Spotting scope specs

Scopes, Range finders, Binoculars, Bipods etc etc. Discuss them all here!
dg
25/06 Remington
Posts: 834
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2006 10:48 am
Favourite Cartridge: 6x47 lapua
Location: narromine

Re: Spotting scope specs

Post by dg »

the accepted standard regarding the optical quality or resolving ability of astronomical spotting scopes is usually denoted by the manufacturer’s reference to the term "arc seconds".

a scope capable of 1 arc second resolving ability, can in ideal conditions define objects to 1/60th moa.

this allows potential astronomical viewers, to quite easily research and select scopes which will meet their required resolving requirements.

in view of the fact, that today there is an overlap in the optical market between outdoor/hunting/bird watching/astronomical spotting scopes/target scopes manufacturer's and suppliers etc, it would be to the advantage of all consumers, if the "arc second standard of resolution" was denoted in the specifications of all these optical instruments.

IMHO, this would prevent the genuine disappointment,frustration and expense, that many continue to find and experience today when their new rifle scope or spotting scope fails to live up to the required expectations either in the bush or on the range.

ie. what looked good when viewed in the gunshop, turns out to be "not worth 2 bob" when used elsewhere.

cheers
dave g
User avatar
Tackleberry
.270 Winchester
Posts: 1369
Joined: Mon Jul 29, 2013 4:56 am
Favourite Cartridge: 17HMR
Location: estern vic

Re: Spotting scope specs

Post by Tackleberry »

dg wrote:the accepted standard regarding the optical quality or resolving ability of astronomical spotting scopes is usually denoted by the manufacturer’s reference to the term "arc seconds".

a scope capable of 1 arc second resolving ability, can in ideal conditions define objects to 1/60th moa.

this allows potential astronomical viewers, to quite easily research and select scopes which will meet their required resolving requirements.

in view of the fact, that today there is an overlap in the optical market between outdoor/hunting/bird watching/astronomical spotting scopes/target scopes manufacturer's and suppliers etc, it would be to the advantage of all consumers, if the "arc second standard of resolution" was denoted in the specifications of all these optical instruments.

IMHO, this would prevent the genuine disappointment,frustration and expense, that many continue to find and experience today when their new rifle scope or spotting scope fails to live up to the required expectations either in the bush or on the range.

ie. what looked good when viewed in the gunshop, turns out to be "not worth 2 bob" when used elsewhere.

cheers
dave g
yes i allways have a chuckle when i hear someone say " it looked good and bright in the shop" .....you know the well lit shop
Post Reply