New Nikon travel scope

[dipped]

Hi All, InFocus have some details on the new 50mmED travel scope to be previewed at the (UK) Birdfair.http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/whatsnew.html

Looks interesting for those able to afford foreign birding jaunts!

[Robert Ellis]

Watch out Kowa 500ED owners!

[Swissboy]

Hi All, InFocus have some details on the new 50mmED travel scope to be previewed at the (UK) Birdfair.http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/whatsnew.html

Looks interesting for those able to afford foreign birding jaunts!

It'll be interesting to see whether this scope fills a true need. In a way, its objective diameter is not that much above a 42mm type of binoculars. And the EDIII with its 60mm lens is already a very lightweight scope, but with better resolution due to this larger objective diameter. Thus, a 50mm ED scope will be a really good thing only for those - overall rare - occasions when one has to restrict one's luggage to such an extent that only 20 or 25mm binoculars plus this new scope fit in. And even this small scope can only deliver if one uses a sufficiently sturdy tripod.

But then, maybe users of the present crop of small (below 60mm) scopes can provide some arguments? I'd like to hear about them.

[Richard Scott]

I tried it at the Birdfair today. It must be the ultimate travel scope - its tiny and has amazing optics. I tried it alongside the EDIII and couldn't tell any difference.

[Geoff Brown]

Have to agree with Richard. It will give the small Kowa and the Opticron MM2 a good run for their money when I looked throught it at the Birdfair on friday. Very pocketable!

[medinabrit]

did anyone find the price on new nikon 50mm spotter.? i called nikon usa & they knew nothing about it at all
thanks
brian

[Ivan]

did anyone find the price on new nikon 50mm spotter.? i called nikon usa & they knew nothing about it at all
thanks
brian
I tried the Nikon at the Birdfair and think they are onto a winner. The price is £299 without eye-piece but all the Fieldscope ones fit. I occasionally help out at Minsmere selling optics and one of the biggest points to a beginner buying a scope is its weight. A lot of older people are taking up birding or are just unable to carry a 'standard' 'scope around. This new Nikon is ideal for them. It is so small you could put it in a pocket and not notice it. I have an old EDII 60mm Nikon which I can carry in a pocket in the back of my gillet but the new 50 is even smaller than it. It's weight is quoted as 455g for the straight and 470g for angled. It is 209mm long st and 207mm ang.
I looked thro' it at the Birdfair and was very impressed. A bright, clear and sharp image. I would have liked to have a more extensive test of it but, like everything at the 'Fair, time was of the essence. The colour scheme may put a few people off tho'. Olive green(not too bad but metallic) rose pink and charcoal grey.
I have just read the leaflet I picked up about them and they are water proof to 1m for 5 minutes. Thankfully I live on the East not the West coast of Englandhttp://www.birdforum.net/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=396260#
Winking

Ivan

[medinabrit]

thanks for the info seems to be what i need for a carry on on my trips to the uk .hope it comes to the usa soon . ill be in the uk in 3 wks so maybe i can check it out there.
brian

[dogfish]

The puff for this scope has been removed from the infocus website. Mysterious.

Sean

[horukuru]

what happened ?

where can we check for this scope ?

[pduxon]

what happened ?

where can we check for this scope ?

The scope doesn't become commercially available to mid-september I think. I imagine it was on the page as a tempter for birdfair and will reappear when they can sell it or its deletion is an oversight.

W/express advertise the Kowa 504ED in the magazines but its not on their website.

[Colin]

Tried this scope out at the Birdfair and I have to agree with the other posters above, it was fantastic. It had a 30x eyepiece on the demo model and it really was outstanding. I understand Nikon will not actually be producing them in the pink colour even though that is in the catalogue.

Personally, pink is not my colour being a hard drinking, hard swearing, rugby playing, SAS type trained killer and womaniser ;) ;) ;)

[hornet]

Personally, pink is not my colour being a hard drinking, hard swearing, rugby playing, SAS type trained killer and womaniser ;) ;) ;)

Methinks someone protests too much ;)

[trealawboy]

Yep, I tried this scope at BF too, and its a little cracker!

