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PARALLAX AND PARALLAX ERROR IN RIFLE SCOPES

What hunters should know

Precision begins with understanding – especially when hunting at long distances or with high magnification. A term often mentioned in this context is parallax. But what exactly does it mean? And why is it important to avoid parallax errors?

What happens during a parallax error?

A parallax error occurs when the image of the target is not exactly in the same image plane as the reticle in the scope. In other words: If the scope is not properly adjusted to the actual target distance, deviations in the point of impact can occur – especially when looking through the scope at an angle.


Game is standing at 300 m:

  • The target image lies in front of the reticle plane.
  • If the shooter is not looking exactly through the center of the scope, the point of aim appears to shift.

➞ A parallax error occurs.



Game is standing at 100 m:

  • The target image and the reticle are in the same plane.
  • Even with a slightly angled view, the point of aim remains stable.


➞ No parallax error.

When is parallax a problem?

A parallax error can only occur if two conditions are met simultaneously:

  1. The set distance on the scope deviates significantly from the actual target distance
  2. The shooter looks into the eyepiece at an angle

The greater the difference from the actual distance and the more off-center the view, the greater the impact on the point of impact.

Standard setting: Why 100 m?
Many rifle scopes are factory-set to be parallax-free at 100 m.
There’s a practical reason for that: 100 meters is a common shooting distance during stand hunting and offers a good compromise between close and distant targets. In this range, a potential parallax error is usually so minor that it has no noticeable effect on the point of impact.
However, when shooting at significantly shorter or longer distances, an individual parallax adjustment is advisable – or even necessary – to ensure maximum precision.

Solution: Parallax adjustment

Parallax adjustment corrects this image shift. The objective lens is adjusted so that the image is moved into the reticle plane – exactly where the reticle is located.

After parallax adjustment:
  • The image is sharp and perfectly aligned with the reticle
  • Even with a slightly angled view, the point of aim remains stable

➞ A prerequisite for precise aiming, especially at high magnification and long distances

Conclusion: No precision without parallax control

Parallax is often an underestimated factor in hunting optics. Those who understand how it works and adjust their rifle scope properly – especially for variable distances – can reliably avoid parallax errors.

Parallax adjustment is therefore an indispensable tool for all hunters who want to fully utilize the potential of their optics – for clean, safe hits in every hunting situation.

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