Leaving optics on less than lowest power in storage

[cwuwildcat]

I've been told that it's harmful to leave your optics on anything other than it's lowest power when not using them, but not why or what could happen if you did.  Example, with a scope of 3-9x40, you should store it on 3X, not anywhere between 4 to 9X.  Any truth to this rumor, and any idea what would happen? 

[whacker1]

First time I have heard this - but interested in hearing everyone else's feedback.

[high country]

that is plain old silly. don't leave it in the oven, don't leave it in the pool, don't worry about the magnification setting.....or focus for that matter.

[Woodchuck]

mine are always carried on the lowest setting, so they seem to always get put away on the lowest setting, i have never heard that before, call the manufacturer and ask em 

[high country]

it is good practice to carry on a power that works for your application and area.....you would not have your scope on 20x in the brush, but it is far from going to harm the scope. unless you smash it aganst a tree because you missed a booner because you were zoomed in so tight you could not tell if it was an ear or vitals.

[Austrian Hunter]

it is good practice to carry on a power that works for your application and area.....you would not have your scope on 20x in the brush, but it is far from going to harm the scope. unless you smash it aganst a tree because you missed a booner because you were zoomed in so tight you could not tell if it was an ear or vitals.

 

[cwuwildcat]

that is plain old silly. don't leave it in the oven, don't leave it in the pool, don't worry about the magnification setting.....or focus for that matter.

That's kind of what I was thinking.  I just couldn't understand why this would cause a problem.  My buddy that told me this is a pretty smart guy, but couldn't explain why this would cause any harm.  I'm not exactly Mr. Maggoo, but I still need to use them on 6X or better, and usually leave them on that.  Glad to hear I'm not nuts.