3x9x40 vs 3.5x10x50

[Robertsj22]

What’s the difference really between these two

 

[brnsvllyjohn]

If the quality of the glass is identical the 50 will get you a few minutes more at first and last light. In my experience most brands that offer a typical 3x9x40 and a 3.5x10x50 the 50 is better glass so it might be more than a few minutes. In good light it is difficult to tell any difference.
My buddy has a couple of 50s and I dont. I really cannot see a difference.

 

[belshawelk]

The 50 let’s more light in. It makes a difference

 

[MJE2083]

If the quality of the glass is identical the 50 will get you a few minutes more at first and last light. In my experience most brands that offer a typical 3x9x40 and a 3.5x10x50 the 50 is better glass so it might be more than a few minutes. In good light it is difficult to tell any difference.
My buddy has a couple of 50s and I dont. I really cannot see a difference.

Like he said. 50mm lets in more light and companies that make a 3.5-10, the glass is generally better quality overall. Would be helpful to know what two scopes you're actually comparing.

 

[OzzyDave]

Like others have said above, the 50 definitely allows more of available light in. We are allowed to shoot critters under spotlight here and a 50mm for night shooting is the cats meow.

 

[noharleyyet]

If you are referring to Leupold it's as mentioned regarding light gathering capability plus coatings efficacy between the VX2 and Vx3i.

 

[Deleted member 20812]

On the flop side the 40mm will sit lower to the rifle.

 

[mtmuley]

https://www.targettamers.com/guides/rifle-scope-objective-lens-diameter/ Interesting stuff. mtmuley

 

[nrpate05]

I'm not really sure the 40mm vs 50mm will show any real difference for the majority of situations. For some reason I do like the max of 10x vs 9x. That said, I'd rather have better glass with less magnification than more mag and lower quality glass.

 

[schmalts]

If you hunt in a place that you can shoot in real low light and you think that is a game changer go with 50mm. If you are worried about extra weight go with 40mm, In good light, the difference is not worth the weight and extra height in only a 10X scope. Higher magnification scopes need a bigger objective, but 10X is not considered high.