Why get a fixed-zoom scope over a variable?

[effex]

I realise there will be factors like glass and build quality which make this a bit difficult, but general information would be good still

For example, seems you can get a similar quality fixed 4x for more or less the same price as a variable 3-9x.

Might be a bit less, but isn't 1/3 the price.

Just wondering why you'd limit yourself to the fixed zoom when you can have the more flexible option for basically the same coin?

[bigfellascott]

Hard one to answer really. I come from the era when fixed was the norm (no variable really around in those days) but today it seems to be the opposite with pretty much variable only options for the most part, I have both and the variables are good for as you said their flexibility side of things, I guess the low powered fixed would be more suited to wooded country where long shots aren't an option.

I still use fixed powered scopes on my 222 and 22 - both have been there for 30yrs and I see no sense is swapping them out now since they do the job no worries at all.

[Kater]

For example, seems you can get a similar quality fixed 4x for more or less the same price as a variable 3-9x.

Mmm, at a glance maybe.

For the same price a fixed scope usually has better glass that a variable.

[Tinked]

It's simpler to make a fixed scope.

Less parts, less space needed.

For the same price they're usually a bit better like Kater said.

Depends on what you want/need though.

[BBJ]

Depends on what you want/need though.

Exactly.

If it's a workhorse of a rifle for short range hunting, you'll just be set on the bottom magnification with a variable all the time anyway.

Might as well get something lighter and/or cheaper and/or better in a fixed magnification scope.

[Herdsman]

Might as well get something lighter

Yep, usually a lot smaller objective lens on fixed scopes.

They're definitely lighter (in general).

[Manimal]

Yep, usually a lot smaller objective lens on fixed scopes.

They're definitely lighter (in general).

I've been looking at this lately.

The Leupold FX-II 4x33mm is 260 grams.

The VX-1 4-12x40mm is 330 grams.

They're both the same price.

Hmmm.

[MeccaOz]

It's been my understanding they also take a little bit of inaccuracy out of the equation too.

[Bourt]

It's been my understanding they also take a little bit of inaccuracy out of the equation too.

Because of no moving parts I guess.

[sha]

It's been my understanding they also take a little bit of inaccuracy out of the equation too.

I'd clarify that with it depends on the scope.

On the lower end of things there can be issues with a scope not returning to the same POI after a series of adjustments.

On the higher end though there pretty good at that.

Probably doesn't matter to most but yeah...

[Lorgar]

On the lower end of things there can be issues with a scope not returning to the same POI after a series of adjustments.

On the higher end though there pretty good at that.

I did the old "square test" with my Elite 6500 at 150m and it came back perfect.

3 shots then 20 clicks - repeated that up, right, down then left back to original spot.

The next 3 shots went through the same clover as the first 3, so a good scope is definitely capable of it.

[Combat_Wombat]

Just taking a stab in the dark I think the higher price could be from the smaller number of fixed scopes made

[wrenchman]

Most of it is choice but if you are looking threw the glass weather at the low end or hi range on variable scopes you might have some distortion its because of the movement of the lens.

It is not a big deal for hunters and hi end scopes have adjustable adjective lens target shooters like fixed scopes.

I don't no the type of terrain you hunt in or shoot but most the time a fixed scope is fine.

[Elek]

if you are looking threw the glass weather at the low end or hi range on variable scopes you might have some distortion its because of the movement of the lens.

Lens lenses of glass in a fixed zoom compared to a variable one too.

Lose a little less light, and no distortion because everything's fixed where it needs to be to be just right.

[Klem]

Just taking a stab in the dark I think the higher price could be from the smaller number of fixed scopes made

That would make sense.

Same as cars. Sedan vs wagon vs coupe price tags.

You get less car in a coupe and it's 30% more $ than the sedan.