Opinions on a Nikon Prostaff 4X32

M

MB2

New member
Does anyone have this scope? My nephew works at a Scheels and was gonna get this for me. It's either this or a Bushnell Trophy 3-9X40. From searching on this board I see great reviews on Prostaffs, but most people seem to have the 40mm. Is there that much of a difference between 32 adn 40 as far as light gathering abilities go? It'll mostly be for low light conditions or at night(with a scope light) Is 32mm enough for low light conditions? I'd really want a 50 but the 32 is in his price range. It'll mostly be for 75-200 yard shots.
Thanks
 
I think the price is somewhere in the low to mid $100 range but he's an employee so he's getting it for cost, it'll be for Christmas. So Jack, you're saying that there is no difference in the light gathering capabilities between a 32 and 40? I thought the whole reason to go bigger was specifally for that aspect of it. That's why I always thought the 50's were good for low light conditions. So what other advantages does a bigger lens give you?
 
Yes MB, the bigger objective does increase light transmission through the scope. The problem is that the human eye can not use the extra light. Therefore it does not help.
 
Thanks for the info fellas. Jack, so what you're saying now begs one question: Why do people buy scopes with lenses any bigger than 32mm?
greater field of view is the only reason I can think of.
 
At higher magnification there is need for larger objectives. The objective has nothing to do with the FOV.

Most people buy big objectives scopes for the look. Some do understand that higher powers need bigger objectives to get the best light at the higher powers.

Jack
 
Another very important thing to consider is crosshair size. Most scope have these cute little crosshairs made for target shootin', and open country hunting.

4x heavy duplex will work fine at night. Another option is the Bushnell "firefly" recticle.........Its got thick crosshairs, and you can charge 'em up to glow at night.

Light gathering is great, but at night, or thick timber or low light areas, fine crooshairs "wash out" easily, especially as we age and our eyes get weaker.

The 3 x9 Prostaff I looked through has an average to fine recticle. Might work OK, but there are better choices for the hunting you listed above.
 
The 4x ProStaff on my 22LR works absolutely fine for me in the early AM & late evening light while squirrel hunting. I own 2 ProStaffs & will buy another for an HMR I have here.HTH
 
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