What is Parallax and Why is It Important?
Posted by Red Hawk Rifles on May 25th 2024
If you spend enough time doing long range shooting you will run into this at some point. But what is parallax, how does it impact you, and what can you do to mitigate it?
We are going to answer these questions and provide some options so you can make those long shots easier.
Parallax Definition
Parallax is the distortion of light that occurs every time you look through one or more panes of glass. For windows or red dot sights where the glass pane is not that thick, the distortion is pretty much unnoticeable. But when that glass is a lens, light is bent through the glass which results in greater distortion.
The distortion increases with the amount of lenses or glass panes you are looking through. This affects scopes the most since they are tubes of layered lenses and glass. Generally speaking, the higher the magnification the greater the effect this will have.
How Does It Affect Long Range Shooting?
Long range scopes experience one significant issue. Since the light is distorted through the lenses where the reticle is actually pointing and where we think it’s point are two different locations. This is because the rays of light are no longer straight but slightly (or significantly curved).
The curved light path can cause just enough difference that your point of impact will be off anywhere from an inch to multiple feet depending on the range you are shooting at. For closer shots the difference won’t matter. But once you start getting into shooting past 500 yards, the margin of error grows much smaller.
Depending on the ammunition you use and other factors, your shots could be completely missing the target despite the fact that your reticle is on it or held in the “perfect” place for your hold over. This brings us to mitigation.
How Do You Mitigate Parallax Issues?
Parallax is an inherent challenge in high magnification scopes that cannot be eliminated entirely by current technology, only adjusted for. Most long-range scopes come equipped with a parallax adjustment feature. Often referred to as the scope's parallax setting, this function allows for relatively straightforward manipulation. It operates by meticulously shifting the inner assembly of the scope to align with the distorted path of light through the lenses. Consequently, this alignment ensures that the reticle matches the true point of impact and point of aim, correcting for any apparent deviation. This mechanism functions similarly to a built-in Kentucky windage, where adjustments are made internally to compensate for parallax, thus simplifying your task. Instead of compensating manually for both internal scope errors and external environmental factors, the parallax adjustment allows you to focus solely on external variables such as wind and elevation. This feature is invaluable for ensuring accuracy over long distances, where even minor errors can lead to significant targeting mistakes. Understanding and utilizing this adjustment can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy, making it a critical skill for any precision shooter.
Our Recommendations
While every rifle setup is different, everyone needs a place to start. We have a number of adjustable options in the store. The Zweiss V6 and the Nightforce NX8 lines are great options for rugged long range scopes.
However, it's essential to have a thorough understanding of the environments in which you are likely to use your rifle to select the most appropriate scope for your needs. Knowing whether you'll be shooting in dense forests, open plains, under varying weather conditions, or during different times of the day can greatly influence your choice of scope. Each setting demands specific features from a scope, such as light gathering capabilities, reticle type, and resistance to environmental factors like fog and rain. Additionally, the type of game you're targeting and the typical engagement distances will also play a critical role in your decision-making process. This careful consideration ensures that the scope you choose not only enhances your precision but also aligns perfectly with your shooting requirements, making each hunting or shooting experience as successful as possible.