Nikon is an established brand with one of the longest-running histories. Nikon has been producing optics for over a century and has become well known for its technological improvements. However, it is only at the forefront of most technological advancements in the industry.
One of Nikon’s optics that has seen so much traction is its spotting scope section.
Nikon may have exited the rifle scope scene late in 2019, but they are still producing spotting scopes and have no plans of slowing down.
People who have been fans of their products, including their rifle scopes, understand their reliability, which is why they are keen on the brand.
There are three different Nikon spotting scope series available. The ESG, mid-range Monarch, and Prostaff group series are high-end, mid-, and budget options. Many options are available here, including angled and straight eyepieces.
The decision to choose the best spotting scope is never easy to make, mainly because of the high number of spotting scopes available. The more choices you have to make, the more confusing it gets.
This guide does the research for you, saving you many resources.
Nikon 8321 13-30x50mm ED Spotting Scope- Angled
Our Top Recommendation Nikon Spotting Scope!
Nikon’s 8321 spotting scope with 13-30x magnification and 50mm objective lens diameter may come at a steep price, but its features show its quality. Durable, lightweight, and precise, this scope packs a lot of punch.
Best Nikon Spotting Scope
If you want to find out which scopes among the different spotting scopes are the best, sit back and enjoy this list.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Nikon 8321 13-30x50mm ED Spotting Scope – Angled | • Magnification of 13-30x • Objective lens diameter of 50mm • ED glass | View Price |
 | Nikon Prostaff 3 Fieldscope 16-48x60mm Spotting Scope | • Magnification of 16-48x • Objective lens size of 60mm • Eco-friendly glass | View Price |
 | Nikon 6979 38x Spotting Scope | • Magnification of 38x • Affordable • Lightweight | View Price |
 | Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 20-60x82mm | • Magnification of 20-60x • Objective lens size of 82mm • Retractable sunshade | View Price |
1. Nikon 8321 13-30x50mm ED Spotting Scope – Angled
This spotting scope has a low 13x magnification that stretches to 30x. This range allows you to view distances under and above 500 yards easily. A 50 mm objective lens diameter ensures the Scope gets the light it needs to accompany the power level. Light going into the Scope is essential in creating crisp images, especially in low light.
The glass is an extra-low dispersion glass that improves transmission into the Scope. This way, you reduce reflection off the surface and produce better images. In addition, impressive optics quality and fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings will make a delightful contrast.
Nikon 8321 spotting scope is sleek and made with an ergonomic design. It features a durable body protected against hits and drops. The Scope is also properly sealed to ensure it is waterproof and fog proof. The O-ring used and nitrogen inside the tube helps this cause. Therefore, using this scope in a wet environment will not damage it.
Nikon’s digiscoping is available here, while the angled eyepiece continues to be a favorite for birdwatchers and elevated viewers. Nikon’s full USA warranty covers it.
Pros
- Magnification of 13-30x
- Objective lens size of 50mm
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Waterproof and shockproof body
- Quality parts
Cons
- Expensive
2. Nikon Prostaff 3 Fieldscope 16-48x60mm Spotting Scope
Nikon’s Prostaff series features affordable scopes for people working under a strict budget. But, before we see what this is all about, how about its power levels? This Scope comes with a magnification level stretching from 16x to 48x, covering a wide range for people that do not want to be confined to a small distance. In addition, the 60mm objective lens is also wide to provide the extra light this type of scope needs.
At 21.9 ounces, the Scope is exceptionally lightweight in your bag and your hands when moving it around. The integrated zoom eyepiece helps it remain compact and lightweight. A protective rubber around the Scope makes gripping easy, prevents slipping off, and serves as protection in the event of a fall. Nikon filled the tube with nitrogen, and the body O-ring was sealed to keep it fog proof and waterproof.
It uses eco-friendly glass with multi-coated lenses and prisms. Images produced from this optical setup are clear and crisp. The straight eyepiece helps as you can place your eyes closer to the eyepiece. There’s a 120 inches field of view at 1000 yards, which is decent and helps you see your surroundings better.
Its 19mm eye relief is excellent and is not surprising, considering it uses a straight eyepiece. The exit pupil is 3.8mm, while the close focusing distance is 10.9 ft. It has an adjustable tripod stand with a lever lock to stabilize the height. You can also tilt the head of the tripod to improve your viewing comfort. The carry case available here can carry the mount and tripod, helping you keep everything in one place.
Pros
- Magnification of 16-48x
- Objective lens diameter of 60mm
- Multi-coated lenses
- Good eye relief of 19mm
- Lightweight and compact
- Tripod stand with lever lock and tiltable head
- Eco-friendly glass
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof body
Cons
- Struggles with photographic machines
Also Read: 4 Best Simmons Spotting Scope {Expert Choice}
3. Nikon 6979 38x Spotting Scope
You can use this Nikon eyepiece with the widespread Prostaff 5 field scope spotting scope. Using the eyepiece with a spotting scope with a 60mm objective lens, its magnification is set at 30x. However, when used with an 80mm objective lens scope, you’ll see a higher power level of 38x.
