ISO 14132-3:2021

Optics and photonics — Vocabulary for telescopic systems — Part 3: Terms for telescopic sights

This document applies to telescopic sights used on hand-held firearms and airguns and gives terms and definitions for telescopic sights only. The alphabetical indexes of terms that are common for all published parts of ISO 14132 are published in ISO 14132-1. The definitions can be changed, if required, by introducing derivative attributes into them, revealing the meanings of the terms used, showing the objects covered by the scope of the notion being defined. These changes will not affect the scope and contents of this document.

Optique et photonique — Vocabulaire relatif aux systèmes télescopiques — Partie 3: Termes pour lunettes de pointage

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 11-Feb-2021
• ICS: 01.040.37 - Image technology (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 37.020 - Optical equipment
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 172/SC 4 - Telescopic systems
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 172/SC 4/WG 2 - Telescopic devices
• Current Stage: 9020 - International Standard under periodical review
• Start Date: 15-Jan-2026
• Completion Date: 15-Jan-2026

Relations

• Revises: ISO 14132-3:2014 - Optics and photonics — Vocabulary for telescopic systems — Part 3: Terms for telescopic sights
• Effective Date: 23-Apr-2020

Overview

ISO 14132-3:2021 defines the vocabulary for telescopic sights, focusing specifically on terms and definitions relevant to telescopic sights used on hand-held firearms and airguns. As part of the broader ISO 14132 series, this international standard supports consistency and clarity in the optics and photonics industry by standardizing terminology. Accurate, harmonized terms are crucial for manufacturers, users, and regulators in the sector of telescopic systems.

Key Topics

ISO 14132-3:2021 covers a range of essential concepts and components related to telescopic sights, including:

• Telescopic Sight: A telescopic observational instrument mounted on firearms and airguns, primarily designed for accurate sighting.
• Main Components: Definitions for key structural parts, such as the main tube, central tube, and objective tube.
• Adjustments and Alignment:
  • Parallax and Parallax-free Distance: Terms clarifying alignment of the aiming point with respect to eye and object position.
  • Elevation and Windage Adjustment: Systems that fine-tune the relative position of the object image and the reticle in vertical and horizontal directions.
  • Reticle Adjustment Range and Tracking: Definitions relating to independent adjustment ranges and the precision of reticle movement.
• Sighting Features:
  • Aiming Mark and Aiming Point: Standardization of reticle features and the specific target area used for aiming.
  • Subtension Value: Measures relating the reticle to the actual object plane.
• Magnification and Field of View:
  • Zoom Riflescope: A telescopic sight with continuously adjustable magnification.
  • First and Second Image Planes: Distinction between image planes relevant for optical performance.
• User Safety and Experience:
  • Eye Relief and Critical Eye Relief: Definitions focused on ensuring safe and comfortable use, helping to prevent recoil injuries, especially for high-caliber rifles.

Applications

ISO 14132-3:2021 is practically valuable for:

• Manufacturers of telescopic sights who require a standardized vocabulary to ensure product specifications, user manuals, and technical documentation are clear and internationally understood.
• Product Designers and Engineers developing new optics for firearms and airguns, who benefit from harmonized terms guiding design and communication.
• Quality Control and Testing Laboratories referencing these definitions to assess conformity and performance of telescopic sights in accordance with international standards.
• Regulatory Bodies and Certification Organizations using these terms to ensure safety and compliance in the optics and photonics sector.
• End Users such as sport shooters, law enforcement, and hunters, who gain more consistent and comprehensible information in manuals and instructions.
• Translators and localization professionals referencing ISO 14132-3:2021 to correctly convey technical information across languages and markets.

Related Standards

• ISO 14132-1: Optics and photonics - Vocabulary for telescopic systems - Part 1: General terms and alphabetical indexes of terms in ISO 14132. This standard introduces the series and contains indexes of shared terms.
• ISO 14490-3:2021: Optics and photonics - Test methods for telescopic systems - Part 3: Test methods for telescopic sights. Provides guidance on testing methods that reference vocabulary standardized in ISO 14132-3.
• Additional parts of ISO 14132 (as found on the ISO website) further expand vocabulary and definitions for other telescopic system components and applications.

Using ISO 14132-3:2021 supports clear communication, enhances product quality, and ensures cross-border compatibility in optics and photonics industries related to telescopic sights.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 14132-3
Third edition
2021-02
Optics and photonics — Vocabulary
for telescopic systems —
Part 3:
Terms for telescopic sights
Optique et photonique — Vocabulaire relatif aux systèmes
télescopiques —
Partie 3: Termes pour lunettes de pointage
Reference number
©
ISO 2021
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Bibliography . 4
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 172, Optics and photonics, Subcommittee
SC 4, Telescopic systems.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 14132-3:2014), which has been
technically revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— the term and definition "critical eye relief" was added and harmonised with "eye relief" and "eye
relief range".
A list of all parts in the ISO 14132 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 14132-3:2021(E)
Optics and photonics — Vocabulary for telescopic
systems —
Part 3:
Terms for telescopic sights
1 Scope
This document applies to telescopic sights used on hand-held
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 14132-3
Third edition
2021-02
Optics and photonics — Vocabulary
for telescopic systems —
Part 3:
Terms for telescopic sights
Optique et photonique — Vocabulaire relatif aux systèmes
télescopiques —
Partie 3: Termes pour lunettes de pointage
Reference number
©
ISO 2021
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Bibliography . 4
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 172, Optics and photonics, Subcommittee
SC 4, Telescopic systems.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 14132-3:2014), which has been
technically revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— the term and definition "critical eye relief" was added and harmonised with "eye relief" and "eye
relief range".
A list of all parts in the ISO 14132 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 14132-3:2021(E)
Optics and photonics — Vocabulary for telescopic
systems —
Part 3:
Terms for telescopic sights
1 Scope
This document applies to telescopic sights used on hand-held
...