parallax error

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parallax error

[′par·ə‚laks ‚er·ər]

(optics)

Error in reading an instrument employing a scale and pointer because the observer's eye and pointer are not in a line perpendicular to the plane of the scale.

parallax error

Also called "viewfinder error," it is the difference between what you see in a camera's viewfinder and the final picture. Typically, the picture image will be larger than the viewfinder image. There may be very little or no parallax error if the picture is previewed in the LCD screen. Single lens reflex (SLR) cameras also eliminate parallax error.

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A typical fixed-power 4X telescopic sight set to have parallax-free true objective focus at 150 yards has a maximum parallax error of 0.182 inch at 200 yards, 0.547 inch at 300 yards, and 1.27 inch at 500 yards.

Para what? Parallax is a vexing little problem every hunter should know about

Most scope manufacturers answer inquiries about parallax error by observing that its effect is slight within the range of "normal" shooting distances for most hunting--considerably less, they say, than the accuracy variables already present in the rifle and ammo.

2002 Riflescope buyer's guide

Most riflescopes are focused to be parallax free at 150 yards, but some have adjustable objectives that minimize parallax error over a wide range.

Riflescope Terms

Sectional times are difficult to take accurately by hand because of parallax error, but can be measured electronically using light beams or saddle-cloth transponders.

TOPSPEED Analysis by fractions; How sectional times can enable clock-watchers to paint the complete picture