40mm vs. 50mm

[dreppucci007]

So I wanna put a nice Leupold VX-III on my new Remmy. I can't decide whether to put a 6.5x20x40 or a 6.5x20x50 on it. Anyone have experience with a 50mm lens? From your experience, does it make that big of a difference over the 40mm?

 

[matt]

I don't know how it plays out in practical use, but all other things being equal (optical coatings, etc) the 50mm gives you 50% more light gathering power, so if you hunt/shoot in low light conditions, it should give a a brighter sight picture.

My guess is this only really comes into play at dawn and dusk.

Matt

 

[Executive]

Mounting with proper clearance may be a problem with the big 50. That bell out front is considerably wider, you may have to go to extra tall rings and/or a special mount. Otherwise, optically the 50 is superior in most ways to the 40, particularly in light gathering ability.

Regards,
Chris

 

[dreppucci007]

Thanks for the info, Chris

 

[firtree]

I believe that Leupold or Burris has a 50mm
scope out with a cut-away at the base of the
bell to fit over the barrel without needing high
rings. Looked cool but (probably) expensive.

F

 

[dreppucci007]

It is actually more expensive...it's the new Leupold VX-L series...it's not just the 50mm, but 56mm as well!

It seems like a pretty cool concept, but I still think I'll end up going with a VX-III.

 

[dreppucci007]

I also don't like that you can't put a cover over it or put flip caps on the end.