Difference between revisions of "Optics"

Revision as of 22:23, 30 April 2019

What are optics and where to look for them

Optics are a device used by vehicle crews to increase the magnification of the enemy being targeted for a more reliable targeting solution. Typically used in specific modes, optics come into play whenever using the sniper scope (gunner position) or the commander's binoculars (from commander's cupola).

When operating the Gunner scope, objects are initially seen with the scope set to the minimum zoom setting. To toggle between the minimum and maximum zoom settings, this can be achieved utilising the scrolling mouse wheel, pressing the default "zoom in" key Z or through any other key mapped specifically for this function on a keyboard, mouse or joystick/throttle controller.

When looking at a vehicle in the vehicle garage of War Thunder, vehicles with optics will show their location when looking at the vehicle in X-ray mode. Using the cursor to hover over the optic a pop-up bubble will appear annotating the device as an "optic", some will even have additional information listed in the pop-up bubble. Generally, if the vehicle has more than one set of optics, only one of them will list the zoom levels options and typically this will appear when hovering over the gunner's optics, however, this is not always the case and all optics may have to be checked for more information.

Optics on AMX-30. Due to the vehicle modules, the optics may be difficult to find and will require rotating the vehicle for a better view.

Some vehicles do not contain as much information as others and when the optic pop-up bubble only lists one zoom level, it is assumed that this is the maximum zoom available for the optics on this vehicle as in the Ho-Ri Production Japanese tank destroyer.

Optic pop-up only states Zoom:6.0x which is exected to be the maximum zoom capability for this unit.

Several vehicles may not have a zoom range specified, when it comes to these, it is best to take the vehicle out on a training run and choose a fixed object in which to compare the zoom rate in comparison to other vehicles with known zoom rates. This will provide a general range in which to have a better idea of what the optics are capable of during combat manoeuvres.

Optics themselves can be pivotal in the ability to disable an enemy tank or it can also be an Achilles' heel, especially for super heavy tanks such as IS-7, in which the viewports where the optics are at providing a very weak point in the armour structure. Although they are extremely hard to target due to their extremely small size, nonetheless they can be hit.

Damage to the optics will not affect vehicle or crew gameplay, however, the optics will be unusable until they are repaired.

Differences between various optics in game

Optics zoom levels are an important indicator as to what type of tank is being used. Typically brawler tanks meant to be used on the front lines will not have much zoom capabilities beyond X4 as they are meant for up-close fighting and not long range sniping. Tanks with zoom ranges of +X12 are meant for more reserve positions where they can maximize the zoom capabilities at disabling vehicles from a long distance. Those who are comfortable with the different vehicles and the optics located there can sometimes effectively push the limits of the optics and make the long-range shots with weaker optics or utilise a sniper-tank in close quarters battle.

An important note to remember in arcade mode is that it is easier to fine-tune gun aim with stronger magnification, especially if an enemy tank has only one small weak spot and you are limited on time. Also, the stronger the zoom is, the further apart the shell drop marks become making it slightly less confusing when estimating the shooting angle targeting solution.

Also worth noting, the optics of certain nations and/or vehicles may show vignetting or dark areas around the view area from a scope which limit the amount of area which can be viewed through the scope. As optics developed the vignetting lessened or virtually disappeared allowing for a larger viewing area.

Commander's binoculars always have about X6 zoom and same lenses across all vehicles.

Examples of zoom levels for different confirmed vehicles

The below screenshots were taken from the test drive map, always from a specific position on the edge between E-4 and D-4 (seen on the minimap) to allow for accurate comparison between vehicle optics being tested, especially with vehicles where the optic value is not known. The testing vehicle's hull front is always aligned towards the target to minimize a collision.

Weather settings for this test are at 16:00 and overcast. It surely would be easier to spot enemy at good weather, but when fighting in realistic battles tanks have camouflage and often begin engagements at the 2 km range. The potential of fog and other weather effects can make targets more difficult to see, therefore these testing purposes will use less than ideal circumstances to compare the different optics results.

In the screenshots,m the target is always located exactly 1 km to ensure a more accurate comparison. The enemy tank which spawns at the back of the practice map is always different depending on the vehicle chosen for test-drive, however, it is generally standing exactly 1.2 km away from testing spot.

When having problems coordinating the zoom level visually, utilising the compass at the top of the screen may help with the corelation - its size changes accordingly with the zoom level.

