A relatively new segment in the optics world, the MPVO, or medium power variable optic, has been by far my most used type of rifle scope over the last two years. From both-eyes-open, close-in shooting to hitting steel at 1,200 yards, a scope that transitions quickly between low magnification of around 1-2x and medium magnification around 10-12x is the most amazing jack of all trades for hunting and “tactical” use.
It looks like ZeroTech Optics is diving into the MPVO world hard, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with. A recent email from ZT is copied-and-pasted below:
Exploring the Frontier of Rifle Optics: The Rise of MPVO
There’s a new term that is making waves: Medium Power Variable Optics (MPVO). This emerging concept is sparking lively debates and varied perspectives across the industry. Despite the diverse interpretations, one aspect of MPVO is universally acknowledged: it’s quickly becoming a hot topic in today’s optics market, adeptly filling the void left by LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics).
As rifles evolve to be more mechanically precise and compact, the demand for equally advanced optics is undeniable. MPVO emerges as the ideal solution, seamlessly bridging the gap between the high magnification of traditional optics and the versatility of lower magnification LPVOs. Designed for rifles that deliver precision at extended ranges yet remain agile and easy to handle, MPVO is setting a new benchmark in optical engineering.
The Evolution of LPVO and the Emergence of MPVO
LPVO has become a familiar term in the firearms community, revolutionizing rifle optics with its ability to offer high magnification ratios stretching from 1x to 10x. This versatility has made it a favorite for both short and medium-range engagements, thanks to features like 30mm or 34mm tube sizes and the choice between SFP and FFP reticles has made the LPVO very versatile across many shooting applications. However, as the needs of shooters become more refined, the stage is set for the growth of MPVO optics.
What is MPVO?
MPVO, or Medium Power Variable Optics, represents a significant leap forward in optical technology. Defined as optics with a magnification range starting just above 1x and not exceeding 3x, MPVO sets a new benchmark for medium-powered scopes. This specification is particularly tailored to meet the needs of compact rifles, which demand the ability to engage targets accurately at extended distances without sacrificing the rifle’s maneuverability or adding unnecessary bulk.
MPVOs emerge as the ideal solution for shooters who find traditional high-magnification scopes too cumbersome and LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics) insufficient in terms of reach. By filling this gap, MPVOs offer a versatile and agile option for modern rifles, ensuring precision and adaptability across a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Why MPVO is a Game-Changer
MPVO is leading the charge in optical innovation, crafted to surpass the limitations. MPVO optics are the answer to the compromises often faced with high power ratio LPVOs. These compromises typically involve a trade-off between optimizing for maximum magnification or maintaining effectiveness at 1x magnification.
For those who decide to run an MPVO optic but still need immediate close-quarters capabilities, the integration of a secondary optic becomes essential. The market is rich with options for pairing an offset optic, including the increasingly popular 45-degree mounted micro red dot sight.
ZeroTech’s Role in the MPVO Evolution
ZeroTech is crafting innovative optics that distinguish themselves in a crowded market. Our dedication to pushing the MPVO category forward reflects our deep understanding of its significance to today’s shooter. By focusing on the unique requirements of our customers, ZeroTech’s MPVO solutions are engineered to boost shooting precision, versatility, and performance.
MPVO revolution is well underway, promising to redefine the landscape of rifle optics for years to come.
About ZeroTech Optics
ZeroTech International is pioneering new grounds by developing cutting edge optical solutions tailored to the needs of the most demanding users. This new direction is forging our path as one of the world’s leading optical manufacturers dedicated to providing hunters, shooters and outdoors enthusiasts with elite optical performance in all-weather scenarios. ZeroTech Optics prides itself on delivering our promise of unmatched user experience, unbeatable value for money and our dedicated customer centered focus supplying optics that meet and exceed our users’ expectations.
We have stamped ZeroTech’s mark on the world stage, born from a third-generation optical distributor and manufacturing family originating from the USA, specializing in performance optics tailored to the most demanding environments on earth. This experience has seen ZeroTech Optics tested from the vast arid floodplains of Australia and Africa, through to the treacherous snowcapped peaks of the southern fiords in New Zealand and delivering repeatable reliability in the last frontier, Alaska.
Founded in Australia in 2018, ZeroTech International Pty Ltd, a subsidiary company of the largest optical supplier in the southern hemisphere along with our in-house team of optical and engineers whom design, test and deliver products that are built to our highest Australian standards before exporting across the globe.
Wherever you are in the world, we have you covered.
ZeroTech. Be Confident.
Contact us: [email protected]
You can visit the company website at: https://www.zerotechoptics.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/zerotechoptics/
3×9 used to be king of the variables.
Some day I’ll find a 1×3 to put on the Rem7400 that wears a Weaver K4 now.
The problem is I’m taking out personal loans just to go to the grocery store.
Bidenomics at work.
Have you tried foraging for food in the woods?
“Have you tried foraging for food in the woods?”
The Possum prefers the tasty vittles found in restaurant dumpsters… 😉
I’m holding out for the 10-20x HPVO with an MRD mounted above, a full size RDS on a 45° and a DBAL attached at 45° on the other side all covered in Zombie green. That way I know I’ll have the latest and greatest in this train of conspicuous consumption bullshit.
I dont like high powered scopes, they make the crosshairs move all over the place.
“…they make the crosshairs move all over the place.”
That’s just God’s way of telling you your hands aren’t a steady as they once were… 🙁
yawn…
trying to figure out where the marketing ends and the technical explanations begin. somone explain why this isn’t marketing gobbeldy gook to a lay person?
“…somone explain why this isn’t marketing gobbeldy gook to a lay person?”