I understand its going to be £299 without an eyepiece and will be on sale sometime in September.

[Robert Ellis]

And the EDIII with its 60mm lens is already a very lightweight scope, but with better resolution due to this larger objective diameter.

Sorry to chime in on a negative answer, but objective diameter has less to do with resolution than on would think. Most importantly a larger objective will make higher magnifications more usable, so perceived resolution might be a factor of how the optics handle the magnification, as in the diameter of the exit pupil. If you eye is dilated shut, a 50mm scope at 20x will show just asa much resolution as a 80mm scope at 20x, given equal quality.

Personally I stick around 20-25x with scopes, so the surge of R&D in 50mm scopes is quite alright with me.

[trealawboy]

Details have reappeared on the In Focus website at

http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/whatsnew.html

[michaelboustead]

Anyone have any ideas on a suitable tripod for this scope? Something light.

Mike

[Robert Ellis]

How about a Bogen 679 monopod and a 3229 swivel tilt QR head? That would make for a fab kit.

[romancitizen]

This 'scope is aimed at the the growing proportion of 50% of the population who feel excluded from traditional 'serious' birding circles (like it or not it's true, believe me) but are making a determined effort to join us: I refer to the ladies. My wife (5 foot nothing and 50+) could not carry a traditional 'scope, which let's face it are designed for blokes, but I will be buying one of these for her as soon as I can get hold of one.
I would not be at all surprised to see it produced in pink.

[matt green]

oh no,i promised myself i would'nt lust for a new scope since i am saving for ultravids, or el's or something!.i quite fancy one of these on a manfrotto monopod.it looks so small and light i think i could take it out with me all the time without exception.

[99% of all shed spiders are given the name boris
by thier owners!],shed facts

[pduxon]

oh no,i promised myself i would'nt lust for a new scope since i am saving for ultravids, or el's or something!.i quite fancy one of these on a manfrotto monopod.it looks so small and light i think i could take it out with me all the time without exception.

[99% of all shed spiders are given the name boris
by thier owners!],shed facts

Wouldn't half save some weight when travelling abroad. Get thee behind me........

[romancitizen]

Personally, pink is not my colour being a hard drinking, hard swearing, rugby playing, SAS type trained killer and womaniser ;) ;) ;)[/QUOTE]


Press release from Nikon:

http://www.nikon.co.uk/press_room/releases/show.aspx?rid=174

real men don't notice colours.....

[Keith Reeder]

A pink telescope...

Oh dear!

;)

[salty]

i too had a bash of this little scope at the bird fair, and what a scope it is - super light (obviously), but also very good image indeed, cracking detail and a nice crisp image.

i thought that it was going to be quite pricey, but under £300! - a steal!

[romancitizen]

[QUOTE=Keith Reeder]A pink telescope...

[i]Oh dear!

See my comment above - it's not targeted at blokes

[Keith Reeder]

Yep, I read what you wrote - but no lady birders that I know seem to feel that their lives are in any way incomplete for the want of a pink scope...

;)

[rayl]

Not even if it ends up 1/2 price at a well known internet Warehouse site Keith?

Ray

[romancitizen]

[QUOTE=dipped]Hi All, InFocus have some details on the new 50mmED travel scope to be previewed at the (UK) Birdfair.http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/whatsnew.html


Has anyone actually seen one of these in a shop anywhere ? or available online ?

I tried calling Nikon, but got fobbed off with 'Just passing you through' about three times so I gave up.

[trealawboy]

[QUOTE=dipped]Hi All, InFocus have some details on the new 50mmED travel scope to be previewed at the (UK) Birdfair.http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/whatsnew.html


Has anyone actually seen one of these in a shop anywhere ? or available online ?

I tried calling Nikon, but got fobbed off with 'Just passing you through' about three times so I gave up.


I contacted In Focus last week. They are not in yet, but expected 'soon'.

