{"id":428,"date":"2023-04-03T04:35:32","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T04:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tma65.com\/blog\/?p=428"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:36:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:36:27","slug":"42mm-vs-50mm-objective-which-is-best","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/42mm-vs-50mm-objective-which-is-best\/","title":{"rendered":"42mm vs. 50mm Objective"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p><p><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>When it comes to the debate between a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/toric-30mm-2-5-15x44-sfp-rifle-scope-turret-reset-to-zero\/\">rifle<\/a> <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"scope\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"231\">scope<\/a> with a 42mm vs. 50mm objective, we determine which is best depending on your application.<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Will a 50mm objective give me a brighter image and a wider field of view? These are questions we get all the time. Let\u2019s walk through the advantages of the 42mm and the 50mm so you can outfit your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/videosview\/toric-1-3-15x42-review-ronspomer\/\" title=\"TORIC 3-15X42 1\u2033 Rifle Scope Review by Ron Spomer\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1299\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle with the correct scope<\/a> this season.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Just so we\u2019re clear, the objective of a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/finding-the-perfect-6-5-creedmoor-rifle-scope\/\" title=\"Finding the Perfect 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Scope\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"441\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle scope<\/a> is the lens furthest away from your eye. In most cases, the objective lens is the largest part of the entire tube body. It plays a critical part in the amount of light that enters the scope.\u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">The basic premise surrounding the objective diameter is the larger it is, the more light is allowed into the scope and ultimately transmitted to your eye. And, the larger it is, the ability to see detail increases as there is a larger \u201csweet\u201d spot in the lens itself.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">A common misconception is that the 50mm objective provides a wider <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/choosing-the-best-riflescope-for-deer-hunting\/\" title=\"Choosing the Best Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1247\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">field of view<\/a> (FOV) than a 42mm. This is false. FOV is determined in the design of the eyepiece and has no baring on the FOV.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">A quick way to prove the FOV misnomer is to punch a hole in a business card size piece of paper and cover the objective. In looking through the scope, you will notice that the FOV does not change, even though you are limiting the size of the objective diameter. However, the image will be much dimmer. This proves the importance of the objective for gathering light. Here is a quick video that demonstrates this theory with a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-you-need-for-an-air-rifle-competition\/\">binocular<\/a>.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">So, how do you know if 42mm or 50mm is the best fit for you? There are advantages to each objective size so it pays to understand the relationship between scope, gun and the type of hunting\/shooting you would like to do.\u00a0 5 Tips to help you make the right choice:<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/42mm-vs-50mm-objective-which-is-best\/#1_Best_Mounting_Position_42mm_vs_50mm_Objective\" >1: Best Mounting Position 42mm vs. 50mm Objective\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/42mm-vs-50mm-objective-which-is-best\/#2_Consider_the_Weight_of_the_Scope\" >2: Consider the Weight of the Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/42mm-vs-50mm-objective-which-is-best\/#3_Glass_Quality_Increased_Resolution\" >3: Glass Quality \/ Increased Resolution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/42mm-vs-50mm-objective-which-is-best\/#4_High_Magnification\" >4: High Magnification<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/42mm-vs-50mm-objective-which-is-best\/#5_Light_Gathering_Exit_Pupil_Advantages\" >5: Light Gathering \/ Exit Pupil Advantages<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Best_Mounting_Position_42mm_vs_50mm_Objective\"><\/span><strong>1: Best Mounting Position 42mm vs. 50mm Objective\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Why is this important? The objective diameter&#8217;s size gives you an idea as to how the <a title=\"Why the 2.5-15x Rifle Scope is Ideal for Hunting\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/why-the-2-5-15x-rifle-scope-is-ideal-for-hunting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope will sit on your rifle<\/a>.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Mounting a 50mm scope in most cases will require the use of high mounts and will result in mounting the scope higher off the receiver which can cause an issue with proper eye alignment and discomfort. A good shooter knows that having a low, consistent cheek weld improves accuracy.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Mounting a 42mm objective is going to allow for a lower profile. You\u2019ll be able to achieve a consistent cheek-weld, fast and easy eye alignment, and you can buy and use standard medium height mounting rings.<\/p><p>In this <a href=\"https:\/\/tract.wistia.com\/medias\/0s9gtjzr6t\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video<\/a>, Jon LaCorte explains the advantages of each and why he chooses one over the other when it comes to different <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/binoculars-for-turkey-hunting\/\">hunting<\/a> applications.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_4152\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4152\" style=\"width: 460px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4152 \" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Jon LaCorte explains the advantages of each and why he chooses one over the other when it comes to different hunting applications.