33 vs 40 mm objective?

[kgcabs]

Is there a noticeable difference in light gathering capabilities in low light conditions? I'm buying a pig scope.

Thanks

[HK Dave]

Yes, but it isn't just the objective size but also how many elements of glass there are, the quality of the multi coatings and amount of zoom capability.

A really well made 32mm objective scope with shorter zoom will be brighter than a poorly made 42mm objective scope with longer zoom.

Fixed powered scopes (non zooms) generally will allow for more light transmission and can give you a brighter picture.

[toby]

Unless you need a compact scope, skip the smaller than 36mm objectives

[kgcabs]

Unless you need a compact scope, skip the smaller than 36mm objectives

I'd like to go with the Leupold brand. I am putting this on my model 70, 270 win.

I don't want to over scope.

The 1-4s seem ideal but all have small objectives. 20mm

The 2-7s are my second choice but only come with 33mm objectives. The 3-9s are the only magnifications available with a 40mm objective.

[toby]

A 3x9x40 is of the norm for a 270 or anything for that matter short of an AR. 2x7 would be right on par as well. I run a 2x7x36 Kahles on a Winchester 308, and a Fixed 6x42 Leupold on Weatherby 308, The 6x has a long range ret, that allows me to be dead on at 200,300,400,500 yrds. No dialing or figuring out mils,rads,BS

[bruce_ventura]

I don't want to over scope.

The 1-4s seem ideal but all have small objectives. 20mm

The 2-7s are my second choice but only come with 33mm objectives. The 3-9s are the only magnifications available with a 40mm objective.

Good choices. 2-7X would be a good compromise for .270 Win, which is a flat shooting, long range cartridge.

If you stick with quality brands over $150 in price, there won't be much difference in light transmission among various 2-7X scopes. For a bright image, it's more important for the exit pupil to be larger than your eye pupil. Even at high mag, these scopes will have nearly a 5 mm exit pupil. That's fine for dawn-dusk hunting, because your eye pupil won't be much bigger.

Pay more attention to exit pupil size at the low mag setting. For fast target acquisition in brushy areas you need a larger exit pupil and wider field of view, so you'll turn down the mag setting. Look for scopes with the largest exit pupil at the low mag setting. There can be a significant difference between exit pupil diameters among various 2-7X mag scopes on the 2X setting.

A wide field of view at the low mag setting is also important, but the optical resolution should also be good over the entire field of view. This is an area where higher priced scopes usually shine. You can't tell what the optical quality is by looking at specifications. You'll have to look through the scope to make that assessment.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kgcabs]

Thanks.