[dogfish]

I contacted In Focus last week. They are not in yet, but expected 'soon'.

I have one on order; infocus told me by e-mail a couple of days ago that they hoped to have ''some news'' on them by the end of this week and would be in touch. Not heard anything so far.

Sean

[trealawboy]

I have one on order; infocus told me by e-mail a couple of days ago that they hoped to have ''some news'' on them by the end of this week and would be in touch. Not heard anything so far.

Sean

There was one angled version at In Focus, Slimbridge yesterday. The sales chap claimed there were on 17 in the UK at present. He mentioned that the straight bodied version was not available at present.

[dombates]

I bought one on Saturday from Kay Optical.
Compared it against the MM2 with HDF zoom in the shop. Perhaps unsurprisingly, there was no contest at the top end of the zoom. The ED50 remains sharp all the way to the top.
I've not had much time to play with it yet and I've not used a scope with ED lens before but I'm also well impressed with the quality of the digiscoping with my bog standard Canon A70 camera.
Oh, and it's absolutely diddy!
Can't wait to take it on my travels to India next week... it'll be chained to my person at all times.

[dogfish]

My ordered scope arrived from infocus last week. Initial impressions with the zoom (the 20x60 on the 60mm scope) very good (even at top magnification) in today's low light. Just a brief test though.

Sean

[Swissboy]

... on the 60mm scope ...Sean

Should be 50mm, I think? My Fieldscope III has 60mm.

[Swissboy]

Oh, and it's absolutely diddy!

Any hint what you mean with diddy? I'd guess tiny?

[dombates]

Any hint what you mean with diddy? I'd guess tiny?
Correct - apologies for using silly English on an international website!

[Swissboy]

Correct - apologies for using silly English on an international website!

Don't apologize, I always like to learn new words. That's why I keep asking. The word just has not made it yet into the dictionaries, as far as I can tell.

[dogfish]

Should be 50mm, I think? My Fieldscope III has 60mm.
My phrasing was clumsy. The zoom I was using on the new 50mm scope was the one that gives 20 to 60x magnification on the 60mm scope; it gives 13 to 40x on the 50mm scope.

Sean

[pduxon]

Hi Robert

the scope is 207mm long and weighs about 450g without the lens. Approx the size of an extended MM2

Diddy sounds about right.

[Bowman]

Follow this link:
http://www.nikon.co.uk/press_room/releases/show.aspx?rid=174

[stanacko]

Hi,
Saw one on the Nikon stand at the bird fair and the rep connected a Nikon D70 SLR to it and the results were outstanding so any one looking for a long lens,it would be worth checking further, by the way it was the straight one.
Stan.

[henry link]

I wish Nikon would provide more information about the design details of this scope. Calling it a Fieldscope suggests that it is a 50mm version of the larger ED Fieldscopes, but pictures of it suggest that it's design has as much or more in common with Nikon's inexpensive scopes. For instance you can see from the photos that the angled version does not use the monoblock Abbe prism found in the larger Fieldscopes. From it's shape it appears that the angled version uses either a Schmidt-Pechan roof prism or more likely adds an extra prism with 2 reflections (one mirror coated) behind the porro prism of the straight version. That's a cheaper way to make an angled scope, but it results in considerably lower light transmission compared to the Abbe prism of the larger Fieldscopes. The extra prism is also the only way to make an angled version if focusing is done by moving part of the porro prism cluster, which is usually the method used in inexpensive scopes. The larger Fieldscopes use a more expensive moving focusing element rather than a moving prism. From the photos it's not possible to tell for sure how the ED-50 is focused, but it looks like it probably uses a moving prism. The large Fieldscopes use triplet objectives with fairly high focal ratios by spotting scope standards, f/7 for the 60mm and f/6.4 for the 82mm. Nikon doesn't tell us whether the ED-50 uses a triplet or a less expensive doublet but the focal ratio of the objective is f/5.6. That's pretty low for a high quality telescope, especially if it uses a doublet objective.