\u00a0\" width=\"460\" height=\"307\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-2-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-2-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-2-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4152\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jon LaCorte explains the advantages of each and why he chooses one over the other when it comes to different hunting applications.<\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Consider_the_Weight_of_the_Scope\"><\/span><strong>2: Consider the Weight of the Scope<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">A 50mm objective lens typically \u00a0adds to the overall weight of the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/toric-30mm-2-5-15x44-sfp-rifle-scope-turret-reset-to-zero\/\">riflescope<\/a>.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">So, if you\u2019re concerned with weight, bulkiness, and weldability you\u2019d probably want to go with the 42mm objective. \u00a0Especially if you\u2019re planning that once in a lifetime sheep <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/18-turkey-hunting-gear-essentials\/\" title=\"18 Turkey Hunting Gear Essentials\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1174\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hunt which requires a lot hiking\u2026\u2026You\u2019ll appreciate keeping your gear<\/a> as light as possible.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">If you\u2019re <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"hunting\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"337\">hunting<\/a> whitetail from a tree stand or box blind and don\u2019t mind carrying a few extra ounces, moving up to 50mm lens might be for you.<br \/>\u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Weight Comparison of the TORIC Riflescope Line:<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/all-products\/toric-uhd-30mm-4-20x50-ffp-mrad-prs-long-range-rifle-scope\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC 4-20x50mm \u2013 34 ounces<\/a><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/all-products\/toric-uhd-3-15x50-bdc-rifle-scope\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC 3-15x50mm \u2013 22.3 ounces<\/a><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/all-products\/toric-uhd-3-15x42-bdc-rifle-scope\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC 3-15x42mm \u2013 20.1 ounces<\/a><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/all-products\/toric-uhd-2-10x42-bdc-rifle-scope\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC 2-10x42mm \u2013 18.6 ounces<\/a><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Glass_Quality_Increased_Resolution\"><\/span><strong>3: Glass Quality \/ Increased Resolution<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Typically hunters look for larger objective lenses is because they think it will provide a brighter image.\u00a0 Please keep in mind that if inferior glass is used, all you have is a big poor quality lens. This sort of defeats the purpose of going to 50mm.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Here are the facts.\u00a0 If high quality glass is incorporated, a larger lens will provide greater resolution. Meaning it has the power to resolve detail in various lighting conditions. Since image quality and brightness are directly related to glass quality, not the size of the lens, you should seek out an optics company that incorporates high transmission glass and superior coatings. This will ensure maximum brightness in low- light situations and provide an overall exceptional visual experience.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Therefore, a 42mm scope with exceptional glass will outperform a 50mm objective scope with average glass in low light and provide an overall better image.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">What about resolution\u2026Can I see more detail? It is true that a larger 50mm lens will provide greater resolution. This is due in part to a larger sweet spot (center of the lens) being greater in size than the sweet spot of a 42mm lens.<br \/>\u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><figure id=\"attachment_4148\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4148\" style=\"width: 544px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4148 \" title=\"Dial or Not to Dial\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The type of game you&apos;re hunting is an important factor when choosing what scope objective is right for you.\" width=\"544\" height=\"363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-1-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/42vs50mm-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4148\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The type of game you&#8217;re hunting is an important factor when choosing what scope objective is right for you.<\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_High_Magnification\"><\/span><strong>4: High Magnification<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Is it true that a 50mm scope will allow the shooter to stay out longer and make shots in extremely low light \u00a0better than a 42mm scope?<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">As the sun goes down, your effective <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/5-reasons-to-own-a-spotting-scope\/\" title=\"5 Reasons to Own a Spotting Scope\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hunting<\/a> range gets shorter and shorter with a high powered optic. That said, you\u2019ll need to bring the magnification down to get as much usable light as possible.\u00a0 However, there are advantages to a larger objective size when it comes to <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/long-range-shooting-etiquette\/\" title=\"Long Range Shooting Etiquette\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1469\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting at long range<\/a>.\u00a0 Which leads us to the next point about exit pupil.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Light_Gathering_Exit_Pupil_Advantages\"><\/span><strong>5: Light Gathering \/ Exit Pupil Advantages<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">What is an exit pupil and why is it important when choosing the correct objective size for my riflescope?<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">The exit pupil is that circle or beam of light that you can see in the eyepiece lens if you were about 10 inches away from it. This shows you how much light is being transmitted to your eye. And it can ultimately give you an improved and brighter image as you turn down the magnification setting. You can visually see this when hunting in low light.