Testing optics

[Ray B]

With all that I read about optic quality and how technology, design and coatings have advanced in the last few years I would be inclined to think that all the older scoped that I have would be very inferior to the newer ones. But in actual use, I see very little difference due to the year of manufacture. Keeping in the same brand, a comparison of a 15 year old Leupold Mark 4 M1 10x (30mm) seems very similar optically to the 3 year old VX-6 4-24x (34mm) when set at 10x. However, these observations are based on casual tests. what is needed is a structured system where the various attributes could be quantified. I'm sure that the various optics companies have machinery and staff capable of such tests, but what I'm wondering is there any way a person at home could set-up a system to test on a lesser level the various comparative aspects of available optics?

 

[mark-hunter]

Set up all your scopes for last twilight at sunset. Before total dark. Scopes which give you visibility at last moments of daylight are the best.

For variables. Divide front lense diameter by 7. Set the power to that calculated number.
For example 3-12x56. 56/7= 8. It means set the power to 8x magnification. With that power you will have the best visibity. Then you compare with other scopes, in similar set up. For 50 mm lense, set the power to 7, etc

Then compare visibility in last moments of daylight.
You can also take a picture through each scope, and post here

 

[BRICKBURN]

You are not writing an article for a scientific journal. Right?

Set up all your scopes for last twilight at sunset. Before total dark. Scopes which give you visibility at last moments of daylight are the best. .........

Basically, the test I use.

The worst conditions YOUR eyes will use them in. A side by side comparison, and you will soon tell which one is for you.

If you can't get them outside near dark, take them into a darkened back/stock room and try to read the writing on some boxes at the other end of the room. Again, it's your eyes in poor light conditions and you will have to adjust the magnification and the diopter. If you can't adjust it quickly and easily and see in near darkness, move on the to the next one.

See if you can even tell that one or the other is 2% more efficient.
Also, do it "blind". Have the staff member hand you the scope without you knowing which brand it is. This helps adjust for that bias.

Have fun running your experiments, whatever you may decide to do.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

https://www.optowiki.info/faq/how-to-read-an-usaf1951-target/

https://www.edmundoptics.com/knowledge-center/tech-tools/1951-usaf-resolution/

https://www.edmundoptics.com/knowledge-center/tech-tools/1951-usaf-resolution/

 

[Hogpatrol]

My 2¢, The mechanicals are better now. Ever have a scope move for no reason? Want to test them? Use this:

https://fieldandcaveoutfitters.com/...cker-upper-mounts?_pos=1&_sid=b9e236f22&_ss=r

 

[Ridgewalker]

Interestingly I believe you are testing a top of the line scope (Mark) to a second to the top level (VX6) scope. Is the VX6 the HD version or older non HD?
It can all be very confusing with the different levels these days. JMO

 

[Hogpatrol]

Just an FYI, Accurate shooter member posted a photo of a scope check, below. Process concludes if the second scope's reticle moves on recoil. One needs a rifle that pretty much punches one hole.

 

[BeeMaa]

That is one wicked trick setup for scope testing.