None of these design differences would make the 50mm a bad telescope, but they would make it a significantly different design and almost certainly not as good as the other ED fieldscopes, particularly the angled version. Perhaps that's the reason Nikon refers to it as an "entry level" or backup scope and prices it so much lower than the 60mm ED. Still the combination of tiny size and weight, ED glass and compatability with the excellent Fieldscope eyepieces do make it look like a very interesting scope for it's intended purposes.

[medinabrit]

i wonder if this will be available in the US. in the near future
brian

[Otto McDiesel]

A high quality [pink :gh: ] 50mm spotting scope is interesting. I have never looked through one of those, so i can't comment. Here is one thought: is saving 200-300 gramms of weight worth (optically) switching from 60-65 mm to 50 mm? After all, one still needs a good tripod to make use of a 20x scope, and few birders that have $$ to buy that pinkie actually cross mountain ranges on foot with a tripod and scope in their backpack.

[trealawboy]

A high quality [pink :gh: ] 50mm spotting scope is interesting. I have never looked through one of those, so i can't comment. Here is one thought: is saving 200-300 gramms of weight worth (optically) switching from 60-65 mm to 50 mm? After all, one still needs a good tripod to make use of a 20x scope, and few birders that have $$ to buy that pinkie actually cross mountain ranges on foot with a tripod and scope in their backpack.

I looked through one again on Saturday. Using a monopod x20 and x30 eyepieces worked well for me, though I was in a showroom so was not exposed to the wind. A higher magnification certainly needed a tripod to get the best out of the scope/eyepiece combination. Note that that the standard MC eyepieces have a reduced magnification on the ED50.

It is a remarkably good little scope though. I have a Nikon Fieldscope EDIIIA, and the ED50A compares well with it. The ED glass clearly makes a difference. Brightness and contrast is very good. I haven't looked through one in dark or difficult light situations though.

It is very light and compact. It gives the impression that the build quality is not that of the EDIII, though this may just be due to the weight and general feel. I also noted that it does not have a retractable sunshade like the EDIII, and there's no stay-on case.

As I have a spare eyepiece for my EDIII I think I'll buy an ED50A and get good monopod. I think this would make a great lightweight combination for hiking or travels abroad where birding may be fitted in around other activities.

I

[pduxon]

A high quality [pink :gh: ] 50mm spotting scope is interesting. I have never looked through one of those, so i can't comment. Here is one thought: is saving 200-300 gramms of weight worth (optically) switching from 60-65 mm to 50 mm? After all, one still needs a good tripod to make use of a 20x scope, and few birders that have $$ to buy that pinkie actually cross mountain ranges on foot with a tripod and scope in their backpack.

Hi Otto

the weight saving is approx 600g which may not sound alot but I think I'd notice it after a days walking! Also it could be used with a lighter tripod (or shoulder pod) so you may end up saving over a kilo which could be handy on overseas trips when you might feel that a normal scope is too big to take.

The thing really is small and optically rather good. I hope someone like Kimmo gives it a thorough test.

[Otto McDiesel]

When i bought a Manfrotto tripod and a Swaro HD scope from B&H, i also got for free a TrekPod, (trekpod.com). This is a telescoping walking stick, 3 sections, and the lower section splits into 3 legs, while the upper section has screws and treads for optics - with a ball joint. It is not the 3/8 tread, but i am sure i that can find an adapter. Anyway, i don't use a walking stick, and i use this monopod as a shoting stick (we have way too many white tailed deer here). Now you folks have me thinking about a dandy lil' agled high quality scope... At 15 or 20x it might just bring those Lincoln's sparrows closer, what do you think?

[Don Hoey]

Another link to see it in Pink !!

http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/news/2005/1013_fieldscope_01.htm

http://www.tactiletech.com/channels/techbits/2005/10/13/nikon_fieldscope_ed50_series/

I notice the zoom lens in pics from a previous link looks to be new. Older style but different from my wifes 20 - 45x.

