enjoying the outdoor sceneries.
But magnification is quite more complex than it seems. Many factors affect the magnification and image clarity a spotting scope offers. That is why you must know how magnification exactly works, then purchase the best one such as the Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope.
Here’s what to Learn about Spotting Scope Magnification before Buying
For starters, magnification indicates how many times an image would be enlarged for viewing. When buying spotting scope, you’d encounter three sets of numbers such as 20-60X60. The first two sets tells the magnification range of a scope, while the last set tells the size of the front lens in diameter. With the example, such scope’s magnification ranges from 20X to 60X, and it has a 60mm-diameter front lens.
Now, there are two big factors which affect magnification. That is regardless of the magnification range of a spotting scope. Understanding these factors help you identify the best spotting scope for your specific hunting needs.
- Viewing Features of the Spotting Scope
Spotting scopes have other viewing features aside from magnification. Thing is, they all affect the resulting image you see, that is why it is important to learn about them before choosing a scope.
First, consider the image quality a scope produces. In most cases, image quality gradually decreases when you increase magnification. That is why, most spotting scope provide the best image quality on 20X magnification.
Say, you need 40X magnification or higher. Expect most spotting scopes to produce blurry images on such range, especially when you hit 60X. Thing is, the best but expensive spotting scopes still produces sharp image quality even on high magnification range. If you cannot afford such scopes, balance magnification with image quality by choosing mid-range spotting scopes.
To make sure of having a spotting scope with quality image resolution, find one with fully multi-coated lenses. These scopes have efficient light transmission for better image viewing. Moreover, consider bigger but high quality lens size for better viewing range.
- Atmospheric Conditions
Atmospheric condition of the area where you’d go hunting is also a factor. For example, you’d go hunting in a foggy or misty environment, high magnification is almost unusable. Magnification range higher than 40X is good for wide open fields with high visibility.
As a rule of thumb, lower magnification is best for wet or humid environment on low altitude, whereas high magnification is suitable for dry environment on high altitude. Also, note that the atmosphere seems to limit magnification of any scopes on 60X, even on the best possible atmospheric condition. This makes buying powerful astronomical scopes impractical, since you’d rarely find a chance to use more than 60X magnification on the field. It’s also the same reason why most spotting scopes have 60X as the highest magnification point.
Now, you already know the important factors to consider for magnification of spotting scopes. This helps you buy the right one depending on your needs. Think of the hunting grounds where you often go, consider the features of a scope, and strike the balance with your budget.
