Well, assuming you have a scope body that takes advantage of the 56mm objective, as long as we are just talking about image quality and not a mounting convenience, then 56 is better. If you need quick acquisition for a running shot, then a lower profile has merit. 50mm may be enough, if you don't hunt the extra ten minutes of dawn and dusk, but then we start rationalizing, (like) I have a 4.5X14 Conquest with a 44mm objective that is very hard to beat. But, I also have a couple 56mm scopes and they are awesome and I appreciate what they are capable of. For me, the mounting height is a distraction. I know what my application is, for the most part and if I need lowlight performance, I know where to look. BB