[trealawboy]

When i bought a Manfrotto tripod and a Swaro HD scope from B&H, i also got for free a TrekPod, (trekpod.com). This is a telescoping walking stick, 3 sections, and the lower section splits into 3 legs, while the upper section has screws and treads for optics - with a ball joint. It is not the 3/8 tread, but i am sure i that can find an adapter. Anyway, i don't use a walking stick, and i use this monopod as a shoting stick (we have way too many white tailed deer here). Now you folks have me thinking about a dandy lil' agled high quality scope... At 15 or 20x it might just bring those Lincoln's sparrows closer, what do you think?


Wow, what a neat invension! Sounds like the ideal setup for this scope. I hope I can get a trekpod in the UK.

[PYRTLE]

This little beauty ( a grey one!) will soon go alongside my Swarovski 65HD and old Optolyth draw tube, and will probably be used more than the other two for general birding when I can't be bothered to cart around or set up a tripod. The straight version is easily used one handed (no barrel focusing) whilst performance with a fixed MC wide angle lens is a delight.

Definitely a winner although made in China? Well done Nikon for finding a gap in the market and zapping it with the right piece of kit. :clap:

[Otto McDiesel]

although made in China?

Are you sure? I may not buy it, then.

[pduxon]

Are you sure? I may not buy it, then.

yes it is

[medinabrit]

anybody know if this will be available in the US, please.
brian.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I acquired a Nikon ED50 this week and got a chance to test it out properly today on a visit to Girdle Ness. I have a straight model and was using it with the 30x lens from my ED82, which I think works as about 16x on the ED50.

Optically it's quite excellent and up to the standard of other Nikon ED scopes - very sharp across the field, remarkably bright and contrasting and with good natural looking colours. I didn't perhaps get quite the 'walk in' impression I get with the same lens on the ED82 but otherwise the image is just as good.

The lower magnification has its advantages and the scope works very well with a shoulder pod, with only minimal shake. It's even possible to use it hand held, although obviously that's not ideal. It was very good for seawatching when tripod mounted, where the wide field and lack of shake give it an advantage over the ED82. I may well use the ED50 preferentially for seawatching in future.

Finally, I had a go at digiscoping, using a CP4500. The conditions weren't great with only intermittent winter sunshine and a bit of a breeze (despite being sheltered). The results were fairly impressive though (see below). It's never going to be the model of choice for digiscoping but it's nice to know it can still take presentable shots.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Some more pictures:

[Grousemore]

Interesting scope, ability to use without a tripod is a big advantage if travelling light.

Did you use an adaptor to digiscope your pics, Andrew?

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Yes I used the standard Nikon adapter rings to attach the camera to the scope. I can pretty much fit the scope and shoulder pod into my coat pocket if needs be, so it's definitely very easy to carry around.

[Otto McDiesel]

Ok, i have a very soft spot for sparows and prairies. I guess that one of those 50mm pinkies with a 16x WA eyepiece (the 30x wide angle?) and mounted on a Trekpod will do me well. Let's see them in US, please...

[medinabrit]

Can anyone tell me when i will be able to purchase a nikon ed 50 spotter in the US please.
\ brian.

[KDGast]

Can anyone tell me when i will be able to purchase a nikon ed 50 spotter in the US please.
\ brian.

I contacted Nikon USA last week regarding the availability of the 50 ed in the USA. They told me that they would make announcements in February, 2006 regarding new products in the USA. They would not comment on the 50 ed.

