Today’s gun enthusiasts and hunters frequently employ rifle scopes due to their simplicity of use. The most recent rifle scopes, for example, just require you to align the reticle or crosshairs with the target; in contrast to the conventional metallic rifle scopes, which required the shooter to align the front sight to the rear sight as well as their target.
What is the field of view in a rifle scope? is one of the queries that new shooters frequently have. The field of vision (FOV) in rifle scope and a few other frequently asked topics about firearms will be discussed in more detail in details below.
Main Contents
What Determines FOV in a Scope?
The degree of magnification in scope, along with the focal length of the eyepiece and target, may typically be used to calculate the field of view. The field of view of rifle scopes often varies depending on the manufacturer of the sight due to the various levels of magnification.
It’s critical to remember when selecting a rifle scope that the field of view should not be determined by the diameter of the objective lens. A large field of view, for instance, will necessitate a more advanced lens system in the scope to produce a sharp and clear image of the target.
However, a higher-quality scope at a higher price range is often indicated by a big objective lens diameter and scope tube diameter. High-quality (expensive) scopes often feature a wider field of view, a larger objective lens, and a longer scope tube.
The exit pupil of the scope will be affected by the objective lens and tube’s bigger diameter, which will result in a brighter image because larger scopes normally have better light transmission.
When you have a scope with a larger tube, you typically get wider windage and elevation adjustment ranges as well. The field of vision is independent of the exit pupil. The eye relief won’t work either. But there is one thing to think about. If your scope is installed incorrectly, it will adversely affect all of its optical properties.
How to Measure FOV in a Rifle Scope
The closest you can see a target from a distance compared to what is evident to the unassisted eye is its magnification. Looking straight down would make it challenging to see a target range without a scope. However, when viewed through a rifle scope from down range, the target appears to be much more distinct. Magnification is undoubtedly an important factor to take into account when choosing a rifle scope because it makes it simpler to shoot at distant targets.
Therefore, it’s important for beginners to comprehend that, even while using a rifle scope with excessive magnification can have the opposite impact of what you planned, it can also help you obtain a closer look at the target. In other words, higher accuracy is not always guaranteed by increasing magnification. How does one choose the best rifle scope magnification given the circumstances?
The field of vision (FOV) will decrease as the scope’s magnification increases and will increase as the magnification reduces. This is important information for people who will be using rifle scopes for the first time.
A good example of this is the 3x variable scope design, which is the most typical. The field of view (FOV) of the 3x variable scope can be somewhat greater than 30 feet at 100 yards, whereas the FOV of a 9x magnifying scope can be as little as 14 feet.
It should be noted as well that these values would remain the same even with a larger objective lens diameter. There is a possibility of having two various rifle scopes with the same specifications but a different FOV due to the shape and contouring of the glass used in the sight.
The manufacturer will frequently mention the magnification level of a rifle scope in the product description in an effort to appeal to gun aficionados.
Magnifications of 3x, 6x, and 9x are frequently used in rifle scopes. Naturally, the farther away you can aim through the scope while firing at a target, the higher the magnification will be.
At 100 yards, a field of view is measured in feet. When a shooter is gazing at a target via a scope, this is the area that is visible to them from left to right. The field of view narrows as the magnification increases.
A higher level of magnification is preferred whether you are hunting or at a shooting range since it enables the shooter to have a focused field of view when aiming. Additionally, you can select a variable power scope or a regular fixed scope magnification.
Although larger magnification range scopes are available, those for deer weapons with a magnification range of 3 to 9 are generally regarded as typical. The field of view often decreases with increasing magnification.
A 2x magnification range, however, is thought to be common for pistols. In the end, where and what you plan to use the rifle for will largely determine how much magnification you want to attain with the riflescope.
The solution is straightforward when considering what we have learnt about FOV and magnification in rifle scopes. No, regardless of the level of magnification—2x, 3x, 9x, and above—all rifle scopes won’t have the same field of view. It all depends on who made the scope, really.
What is the Ideal FOV & Magnification For hunting with a Rifle Scope?
The field of view shrinks as the magnification goes up. What then governs the area of view?
- A sight with a WIDE field of vision and a LOWER magnification will aid your shooting game more successfully if you are in the forest seeking for a target while moving.
- A wide field of view is not always necessary when doing precision long-range shooting in a constant field, but it might be helpful when shooting smaller targets.
Low FOV makes it challenging for you to see what’s going on around you and increases your chance of missing an opportunity. Your scope will frequently focus on the target. The design of the eyepiece and the scope has an impact on the field of view in addition to magnification.
Objective Lenses
Two ends make up a rifle scope. The lens at the end of the scope is known as the objective. Its larger objective lens is the one closest to the target.
In order to produce a brighter image, it is crucial to return any light transmission back to the ocular optic, which is the one nearest to the eye. The eyepiece is the area where the ocular optic is located.
Look for the number in the scope title that comes after the “X” if you want to know the diameter of your rifle scope’s objective lens.
The objective lens diameter, for instance, is 30 millimeters in a 3-9x30mm rifle scope. It is referring to the optic’s focal length.
Typically, the diameter of an objective lens ranges between 20-56mm.
Scope Tube
The scope tube is the major component of the rifle scope. Different tube sizes range from 1′′ to 30mm or 34mm. The internal elements of scope are used to determine the rifle scope tube size. When putting the scope on your rifle, it is important to match the diameter of the scope with the appropriate mounting rings.
Reticles, commonly referred to as crosshairs, are a feature of rifle scopes. These incredibly thin marks reflect the exact trajectory of the shot.
A decent aim is practically within grasp when the scope’s reticle is focused and the appropriate magnification is applied.
Fixed vs. Variable Scope
Single-magnification scopes, or fixed rifle scopes, only have one number (for example, 3x). A variable power scope, however, has numerous magnifications (3-6x).
A constant power scope likely has lower expenses than a variable power scope and allows for faster aiming. However, as it only has one magnification, it is only useful if you only want to shoot from a specific range or distance.
Final Thoughts
Thankfully, this article has explained in detail all you should know about field of view in rifle scope and how to measure it. When going to the range or out on a hunting expedition, utilizing a rifle scope is the greatest option for people with less-than-ideal vision. The only thing you need to do to gain a clear view of your target while using a rifle scope is to adjust the reticle focus at the ocular or eyepiece in accordance with your eyesight. There isn’t a challenging learning curve for new rifle scope users or seasoned firearm users because operating a rifle scope is also quite simple.
L.P. Brezny is a highly respected and experienced shotgun expert and author with over 50 years in the industry and testing lab. He has contributed to numerous firearms publications, including Wildfowl, Shotgun Sports, and Varmint Hunters, and is a regular columnist for Gun Digest and AmmoLand News.