Is a Prism Scope a Better Choice than a LPVO

Today, Evelyn walked into the Vector Optics dealer's store, his aim was to find a suitable scope for his rifle. The shop owner, Stephen, warmly welcomed him.

Stephen: Hello, my friend, what can I do for you?

Evelyn: Hello, I'm looking for a lightweight scope suitable for medium and short distances, can you recommend one?

Stephen: Of course, my friend. Let's understand your needs more specifically, what type of shooting activities do you usually participate in

Evelyn: I usually do tactical shooting, target shooting and casual shooting at the range, I also consider to participate in competitions and small hunting activities in next months.

Stephen: We have multiple products that can meet your needs, you might be interested in our prism scopes and LPVOs.

Stephen took out three products from the counter.

Stephen: The first one is our Constantine 1-8X24 FFP LPVO (SCFF-32). These two are our SCPS-M01 Paragon 1x Prism Scope and the matching SCMF-34 Paragon Magnifier.

Evelyn picked them up: They really look different.

Stephen: Yes, as you can see, the length of SCFF-32 is 273mm / 10.7 inch, which is longer than the combination of SCPS-M01 (3.0in) and SCMF-34 (3.7in). In terms of weight, SCPS-M01(230g) is lighter, even plus a SCMF-34(250g), is almost same as a LPVO which weighs 500g.

Evelyn: Does this mean that the prism scope is lighter then optical scope?

Stephen:Generally, yes, prism scopes are lighter than traditional optical scopes with similar magnification. This is because Prism scopes use a prism system to bend light instead of a complex lens system with multiple elements, and the simpler design means prism scopes are typically more compact than optical scopes with the same magnification. 

(The Prism Scope Internal )

(The Optical Scope Internal )

Evelyn: What other differences do they have?

Stephen: There are many differences between LPVO and prism scopes. I can explain in detail. First of all, LPVO offers variable magnification, for example, our CONSTANTINE line scopes offers 1-6x, 1-8x, 1-10x magnification adjustment. The SCFF-32 product you see now can be adjusted between 1x and 8x. while the magnification of the prism scope is usually fixed, if you need to magnify the target, you need to use it with a magnifier.

Evelyn: Then why not choose LPVO directly?

Stephen: There are several reasons for this, the most evident being cost-effectiveness. The price of LPVO is usually higher than that of a prism plus a magnifier with similar performance. Thus, for the same price, you can buy two products that can be used independently. Also, the design of the prism and magnifier is simpler than the LPVO, so they are less likely to malfunction. Even if the magnifier has a problem, you can still use the prism for aiming. In contrast, if a traditional scope has a problem, you need to be replace or repair it.

Evelyn: I see. Does this mean a prism scope plus a magnifier is a better choice than a LPVO?

Stephen: This viewpoint is not entirely correct. Shooters should choose among a prism, prism with a magnifier or a LPVO based on their shooting habits and the situation. For example, some shooters who dislike mounting multiple aiming devices on their rifles would choose a LPVO. In situations where quick target acquisition is needed at medium and short distances, such as CQB, shooters often choose to use a prism with a magnifier. The magnifier can be flipped to the side when not needed for close-up engagements and then flipped into place for mid-range magnification.

On the other hand, LPVOs are popular because of their flexibility in adjustable magnification. During close-range shooting, shooters can choose the low magnification of the LPVO, and as the distance increases, they can adjust the magnification according to their needs for precise aiming.

(The magnifier can be flipped to the side when only use a prism)

Evelyn: You just mentioned the conversion of scope magnification, which method is faster?

Stephen: This depends on the shooter's habits and the training they have received. Some people think it takes more time to flip the magnifier up and down than it does to adjust the magnification ring smoothly. Others believe that even with a throw lever, it is difficult to accurately adjust to the desired magnification. Therefore, shooters will choose between the two methods based on their own habits.

Evelyn: I see, in most circumstances, LPVO provides a more flexible choice of magnification, while prism scopes shorten the time for quick aiming, which provides a greater advantage in competitions or when aiming at moving targets.

Stephen: That’s correct! Do you want to have a try.

Evelyn: Yes, please.

After using the two scopes for observation, Evelyn asked: I found that the field of view of LPVO is larger?

Stephen: The field of view of the scope is determined by the optical system, which does not mean that the field of view of the LPVO is necessarily larger than that of the prism. Take these two products as examples, the field of view of SCFF-32 is 116.6-14.8 feet@ 100 yards (Aiming 100 yards, the filed of view is 116.6 feet at 1X magnification, 14.8 feet at 8X magnification), and the field of view of SCPS-M01 is 76.3ft @ 100 yards. But generally, under similar low magnification (below 10x), the field of view of the LPVO is larger than that of the prism.

Besides, it should be noted that when you use the prism scope in combination with the magnifier, the field of view is determined by the front-end magnifier, and the eye relief also needs to be adjusted.

Evelyn: I see. Do they have other differences?

Stephen: There is another very important difference on reticle. Prism scopes utilize a prism to bend light and its reticle is directly etched on the prism. This design reduces the distortion, provides a bright image and projects the reticle onto the viewer's eye. Therefore, Prism scopes are welcomed by astigmatism sufferers because of a comfortable and accurate shooting experience.

When it comes to a LPVO, it is composed of multiple lens groups, and the reticle is etched on an independent plane. Take our Constantine line for instance, we provide both FFP (First Focal Plane) and SFP (Second Focal Plane) LPVO. If it is FFP, the reticle grows with the increase of magnification. If you choose a SFP, the reticle stays the same size as you change the magnification.

Evelyn: It's amazing how much knowledge is involved in choosing between prisms and LPVOs, I definitely need to do more research about it!

Stephen: Don't worry, here's a chart that can help you understand the differences between prism sights and LPVOs easily. As you use the product, you'll also find the right combination for yourself. If you have any questions, just contact and ask me. Remember, Vector Optics accompanies you for every shot.

Evelyn: Really appreciate! You are so considerate.

Evelyn took few minutes to read the chart: So, if I wish to flexibly magnify the image to the required magnification, I should choose LPVO, and if I need to quickly switch magnification and target aiming, I should choose a prism scope. Also, I have astigmatism in my eyes, so maybe prisms are more suited to me. 

Stephen: Very correct, would you like to come to our range to experience LPVO and prism scopes? I am very willing to answer any questions that arise during the trial. Evelyn: I'd love to, thank you very much.