[FIDDLER]

I tried the Nikon at the Birdfair and think they are onto a winner. The price is £299 without eye-piece but all the Fieldscope ones fit. I occasionally help out at Minsmere selling optics and one of the biggest points to a beginner buying a scope is its weight. A lot of older people are taking up birding or are just unable to carry a 'standard' 'scope around. This new Nikon is ideal for them. It is so small you could put it in a pocket and not notice it. I have an old EDII 60mm Nikon which I can carry in a pocket in the back of my gillet but the new 50 is even smaller than it. It's weight is quoted as 455g for the straight and 470g for angled. It is 209mm long st and 207mm ang.
I looked thro' it at the Birdfair and was very impressed. A bright, clear and sharp image. I would have liked to have a more extensive test of it but, like everything at the 'Fair, time was of the essence. The colour scheme may put a few people off tho'. Olive green(not too bad but metallic) rose pink and charcoal grey.
I have just read the leaflet I picked up about them and they are water proof to 1m for 5 minutes. Thankfully I live on the East not the West coast of Englandhttp://www.birdforum.net/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=396260#
Winking

Ivan You are very lucky to live on the east coast I live on the west coast its rained every day for the last three weeks,in fact its raining as I type this.
FIDDLER

[FIDDLER]

I wish Nikon would provide more information about the design details of this scope. Calling it a Fieldscope suggests that it is a 50mm version of the larger ED Fieldscopes, but pictures of it suggest that it's design has as much or more in common with Nikon's inexpensive scopes. For instance you can see from the photos that the angled version does not use the monoblock Abbe prism found in the larger Fieldscopes. From it's shape it appears that the angled version uses either a Schmidt-Pechan roof prism or more likely adds an extra prism with 2 reflections (one mirror coated) behind the porro prism of the straight version. That's a cheaper way to make an angled scope, but it results in considerably lower light transmission compared to the Abbe prism of the larger Fieldscopes. The extra prism is also the only way to make an angled version if focusing is done by moving part of the porro prism cluster, which is usually the method used in inexpensive scopes. The larger Fieldscopes use a more expensive moving focusing element rather than a moving prism. From the photos it's not possible to tell for sure how the ED-50 is focused, but it looks like it probably uses a moving prism. The large Fieldscopes use triplet objectives with fairly high focal ratios by spotting scope standards, f/7 for the 60mm and f/6.4 for the 82mm. Nikon doesn't tell us whether the ED-50 uses a triplet or a less expensive doublet but the focal ratio of the objective is f/5.6. That's pretty low for a high quality telescope, especially if it uses a doublet objective.

None of these design differences would make the 50mm a bad telescope, but they would make it a significantly different design and almost certainly not as good as the other ED fieldscopes, particularly the angled version. Perhaps that's the reason Nikon refers to it as an "entry level" or backup scope and prices it so much lower than the 60mm ED. Still the combination of tiny size and weight, ED glass and compatability with the excellent Fieldscope eyepieces do make it look like a very interesting scope for it's intended purposes.
Hi Henry
You say that focusing with a moving prism is a cheaper way of making a scope I have a Leica APO 77 Telivid though I have the straight through model. This scope as you are well aware is not only one of the best birding scopes on the market but also one of the most expensive. I wonder why they chose this method of focusing.Just curious thats all.
FIDDLER

[trealawboy]

Is there a stay-on case available for this scope yet?

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Is there a stay-on case available for this scope yet?

Mine came with a soft case, which almost could be a stay on case except the lens cover doesn't detach and there's no access to the focus. A bit of a shame that Nikon didn't incorporate these features. It wouldn't be that hard to do or cost very much. Maybe they just want to make lots of money from SOCs.

[amh2029]

Hi,
Thinking of buying a new zoom lens for my ed78 - the 25-75 - and thought i might throw in an ed50 body. any reason to think the zoom is not suitable for the ed50?

andrew

[pduxon]

Hi,
Thinking of buying a new zoom lens for my ed78 - the 25-75 - and thought i might throw in an ed50 body. any reason to think the zoom is not suitable for the ed50?

andrew

works fine. The reduction to 13-40 much improves the Field of view.

[dombates]

works fine. The reduction to 13-40 much improves the Field of view.