Click on an image and browse them with arrow keys/buttons on screenshot sides to make them easier to compare.

X1 - No zoom, 3PV in front of gun. View from a Ho-Ri Production.
X2.5 zoom. Veiw from Tiger II (H) Sla.16 optics.
X3 zoom. Made with Calliope.
X3.5 zoom. Made with Object 120.
X4 zoom. Made with M46 “Tiger”. Notice the lack of vignetting compared to other images.
X5 zoom. Made with T20.
X6 zoom. Made with Binoculars (same for all vehicles).
X6 zoom. Made with Ho-Ri Production.
X6.8 zoom. Made with AMX-30.
X7 zoom. Made with Object 120.
X7.5 zoom. Made with AMX-13 (SS.11).
X8 zoom. Made with AMX-30.
X8 zoom. Made with T-55AM-1. Wider field of view compared to AMX-30.
X9.2 zoom. Made with Panzer IV/70(A).
X10 zoom. Made with Challenger tank line.
X10.3 zoom. Made with Leopard A1A1 (L/44). (Not to be mistaken with the "normal" Leopard A1A1).
X12 zoom. Made with Leopard A1A1 (L/44). (Not to be mistaken with the "normal" Leopard A1A1).
X16.1 zoom. Made with ST-A1. So far, the strongest optics an in game tank can have.

User-made scopes

One option in War Thunder is the ability for users to create their own version of crosshairs found within the optics which may better fit with their gameplay style, streamline information presented or recreate a historically accurate representation. As such, default optics can be replaced with custom created systems (these changes do not affect zoom levels, gun characteristics or users abilities, they just change out the crosshair targeting application. For more details relate to this specialized article. The optics also share a common trait of being static (being unable to adjust to the changes of ammunition or the gun elevation) and force the players to use manual gun adjustment at longer range, especially when utilising the default HEAT rounds.

For use around Wiki

Several tanks do not have specified zoom levels listed, however, after being checked and compared in a test-drive map, that information can be listed in the "main armament" section of the chosen vehicle, either by simply noting the minimum and maximum zoom levels or by filling it with a small table much like below:

{{PAGENAME}} Optics
Which ones	Default magnification	Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics	X4.3	X12

Comparable optics	AMX-30

In the case where magnification values are not known, values can be listed as "X4.3 (estimated)" and then a vehicle can be linked in the Comparable optics area which has optics of a known value which accurately compare to the unknown value optics being tested.

