How to Pick Your Continental Hunting Scope?

Are you looking for a high-quality rifle scope for hunting, big game hunting, small game hunting, driving hunting, varmint hunting?

Whether you're tracking deer at dawn or lining up a long shot across rugged terrain, the Continental Hunting Scope is designed to perform flawlessly in a variety of environmental conditions, providing reliable performance when it matters most. In this blog post, we will explore the features that make the Continental a top choice for hunters.

Continental introduction

Precision Across Generation.

Continental is Vector Optics' top line, tailored for professional users. The Continental scopes are known for its precision-engineered lens system and durable high-grade aluminum construction to ensure superior targeting experience across diverse conditions. It applys durable high-grade aluminum construction with lifetime warranty to garantee lasting precision for generations.

It offers a series of scopes designed for hunting scenarios, 30mm Continental 6x HD SFP & 30mm Continental 8x ED SFP. They are simple, reliable, and easy to use. Simple MOA reticles pattern and illuminated center dot make them ideal for rapid target acquisition. ED(Extra-low Dispersion) glass, HD(High Definition) glass and German Schott HT(High Transmission) glass maximize the viewing performance through crystal clear image.

Hunting scope armored with LaREETMLens to gain a cystal clear image

It is quite essential to gain a clear and detailed image to take a precise shot at distances, even in the low-light condition. Our Vector Optics Continental scope armors with lens made from LaREETM, (Lanthanide Rare Earth Element). The material itself is known for its high refractive index and exceptionally low Abbe number. The Abbe number refers to the amount that the material disperses the light into constituent colors. The number indicates the material's ability to minimize the chromatic aberration, which is the failure to focus different wavelengths of light at the same point, resulting in color fringing around images. The refractive index tells how much the light bends or refracts enters the lens from a medium, usually air. The higher the index means the faster, the better the light travels are, further improving the image clarity and brightness.

LaREETMLens shielded with VePROTM FMC to observe target details

As we mentioned in the previous blog post, Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) optics refers that each lens within the tube all possess multiple layers of anti-reflective coating. The coating technology not only minimize light loss from reflection but also control light dispersion, enhance contrast, prevent color distortion, and reduce glare. These enhancements lead to brighter, more contrasted images. That enables sharper and more detailed observations. The FMC technology of each brands may different from each other. VE possesses an in-housing coating lab, where implements state-of-the-art coating technology, to ensure the lens exceeding 90% light transmission. If the lens was coated in the lab, VE would mark VePROTM FMC, which stands for Vector Premium Reliable Optoelectronic FMC. VePROTM maximize the light transmission to reduce chromatic aberations, improve contrast, optimize color rendition, increase resolution.

Continental x8 hunting scope implements highly prized German Schott HT (High Transmission) Glass to offer superior light transmission and bright, even reach 93%. That further allow clear images even in low light hunting conditions.

【German Schott HT (High Transmission)】

All Continental hunting scope equipped with LaREETM lens and VePROTM FMC to ensure light transmission exceeding 90%. Continental x8 hunting scope, equipped with Schott HT glass, even reaches 93%. Therefore, the superior glass material itself and VePROTM FMC technology make Continental line hunting scope an ideal companion for all-day hunting, especially in low-light condition, like twilight.

【Image view with different light transmission】

Eye relief of 4 inch/10 mm and large eyebox to provide safety and comfort during hunting

Eye relief refers to the distance between your eyeballs and ocular lens to get a clear image without distortion. A standard eye relief usually falls in 3.5-4 inch / 88.9-101.6 mm. All Continental hunting scopes possess a relatively long eye relief of 4 inch/ 10mm.

In big game hunting, high-caliber rifles generating significant recoil are commonly used. Therefore, a relatively long eye relief of 4 inches is essential to protect shooters from heavy recoil. Additionally, a 4-inch eye relief offers more versatility for a comfortable shooting position, like kneeling, prone, which is crucial in dynamic hunting situations. Though eye relief doesn't impact the field of view, a long eye relief provides full viewing area to track moving target and have situational awareness.

Eyebox refers to a viewing area through which the users see the full picture with proper clarity. It is the space between the scope and eyes, providing flexibility for shooters to position their head or move their eyes, while still get a full and clear image with no inside dark ring.

There are several aspects may influence the eyebox. It is not specified in the product specification due to its complexity and abstract. Typically, a longer eye relief is indicative of a larger eyebox, providing more flexibility in head positioning. The exit pupil, calculated as the objective lens diameter divided by magnification, also plays a significant role. With the same magnification, a larger exit pupil results in a broader eyebox, enhancing viewing comfort and ease of target locking. Additionally, the design and construction of the eyepiece critically affect the eyebox but are challenging to assess solely through technical parameters. Generally, higher-priced scopes feature more delicate eyepiece designs, suggesting a more generous eyebox compared to similarly specced, less expensive optics.

It is essential to have a generous eyebox, especially during dynamic shooting conditions, like big game hunting, driving hunting, when fast target acquisition is needed. VE Continental line features large diameter ocular lens, over 40mm, to offer larger eyebox. For example, Continental 1-6X24i Fiber LPVO applys 46mm dia ocular lens. The large eyebox speeds up target acquisition, particularly at true 1x magnification.

Etched reticle or fiber reticle with illuminated center dot

Our previous blog post, Fiber vs Etched Reticle at the Same Power, Which One to Pick?, discusses the advantages of both fiber and etched reticles. For more details, click the link above. Keep it short here, etched reticles typically has strong shockproof for heavy recoil and allow for a comprehensive reticle pattern for precise shooting. Their low cost is an added benefit, saving you money. Fiber reticle brings the advantages of highly visible center dot. This helps with rapid target acquistion in various situation, from low-light to bright daylight condition.

