Upper end spotting scopes

bugsNbows · 03-29-2006, 05:03 AM

For several years I kept wanting to get a really decent spotter for use at the range and afield. Well, I never did because I didn't want to part with the big bucks for a Leica or Swaro...so, the cheapos were used. I finally decided to do it and spent several weeks researching various models. Then I saw a really nice Nikon at a "new" (to me) range about two weeks ago. When I researched it online, it was reviewed very favorably by everybody. It was called the best 60mm spotter regardless of price! So I decided to get it. Well, I found it online at many places with prices ranging from $650 for the regular glass model to $1050 for the ED glass model. It's a 60 mm, straight body with 20-45 X zoom eyepiece. It's the Nikon Field Scope III. Then I stumbled across it's "twin". It is the TF3 (tactical model). It is all black (whereas the III is puke green and black) and the specs are basically the same. This model only comes straight body and has ED glass. It was EXACTLY what I wanted for $850. I got it!!! All I can say is WOW. If anybody out there is looking for a really great spotter consider this one. It is absolutely awesome. BTW, I found it at Bear Basin. Good luck to all.

trailer · 03-29-2006, 05:29 AM

Have you had a chance to try it at the range looking at targets far away. I"™m talking 200 -300 yards and even 400. How is the field of view when you crank it up. Does it shrink a considerable amount. I have a the Nikon Gold scope and find the optics are awesome and wouldn"™t mind getting another spotting scope. At this time I have a Burris and Leupold spotting scope and would let my wife use them for bird watching and would give me a reason to get a better one...

bugsNbows · 03-29-2006, 09:23 AM

So far the farthest I have looked thru / at was 250 yards. Clean and crisp all the way to the edge. No problem spotting .30 holes. I'm going to make up a visual chart and try it further. I would see no issues at 400. Beyond that I don't know but I'm assuming it will be fine. You can upgrade to a 20-60X lens if that is more suited to your needs. I just felt the 45X was sufficient for mine. BTW, I compared this to a Leupold Gold Ring and , IMO, the Nikon won hands down. However, to be fair, it wasn't their HD just a regular Gold Ring.

PABowhntr · 03-29-2006, 09:26 AM

Nikon makes top quality gear at just about every price point. When they go all out to make high end gear then the results are usually expceptional. I have never had the privelege of looking through the glass in question but I have checked out a variety of their other models/products. All of them were excellent at their price points.

On a related note I hear their 82 mm scope model is arguably the best out there right now....and at several hundred dollars less than the high end German kits.

trailer · 03-29-2006, 07:29 PM

I"™m going to have to look the Nikons. Thanks for the info guys...