Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Nikon 50 ED Spotting Scope opinions?

does anyone have or have used this scope? I like the idea of the compact design for back packing and the potentially clear view through the ED glass. Any comments are appreciated.

Also, if you have any similar spotting scopes of equal size and quality I should check out, let me know!

Thanks,

copple2

I've got one and i really like it. It's very, very light weight and serves the back packing purpose perfectly. I got a higher power eye piece and I really like it. Where are you in Utah? I live in Highland and work in Sandy, and you're welcome to check mine out if you want.

My only gripe is the eye relief is too short for me.

I used one (angled eyepiece) last fall and IMO it's an absolute gem. It takes up little room in your pack and the image is crystal clear (at least to my eyes). It's light weight is a double bonus because not only does it save weight in the field, but also in your luggage if your traveling by airplane to hunt somewhere. I'm sure quantifiable head-to-head tests with larger spotters would show the limitations of the 50mm glass, but for shear usability it's a winner.

Let me retract that.... I have another gripe!

I can't find a fixed 20xWA or 27xWA eye piece.

Dryflyelk,

I live in Lehi. I will have to take u up on your offer when it warms up a little. Thx for the offer!

What eye piece did u get?

Also, any tripod you guys have preferred to use with it?

Thanks,

copple2

If you find two of the 27xWAs, let me know! I hear that's where it's at with this scope.

Been looking for that one for my ED82 also. If I find 'em I'l let you know.

I'm betting you could get those eyepieces over here in the UK, although they might be a bit more $$$ than you expected, given the exchange rate ect...

Cameraland show 20x and 23x ED eyepieces.

They ain't cheap tho . . .

Not in stock, and inventory not expected to be filled. I checked with Doug before searching..... same situation everywhere I've inquired.

I've heard that Nikon has discontinued the wide angle fixed eye pieces....

However, all is not lost. I believe I may have tracked down a legitimate and reliable source stateside that may have a few actually in stock! I'll know more later....

wow...those are pricey...does it make that much of a difference compared to the factory eye piece that comes with the scope?

copple2

Big difference in eye relief and field of view. Win, win!

For those of us that wear glasses.... yes, it makes a difference.

Example:

The 27X Fieldscope #7461 Doug has listed for $69.99 (Demo) has 9.4mm eye relief and the FOV is 89'

The wide angle #7464 27x EP has 17mm eye relief and FOV of 141'

The wide angle 20x #7463 is even 'mo betta.... 17.9mm eye relief and FOV 189'

The 13-30x zoom that comes standard (#7466) has 13mm eye relief and a FOV of 157' at 13x

FOsteology,

thanks for the breakdown...that makes a lot of sense now. I don't wear glasses, but for long glassing periods, every little bit helps. Do you know what the FOV is on the 13-30x at 30x?

copple2

I don't wear glasses either, but at the range I always wear eye protection. Since this is my only spotting scope, I use it at the range as well, which means my glasses are on and off the whole time I'm at the range.

The 13-30 zoom at 30x has 11mm of eye relief and a FOV of 92'

I picked one up here on the classifieds and love it.

Fost, I would be interested in one of those eyepieces too if your source has any extras....let us know.

Do you guys prefer the straight or angled body with the 50 ED? I've only ever used straight bodied spotters (no particular reason why), but would love to hear your thoughts/ideas either way.

copple2

copple 2,

Its a good question and to be honest theres no right answer, only whats right for you in the circumstances you intend using the scope.

I currently have a straight spotter while a friend has an angled.

At the range, on our club shoots, we often have one or two spotters set up for people running the event to score targets ect. In this situation, the angled spotter works best as it can be left set up on the tripod, and people of different hieghts only have to stoop slightly to use it...With my straight spotter, the tripod height generally needs adjusting for each user and its a pita..

However, for out in thefield, observing game or wildlife I find the straight spotter for more instictive to use..I bought my nephew an angled spotter for Christmas and he adapted to it straight away (as kids do) but for me, it was a nightmare...

A straight spotter generally also allows you a lower profile position which may be important when watching game...

Regards,

Peter