The CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve spent over a decade peering through every type of optic imaginable, from military-grade scopes to simple iron sights. The CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X immediately caught my attention with its promise of unparalleled light transmission and weather resistance. Was it just marketing hype, or a true performance enhancer?
For years, I’ve been battling inconsistent visibility during target shooting. Light refraction and glare have plagued my accuracy, especially during dawn and dusk. I was searching for a lens that would deliver a crisp, clear image regardless of the lighting conditions.
The CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X arrived in a simple, protective package. The first thing I noticed was the clarity of the glass; holding it up to the light, it seemed to disappear. The lens felt substantial, inspiring confidence in its durability and quality.
I considered other lens options from Axcel and Shrewd, both reputable brands, but the CBE lens’s claims of 99.5 percent light transmission and hydrophobic coating swayed my decision. Other lenses in this price range often lacked one or both of these critical features. It appeared CBE was offering a premium product at a competitive price.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X certainly looked the part, but the real test would be its performance in the field. I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype and improve my shooting.
Real-World Testing: Putting CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X was at my local shooting range. The weather was typical for spring: overcast with intermittent showers. I mounted the lens on my CBE target scope and immediately noticed a difference in the brightness of the target.
Despite the gloomy conditions, the target image was remarkably clear and sharp. I could resolve finer details than I ever had before. It took only a few minutes to adjust to the magnified view, and I was soon sending arrows downrange with renewed confidence.
The intermittent showers provided an excellent opportunity to test the hydrophobic coating. True to its claims, water beaded up and rolled off the lens, maintaining a clear sight picture even when the rain intensified. There was no annoying water streaking or blurring.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X continues to impress. It has become an indispensable part of my target setup. Its performance has remained consistent across a wide range of conditions.
I’ve used it in bright sunlight, heavy rain, and even during a dusty summer windstorm. The lens has shown no signs of wear and tear and continues to deliver exceptional clarity. The multi-layered coating effectively minimizes glare, even when shooting towards the sun.
Maintaining the lens is a breeze. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth is usually all it takes to remove dust and fingerprints. I’ve only had to use lens cleaner a couple of times, and the coating seems resistant to scratches and smudges. This lens outperforms any other magnification lens I have used in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X
Specifications
- The CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X is a glass lens designed specifically for CBE target scopes. This ensures a precise fit and optimal optical performance.
- It boasts an impressive 99.5 percent light transmission, maximizing brightness and clarity, even in low-light conditions. High light transmission is critical for accurate aiming in varying conditions.
- The lens features a 9-layer anti-reflective coating on each side. This minimizes glare and reflections, providing a clear and unobstructed view of the target.
- A hydrophobic top coating ensures water beads up and rolls off the lens. This feature is invaluable for shooting in wet or humid conditions.
- The lens is available in a 1 5/8 inch diameter, a common size for target scopes. This allows for easy integration with most existing setups.
Performance & Functionality
The CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X excels at its primary job: magnifying the target while maintaining exceptional clarity. The 2X magnification provides a noticeable improvement in target visibility without excessive distortion. This allows for precise aiming and consistent groupings.
One of the lens’s greatest strengths is its ability to deliver a bright, clear image in challenging lighting conditions. The anti-reflective coating significantly reduces glare, while the high light transmission ensures the target remains visible even in overcast or low-light scenarios. The hydrophobic coating is another standout feature, ensuring a clear sight picture even in the rain.
However, this lens may not be suitable for extremely long-range shooting where higher magnification is required. Also, the price point might be a drawback for budget-conscious shooters.
Design & Ergonomics
The CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The glass is exceptionally clear and free of imperfections, inspiring confidence in its quality. The lens is lightweight and doesn’t add noticeable weight to the scope.
The lens is easy to install and remove from compatible CBE scopes. However, the lens is only compatible with a limited selection of scopes, which may cause some issues for users with other brands.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X is built to last. The glass is resistant to scratches and the multi-layered coatings appear durable. The quality of the build inspires confidence in its longevity.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth is usually sufficient to keep the lens clean. In rare cases, a specialized lens cleaner might be needed for stubborn smudges.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X does not come with any accessories. It’s designed to be a standalone upgrade for existing CBE target scopes.
Since the lens is a standard size (1 5/8 inch diameter), it should be compatible with various aftermarket scope housings and sunshades designed for that size. However, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your specific scope and accessories. You can adjust the lens to fit certain scope tubes with adapters and rings.
Pros and Cons of CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X
Pros
- Exceptional Light Transmission: The 99.5 percent light transmission significantly improves target visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
- Hydrophobic Coating: The hydrophobic coating ensures a clear sight picture in wet weather, maintaining consistent performance.
- Anti-Reflective Coating: The 9-layer anti-reflective coating effectively minimizes glare, providing a clear and unobstructed view of the target.
- Enhanced Clarity: The lens provides a crisp, clear image with minimal distortion, improving accuracy and consistency.
- Durable Construction: The high-quality materials and coatings ensure the lens is resistant to scratches and wear and tear.
Cons
- The price tag of $103.49 can be a barrier for budget-conscious shooters.
- The lens is primarily designed for CBE scopes, potentially limiting compatibility with other brands.
Who Should Buy CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X?
The CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X is perfect for competitive target shooters who demand the highest level of optical performance. It is also useful for hunters who often find themselves shooting in low-light or inclement weather. This lens will significantly improve target visibility and accuracy.
However, casual shooters or those on a tight budget may find the price difficult to justify. This product may not be suitable for those requiring very high magnification for extreme long-range shooting.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality lens cleaning kit to maintain the lens’s clarity and protect its coatings. Furthermore, it’s recommended to ensure compatibility with your specific scope and consider a protective scope cover when not in use.
Conclusion on CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X
The CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X is a premium upgrade that delivers exceptional optical performance. Its high light transmission, hydrophobic coating, and anti-reflective properties make it a standout choice for serious target shooters and hunters. While the price is higher than some alternatives, the improved clarity and consistency justify the investment for those seeking a competitive edge.
I wholeheartedly recommend the CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X to anyone looking to enhance their shooting experience. If you’re tired of struggling with glare and poor visibility, this lens is a game-changer. Invest in the CBE Flat Glass Lens 1 5/8 in. 2X and see the difference for yourself – your scores will thank you.