The choice of hunting optics: We will make a small trip to give some indications on how and which optic to choose. The novice hunter will thus have a precise picture, on which factors must be taken into consideration in front of a perspective, to make the most advantageous purchase that best meets their needs.
How do you choose a lens? What are the factors that must be taken into consideration for a correct purchase?
Many novice hunters often listen to the advice of "long-time" hunters, who, based on their experiences and sensations, can give valuable information on the brands and models on the market.
To choose an optic, you can follow a certain reasoning: while for weapons the quality level is now on average good among all brands, for optical instruments the same cannot be said. In fact, only large companies put on the market high-level optics, which have high standards and technical characteristics: great brightness, absence of chromatic aberrations and parallax (when the image provided by the lens is not on the same optical plane as the reticle. ), absolute certainty of adjustment and calibration tightness, waterproofing and anti-fog treatments. All these features are essential in order not to frustrate a day of hunting.
For this reason it is advisable to choose top products, since saving on optical instruments is not a good deal. Let's see in detail how and what to choose. A fixed magnification optic can be an excellent choice from an economic point of view, since for novice hunters it is essential to gain experience, using tools that are simple to manage and adjust. If you are hunting in the woods, the lower magnification value of the instrument will be used; if the aspect is the most suitable for the distance at which the game is found. It may happen, however, that during the hunt, stress and concentration make us forget to change the magnification and therefore or not be able to frame the animal well. For this reason, fixed magnification optics can represent a valid alternative to variable ones.
Taking this into account, when we have to choose the optics model we have to take into consideration how and where we will hunt: if the hunt is carried out on the hunt, lightness is preferred and, therefore, not exceeding the 42/50 mm diameter of the lens of the target; if the hunt is on looks, brightness is the factor to consider, for which 56mm optics are needed. If the area where we hunt is particularly wooded, many enlargements will not be necessary, which are, on the contrary, indispensable in open spaces: the two most suitable optical models in this case are the 6X42 for the look and the 8X56 for the appearance. ; there is also the 7 - 8X50 which lends itself well to both hunting systems.
The most frequently used lattice in Europe is 4 or 4A (of German origin), which consists of a thin cross with three thickened sides: the lower vertical and the two horizontal ones. This type of reticle considerably facilitates aiming both in favorable light conditions, using the thinnest intersection, and in unfavorable light conditions, in this case using the thicker one as a reference.
Another technical specification to consider is the distance between the most marked horizontal bars, which in 4 is 70 cm at 100 meters and in 4A is 140 cm at the same distance: these horizontal bars are in relation to the average length of a roe deer and a deer. This leads to a further possibility of using a rangefinder.
In the hunt for aspect, at dawn and dusk, with a significant increase in the cost of the optics, you can buy the efficient illuminated reticles which, being equipped with a LED, make the center of the reticle clearly visible, favoring a lot target acquisition in poor visibility conditions. In addition to the technical specifications related to the hunting methods that are practiced most frequently, the hunter should privilege the quality in the optics based on the price of the same: a low price can be synonymous with poor performance, even if there are companies that sell optics. at affordable prices with good performance.
Surely, without advertising too much companies, the German and Austrian ones offer very high quality optics, compared to American or European competitors.
Finally, remember that there is also the second-hand market, which certainly represents a valid alternative to brand new. This last possibility is particularly recommended for novice hunters who must gain experience and learn how to use and handle hunting tools, without having to worry too much about avoiding scratching or dirtying new expensive optics just out of the factory.
Apart from our advice and those of fellow hunters, the rule is always that a person's feelings are worth more than anything else: remember the few "rules" listed above, the choice of optics is a completely personal affair.