The features above are all shared among Continental Hunting Scopes.

Objective lens dia determines the light transmission

As we mentioned in our previous blog post, objective lens diameter is crucial for light transmission. For close-range targets within 100 yards, a 20-30mm objective lens is adequate for rapid target acquisition. This size is ideal for small game hunting where the engagement range is short. At medium ranges from 100 to 200 yards, a 20-30mm objective lens still works well in normal daylight but may have limitations in low-light conditions.

Continental x8 Hunting Scope Recommendation with 24mm Objective Lens Dia

SCOC-37 Continental 1-8x24 SFP

ED glass with 93% light transmission

Etched reticle with German #4 VET-10BDC

LPVO with true 1x power, ultra-wide field of view with 123.0-15.4 ft @ 100 yards / 41.0-5.13 m @ 100 meters

Compact and lightweight to be carry around for a long period

SCOC-45 Continental 1-8x24i ED Fiber LPVO

ED glass with 93% light transmission for crystal clear image

Fiber reticle with VET-FDR pattern

Continental x6 Hunting Scope Recommendation with 24mm Objective Lens Dia

SCOC-46 Continental 1-6x24 SFP FDE / SCOC-23 Continental 1-6x24 Glass

LPVO with true 1x power, ultra-wide field of view with 124.7-20.9 ft @ 100 yards / 41.6-7.0 m @ 100 meters

Compact and lightweight to be carry around for a long period

Etched reticle with German #4 for rapid target acquisition

German Schott HD Glass for clear and crisp image

SCOC-44 Continental 1-6X24i Fiber

Fiber reticle with VET-FDR for rapid target acquisition and precise shooting

LPVO with true 1x power, ultra-wide field of view with 124.7-20.9 ft @ 100 yards / 41.6-7.0 m @ 100 meters

SCOC-48 Continental x6 1-6X24i Fiber

LPVO with true 1x power, ultra-wide field of view with 124.7-20.9 ft @ 100 yards / 41.6-7.0 m @ 100 meters

Fiber reticle with G4 pattern for rapid target acquisition

For mid-range distances of 100 to 300 yards, a 32-44mm objective lens provides better light transmission, ensuring a clearer image and better visibility. This size enhances image quality in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk and performs well for long-range shooting from 300 to 500 yards.

Continental x8 Hunting Scope Recommendation with 44mm Objective Lens Dia

SCOM-39 Continental 2-16x44 SFP

ED glass with 93% light transmission for crystal clear image

Etched reticle with German #4 VET-10BDC for rapid target acquisition and simple bullet drop calculation

Continental x6 Hunting Scope Recommendation with 42mm Objective Lens Dia

SCOM-23 Continental x6 1.5-9x42 G4 (hot sale)

Etched reticle with German #4 for rapid target acquisition

HD glass with >90% light transmission for target detail observation

Wide field of view with 84-14 ft @ 100 yards / 28-4.6 m @ 100 meters

Scopes with an objective lens diameter of 50mm or above are designed for specific scenarios, particularly for shooting over 300 yards where image clarity is critical for identifying distant targets. A large objective lens is essential to increase light transmission, though it may compromise the field of view at high magnifications. Nevertheless, a larger objective lens offers a superior hunting experience. This is because most animals are active early in the morning and late in the afternoon, making dawn and dusk the best times for hunting when light levels are low. However, pros and cons always come together. Hunters will need to consider the mounting requirement. A large objective lens dia always need to a high mount to sit on the rifle, which not only increase the weight of the overall ammos but also affects shooter's proper cheek weld and shooting posture.

Continental x8 Hunting Scope Recommendation with 56mm Objective Lens Dia

SCOL-50 Continental 3-24X56 SFP

Etched reticle with VECON-CDM at 20x power for precise shooting over 300 yards

ED glass with 93% light transmission to distinguish animals from background especially under low light condition

SCOL-51 Continental 4-32x56 SFP

Etched glass VECON-DCM at 30x power for precise shooting over 300 yards.

ED glass with 93% light transmission to distinguish animals from background especially under low light condition.

SCOL-64 Continental x8 3-24x56 ED Fiber (Coming soon)

ED glass with 93% light transmission to distinguish animals from background especially under low light condition

Fiber reticle with G4 pattern for rapid target acquisition

Continental x8 Hunting Scope Recommendation with 50mm Objective Lens Dia

SCOM-45 Continental x8 2-16x50 SFP ED

ED glass with 93% light transmission to distinguish animals from background especially under low light condition.

Etched reticle with VET-10BDC pattern for simple bullet drop calculation

Continental x6 Hunting Scope Recommendation with 50mm Objective Lens Dia

SCOL-X21 Continental 3-18x50 CDM

Etched reticle with VECON-CDM pattern for bullet drop calculation

for precise shooting at distances.

SCOM-15 Continental 2-12x50 G4 (hot sale)

Schott HD Glass with 90% light transmission for clear and crisp image

Etched reticle with VET-10BDC pattern for rapid target acquisition with simple bullet drop calculation

SCOL-65 Continental 3-18x50 Fiber (Coming soon)

Fiber reticle with G4 pattern for rapid target acquisition

Continental x6 Hunting Scope Recommendation with 56mm Objective Lens Dia

SCOM-38 Continental x6 2.5-15x56 (hot sale)

Schott HD Glass with 90% light transmission for clear and crisp image

Etched reticle with G4 pattern for rapid target acquisition

SCOL-X22 Continental x6 5-30x56

Etched reticle with VECON-CDM pattern for precise shooting

SCOM-47 Continental x6 2.5-15x56i Fiber (hot sale)

Fiber reticle with G4 pattern for rapid target acquisition

Fiber illuminated center dot for daylight bright hunting scenarios