The sensor is the same in both the 5-20 and the 3-12. It's the shorter focal length of the objective lens on the 3-12 that both reduces the base magnification and increases the field of view That results in the 3-12 having a slightly less detailed image than the 5-20 throughout their magnification ranges. The only time both scopes have the same magnification is at x7.5 and at that magnification the image on the 5-20 is noticeably sharper than on the 3-12
@@crazycressy7986 No. The base magnification is a mathematical function of the size of the sensor and the focal length of the objective lens. Both the 3-12 and 5-20 use the same size sensor so it's the shorter focal length of the objective lens on the 3-12 that gives it a base magnification of x3 compared to the base magnification of x5 on the 5-20. Digital scopes don't have optical zoom,. they only have digital zoom and both the 3-12 and 5-20 have x4 digital zoom which is what makes the x3 base mage 3-12 (3x4=12) and the x5 base mag 5-20 (5x4=20) So, contrary to your idea, both scopes already have the same amount of zoom. In case you don't know, digital zoom works by reducing the number of sensor pixels used to create the image, but displays that reduced number of pixels over the whole of the screen As digital zoom is increased, objects do appear larger but they don't appear any clearer (as they would with optical zoom in a glass scope) . In fact the opposite happens - they become more and more fuzzy. You could increase the level of digital zoom to x5 which would make the 3-12 into a 3-15 and the 5-20 into a 5-25, or even increase the digital zoom to x6 which would make the 3-12 into a 3-18 and the 5-20 into a 5-30, but it would be pointless since at those levels of digital zoom the image would be so bad that you would not be able to make out any potential targets
So you're moving these from rifle to rifle... is it returning to zero with the factory mount when you put it back on the original gun in the same position that you had at zeroed in? I'm really curious if the factory amounts are quality enough to have return to zero functionality?
@deadcenterarts29 in honesty mostly yes , the weird thing about this return to zero claim from the likes of Tier One and American defense is that what they call return to zero is not what most shooters call return to zero, those manufacturers allow for an inch deviation. Now DNT do not claim a return to zero but they do claim on having different profiles for different rifles. The honest fact is I re check zero everytime I move one of these scopes and sometimes, well in fact most times it has been fine but on the odd time I have had to tweak an inch here or there but it has Always been on paper and close.
Arken/DNT have announced that the 3-12 model will now be shipped with the Vcsel. So make sure you check b4 you buy what you're getting. I recently purchased the 3-12, complained to seller and they sent me the Vcsel as they're aware of the problem.
@darrena8116 you gotta love those chats at 4am I spent from midnight one night to 7am chatting and sending videos. I actually didn't mind as it made sure they were getting all the stuff they need Smith has always been very chatty. Just not sure if the dynamics now they have changed
I love my 3x12 but only gripe I have is the red ballistic cross hair is hard for me to see as I am red green colour blind, if I could use the white cross with a yellow ballistic cross that would be great
Two options: 1. Switch on the Picture in Picture (PiP) mode and shoot using the reticle in the PiP Window 2. Switch to dial in mode and the reticle will move to the point of aim, so there is no holdover mark In each of those cases you can have the reticle in colour you can see easily
@FieldsportsScotland it's a pain in the butt I can't see if the virgin box is on or off lol I can see them like on traffic lights but it's when it's small and mixed with other colours
@brucemcpherson8832 yes I had PIP on ,but I also prefer the hold over cross as well as then I know it's ranged for me as sometimes it don't always work it you don't press the button right "not a fault with the scope but a fault with the operator " 😅
One feature I do like is the auto IR setting. Great review by the way. 👌
Thanks mate yer forgot to mention that never really used it . Can't wait for you guys coming up
@@FieldsportsScotland it is a handy feature. Yes mate, looking forward to coming up. 👍
The sensor is the same in both the 5-20 and the 3-12. It's the shorter focal length of the objective lens on the 3-12 that both reduces the base magnification and increases the field of view
That results in the 3-12 having a slightly less detailed image than the 5-20 throughout their magnification ranges.
