Optics question - comparing glass from binoculars v. scopes

[mikemorvan]

So, i'm contemplating changing the scope on my deer rifle. For no other reason than i have a few dollars. I have a Bausch & Lomb 4-16 x 50 that is really nice. I bought it with the gun, Gen 1 Sendero Special 7mm Rem Mag, many years ago. It is a sweet shooting rig.

Last year i bought a pair of Swarovski 10x50 EL binoculars. The first and last performance of this glass is amazing. So, i'm thinking of a Swarovski Z8i 4-16 x 50 scope. My basic question is this: If i have the scope set at 10x, will I see the same through it as the binoculars? Or better or worse? If i decide to actually make a change, i want to make sure i get a noticeable improvement at first and last light. I KNOW i have that with the binoculars. The Bausch & Lomb scope is at least well above average in low light. Just not sure how much difference the Swaro glass would make.

Any insight will be appreciated. Thanks~

[Greenheadless]

In for this discussion. I picked up a pair of Swaro EL’s this year and now am wanting up update all my rifle glass.

The contrast in quality is drastically amazing.

[trophy8]

Yes. And I can tell you that I’ve owned a bunch of high end scopes. My Z8i was one of the very very few that made me say “wow” at the clarity. And you can shoot nearly in the dark lol. Gathers an insane amount of light. Best glass I’ve owned to date for a rifle optic. I’ve had your same binos as well. Currently running Swaro EL 10x42. You will NOT regret that scope. Only reason I sold it is I needed to dial every gun I would have put it on. In hind sight I should have kept it. Super super nice glass. And I don’t say that about much.

Look at the 18x Z8 instead of the 2-16. However, on 2x with the illumination on, you get on target FAST for close shots.

[trophy8]

In for this discussion. I picked up a pair of Swaro EL’s this year and now am wanting up update all my rifle glass.

The contrast in quality is drastically amazing.

This is exactly what happened to me! I’d glass. Then get on a rifle and think “man this scope sucks” VX6 and mk4s at that time so not exactly cheap scopes but not high end.

[mikemorvan]

In for this discussion. I picked up a pair of Swaro EL’s this year and now am wanting up update all my rifle glass.

The contrast in quality is drastically amazing.

Some comfort to know i'm not alone w/ this disease. Jeez.

[mikemorvan]

Yes. And I can tell you that I’ve owned a bunch of high end scopes. My Z8i was one of the very very few that made me say “wow” at the clarity. And you can shoot nearly in the dark lol. Gathers an insane amount of light. Best glass I’ve owned to date for a rifle optic. I’ve had your same binos as well. Currently running Swaro EL 10x42. You will NOT regret that scope. Only reason I sold it is I needed to dial every gun I would have put it on. In hind sight I should have kept it. Super super nice glass. And I don’t say that about much.

Look at the 18x Z8 instead of the 2-16. However, on 2x with the illumination on, you get on target FAST for close shots.

This one?

Z8i 3.5-28x50 P
APPROACHING DISTANCE
Even at 28x magnification, the Z8i 3.5-28x50 P impresses with its extraordinarily high detail rendition. This makes it ideal for long-range shots. The slim, powerful rifle scope weighs just 665 g (23.5 oz) at a length of 380 mm (15 in), making it the ideal companion for physically demanding hunts.

[trophy8]

This one?

Z8i 3.5-28x50 P
APPROACHING DISTANCE
Even at 28x magnification, the Z8i 3.5-28x50 P impresses with its extraordinarily high detail rendition. This makes it ideal for long-range shots. The slim, powerful rifle scope weighs just 665 g (23.5 oz) at a length of 380 mm (15 in), making it the ideal companion for physically demanding hunts.

No. 2.3-18x56

[mikemorvan]

Thx

[M16]

Gathers an insane amount of light.

It does? All my scopes transmit light. Can you explain how a scope "gathers" light?

Here's a little tidbit. Maximum light transmission is not accomplished at the highest power setting. To determine what power is best. You have to divide the exit pupil (7mm) by the objective lens. So if you have a 50mm objective divided by the 7mm exit pupil your maximum light transmission will be when the scope is on 7 power.

Ever wonder why earlier scopes made for shooting in low light conditions were fixed 8 power scopes with a 56 mm objective. Divide 7 in to 56 and you come up with 8.

And now you know the rest of the story.

[Jon B]

It does? All my scopes transmit light. Can you explain how a scope "gathers" light?

Here's a little tidbit. Maximum light transmission is not accomplished at the highest power setting. To determine what power is best. You have to divide the exit pupil (7mm) by the objective lens. So if you have a 50mm objective divided by the 7mm exit pupil your maximum light transmission will be when the scope is on 7 power.

Ever wonder why earlier scopes made for shooting in low light conditions were fixed 8 power scopes with a 56 mm objective. Divide 7 in to 56 and you come up with 8.

And now you know the rest of the story.

Anything by Swarovski is going to be better than lower end glass. The exit pupil calculation is correct, but at ages over 35 your pupil may not open to 7mm. Now if you are less than 35 and healthy that 7mm is the target number. At 55 maybe not so much. I definitely agree with M16 that objective divided by power to give you the the best exit pupil is the way to go. If you are older you may have a bit better luck turning down a bit.

[trophy8]

It does? All my scopes transmit light. Can you explain how a scope "gathers" light?

Here's a little tidbit. Maximum light transmission is not accomplished at the highest power setting. To determine what power is best. You have to divide the exit pupil (7mm) by the objective lens. So if you have a 50mm objective divided by the 7mm exit pupil your maximum light transmission will be when the scope is on 7 power.

Ever wonder why earlier scopes made for shooting in low light conditions were fixed 8 power scopes with a 56 mm objective. Divide 7 in to 56 and you come up with 8.

And now you know the rest of the story.

You knew what I meant you crotchety old geezer!

[mikemorvan]

Thanks for the info-

The gist of my long winded question is this:

I know the difference between Steiner 10x50 Predator and Swarovski 10x50 EL binoculars is stunning. With the Swaros being far superior.

Will i notice the same difference between a Bausch & Lomb 4-16 x 50 scope and a Swaro z8i model? It sounds like the difference is the same as well. Just want to make sure the expense is justified.

[HTOWN]

Absolutely justified! I'd say there would be a difference worth the cost.

[Greenheadless]

I am going to jump in and ask, there is a pretty big jump in price for the Z6 series to the Z8. Justified?

I couldn’t swing the EL to NL jump on the binos, and am wondering if this is the same type jump?

[HTOWN]

I am going to jump in and ask, there is a pretty big jump in price for the Z6 series to the Z8. Justified?

I couldn’t swing the EL to NL jump on the binos, and am wondering if this is the same type jump?

I wish they made the NL in a range version.

I think the z-6 to 8 is minimal.