Scope Terminology

[txfour]

Can you guys refer me to a site or post up some of the scope terminology for better understanding.

I am thinking of getting a new scope and run across alot of different tems. For instance, what is parallax?

[Solitary Man]

Try this link:

http://www.zeiss.com/C1256BCF0020BE5F/ContentsWWWIntern/EB1D6C1CAF4A803485256BCF00613210?OpenDocument

[txfour]

I guess I am just plum retarder. For instance, the Nikon Prostaff has a "100 yard parallax".

Can someone dumby that down for me?

[Solitary Man]

Actually I think you mean to say that the Nikon is "parallax free at 100 yards". It means that at 100 yards no matter how you move your head around (side to side or up and down)behind the scope, the reticle will stay centered on the same spot, assuming you don't move the scope itself of course.At any other distance, say 200 yards, you will notice that as you move your head around, the reticle will also move somewhat relative to the target.For big game huntingat sane ranges parallax is not anissue to be worried about.Forprecise target shooting and maybe long range varmit hunting, it can be a problem. In that case you would probablywant a scope with an adjustable objective or side focus adjustment.

BTW, let me add thatscope manufacturers may use a different distance than the 100 yards that Nikon apparently uses for this particular scope. For instance, I believe my Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 is set to be parallax free at 150 yards. Like I mentioned above, though, for 99% of big game hunting, parallax is a non-issue.

[txfour]

Cool. Thanks for the clarification.

[Ridge Runner]

parralax is a term used to describe the condition as to where the target appears to fall on the same visual "plane" as the reticle. If you have excessive parralax, as you minutely move your eye while sighting you can see the crosshairs actualy move because the target and reticle are not on the same focal plane. Hard to explain but once you understand what it is you'll see it instantly.
RR

Parrallax is important for target shooting, and hunting long distance. I am an optics engineer, so I love optics. I have AP on varmit rigs and long range guns. My lever's and slugguns, and even my 308, I just don't worry about it.

Also, don't believe the numbers on the adjustment of parrallax. You can easily see if your parralax free, if say your gun is solid on bags, and looking at your target say 500 yards, and you move you head around, does your crosshairs stay on target? I rarely see the adjustment marks being right on.