Its lenses are multi-coated with multiple layers of anti-reflection and improved durability properties. As a result, the images produced here are crisp and clear. Light transmission into the tube is impressive, and glare reduction is apparent. The field of view you can see at 1000 yards is 120/92 inches. It also sports good eye relief of 19mm, so you can place your face close to the eyepiece with no injury or reduction in clarity.
It comes with a bayonet mount that is easy to attach. The mount has a unique locking feature for you to secure the Scope quickly. The rubber eyecup features a turn-and-slide style. Its job around the eyepiece is for better eye positioning and quick target acquisition.
Nikon 6979 is a lightweight eyepiece weighing only 4.8 ounces and comes with an actual field of view of 2.3/1.8°. It is also quite affordable.
Pros
- Magnification of 38x
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Good eye relief
- Multi-coated lenses
- Easy to attach bayonet mount
Cons
- Requires a scope head
- Limited to certain scopes
4. Nikon Prostaff 5 Proscope 20-60x82mm
One of the most popular spotting scopes is the Prostaff 5 scope, with a power of 20-60x representing the highest power level in this list. The 82mm objective lens size here is not a surprise, considering the light needed to brighten images formed when viewing at around 60x. This 82mm objective lens produces excellent quality images.
This angled view scope makes viewing through the Scope quickly. You can also easily share with others since you do not have to keep adjusting the tripod’s height. There are also two tripod mount positions available on the Scope.
There is a built-in retractable sunshade that you can slide out when shooting at angles where the sun would not let you view clearly. There’s also a peep sight you can also remove. The options available to this spotting scope are not being forced down your throat. It has a short eye relief of 16.9mm at the lowest magnification.
The Scope weighs 33.9 ounces, so it is not remarkably lightweight. However, its fully multi-coated lenses and excellent light-gathering ability ensure you get good quality images. There’s a slight chromatic aberration, but the Porro prism system does a great job of providing clarity.
O-ring is sealed and purged with nitrogen to make this Scope waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. It is immersible up to 3.3 feet for 10 minutes. But, while it’ll stay sharp when used in the rain, you’ll damage it if you go diving with it into a deep pool.
Pros
- Magnification of 20-60x
- Objective lens diameter of 82mm
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Excellent light gathering ability
- Retractable sunshade
- Interchangeable eyepieces
- Two tripod mount locations
Cons
- Short eye relief
- Chromatic aberration present
- Bulky
Read More: 5 Best Barska Spotting Scope to Buy in 2022
How to Buy Nikon Spotting Scope – Buyer’s Guide
Here’s a guide that can help you make the correct buying decision. If you follow the process, you will get a suitable Nikon scope that matches your needs. Consider these factors before you buy a Nikon spotting scope.
1. Magnification
Nikon scopes have varying power levels from the smaller ranges with capacity under 15x to higher levels above 80x. The decision on which range to choose rests solely on you and your intended use. Choose the power that covers the viewing distance you’ll be reaching.
2. Objective Lens
Objective lenses carry the device that lets light into the tube. Light is necessary to form quality images, especially at higher magnification. Select larger accurate lens sizes when you are viewing longer distances. You should know the size and weight of the scope increase as the objective lens increases.
3. Size
After considering an objective lens, looking at the size of the Nikon scope you want to buy is normal. Lightweight options weigh under 20 ounces, while you’ll find others weighing well over 50 ounces. What size can you comfortably handle? Consider this question, so it guides you on your chosen scope size.
4. Optical Quality
Nikon’s spotting scopes are divided into three series, each representing the quality. The optical quality of the Scope largely depends on the Nikon series. If clarity is of utmost importance to you, you’ll do well to select fully multi-coated scopes, with Porro prisms systems in place and back-4 glasses.
FAQ’s For Nikon Spotting Scope
Some frequently asked questions will never go away without the correct information. So here are the answers you need to clear your doubts about Nikon scopes:
Before 2019, Nikon had a lifetime warranty known as the “no-fault repair policy.” In 2019, Nikon changed this warranty to something more stringent. It is a lifetime limited warranty for the optical system, a 7-year limited warranty for the non-optical system, and a year limited warranty for the electrical system. You’ll also need proof of purchase only from approved vendors to enjoy this warranty.
Most Nikon scopes are made in Japan, which is known for its impressive quality control. They make more affordable options in China, while some other mid-range series are made in the USA.
Some spotting scope series include ECG, the high-end version, the mid-range Monarch series, and Prostaff group, the budget option.
Summary
Whatever you choose to do after this information, one thing is sure; you’ll no longer struggle with selecting a suitable Nikon scope for whatever use. You can even pick one from the listed scopes and save yourself some time.