Template:Game mechanics Template:Custom articles

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Optics - Target Magnification}}
 == What are optics and where to look for them ==
-Optics are used by your crew to look at enemy. For you, they are used whenever you use sniper (gunner) scope, or commander's binoculars (from commander's cupola).
+Optics are a device used by vehicle crews to increase the magnification of the enemy being targeted for a more reliable targeting solution. Typically used in specific modes, optics come into play whenever using the sniper scope (gunner position) or the commander's binoculars (from commander's cupola).
-When you use Gunner scope, you initially see things with minimal scope zoom. You can toggle zoom between minimal and maximal by scrolling mouse wheel, or go to maximal zoom by pressing "zoom in" key (default key is Z).
+When operating the Gunner scope, objects are initially seen with the scope set to the minimum zoom setting. To toggle between the minimum and maximum zoom settings, this can be achieved utilising the scrolling mouse wheel, pressing the default "zoom in" key ''Z'' or through any other key mapped specifically for this function on a keyboard, mouse or joystick/throttle controller.
-You can always see optics on X-ray overview in vehicle preview. When you point cursor at them, they say "optics", though they often come without description and don't say their magnification levels at all. Generally, '''only one of them''' tells zoom levels, and it's usually the one in front of the gunner (could be any of them, though, so keep looking).
+When looking at a vehicle in the vehicle garage of War Thunder, vehicles with optics will show their location when looking at the vehicle in X-ray mode. Using the cursor to hover over the optic a pop-up bubble will appear annotating the device as an "optic", some will even have additional information listed in the pop-up bubble. Generally, if the vehicle has more than one set of optics, only one of them will list the zoom levels options and typically this will appear when hovering over the gunner's optics, however, this is not always the case and all optics may have to be checked for more information.
-[[File:Optics tooltip example.jpg|none|thumb|Optics on AMX-30. Sometimes gunner optics are hard to see due to their size and amount of modules infront of them.]]
+[[File:Optics tooltip example.jpg|none|thumb|Optics on [[AMX-30]]. Due to the vehicle modules, the optics may be difficult to find and will require rotating the vehicle for a better view.]]
-Some vehicles are half-filled, and only say one zoom level (presumably, it always means maximal zoom):
+Some vehicles do not contain as much information as others and when the optic pop-up bubble only lists one zoom level, it is assumed that this is the maximum zoom available for the optics on this vehicle as in the [[Ho-Ri Production]] Japanese tank destroyer.
-[[File:Optics tooltip not properly filled example.jpg|none|thumb]]
+[[File:Optics tooltip not properly filled example.jpg|none|thumb|Optic pop-up only states '''Zoom:6.0x''' which is exected to be the maximum zoom capability for this unit.]]
-A lot of vehicles do not have zoom specified at all.
+Several vehicles may not have a zoom range specified, when it comes to these, it is best to take the vehicle out on a training run and choose a fixed object in which to compare the zoom rate in comparison to other vehicles with known zoom rates. This will provide a general range in which to have a better idea of what the optics are capable of during combat manoeuvres.
-Optics and viewports are also sometimes a weakspot of super heavy tanks, such as [[IS-7]], though they are '''extremely''' hard to target, as they are very small.
+Optics themselves can be pivotal in the ability to disable an enemy tank or it can also be an Achilles' heel, especially for super heavy tanks such as [[IS-7]], in which the viewports where the optics are at providing a very weak point in the armour structure. Although they are extremely hard to target due to their extremely small size, nonetheless they can be hit.
-Just damaging the optics does nothing to the tank or player's effectiveness in game so far.
+Damage to the optics will not affect vehicle or crew gameplay, however, the optics will be unusable until they are repaired.
-== Differences between different optics in the game ==
+== Differences between various optics in game ==
-Optics zoom levels are important and one should keep in mind what they're using. Fighting dedicated sniper tanks with X12+ scopes, while you have only X4 is '''extremely''' dangerous, as they probably can see your tank in detail, while you can barely notice their profile.
+Optics zoom levels are an important indicator as to what type of tank is being used. Typically brawler tanks meant to be used on the front lines will not have much zoom capabilities beyond X4 as they are meant for up-close fighting and not long range sniping. Tanks with zoom ranges of +X12 are meant for more reserve positions where they can maximize the zoom capabilities at disabling vehicles from a long distance. Those who are comfortable with the different vehicles and the optics located there can sometimes effectively push the limits of the optics and make the long-range shots with weaker optics or utilise a sniper-tank in close quarters battle.
-It's important even in arcade mode, as it's easier to fine-tune gun aim with stronger magnification, especially if an enemy tank has only one small weakspot, and you are limited on time. Also, the stronger the zoom is, the futher apart the shell drop marks are, making it slightly less confusing.
