LPVO vs MPVO, Which is Better for You?

February 21, 2025 4 min read

✨If you’re into shooting or hunting, you’ve definitely heard about LPVOs. But what about their less-talked-about sibling, the MPVO? Despite not getting as much attention in the optics world, MPVOs are gaining traction for their ability to offer higher magnification while maintaining a compact design.

So, what exactly is an MPVO? It’s short for Medium Power Variable Optic, and it fills the gap between LPVOs and traditional high-power scopes. If you find high-power scopes cumbersome and are looking to challenge yourself with longer distances, an MPVO might be just what you need.

Key Characteristics: LPVO vs. MPVO

🏆Magnification Ranges

LPVOs: Typically start at 1x and can go up to 10x. Common configurations include 1-6x, 1-8x, and 1-10x, and you can find these across many brands.

MPVOs: While, for MPVOs, there is no specified starting magnification. Now, we can find various kinds of MPVOs, they may start at 1.5x, 2.5x, 3x, etc. Besides, unlike LPVOs, they can go up to 9x, 12x, 14x, etc.

🎯Effective Aiming Range

Then, when you need to go for a MPVO rather than a LPVO? Or we can break this question down to a simple one: what distance is suitable for LPVO or MPVO shooting?

Let’s compare the effective aiming range first.

For a LPVO, you can aim at objects up to 600-800 yards (it depends 1-6x or 1-10x LPVO you are using) at highest magnification.

While with the help of MPVO, you can aim a target up to 1000 yards.

In short, if you need a scope for closer-range shooting, an LPVO is a great choice. For longer distances (800-1000 yards), an MPVO is more suitable.

What are the Pros and Cons of LPVO and MPVO?

S6 LPVO vs SOI MPVO

Let’s compare VictOptics popular S6 series LPVO with our new SOI series MPVO.

First, let’s compare OPSL-33 (1-6x LPVO) and VIOC-01(1.5-5x MPVO).They have similar magnification and both of them have fully multi-coated lenses. Nevertheless, the new MPVO is more compact than the old S6 because it weighs only 225g (200g lighter) and greatly reduces bulk of your air rifle. A lighter scope is better for long hunting trips. If you are struggling to find a light telescopic sight, this VIOC-01 is a good choice.
Second, they provide you with different field of views. You can see from the following chart that the OPSL33 LPVO has a wider field of view(109.2-18.2 feet@ 100 yards) than VIOC-01 MPVO (84.9-25.5 ft @ 100 yards).
Third, LPVO can quickly acquire your target and the 1x true zoom factor allows you to use it with two eyes open, just like a red dot sight. Therefore,it is a best choice for close-range shooting. The downside of LPVO is also clear. The limited magnification may be insufficient for long range shots (over 800 yards). A MPVO with larger magnification provides better target identification and precision at longer ranges. Also, it can offer detailed target visibility.

In summary, if you need a scope for closer-range shooting, an LPVO is a great choice. For longer distances (800-1000 yards), an MPVO is more suitable.

Advantages of LPVO
Advantages of MPVO

Quick Target Acquisition: With a true 1x zoom, you can shoot with both eyes open, similar to using a red dot sight. This makes LPVOs perfect for close-range shooting.
Lightweight and Compact: Ideal for long hunting trips where carrying weight matters.

Higher Magnification: Provides better target identification and precision for long-range shooting.
Versatility: Fits in between cumbersome high-power scopes and more compact LPVOs, offering a balance of power and convenience.

Specification	OPSL-33	VIOC-01	VIOC-02	VIOC-03
Magnification	1-6x	1.5-5x	2-7x	3-9x
Field of View	109.2-18.2 feet@ 100 yards	84.9-25.5 ft @ 100 yards	63.7-18.2 ft @ 100 yards	42.4-14.1 ft @ 100 yards
Length	249mm / 9.8 inch	220 mm / 8.66 in	234 mm / 9.21 in	305 mm / 12 in
Weight	425g / 15.0oz	225 g / 7.9 oz	328 g / 11.6 oz	447 g / 15.8 oz
Tube Dia	30mm	25.4 mm / 1 in	25.4 mm / 2 in	25.4 mm / 3 in
Parallax Setting	100 yards	50 yards	50 yards	100 yards

To sum up, choose a LPVO if you need versatility for different ranges and environments, especially for closer engagements. If you prioritize long-range accuracy and will be hunting in open terrain where distance shots are common, a MPVO is better for you.

LPVO vs. MPVO: Which to Choose?

Hunting Scenarios

🏅Small Game Hunting

LPVOs excel in this area due to their ability to quickly acquire targets in close quarters. They offer a balanced functionality between a red dot and a scope, allowing for rapid transitions from close to mid-range targets.

While versatile, LPVOs may not provide sufficient magnification for extreme long-range precision shooting.

🎉Large Game Hunting

For hunting larger game like deer or elk, an MPVO is preferable due to its higher magnification, which is necessary for long-range shots in open fields or mountainous areas.

To sum up, choose a LPVO if you need versatility for different ranges and environments, especially for closer engagements. If you prioritize long-range accuracy and will be hunting in open terrain where distance shots are common, a MPVO is better for you.

VictOptics offers a wide range of variable scopes and red dot sights for your airsoft and air rifles.

No matter whether you are looking for LPVOs or MPVOs, you can find them on our website.

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