Scopes in low light

Feisar

Myself and a friend went out this evening to compare a few scopes to see which was best in the fading light. Half a sheet of plywood was used as the target/object. Now there was zero science involved, just two lads objective opinions as to what was clearer and would we take on a shot at a deer. Range was 113 yards. Wide variety of scopes, so it's not like we were comparing brands, there was only one like with like.

Results:

Hawke 4x32
Sightron SIII 8-32x56 non illuminated
Nightforce NXS 8-32x56 illuminated
Leupold VXII 6-18x40
Leupold FXII 2.5x20
Bushnell Banner 4-18 illuminated

The only real difference was first and last place, they were noticeably at the front and back of the pack. There was probably only 15/20 minutes in it however I did notice the light drop at one stage so I presume it doesn't get dark in a linear fashion? On thing of note was the binos, Olympus 10x50 DPS1s were the brightest optic.
An 8x56 Schmidt and Bender on the way so we'll see how that fares.

tudderone

Feisar wrote: »

Myself and a friend went out this evening to compare a few scopes to see which was best in the fading light. Half a sheet of plywood was used as the target/object. Now there was zero science involved, just two lads objective opinions as to what was clearer and would we take on a shot at a deer. Range was 113 yards. Wide variety of scopes, so it's not like we were comparing brands, there was only one like with like.

Results:

Hawke 4x32
Sightron SIII 8-32x56 non illuminated
Nightforce NXS 8-32x56 illuminated
Leupold VXII 6-18x40
Leupold FXII 2.5x20
Bushnell Banner 4-18 illuminated

The only real difference was first and last place, they were noticeably at the front and back of the pack. There was probably only 15/20 minutes in it however I did notice the light drop at one stage so I presume it doesn't get dark in a linear fashion? On thing of note was the binos, Olympus 10x50 DPS1s were the brightest optic.
An 8x56 Schmidt and Bender on the way so we'll see how that fares.

I had one, excellent and not expensive for the quality you get. On a bright night you could see plenty with it without a lamp. The only better low light scope i heard of was a 6x56 , which i think Pecar made for a while.

Feisar

tudderone wrote: »

I had one, excellent and not expensive for the quality you get. On a bright night you could see plenty with it without a lamp. The only better low light scope i heard of was a 6x56 , which i think Pecar made for a while.

My buddy is getting it, he seen an animal with the binos and couldn't shoot it due to the scope so he's upgrading. Mad that the Hawke outdone the bigger brands.