+An important note to remember in arcade mode is that it is easier to fine-tune gun aim with stronger magnification, especially if an enemy tank has only one small weak spot and you are limited on time. Also, the stronger the zoom is, the further apart the shell drop marks become making it slightly less confusing when estimating the shooting angle targeting solution.
-It is also worth noting, that certain nations and/or vehicles have much cleaner scopes. As in, your vision is not blacked out all the time, and it's easier for you to judge shell drop distance, as scope marks are much bigger, despite zoom level being the same.
+Also worth noting, the optics of certain nations and/or vehicles may show vignetting or dark areas around the view area from a scope which limit the amount of area which can be viewed through the scope. As optics developed the vignetting lessened or virtually disappeared allowing for a larger viewing area.
 Commander's binoculars always have about X6 zoom and same lenses across all vehicles.
@@ Line 31: / Line 33: @@
 === Examples of zoom levels for different confirmed vehicles ===
-Screenshots are made in test drive map, always from a certain position on the edge between E-4 and D-4 (seen on minimap), hull front is always aligned towards the target to minimize collision.
+The below screenshots were taken from the test drive map, always from a specific position on the edge between E-4 and D-4 (seen on the minimap) to allow for accurate comparison between vehicle optics being tested, especially with vehicles where the optic value is not known. The testing vehicle's hull front is always aligned towards the target to minimize a collision.
-Weather settings: 16:00, overcast. It surely would be easier to spot enemy at good weather, but in RB they have camouflage, and often tanks engage at 2km range, at which on some maps fog may set in regardless of weather, so it's only fair if we make target a bit harder to see.
+Weather settings for this test are at 16:00 and overcast. It surely would be easier to spot enemy at good weather, but when fighting in realistic battles tanks have camouflage and often begin engagements at the 2 km range. The potential of fog and other weather effects can make targets more difficult to see, therefore these testing purposes will use less than ideal circumstances to compare the different optics results.
-The target is at a distance of exactly 1 km on these screenshots, as should be seen by indicators. The enemy tank, which spawns at the back of the practice map, is always different, depending on vehicle chosen for test-drive, but it's generally standing exactly 1.2 km away from testing spot.
+In the screenshots,m the target is always located exactly 1 km to ensure a more accurate comparison. The enemy tank which spawns at the back of the practice map is always different depending on the vehicle chosen for test-drive, however, it is generally standing exactly 1.2 km away from testing spot.
-If you cannot figure out the zoom level visually, sometimes you can relate to the compass on top of the screen - its size changes accordingly to the zoom level.
+When having problems coordinating the zoom level visually, utilising the compass at the top of the screen may help with the corelation - its size changes accordingly with the zoom level.
-Click on an image and browse them with arrow keys/buttons on screenshot sides to make them easier to compare.
+''Click on an image and browse them with arrow keys/buttons on screenshot sides to make them easier to compare.''
-<!--Very important! Apply screenshot of each and every zoom level if you find new one, even small deviations like X8.8, X10.3, ETC, as their lenses may be different. It is recommended to ONLY apply screenshots of confirmed magnification (As it says so in X-ray), as scopes may deviate even by X0.3 and are purely subjective otherwise.
+<!--Very important! Apply screenshot of each and every zoom level if you find a new one, even small deviations like X8.8, X10.3, ETC, as their lenses may be different. It is recommended to ONLY apply screenshots of confirmed magnification (As it says so in X-ray), as scopes may deviate even by X0.3 and are purely subjective otherwise.
-When making a screenshot, make sure that you point scope exactly at target husk and indicator says 1000 m away. Screenshot should also contain the big tree on the left and whatever vehicle test-drive spawns for you on a hill further away. Remove the other trees and bushes if they get in the way.
+When making a screenshot, make sure that you point scope exactly at target husk and the indicator says 1000 m away. Screenshot should also contain the big tree on the left and whatever vehicle test-drive spawns for you on a hill further away. Remove the other trees and bushes if they get in the way.
-Also very important! Apply screenshots in proper order, I.E. X4 goes after X3 but before X5, to make it easier to browse the gallery. Name them accordingly (as example "screenshot of zoom magnification X2", if possible. In comment below image, mention zoom and used vehicle.
+Also very important! Apply screenshots in proper order, I.E. X4 goes after X3 but before X5, to make it easier to browse the gallery. Name them accordingly (as an example "screenshot of zoom magnification X2", if possible. In comment below image, mention zoom and used vehicle.
 All of that is so we can use these screenshots to compare them to actual zooms of vehicle, and then place them on the vehicle's page as example of their zoom levels (just in case if only mentioning "default zoom X4, maximum zoom X6" doesn't tell much to the player of optics performance.)-->
