Spotting scopes and rifle scopes share many of the same characteristics. However, they have two distinctly separate purposes: spotting scopes are designed for observation and rifle scopes are designed for target acquisition and rifle aiming. Spotting scopes and rifle scopes are also mounted differently. Spotting scopes are typically mounted on a tripod and rifle scopes are attached directly to the gun.
Scope Power
The magnification power of a scope is stated in the first two numbers of the scope's description. If a rifle scope is a 3 -9 x 40mm, that means you'll be able to adjust the scope to see your target 3 to 9 times closer than you would with the naked eye. The exact same rule applies for spotting scopes. However, the power of spotting scopes generally extends to far greater ranges.
Scope Field of View
A scope's field of view (FOV) is the amount of area visible as seen through the scope (measured at 1,000 yards). The FOV of a rifle scope is generally much narrower than a spotting scope.
Scope Objective Lens
The objective lens is located at the front of the rifle or spotting scope and provides the necessary light to view the object. Generally, the quality of the scope picture increases proportionate to the amount of available light. By design, spotting scopes typically have larger objective lens than rifle scopes, providing superior pictures.
Scope Exit Pupil
The scope exit pupil refers to the size of the column of light coming from the scope to the eye. Rifle scopes have much larger exit pupils then spotting scopes.
Scope Eye Relief
A scope's eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope lens required to see a full image. Rifle scopes typically have an eye relief of three to four inches. The eye relief on a spotting scope can vary. Many people appreciate extended eye relief on a spotting scope because it reduces eyestrain and accommodates those wearing glasses.
Tags: spotting scope, rifle scopes, scopes typically, relief spotting, relief spotting scope
