40 mm vs. 50 mm scope.

[nwihunter]

I posted this thread in the firearms section instead of the optics figuring it might get more views. I admit I’m not very knowledgeable about rifles and scopes but am wondering what the advantages or disadvantages are to having a 50mm vs a 40 mm lens scope? I currently have a Leupold vx-3 HD 4.5 -14 x 40 on my rifle and is definitely the only quality scope that I’ve ever owned. I recently sighted in a rifle for a friend of mine that had a lower end Leupold scope but with a 50 mm lens and found that I liked it more than the 40mm that’s on my rifle so it’s got me thinking about getting a new scope. Any down side to the larger lens?

 

[Nick87]

Being higher of the center of your bore. Probably not enough to worry about though.

 

[Salmonchaser]

If you have younger eyes you may be able to take advantage of increased light transmission however if you are pushing middle age your eyes are becoming more limited in how much light they can receive so the light transmission advantage is lost. I’m not an eye doc but my eye doc is a big time shooter, competes all over the country and says the light transmission sales pitch is a gimmick. Yes more comes through but older eyes just can’t take advantage.
Im interested in what aspect of your friends scope you liked, was it a 4.5x14 also?

 

[perma]

The larger lens is supposed to let more light in. I’ve shot both a 50mm and 44mm, there’s a difference but marginal. You’ll likely not notice the difference when your adrenaline is running when the game is on the crosshairs.

That being said, the added weight does help with the recoil. Makes my 7 mag feel like a 223. Pretty nice in that respect.

 

[huntnfisher]

I have 2 Leupold VX-5HD's Firedot Duplex 3-15x...1 in 44mm, 1 in 56mm. I have compared them side by side in low light. There is a noticeable difference although it's small. Then again, I am 68 years old.

 

[grizzly63]

The bigger the lens, the higher your point of view is meaning its harder to get that good cheek weld that aids in accuracy. They do let in more light.

 

[RemingtonRules]

Never felt the need for a 50. Heavy, bulky, and sits too high for my taste.

 

[TheTone]

I’d rather have a higher end 44mm than a lower end 50