Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Nikon ED50 Fieldscope

These small spotting scopes were all the rage a few years ago. Do they still hold their own against the current crop of 50 mm spotters? A local retailer has one for sub $400 with the 13-30x eyepiece and I'm contemplating grabbing it. Thanks.

As far as I can determine, they are still at the top of the pile when it comes to 50mm spotters. Like all nikon spotters, they don't have alot of eye relief or eye box at the highest magnifications. If that's what you need, buy a Leupold.
But, as far as image quality goes, they are right there at the top. I'm not trying to say they don't have company up there. Just that they are first rate. BTW, don't let anyone talk you into a fixed magnification eye piece or the one that goes to 40X. The one you are looking at is the best. E

Thanks E. Regarding the fixed EP, I doubt I would pick one up unless Doug found another stash to sell for $100. I'm too frugal to pay what they're going for!

I'd leave right now and go buy it if I were you.

yes

Yep, been looking though mine the past week or so, always pleased with the image. Go buy it!

-Doug

This is a question for someone who has looked through them side by side. How does the Nikon ED50 Fieldscope set on max compare with a Swarovski z5 5-25X52 set on max for resolving detail?

I don't understand the negative attitude towards the fixed power eyepieces. What is the benefit of the Nikon zoom in comparison?

From my experience the fixed power eyepieces have a wider field of view, better eye relief and excellent edge sharpness. They are superb for scanning large areas for all of the above reasons. The only obvious advantage the zoom offers, that I can think of, is the ability to easily switch magnifications. For my intended uses I find 30x typically provides more than adequate magnification especially when factoring in various environmental conditions such as heat mirages.

Just curious for the other side of the argument.

Would love to get a 27x wide angle for my ED50. Had the 16x DS but it wasn't enough magnification for my needs.

Thanks guys. Sounds like I might should probably be back to the store tomorrow.

Little Swaro time here, but I can tell you that, in good light/full sun, 22cal bullets holes stand out like We the People at 200yd, in white or black target paper. Also, my 54yo eyes ain't what they used to be either. The only strike against the little ED50 is it'll get dim faster than a larger scope, but that is just physics.

if they got 2 i would take one at that price

Anybody know a source for a good stay-on case for the Nikon 50ED?

The Nikon ED 50 is a great scope for the size and weight. I replaced my Leupold 20 x 50 Gold Ring with one. It was used and came with a 27X WA and 13-30 X Zoom. I use the 27X most, but both are good. The Zoom at 30X is a bit difficult for me to use wearing glasses, versus the 27X and the fixed lens appears sharper, but the lower power option on the zoom is nice too.

The factory cover modified by my wife to adapt the front cover so it goes on and off works well. I did not like the Nikon front flip-up and it fell apart on my scope.

I would too and I already have one.

I would have bought it already if it were me.

I have to differ with Eremicus about the fixed eyepiece. Mine came with the 13-30 zoom. I bought a fixed 27X eyepiece from Doug based on the good reviews I read on here and I LOVE it! I sold the zoom shortly after. No regrets.

The fixed magnification eye piece I tested was no sharper than the variable that came with the scope. Against the older variable, which went up to 40X it was, not the newest one which only goes to 30X.
There are a couple of practical advantages to a variable.
In the middle of the day, reducing the magnification will often allow one to see more detail due. And sometimes the larger field of view, the longer depth of focus, and a bit more eye box at a lower magnification all combine to allow one to more comfortably watch some critter for while. E

Ringman, the rifle scope needs to be mounted on some sort of dead rest to use that magnification. They are not setup to use a tripod.
Then there is the cost difference. The poster can buy a 50mm ED Nikon for $400. The Z5 you mention is at least $1600. For that kind of money, he can buy an 82mm Nikon ED which is capable of 60X. E

Eremicus,

Thanks for that info. It is still not answering my question. I am interested in a side by side.

I have sand bags on which I lay rifles with scopes and other optics so I am not touching them when I compare them. Probably someone else could do the same thing if they have access to both.