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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Long Range Scopes and Other Optics
Parallax vs Focus
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<blockquote data-quote="Bart B" data-source="post: 94007" data-attributes="member: 5302"><p>This thread is one of the most interesting I've read; anywhere in the shooting sports. I'm convinced that few readers know or understand what's happened over the years.</p><p></p><p>In the beginning, when someone invented a scope sight that could be set for a good image of both reticule and target, that setting process was called focusing. It works exactly the same way as a single-lens reflex camera. The lens at the front moves such as it focuses the subject/target on a plane where the reticule/ground-glass is. Some of these optical devices have another moveable lens that can focus the user's eye on the reticule/ground-glass for visual clarity. The objective lens adjustment was/is usually calibrated in range.</p><p></p><p>Back then, parallax was the effect seen by the user when their eye was moving off center from the optical axis; the reticule/ground-glass appeared to move relative to the target/subject. It was called parallax. It was never considered to be adjustable in a scope sight except by moving the user's eye back to the optical axis.</p><p></p><p>Something in the rifle scope industry changed not too long ago. I've no idea where the idea that moving a rifle scope's front (objective) lens would "adjust parallax" first originated. But the person who started it (along with those who perpetuate it), in my opinion, are doing a diservice to the shooting sports.</p><p></p><p>Since the phrase/term "parallax adjustment" has came about, the number of questions about it has increased dramatically (percentage of scope owners asking about it, not just more because there's more of 'em).</p><p></p><p>Nothing's changed except the terminology. I sometimes wonder if the adjustments on binoculars used to get a sharp image will soon be called the parallax adjustment; they do the same thing as a camera or rifle scope. And the spotting scopes used to view distant objects, will their image-sharpening adjustment (which also does exactly the same thing) soon be called the parallax adjustment? God help us if folks start calling prescription eye glasses parallax adjusters.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Bart B, post: 94007, member: 5302"] This thread is one of the most interesting I've read; anywhere in the shooting sports. I'm convinced that few readers know or understand what's happened over the years. In the beginning, when someone invented a scope sight that could be set for a good image of both reticule and target, that setting process was called focusing. It works exactly the same way as a single-lens reflex camera. The lens at the front moves such as it focuses the subject/target on a plane where the reticule/ground-glass is. Some of these optical devices have another moveable lens that can focus the user's eye on the reticule/ground-glass for visual clarity. The objective lens adjustment was/is usually calibrated in range. Back then, parallax was the effect seen by the user when their eye was moving off center from the optical axis; the reticule/ground-glass appeared to move relative to the target/subject. It was called parallax. It was never considered to be adjustable in a scope sight except by moving the user's eye back to the optical axis. Something in the rifle scope industry changed not too long ago. I've no idea where the idea that moving a rifle scope's front (objective) lens would "adjust parallax" first originated. But the person who started it (along with those who perpetuate it), in my opinion, are doing a diservice to the shooting sports. Since the phrase/term "parallax adjustment" has came about, the number of questions about it has increased dramatically (percentage of scope owners asking about it, not just more because there's more of 'em). Nothing's changed except the terminology. I sometimes wonder if the adjustments on binoculars used to get a sharp image will soon be called the parallax adjustment; they do the same thing as a camera or rifle scope. And the spotting scopes used to view distant objects, will their image-sharpening adjustment (which also does exactly the same thing) soon be called the parallax adjustment? God help us if folks start calling prescription eye glasses parallax adjusters. [/QUOTE]
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Parallax vs Focus
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