unshootable mirage

[ronsatspokane]

The only real way to solve this problem is the same way it is solved with ground based telescopes, active optics. However, a similar problem (only at the user end) is solved quite well in high end camera lenses like the Canon L series and similar lenses from other makers. Electronic image stabilization. It is designed to address camera shake where in this sport, the shake is in the object itself. Not real shake mind you but the appearance of shake do to atmospheric disturbances. The lenses have motors that micro adjust the lens to keep the image stable. Would not necessarily increase the resolution of the image (that would be the realm of active/adaptive optics) but it could stop that X ring from hopping around like a jack rabbit. I'm surprised that scope makers have not already incorporated the technology into competition rifle scopes.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

In camera lenses with image stabilization (IS for Canon) or vibration reduction (VR for Nikon), there are tiny gyroscopes built into the lenses that detect camera movement and adjust the lenses accordingly. This usually buys you 2 to 4 stops and it's quite useful when handholding a long lens and using a rather slow shutter speed. The IS or VR does NOTHING for a moving subject. Also, astute photographers disable IS or VR when the camera is mounted on a tripod (somewhat akin to a riflescope on top of a rifle in a 72 pound rest or sophisticated bipod.)

I should also think that the repeated violent recoil experienced by riflescopes when the round is fired, would cause havoc on the tiny, fragile gyros.

Also, the last thing a target shooter wants is for the riflescope to move around independently of the rifle. That's not really conducive to repeatability.

And of course, IS or VR requires power and will further increase the cost.

 

[ronsatspokane]

It was a thought. Guess we'll have to hold out for active optics.

Yeah, you can't shoot with IS on when the camera is stable. That raises havoc with the resulting image. One time I was shooting off a tripod and all the images were blurry. Turn off IS and all of a sudden they were tack sharp.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Yeah, and to go with the active optics, we should use self-guiding bullets.

Kinda takes away from the sport.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Its a little different trying to stabilize an image for a picture than trying to get active electronics to line you up with something hundreds of yards away

 

[dgeesaman]

Its a little different trying to stabilize an image for a picture than trying to get active electronics to line you up with something hundreds of yards away

Indeed its a lot different. With mirage there is no frame of reference to stabilize when the image itself is distorting and inconsistent. And unlike imperfections in a lens system, it’s always changing. Mirage correction, if it was a thing, would be more analogous to the “enhance” image edit that only exists in surveillance movie scenes.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Indeed its a lot different. With mirage there is no frame of reference to stabilize when the image itself is distorting and inconsistent. And unlike imperfections in a lens system, it’s always changing. Mirage correction, if it was a thing, would be more analogous to the “enhance” image edit that only exists in surveillance movie scenes.

What if it stabilized it in the wrong spot then 3 shots later it refreshed and stabilized it in another wrong spot. Could get disastrous!

 

[dgeesaman]

What if it stabilized it in the wrong spot then 3 shots later it refreshed and stabilized it in another wrong spot. Could get disastrous!

The human brain does exactly that, which is why the advice to trust your tracking in group benchrest makes a lot of sense.

 

[johara1]

I'm like Dusty, I want to see the mirage not hide it, I never reduce the power. I learn to try to shoot at the same point of movement of the image, and I do best when it clicks back...... jim

 

[dgeesaman]

Where I have trouble is returning to battery and the target is not where I left it......
J

I wish I could say I have mastery of this too

 

[kzin]

I've seen light to heavy mirage where the target 'shimmers' to varying degrees many times before but the match I posted about was the first time where it was bobbing up and down and even jumping sideways.

I that from different conditions?

Shooting over 200 yards of grass in western ny, mirage is not the prevailing condition.