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><figure id=\"attachment_421\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-421\" style=\"width: 421px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-421 \" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/inner101-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"As the light starts to fade, turn down the magnification and you\u2019ll see your image get brighter.\" width=\"421\" height=\"281\" title=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-421\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">As the light starts to fade, turn down the magnification and you\u2019ll see your image get brighter.<\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">The exit pupil can be calculated by dividing the objective diameter (mm) by the magnification. A scope set on its lowest magnification setting will provide you with the largest beam of light. Conversely, the highest magnification setting will provide you with the smallest beam of light.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">A 3-15&#215;50 scope has an exit pupil of 16.6mm at 3 power to 3.33mm at 15 power (50 divided by 3, then 50 divided by 15). As you can see at 3x, there\u2019s a big difference in that window of light vs 15x. Does a larger window of light equal a brighter image in the dark? While it may seem like \u201cthe larger the better\u201d concept would be true, there\u2019s a limit how much your eye can take in.\u00a0 Here\u2019s the facts:<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">The human pupil is only capable of expanding between 2mm in bright light to 7mm in total darkness (for healthy adults with great eyesight). So if you\u2019ve got your scope on the lowest magnification and you\u2019ve got an exit pupil of 16.67, or pretty much anything larger than 8 or 9 mm, all that light is a waste. It\u2019s not profitable since your eyes won\u2019t be able to use it at all.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">For example, a 3-15&#215;50 TORIC at 10x will give you an exit pupil (window of light) of 5mm. This 5mm exit pupil will be very good in low light situations for hunters who need to see detail at 10x. A 3-15&#215;42 at 10x has a window of light (exit pupil) of 4.2mm \u2013 still great for hunters. But, as you start to crank up the magnification to 12x for example on the 3-15&#215;50 = 4.1 and 12x on a 42mm scope = 3.5.\u00a0 Now it\u2019s starting to get below 4mm which is tough to use in low light. So, for more flexibility with using higher powered optics especially in low light conditions, a 50mm objective lens is the best choice.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Another benefit to having a large exit pupil is that you\u2019ll have greater flexibility to look through the scope. And you can get on target in a hurry. You can quickly get on target for when that big buck steps unexpectedly into your line of sight. Precision shooters have the luxury of finding that dead on spot with a 2mm exit pupil. But hunters will appreciate the freedom of still getting dead on even if your eye isn\u2019t perfectly aligned with the optical axis.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">\u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Advantages of 42mm Scopes\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><li>Provides a lower mounting profile<\/li><li>Enables a sufficient and comfortable cheek-weld<\/li><li>Good exit pupil size for close to mid-range low light hunting<\/li><li>Light-weight and compact, only weighing 20 ounces<\/li><li>Smaller size allows better accessibility in and out of gun scabbards or ATV cases<\/li><\/ul><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Advantages of a 50mm<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><li>Efficient for long <a title=\"5 Long Range Shooting Tips\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/5-long-range-shooting-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">range shooting<\/a><\/li><li>Good exit pupil size for longer range shots in low light conditions<\/li><li>Improved image quality and greater resolution in low light conditions<\/li><li>Ability to use higher magnifications longer as available light diminishes<\/li><li>Flexibility to find sweet spot faster with larger exit pupil<\/li><\/ul><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Get \u201cRight Sized\u201d<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">To determine which size objective lens is best for you, you need to evaluate what type of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/tips-for-off-hand-shooting\/\" title=\"Tips for Off Hand Shooting\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1698\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hunting or shooting<\/a> you\u2019re going to be involved in. If you\u2019re looking for a more <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/videosview\/versatility-of-the-tract-bino-chest-pak\/\" title=\"Versatility of the TRACT Bino Chest Pak\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1620\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">versatile and all-purpose riflescope<\/a> that does its best in any light, terrain, and hunting situation, then you\u2019d probably do best with a 42mm objective lens size.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">But, for those who want to maximize any potential of light gathering capabilities with any light of day, a larger objective diameter lens will provide more light than you can use, plus some extra perks.<\/p><p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>42mm vs. 50mm Objective &#8211; Which is Best?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12084,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2255,2259,2265,2273,2274],"tags":[2306,2625,2812,2813,2844,2845,2846,2847,2848,2849,2852,2854,3351],"class_list":["post-428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-extra-topics","category-hunting-rifle-scope","category-rifle-scope","category-tractoptics","category-video","tag-42mm-vs-50mm-objective","tag-extra-topics","tag-hunting-calibers","tag-hunting-calibers-for-deer","tag-hunting-rifle-caliber","tag-hunting-rifle-caliber-chart","tag-hunting-rifle-caliber-for-deer","tag-hunting-rifle-calibers","tag-hunting-rifle-calibers-by-size","tag-hunting-rifle-rounds","tag-hunting-rifle-sizes","tag-hunting-rifles","tag-wistia"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/428","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=428"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/428\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12823,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/428\/revisions\/12823"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12084"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=428"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}