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40mm vs 50mm Scope Comparison – [Which is the Best ?]

40mm vs 50mm scope

In this brief post, we will share some of the major differences between 40mm and 50mm scopes. This will be a brief 40mm vs 50mm scope comparison that will share specific examples of this kind of scopes and point out the differences. The main aim of this informational guide is to help you understand what bigger objective lenses are quite popular for most modern riflescopes.

The objective lens of scope is measured as the diameter. It controls how much light the scope can gather. This means that the bigger the objective lens diameter, the better the light transmission.

Most gun enthusiasts recommend scopes with large objective lenses because they provide better images, even in low lighting conditions.

40mm vs 50mm Core Differences

Let us look at some of the considerations you need to keep in mind when buying a 40mm or 50mm scope.

Scope Tube Diameter

A scope with a wide objective lens will provide you with a brighter image. However, there is a common misconception. A wide objective lens combined with a large tube diameter does not necessarily mean that you will get the best image quality. There are many scopes with a smaller objective lens that offer sharp and bright images.

Exit Pupil Size Matters in Low Light

It is worth mentioning that a 50mm objective lens has a larger exit pupil when compared to a 40mm objective lens scope. A 50mm objective lens scope will provide you with more flexibility for head movement, allowing for fast target acquisition without too much shadow blocking the view.

Weight Consideration

50mm objective lens scopes are a bit heavy when compared to 40mm objective lens scopes. Therefore, if you are a hunter planning to go for a hike, we recommend buying a smaller objective lens scope.

However, a scope with a large objective lens offers increased performance. They have increased weight, cost, and some options require an elevated mount height for better scope clearance.

Typical Scopes with 50mm and 40mm Objective Lens Size

Here are our recommendations for the best 40mm and 50mm scopes available today:

Examples of Best 40mm Objective Scopes 

Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope features 40mm objective lens diameter features Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System. This system adds up to 10 extra minutes of shooting time. This makes it a great choice for hunting at dusk and dawn.

The rugged construction of this scope allows you to subject it to harsh climatic conditions. It is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 40mm Multi-X Reticle Riflescope

Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 40mm Multi-X Reticle RiflescopeBushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 40mm Multi-X Reticle Riflescope is coated in Bushnell’s Dusk & Dawn Brightness multi-coating process. It features a 40mm objective lens and the optics will provide you with clear images.

The other unique feature is the quick focus eyepiece, which makes it a great choice for hunting.

Examples of Best 50mm Objective Scopes 

Burris Optics Fullfield E1 Scope, 3X-9X-50mm

40mm vs 50mm scope

Burris Optics Fullfield E1 Scope, 3X-9X-50mm is an excellent 50mm option, which features cascading elevation and windage dots. This helps to eliminate any guesswork in your shooting applications.

Most enthusiasts recommend it because it provides bright images in low lighting conditions.

Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle

40mm vs 50mm scopeSimmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle also features a 50mm objective lens that lets in a lot of light to provide clear images. In addition, the lenses are coated to further enhance the image and higher-contrast image.

This scope is also waterproof, fog proof, and recoil proof.

Conclusion

In summary, we have shared a brief comparison of 40mm and 50mm objective lens scopes. We have also gone a step ahead to include some of our recommendations for the best options available in the market today.

Having a scope with a 50mm objective lens is ideal if you want to use it in low lighting situations. On the other hand, a 40mm delivers a lower cost and weigh less, which is very important if you want to hike in rugged terrain.

We hope that this post helped you to understand the major differences between a 40mm and 50mm objective lens scope.