 <gallery mode="packed">
-File:X1 zoom example.jpg|X1 - no zoom, 3PV in front of gun. Made with [[Ho-Ri Production]].
+File:X1 zoom example.jpg|X1 - No zoom, 3PV in front of gun. View from a [[Ho-Ri Production]].
-File:X2.5 zoom example.jpg|X2.5 zoom. Made with [[Tiger II (H) Sla.16]].
+File:X2.5 zoom example.jpg|X2.5 zoom. Veiw from [[Tiger II (H) Sla.16]] optics.
 File:X3 zoom example.jpg|X3 zoom. Made with [[Calliope]].
 File:X3.5 zoom example.jpg|X3.5 zoom. Made with [[Object 120]].
-File:X4 zoom example.jpg|X4 zoom. Made with [[M46 “Tiger”]]. The lenses on this one are cleaner than average.
+File:X4 zoom example.jpg|X4 zoom. Made with [[M46 “Tiger”]]. Notice the lack of vignetting compared to other images.
 File:X5 zoom example.jpg|X5 zoom. Made with [[T20]].
-File:X6 zoom example binoculars.jpg|X6 zoom. Made with Binoculars (same for everyone).
+File:X6 zoom example binoculars.jpg|X6 zoom. Made with Binoculars (same for all vehicles).
 File:X6 zoom example.jpg|X6 zoom. Made with [[Ho-Ri Production]].
 File:X6.8 zoom example.jpg|X6.8 zoom. Made with [[AMX-30]].
@@ Line 62: / Line 64: @@
 File:X7.5 zoom example.jpg|X7.5 zoom. Made with [[AMX-13 (SS.11)]].
 File:X8 zoom example.jpg|X8 zoom. Made with [[AMX-30]].
-File:X8 zoom example better lenses.jpg|X8 zoom. Made with [[T-55AM-1]]. This variant has better lenses.
+File:X8 zoom example better lenses.jpg|X8 zoom. Made with [[T-55AM-1]]. Wider field of view compared to [[AMX-30]].
 File:X9.2 zoom example.jpg|X9.2 zoom. Made with [[Panzer IV/70(A)]].
 File:X10 zoom example.jpg|X10 zoom. Made with [[Challenger (Family)|Challenger]] tank line.
 File:X10.3 zoom example.jpg|X10.3 zoom. Made with [[Leopard A1A1 (L/44)]]. (Not to be mistaken with the "normal" [[Leopard A1A1]]).
 File:X12 zoom example.jpg|X12 zoom. Made with [[Leopard A1A1 (L/44)]]. (Not to be mistaken with the "normal" [[Leopard A1A1]]).
-File:X16.1 zoom example.jpg|X16.1 zoom. Made with [[ST-A1]]. So far, the strongest scope a tank can have.
+File:X16.1 zoom example.jpg|X16.1 zoom. Made with [[ST-A1]]. So far, the strongest optics an in game tank can have.
 </gallery>
@@ Line 73: / Line 75: @@
 ==User-made scopes==
-Some players may be annoyed with cross hairs blocking out the view on target, it being too big or small, historically inaccurate, or just simply plain, especially on higher rank tanks.
+One option in War Thunder is the ability for users to create their own version of crosshairs found within the optics which may better fit with their gameplay style, streamline information presented or recreate a historically accurate representation. As such, default optics can be replaced with custom created systems (these changes do not affect zoom levels, gun characteristics or users abilities, they just change out the crosshair targeting application.
-As such, default scope can be replaced with a custom one.
 For more details relate to this [[User-made_sighting_reticles|specialized article]].
-<!--Application of one screenshot as example would be fine.-->
+<!--Application of one screenshot as an example would be fine.-->
-Custom optics looks '''do not''' change zoom level. They also share a common trait of being static (being unable to adjust to the changes of ammunition or the gun elevation) and forcing player to use manual gun adjustment at longer range, especially with default HEAT rounds.
+The optics also share a common trait of being static (being unable to adjust to the changes of ammunition or the gun elevation) and force the players to use manual gun adjustment at longer range, especially when utilising the default HEAT rounds.
 == For use around Wiki ==
-Since a lot of tanks don't have specified zoom level, you can check its actual zoom level here, or by using mentioned vehicles to compare.
+Several tanks do not have specified zoom levels listed, however, after being checked and compared in a test-drive map, that information can be listed in the "main armament" section of the chosen vehicle, either by simply noting the minimum and maximum zoom levels or by filling it with a small table much like below:
-Then, you can write about it at "main armament" section of chosen vehicle, either by simply noting the minimal and maximal zoom levels, or by filling it with small table like this:
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
-! colspan="3" | Optics (Xmagnification)
+{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+! colspan="3" | <nowiki>{{PAGENAME}}</nowiki> Optics
+|-
+! Which ones
+! Default magnification
+! Maximum magnification
+|-
+! Main Gun optics
+| X4.3 || X12 <!--Sometimes the actual value may not be known and here it should be referenced if the optic values are an estimate such as with a "X4.3 (estimated)" notation or something else that way the user will then be able to look to the comparable optics section and see a referenced optic which will have actual in-game data to back up the claim.-->
 |-
-!Which ones
+! colspan = "3"|
-!Default
-! Maximum (zoomed in)
 |-
-!Main Gun optics
+! Comparable optics
-|X4.3||X12
+| colspan="2;" style="text-align:center;" | [[AMX-30]]
 |-
 |}
+In the case where magnification values are not known, values can be listed as "'''X4.3 (estimated)'''" and then a vehicle can be linked in the ''Comparable optics'' area which has optics of a known value which accurately compare to the unknown value optics being tested.
+{{Game mechanics}}
+{{Custom articles}}

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