When you are using a scope, you must understand what happens when you change the depth of focus from the objects you are viewing. The magnification is the relationship between how close the image is when you look at it with your naked eyes compared to when you are using your scope. Magnification makes it easier for you to see and distinguish closely the differences between the actual distance and the distance that allows you to shoot your target immediately. This is why you need to understand why you should always focus an object on a lower power before focusing on high power when using a rifle scope.
What many people fail to realize is that the eye section of the riflescope works the same way the hand-held magnifying glass does. Think of it as similar to moving the magnifying glass over a piece of paper to read clearly. To get a clearer view, you will need to adjust the reticle, which is black and sharp. It is also good to learn how to choose binoculars.
Reasons to note
Changes Magnification
When you change from low power to high power, the magnification of the device increases, the amount of image magnification increases to the level of the eyepiece multiplied by the magnification of the objective lens. If you are hunting a whitetail deer, the magnification range of 3-9 is standard and will have you hit your targets easily. However, if you are hunting an antelope or the mule deer in the Western states, you may want to consider a stilly larger magnification range of 4-14X.
This is an excellent range to have, especially if you are looking to shoot as many times as possible. When you are on the plains or in open country, you will realize that leaving your scope on a higher power is best. It allows you to see all around you without the chance that an animal will jump from nowhere and surprise you. It also makes it easier when you need to shoot from one hilltop to another.
There Is Reduced Light Intensity
When you change the power intensities, you need to ensure that you understand that the increase in magnification will decrease the amount of light per area. This is because increasing the magnification makes it easier for you to focus on a smaller viewing area, which will limit the light needed. However, this is not always a great thing since the lower light means that the images appear dimmer. Always remember that the magnification squared for your scope is directly proportional to the image brightness. This means that if the magnification increases four times, the image will probably be 16 times dimmer.
The Field Of View Will Also Change
When you go to high power, the area of the field of view decreases. The field of view is inversely proportional to the objective lens and its magnification. While the image will look bigger when you are using a higher magnification, the object will spread out to fit into the field of view of your eye.
Depth of Field
This is the thickness of the focus plane. The depth of the field will decrease as the magnification increase. When the magnification is low. You will see the whole target, but you may only be able to see it on the surface.
There is also the issue that your working area will seem smaller because the magnification is increased. As a newbie hunter or target shooter, this decrease may cause you to `miss your target a few times. You will see it as though it is closer than it is.
Conclusion
Changing focus to a higher power distorts the image intensely. If you do not prepare yourself for the distortion, you may end up missing on your targets and not enjoying the shooting and hunting. Looking through the lower power gives your brain an idea of how far the image is, how big it is, its height and the overall outlook of it. This way, you will be able to shoot the target without feeling like you are straining too much. With time you will learn the magnification power that best suits your activities in the field to ensure that you have fun while hunting.
