IMO - If you have a 10-50x60 scope you are at the pinnacle of what you can get for range finding at either 16x or 50x. In my research, the focal length (roughly the length from the objective to the elevation knob) determines range finding ability (fine focus) and the objective diameter determines the depth of field (zone at which the target appears in focus). So the longer/bigger scope you have, the better it will range, provided you set it up correctly and it has clear glass. The proper setup technique is described here:
A-Team Parallax Setup Don't skip this step or you may wind up with parallax errors that you don't notice which WILL cause errors.
One down-side to long focal length, is that I believe it is easier to get parallax errors. That is, you can be off a little, and it will make a difference on the target.
One other factor, is the rotation on the side focus knob. Some are only 120 deg, some are 225 deg, some are even more. The more rotation, the easier it is to be accurate on small knob or large wheel.
I have a bunch of scopes (too many to admit to SO), many bought on super sale - here is my take (in order of preference):
- Athlon Midas SFP 2.5-15x50 FL 165mm 120 deg rotation. Awesome clarity. Reticle is perfect for HFT 0.2 mil gradations. I am currently using this on my and my daughter's setup and seem to keep coming back to them. The clarity really makes the target pop and easy to focus. I have never had a problem range finding, just shooter error (or the wind). Need a comma-style focus wheel
- Bushnell Nitro FFP 6-24x50 - FL 178mm, 225deg rot. Currently in testing - not sure if it will hold up to a springer. Good scope, but not through paces yet. Mostly 1 MOA gradations, except near cross/dot where it is frustratingly 3 MOA. Great clarity, but very fine reticle - hard to see in dark areas. Was on super sale at Midway.
- Bushnell Engage SFP 6-24x50 - FL 173mm 190 deg rotation. Currently in testing, Good scope, but not through paces yet. 1 MOA gradations - great for HFT. Great clarity, but very fine reticle - hard to see in dark areas. Was on super sale at Bass Pro
- Bushnell Engage SFP 4-16x44 - FL 172mm 170 deg rotation. Currently in testing,Good scope, but not through paces yet. 1 MOA gradations - great for HFT. Great clarity, but very fine reticle - hard to see in dark areas. Getting parallax errors for some reason. Was on super sale at Bass Pro
- Athlon Talos SFP 6-24x50 157mm 250 deg rotation. Ok optics, a bit dark, not FFP, but good range finding.
- Athlon Talos BTR FFP 4-14x44 FL 157mm, 190 deg rotation. Good optics, thicker than I like reticle. Reticle gradation 0.2 mil - makes holdover easy. Awesome warranty. I won 2016 AAFTA HFT (Piston) with this one, but I think with the 16x in HFT now there are better scopes. Going on silhouette or hunting gun.
- Athon Argos BTR FFP 6-24x50 FL 149mm 170 deg Rotation, Great optics, can get a finer MOA reticle for more holdover points. Does not range find as well as others.
- Vortex Diamondback FFP 6-24x50 FL 146mm 120 deg rotation. Very clear optics, solid scope, just probably not for HFT
- Hawke Airmax SFP 6-24x50 - FL 192mm 170 deg rotation, Great features (scope caps, side wheel, reticle), but very so-so optics. I have a hard time range finding well on this one, maybe due to the less than great optics. Currently don't use - which says enough.
- Hawke Airmax SFP 4-16x50 - Shipping 2 of these back to Hawke, just can't get a good focus. Range finding is nothing, if you can't get focus. Replaced one already with another problem one. Not sure if I would try another Hawke scope in the future based on my experience. Working with Hawke to see what the issue is, I hope that I can resolve these or maybe step up to a better scope. In the end, I would recommend staying away from these.
- Aeon SFP 6-24x50 FL 134mm 225 deg rotation. Not springer rated. Optics clear, but distorted on edges. Good reticle, not really used anymore. NO WARRANTY
Probably should put this in a table. What's my take on all of this - I probably should have stepped up to the plate with a SIII 10-50x60 in the first place and saved money in the end. There is no shortcut to good equipment...
Dan