It’s designed by their lawyers to be deliberately confusing, so you can’t win a lawsuit claiming deceptive advertising… 🙁
“It’s not nice, but it’s realty, bury my heart at Wounded Knee…”
I haven’t even mounted my LPVO after ILLannoy banned my rifle. I may get a bolt gun in 308 or 6.5 creedmore just for giggles. I sure don’t need a MPVO🙄
WW, get a straight-pull bolt-action conversion like the ‘Kali Key’.
*Poof!* No more evil semi-auto ‘banned features’… :
https://kalikey.com/
AR10 yes. AR15 no. Six or eight power is plenty for 5.56 NATO.
I have trouble tracking running field mice with an 8X.
Paul,
I was thinking along the same lines (“six or eight power is plenty for 5.56 NATO”), although I would argue that 6x magnification is plenty for landing shots in human-sized targets out to 800 yards (or possibly farther) with an AR-10.
For reference my understanding is that wind drift and Coriolis Effect will typically cause much more accuracy error than “inadequate” magnification (6x in this case) at 800 yards and beyond.
I thought the Leupold 1X4 and 1.5X5 scopes I’ve used for decades were low end variables. Didn’t know we needed a special name for them.
I wouldn’t call Leopold low end. Lower powered magnification. 1.5×5 would be a dandy.
Leupold🙂, the Leopold’s are probably low end ,,,LOL
Gadsden Flag,
I am not sure if I understand your scope descriptions. Are you saying that you had variable power scopes with a magnification range of 1x to 4x in your first example and a magnification range of 1.5x to 5x in your second example?
If that is what you are describing, I will argue that 4x and certainly 5x magnification are quite sufficient for hunting medium game well out to 200 yards and possibly even farther–which you probably already know. Of course the lower magnifications (1x or 1.5x) are fantastic for close-quarters combat or very close shots when hunting.
My scopes on my hunting rifles are typically 3x to 9x variable magnification and I rarely set them above 4x magnification–especially when my longest shot is 150 yards or less. At my typical maximum range of 150 yards, 4x magnification is more than adequate for placing accurate shots on deer.
At any rate, if you have an AR platform rifle for home defense, I strongly recommend a Low Power Variable Optic with a true 1x minimum magnification (which is no magnification at all and you can keep both eyes wide open) and maximum magnification of 6x which is plenty for accurate shots on human-sized targets out to 400 yards–and possibly well beyond.
Uncommon, the 1X4 would be a VX II. The 1.5X5 would be a VX III.
I upgraded the scope on my .260 to a Leupold 2.5-8 VX-3HD because the 3-9x Mark AR was long enough the rear sight interfered with using a scope cover. Next step up optic quality I suppose, but I don’t suppose I’ll actually ever notice the difference in magnification. Got a Nikon prostaff 3-9x on an AR I’ve been meaning to replace with the Leupold Mark AR. If anyone’s looking for a cheap, slightly used but not totally crappy 3-9x I’ve got a Nikon to sell.
Governor Le Petomane,
See my comment above in response to Gadsden Flag–I highly recommend a 1x-6x Low Power Variable Optic on your AR rifle, especially if your intended application is home defense (e.g. “close quarters battle”).
I love Low Power Variable Optics on an AR for home defense for two huge reasons. First of all, you can keep both eyes open at 1x magnification: you get unrestricted peripheral vision with cross hairs superimposed in your vision. Equally important: you don’t have to worry about batteries or turning on a red-dot.
Note: if you have a reflex sight which uses ambient light to create a dot or similar for sighting, you don’t need anywhere near as much light to see the cross hairs on a scope as you need to see the reflex dot.
After seeing a 1x-6x Low Power Variable Optic scope on an AR-15, I have no use for reflex sights, red-dot sights, or even iron sights for that matter.
The AR has a heavy barrel and I’ve outfitted it with a Timney trigger so it’s more of a precision weapon than a standard home defense weapon. Also, I’m cross eye dominant so keeping both eyes open even with 1x would probably take more time and dedication than I care do devote. As far as home defense, inside the home I much prefer a handgun so as to keep a hand free at such close range. In the unlikely event that I have to take the fight outdoors, where I live, there’s not much of an opportunity to engage at over 100 yards anyway, so I’m most likely grabbing the open sighted .30-30 unless there’s quite a mob I intend to engage. The AR is really my go to apocalypse weapon. But hopefully it won’t come to that.
Also, it’s a fairly high quality scope that I already have, (i.e free).
An Australian company, how ’bout that. Anyone else remember back to the 1960’s and the 4X “Raven”, made in Tasmania? Since there was a company making scopes in Australia, imported items were hit with a tariff, pushing their prices up. I forget what I paid for an imported 8X Kowa, but it wasn’t cheap. Hung that on a Martini actioned Mashburn Bee and took a bunch of dingoes. The South Australian government was paying for scalps. The rifle paid for itself, with some left over for a beer or three.
Meh!
“MPVO, or Medium Power Variable Optics, represents a significant leap forward in optical technology. Defined as optics with a magnification range starting just above 1x and not exceeding 3x, MPVO sets a new benchmark for medium-powered scopes.”
So the range is not-really-a-true 1x to not-exceeding-3x ….. or in other words, the cheaper ‘out of spec’ glass range of the existing market of lower quality 1-3x LPVO’s of the budget class, given a new name Medium Power Variable Optics (MPVO).
ZeroTech is the sports optics division of ‘TSA Outdoors’ which is Tasco Sales (AUST) Pty Ltd (TSA)
Tactical guys will do anything but put a 3-9 scope on their rifle.
Rarely is 1x a true 1x.
As someone with prisms, lpvos, dots, etc – my personal favorite is a dot with a flip over magnifier.
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