I have read that the 16x is "darker" than the 10/12x. Does this also happen with the 3-15 at max magnification.
Rifle Scopes Swfa 16x vs 3-15
- Thread starter Kevins750
- Start date
You're not providing much info. Assuming they have the same objective lens and same lens coating. The 3-15 scope at max magnification will be very close to the 16x fixed power. This is because the 16x fixed power doesn't have any zoom lenses and the 3-15 does. All things being equal; the more lenses light has to go through the darker the sight picture will be
Sorry, the scopes I am asking about are both SWFA branded scopes. I believe they are the same dimensions.
I believe they both use the same objective lens.
I believe they both use the same objective lens.
I ran an SWFA 16x for years - they're fine optically. If you're buying it for hunting, I'd get the 10x/12x more because the FOV is limiting than because it's slightly darker. Or more realistically, if you're getting it for hunting them you should probably get the 3-15 or the 3-9 HD. If you're buying it for target shooting in broad daylight, then the image brightness won't matter.
I have a 10x now. Just looking for something for targets out to maybe 500yds. I was considering the 3-15 but since its targets it would be on 15 all the time anyway.
will you always be shooting at that one given range and never elsewhere? Fixed has its purposes and I once had one until I started shooting at different ranges and realized how handycap I was. Sometime you do have to zoom out to hunt for bullet impact at different range and if you ever shot at closer target the 16x makes it hard to find targets fast. Beside that less parts to fail at 16X. That ability to zoom in and out is so important to me now.
I've got the 3-15 x SS. I don't find it dark at all. It performs well above its price. I frequently use it on steel from 400 to 800 yards.
It's also on sale with a nice package right now.
https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-ffp-mil-rifle-scope-bobro-kit.html?___SID=U
It's also on sale with a nice package right now.
https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-ffp-mil-rifle-scope-bobro-kit.html?___SID=U
In the same price range, take a look at this Steiner from Doug at Cameraland.
I find it to be a bit brighter in low light than my SS.
https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...4f1f-93df-d6f5a8428b8a?filters=207708:"4-16x"
I find it to be a bit brighter in low light than my SS.
https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...4f1f-93df-d6f5a8428b8a?filters=207708:"4-16x"
I have the 10x and 16x swfa; I prefer the 10 when I am searching for targets at 500. the 16 is better for sandbags and paper. neither are very bright.
I’ve had 2 or 3 fixed 10x, the 3-15x, and the 5-20x from SWFA. Out of all of them, the 5-20 was way ahead of the rest, and is what I would pick if I got another without a doubt. Even with the weird reticle. If the 5-20 was out of the equation, I would take the 3-15. Really the same optical quality as the fixed imo, as well as same feel, but has options for the different magnifications to choose as needed(obviously). With that being said, I never had an issue with any of them. Something else to throw in there - I’d say it’s definitely worth the extra money to get the side focus on a fixed, but that’s also getting you that much closer to 3-15x price range. Hope this helps
I really like my 3-15. I'd like to get something with some more modern features but I can't really justify replacing it because it's so good! Light weight, fair glass, tons of elevation available.
I'm with ya, waiting for Black Friday to pick up another 3-15... I would like to see them make the 3-15 illuminated.
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