Scope sun shades?

[BAS402]

I am curious are sun shades for scopes worth the money? If so how do you know what length to buy? For my Mark 4 I have two choices 2.5" and 4". I know they are for bright sun conditions and the sun here in CO. is very bright I was just wondering before I waste the money. Any help or advise is appreciated.

 

[rcmodel]

If you shoot into the sun a lot, and are experiancing a lot of lens flair to the point you can't see through the scope, they are worth the money.

Otherwise they are not.

They do nothing at all if the sun is behind you, or off to either side.
Or you are shooting in the shade.

rc

 

[BAS402]

Thanks rcmodel for the reply. I don't think then I will waste the money!

 

[rcmodel]

If you want to play, you can make a sun-shade out of a cardboard tube or rolled up construction paper & tape it on the scope for a test.

So long as light can't shine through it, it will work the same as the high-dollar metal ones.

rc

 

[Rancho Relaxo]

My Nikon Monarch 6.5-20x came with a sunshade, I put it on because I think it looks cool. I'm on the fence regarding how well it works, I'm not sure I'd pay extra to buy a sunshade.

 

[higher4hockey]

I'm with Rancho, I've got one on a Bushnell Elite for two reasons. It looks cool and it came with the scope, but as far as functionability, I don't notice a difference with it on or off. I wouldn't go out and buy one.

 

[BAS402]

Thanks Folks, I agree on the cool looks but... If it's not functional I do not want to go down that road. Good idea on the paper tube to check funtionality!

 

[dagger dog]

The tube not only works for glare, but also for mirage generated by a hot barrel,the afore mentioned paper tube acutally works better in dispersing barrel generated mirage!

 

[kolob10]

scope shades

I have used shades while at the bench in bright sunlight. They do limit field of view so I have never used them while hunting.