FOGHORN
January 2022 Twobirds Flying Publications
SIG SAUER’S OSCAR3 10-20X30 IMAGE STABILIZED MICRO SPOTTING SCOPE
Copyright 2021, Twobirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
SIG SAUER’S OSCAR3 10-20X30 IMAGE STABILIZED MICRO SPOTTING SCOPE
SIG SAUER’S OSCAR3 10-20X30 IMAGE STABILIZED MICRO SPOTTING SCOPE By: Sal Palma
I’ve often wondered why shooters subject themselves to the tedium of setting up a tripod and spotting scope to check group sizes at 100 yards; just having to pack the equipment is enough to discourage me, so when I discovered that SIG SAUER Electro Optics had an image stabilized handheld micro spotting scope, I decide to take a closer look and spread the word. SIG calls it OSCAR3, and it’s been part of the company’s OSCAR line since 2016. Before getting into all the bells and whistles, I’ll divulge that all my testing was limited to ranges of 100 yards to 823 yards. Getting straight to the point as succinctly as possible, if you want to check groups beyond 300 yards, the OSCAR3 is not your best option; however, if you’re just out spotting you should consider adding the OSCAR3 to your kit for a variety of good
2021
reasons, the first being its image stabilization. If your new to image stabilization, it’s simply a mechanism used to dampen image movement that comes from holding an unsupported high magnification optic up to your eye. SIG’s image steadiness is accomplished through gyroscopic stabilization of its Schmidt-Pechan prism. SIG calls its approach as SIG Optic Stabilizer, or SOS. It works and works quite well.
The SIG Optic Stabilizer is powered by (2) CR2 batteries. SIG does not publish a run time figure for these batteries and the OSCAR3 has no battery level indicator; however, both points amount to no more than petty detail. If the power light, located at the ocular end of the optic, does not come on, change the batteries. It doesn’t get much simpler than that. On the ocular side, the eyepiece is adjustable to provide optimal eye relief. Image focus is done via a focus ring located on the 30mm objective. Copyright 2021, Twobirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
SIG SAUER’S OSCAR3 10-20X30 IMAGE STABILIZED MICRO SPOTTING SCOPE
2021
The OSCAR3, with its capabilities, is well suited to a variety of applications, outdoors camping, hiking, hunting and /or target shooting. Included in suitable applications are law enforcement and military shortrange observation from concealed positions. This optic is compact, lightweight with a stable and exceptional optical clarity; the only thing missing is an objective lens cover to protect that glass. As of this writing, you’ll find no better sport optic, including some of the higher priced monoculars. OSCAR3 is a worthwhile addition to your kit. Image quality and color fidelity of this optic are excellent all the way out to its 20X setting, but at its highest magnification, I found a very slight loss of image brightness. Focusing is precise. For this review, I adjusted focus in two ways, one without image stabilization then with image stabilization. I found that what works best is to focus first then engage stabilization. Using this procedure, I was able to obtain excellent image quality as well as stability. Engaging stabilization is a simple matter – slide the power switch from OFF to the ON position. Slide switches are notorious for tricking you into thinking you’ve turned something on or off, so you’ll want to make sure the OSCAR3’s power switch is fully ON and the green L.E.D. is illuminated.
-SP Manufacturer Specifications • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
PRICE: $439.99 SKU: SOV31001 MAGNIFICATION: 10-20X COLOR: Graphite OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER (MM): 30mm FIELD OF VIEW: 2.4 – 3.4 EYE RELIEF: 15-23 OVERALL LENGTH: 6.7 WEIGHT: 16 NEAR FOCUS (M): 19.7 PRISM TYPE: Schmidt-Pechan COATING TYPE: SpectraCoat WATERPROOFING: IPX4 TRIPOD MOUNT: None BATTERY: (2) CR2
For additional details visit: https://www.sigsauer.com/oscar3-1020x30-mm.html
Copyright 2021, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved