Vector Optics Continental x8 6-48x56 ED MOA Competition Black

The Vector Optics Continental x8 6-48x56 ED MOA Competition Black is a high-magnification precision scope specifically developed for disciplines where an extremely accurate reticle and very fine adjustment capabilities are key. With a magnification range of 6x to as much as 48x, a 56 mm objective lens and the fine VCO-6 MOA reticle, this Continental model is aimed at disciplines including Benchrest, Field Target and F-Class.

The optical system combines German Schott HT glass, ED lens elements, LaREE technology and VePRO Fully Multi-Coating. According to Vector Optics, this results in a light transmission of over 93 per cent, with the aim of maintaining a bright, high-contrast and detailed image, even when the magnification is significantly increased.

The extremely small 0.1 MOA centre dot, 1/8 MOA turret clicks, Zero Stop and side focus from as close as 10 yards make this scope particularly suitable for users who want to compromise as little as possible between image quality and precision adjustment.

6–48x magnification for extreme precision

With an 8x zoom factor, the magnification ranges from 6x to 48x. The lower magnifications are suitable for locating and tracking the target, whilst the higher magnifications are designed for highly accurate aiming at small targets and over long distances.

The large 56 mm lens provides the light output needed to maintain a usable image even at high magnifications.

At 100 metres, the field of view is approximately 6.8 metres at 6x and 0.85 metres at 48x. At maximum magnification, the field of view is therefore deliberately very small. This is characteristic of a precision scope of this type and is particularly suitable when speed is secondary to precision.

For dynamic airsoft or CQB situations, a 6–48x scope is therefore certainly not the first choice. For a static precision, DMR or extreme long-range setup, the situation is, of course, different.

German Schott HT, ED Glass en VePRO FMC

In this Continental model, Vector Optics uses a sophisticated optical system featuring German Schott HT glass, ED elements and LaREE lenses.

ED stands for Extra-low Dispersion and is used to reduce chromatic aberration. In practice, this helps to minimise colour shifts and coloured fringes around high-contrast subjects, particularly at higher magnifications.

The lenses are also fitted with VePRO Fully Multi-Coating. According to Vector Optics, the light transmission of the complete system is over 93 per cent.

The result is a scope designed to deliver a clear, sharp and colour-accurate image, in which even the smallest details remain clearly visible. This is particularly important in Field Target and Benchrest, where the exact point of aim or even slight changes in the target image can make all the difference.

VCO-6 MOA Competition Reticle

The Continental x8 6-48x56 ED MOA features the VCO-6 MOA reticle in the second focal plane, or Second Focal Plane (SFP).

At the centre is an extremely small 0.1 MOA dot, specifically designed to obscure the target as little as possible. Surrounding this centre dot is a 2 MOA ring, with additional MOA markings for adjustments.

Thanks to its minimalist design, the target image remains clear, even when aiming at very small targets.

As the reticle is located in the second image plane, its apparent size remains constant when the magnification is changed. The MOA subtensions are therefore linked to the reference magnification of 40x specified by Vector.

1/8 MOA clicks for very fine adjustments

The turrets feature extremely fine 1/8 MOA clicks. This results in significantly smaller adjustment increments than the commonly used 1/4 MOA adjustment and is well suited to the competition-oriented nature of this optic.

Both elevation and windage have a total adjustment range of 48 MOA.

For applications where small changes in the point of impact are important, the finer 1/8 MOA increments can offer greater control over the adjustment of the point of aim.

The scope also features Zero Stop. Once the optic has been correctly zeroed in, a mechanical zero point can be set, allowing the elevation turret to be easily returned to its original zero after temporary adjustments.

Side Focus vanaf 10 yards

The parallax is adjusted using a side focus ranging from 10 yards to infinity.

The ability to focus from as close as around 9 metres is particularly relevant for Field Target and air rifle disciplines, where relatively small targets appear at widely varying distances.

A correctly adjusted parallax helps to prevent the reticle from appearing to shift relative to the target when the position of the eye behind the scope changes.

At high magnifications, correct parallax adjustment becomes increasingly important. A small error that is barely visible at 6x can suddenly appear strikingly large at 40x or 48x.

11 illuminated reticles

The central part of the reticle can be illuminated and has 11 brightness settings.

This allows the contrast of the reticle to be adjusted to suit different lighting conditions. In low-light conditions, a low setting can be used, whilst in brighter conditions a higher setting may offer better visibility.

The lights are powered by a CR2032 battery.

As the accessories supplied may vary from one distribution batch to another, we advise against automatically assuming that a battery is included unless this is explicitly stated on the packaging.

30 mm monotube van 6061-T6 aluminium

The casing is constructed around a 30 mm monotube made from 6061-T6 aluminium alloy.

A one-piece head tube provides the scope with a sturdy structural base whilst also offering sufficient internal space for the adjustment mechanism.

For mounting, 30 mm scope rings or a suitable 30 mm one-piece mount are required. These must provide sufficient height for the 56 mm objective lens and the rail configuration used.

The finish is matt black, which minimises unwanted reflections on the exterior as much as possible.

IP67, nitrogen filled en 1000 G shockproof

The Continental has an IP67 rating. This means that the unit is dust-tight and, in accordance with the IP67 test standard, can withstand temporary immersion in water to a depth of one metre for up to 30 minutes.

The housing is also filled with nitrogen to prevent internal condensation.

Vector Optics also specifies a 1000 G shockproof rating. The scope has therefore been designed to withstand considerably greater mechanical stress than is normally encountered during airsoft use.

Incidentally, IP67 does not mean that the scope is intended for permanent use underwater. A puddle, a rain shower and diving equipment are still three different product categories.

Practical insights

The Continental 6-48x56 is a rather specialised scope. A maximum magnification of 48x sounds appealing, but higher magnification does not automatically mean a better reticle image.

The higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view becomes and the more clearly vibrations, movements and mirages become visible. The quality of the shooting position and the parallax adjustment also become increasingly important.

In airsoft, it is therefore rarely necessary to actually use 48x magnification. In many situations, a considerably lower magnification will be more practical. The high magnification range is particularly useful for target shooting, spotting and very specific precision set-ups.

The physical dimensions must also be taken into account. With a length of approximately 403 mm and a weight of around 807 grams, this is not a compact optical device.

Anyone looking for a lightweight DMR will need to bear this in mind. Anyone building a heavy precision rifle, on the other hand, is unlikely to lose much sleep over it.

Who is the Vector Optics Continental 6-48x56 suitable for?

The Vector Optics Continental x8 6-48x56 ED MOA Competition has been developed primarily for users seeking extremely fine aiming capabilities in static precision disciplines.

It is particularly useful for Benchrest, Field Target and F-Class, but can also be used on air rifles and other precision platforms where high magnification and very fine MOA adjustments are required.

In airsoft, they are mainly used in specialised sniper or precision set-ups where optical image quality is more important than a compact size or rapid target acquisition.

For standard assault rifle, CQB or dynamic DMR set-ups, a significantly lower magnification range is generally more practical.

Specificaties

• Merk: Vector Optics
• Serie: Continental x8
• Model: 6-48x56 ED MOA Competition
• Colour: Black
• Finish: Matt Black
• Type optic: High Power Variable Optic / Precision Rifle Scope
• Magnification: 6–48x
• Zoom factor: 8x
• Lens diameter: 56 mm
• Focal plane: Second Focal Plane / SFP
• Reticle: VCO-6 MOA
• Center dot: 0,1 MOA
• Reticle-ring: 2 MOA
• Reticle illumination: Yes
• Lighting modes: 11
• Battery type: CR2032
• Eye relief: 95 mm
• Exit pupil: 14-1,75 mm
• Lenscoating: Fully Multi-Coated / VePRO FMC
• Glass: German Schott HT
• ED lens elements: Yes
• LaREE lens technology: Ja
• Light transmission: Over 93 per cent, according to the manufacturer
• Field of view at 100 m: 6.8–0.85 m
• Field of view at 100 yd: 20.5–2.57 ft
• Field of view angle: 3.89–0.48°
• Tube diameter: 30 mm
• Head tube: Monotube
• Click value: 1/8 MOA
• Elevation adjustment range: 48 MOA
• Windage adjustment range: 48 MOA
• Zero Stop: Ja
• Side Focus / parallax: 10 yards tot oneindig
• Dioptre correction: -3 to +2
• Housing material: 6061-T6 aluminium
• Waterproof: IP67
• Fogproof: Ja
• Gas filling: Nitrogen
• Shockproof: 1000 G
• Length: Approximately 403 mm
• Weight: Approximately 807 g
• Primair gebruik: Benchrest / Field Target / F-Class / precision shooting

Contents of the pack

• 1x Vector Optics Continental x8 6-48x56 ED MOA Competition Black
• 1x Set flip-up lens caps
• 1x Extra elevation turret
• 1x set of Allen keys
• 1x Cleaning cloth
• 1x User Manual

Common mistakes

• Do not confuse the VCO-6 MOA model with the VCO-5 MIL version of the same Continental 6-48x56.
• For this scope, use 30 mm mounting rings or a suitable 30 mm one-piece mount.
• Before purchasing, check that the mounting provides sufficient height for the 56 mm lens.
• Don’t assume that 48x magnification is more practical than a lower magnification in every situation.
• Please bear in mind that the field of view is very narrow at maximum magnification.
• Adjust the side focus correctly to minimise parallax errors.
• Don’t forget that the reticle is in the second field of view.
• Only use MOA subtensions at the correct reference magnification when precise measurements are required.
• Do not confuse 1/8 MOA clicks with the commonly used 1/4 MOA clicks.
• Do not force the turrets beyond their mechanical limit.
• Only adjust the Zero Stop once the optics have been correctly sighted in.
• Do not assume that IP67 means the scope is intended for prolonged use underwater.
• Do not tighten scope rings unnecessarily tightly; where available, follow the mount manufacturer’s recommended tightening torque.
• Bear in mind that it weighs approximately 807 grams when used in lightweight rifle or airsoft builds.
• Use suitable lens protection during transport and storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope’s magnification?
The magnification ranges from 6x to 48x, which equates to an 8x zoom factor.

How big is the objective lens?
The scope has a 56 mm objective lens.

Is this an FFP or SFP scope?
This model uses a Second Focal Plane reticle (SFP).

Which reticle is used?
The scope uses the VCO-6 MOA Competition reticle.

How big is the centre dot?
The central aiming dot is only 0.1 MOA in size and is designed to obscure very small targets as little as possible.

Is the reticle illuminated?
Yes. The illumination has 11 brightness settings.

What type of battery does the light use?
The scope uses a CR2032 battery.

What is the click value of the turrets?
Each click is 1/8 MOA, allowing for very fine adjustments.

What is the scope’s elevation adjustment range?
The total elevation range is 48 MOA.

How much windage adjustment is available?
The windage range is also 48 MOA.

Does the scope have a Zero Stop?
Yes. The elevation turret features a Zero Stop function that allows you to easily return to the set zero.

From what distance can the parallax be adjusted?
The side focus ranges from 10 yards to infinity, or from approximately 9 metres.

What is the diameter of the main tube?
The Continental uses a 30 mm monotube.

What is the eye relief?
The specified eye relief is 95 mm.

Is the scope waterproof?
Yes. The scope has an IP67 rating and is designed to withstand temporary submersion to a depth of one metre for up to 30 minutes.

Is the scope fog-proof?
Yes. The optic is filled with nitrogen to minimise internal condensation.

How shock-resistant is the scope?
Vector Optics states a shock-resistance rating of 1000 G.

How much does the Continental 6-48x56 weigh?
According to the official Vector specifications, the net weight is approximately 807 grams.

How long is the scope?
The official length is approximately 403 mm.

Why do I see 420 mm and 838 grams listed by some retailers?
There are various distribution specifications in circulation. For this product description, the current official Vector Optics specifications of 403 mm and 807 grams have been used.

Is this scope suitable for airsoft?
Yes, technically it can be used very effectively on a suitable airsoft replica. Due to its large size and very high magnification range, it is particularly suitable for specialised sniper and precision set-ups, and less so for dynamic gameplay.

For which disciplines was it primarily developed?
Vector Optics specifically mentions Benchrest, Field Target and F-Class as the disciplines for which the VCO-6 MOA Competition reticle and the fine 1/8 MOA adjustment were developed.

The Vector Optics Continental x8 6-48x56 ED MOA Competition Black combines extreme 6-48x magnification, ED glass, over 93 per cent light transmission, an ultra-fine 0.1 MOA centre dot and 1/8 MOA turrets to create a specialised optic for users who prioritise maximum precision.