The only time both scopes have the same magnification is at x7.5 and at that magnification the image on the 5-20 is noticeably sharper than on the 3-12
Yerp
...very good review...learned something today!!!😀
@@janrobertbos I hope so
My 3x12 will range to 4 yards ,what they need to do is make a 3 x 20 ,best of both worlds
Not happening, since that would requires x7 digital zoom, which would result in a horribly pixellated image at x20
@brucemcpherson8832 if the kept to the same amount of zooms it could work
@@crazycressy7986 No. The base magnification is a mathematical function of the size of the sensor and the focal length of the objective lens.
Both the 3-12 and 5-20 use the same size sensor so it's the shorter focal length of the objective lens on the 3-12 that gives it a base magnification of x3 compared to the base magnification of x5 on the 5-20.
Digital scopes don't have optical zoom,. they only have digital zoom and both the 3-12 and 5-20 have x4 digital zoom which is what makes the x3 base mage 3-12 (3x4=12) and the x5 base mag 5-20 (5x4=20)
So, contrary to your idea, both scopes already have the same amount of zoom.
In case you don't know, digital zoom works by reducing the number of sensor pixels used to create the image, but displays that reduced number of pixels over the whole of the screen
As digital zoom is increased, objects do appear larger but they don't appear any clearer (as they would with optical zoom in a glass scope) .
In fact the opposite happens - they become more and more fuzzy.
You could increase the level of digital zoom to x5 which would make the 3-12 into a 3-15 and the 5-20 into a 5-25, or even increase the digital zoom to x6 which would make the 3-12 into a 3-18 and the 5-20 into a 5-30, but it would be pointless since at those levels of digital zoom the image would be so bad that you would not be able to make out any potential targets
Nice review 👌
So you're moving these from rifle to rifle... is it returning to zero with the factory mount when you put it back on the original gun in the same position that you had at zeroed in? I'm really curious if the factory amounts are quality enough to have return to zero functionality?
@deadcenterarts29 in honesty mostly yes , the weird thing about this return to zero claim from the likes of Tier One and American defense is that what they call return to zero is not what most shooters call return to zero, those manufacturers allow for an inch deviation. Now DNT do not claim a return to zero but they do claim on having different profiles for different rifles. The honest fact is I re check zero everytime I move one of these scopes and sometimes, well in fact most times it has been fine but on the odd time I have had to tweak an inch here or there but it has Always been on paper and close.
@@FieldsportsScotland Thank you!
@@deadcenterarts29 no worries
May I please ask what mount would you recommend for the Tikka T1 22lr for use with the 3x12 Arken Zulus?
@gmcallsuk it comes with a mount , I would just fit a standard pucatinny rail all Tikka actions can use the same rail
Arken/DNT have announced that the 3-12 model will now be shipped with the Vcsel. So make sure you check b4 you buy what you're getting. I recently purchased the 3-12, complained to seller and they sent me the Vcsel as they're aware of the problem.
@@darrena8116 they listened to my bitching lol
@FieldsportsScotland ... mine to..lol... I messaged the Director of Arken and complained, we had a lengthy chat at 4.00 in the morning..🙈
@darrena8116 you gotta love those chats at 4am
I spent from midnight one night to 7am chatting and sending videos. I actually didn't mind as it made sure they were getting all the stuff they need Smith has always been very chatty. Just not sure if the dynamics now they have changed
Will this fit a left handed gun or will the bolt hit the ir lamp? Have a Tikka CTR
@@Blozzard it's fine for both
Well impresed with mine
I always turn the caller off when i first catch glimpse of the fox then pull it in with a mouth call.
@ArtisOutdoors that's actually a very good technique I kinda do the same just use the back of my hand .
I love my 3x12 but only gripe I have is the red ballistic cross hair is hard for me to see as I am red green colour blind, if I could use the white cross with a yellow ballistic cross that would be great
@@crazycressy7986 that must be difficult .
Two options:
1. Switch on the Picture in Picture (PiP) mode and shoot using the reticle in the PiP Window
2. Switch to dial in mode and the reticle will move to the point of aim, so there is no holdover mark
In each of those cases you can have the reticle in colour you can see easily
@FieldsportsScotland it's a pain in the butt I can't see if the virgin box is on or off lol I can see them like on traffic lights but it's when it's small and mixed with other colours
@brucemcpherson8832 yes I had PIP on ,but I also prefer the hold over cross as well as then I know it's ranged for me as sometimes it don't always work it you don't press the button right "not a fault with the scope but a fault with the operator " 😅
@crazycressy7986 exactly why I prefer the hold over cross