I've found focusing tricky at times while using the top magnification - a fine focus would have helped. Also, as you'd expect for a 50mm objective, the image isn't particularly usable at the top magnification on duller days. Still managed to take some ok-ish shots digiscoping with it and a Canon A70 while on holiday last year though:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/batespix/67556523/

[pduxon]

I've found focusing tricky at times while using the top magnification - a fine focus would have helped. Also, as you'd expect for a 50mm objective, the image isn't particularly usable at the top magnification on duller days. Still managed to take some ok-ish shots digiscoping with it and a Canon A70 while on holiday last year though:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/batespix/67556523/

yeah true but I think the depth of field thing is a problem with the zoom not the scope. I know a birder who complained about it on the ED82. To be fair it stands up better in dull light than I would have expected.

It is certainly not as good as say a top 60mm or espesh 80mm scope but the darn thing is so portable!!

[kabsetz]

Pete,

Depth of field of the Nikon zoom is just as good as with any other eyepiece at the same magnification. In the big Fieldscope, since you get magnifications well above 60x, the depth of field at these higher magnifications is naturally less than with other scopes at 60x.

The 60 and 82mm Fieldscopes have a very fast focus ratio, and this can easily give an impression of shallower depth of field. Once precise focus is achieved, depth of field is the same as with any other scope at the same magnification.

There is one reservation to the above, however. Freedom from optical aberrations increases depth of field quite markedly, and for any scope make or model a specimen with less overall aberrations will show a better depth of field.

Kimmo

[lachlustre]

Yes I used the standard Nikon adapter rings to attach the camera to the scope. I can pretty much fit the scope and shoulder pod into my coat pocket if needs be, so it's definitely very easy to carry around.

Hi Andrew,
I have a question about the quality of your digiscoping shots. I checked out your Gallery photos, which were mostly taken with the Nikon 82mm scope - there are some fantastic photo's there! Compared to those, the ones taken with the little scope definitely seem not as clear to me.

My question: is this difference, in your opinion, down to the scope, or to the lighting conditions/specific shots chosen/processing/something else? If the former, I think that this makes a good illustration of the value of getting a larger scope for digiscoping, and gives me an even greater headache in choosing my scope!

Cheers,
ROb

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Hi Andrew,
I have a question about the quality of your digiscoping shots. I checked out your Gallery photos, which were mostly taken with the Nikon 82mm scope - there are some fantastic photo's there! Compared to those, the ones taken with the little scope definitely seem not as clear to me.

My question: is this difference, in your opinion, down to the scope, or to the lighting conditions/specific shots chosen/processing/something else? If the former, I think that this makes a good illustration of the value of getting a larger scope for digiscoping, and gives me an even greater headache in choosing my scope!

Cheers,
ROb

Hi Rob,

I've still only used the ED50 once for digiscoping (see pictures above) so I can't really comment fully on it's capabilities for this. What I would say is that the pictures I've taken were in less than perfect conditions so this explains some of the differences. I'm quite sure that it's possible to take better pictures with the ED82 and if I was really intent on taking good photos then that's the scope I would take with me. But I reckon the ED50 is still capable of some nice record shots under reasonable light conditions. The one advantage that the ED50 has for digiscoping over the ED82 is that the 30x lens becomes a 16x, which I think is a better magnification.

I'll try to take a few more pictures with the ED50 over the coming months and will post a few samples on here.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I thought people might be interested to see some more pictures I've taken (this morning in fact) with the ED50 (with 16x MC lens). The light was pretty good today, at least when it wasn't snowing.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

And some more. Not perfect by any means but reasonably good.

[Johnny1]

Are there any spectacle wearers out there who have tried this scope?

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Are there any spectacle wearers out there who have tried this scope?

There's me. The lenses are the same as for the other Nikon fieldscopes so any problems with eye relief will be the same. I don't have any difficulties at all with the 16x/30x lens. I've never tried the zoom, which I understand has less eye relief so might be more problematic with specs.

[Den]

Are there any spectacle wearers out there who have tried this scope?
Hi
I've got the scope and chose the 30XWW (20x on ED50) and it works fine with my varifocals. I got it to enable me to be highly mobile and use a lighter tripod as I spend a lot of time in the field drawing birds. I am soooooo impressed. After having a Leica Apo77 for ten years I wondered if I would be able to use it to draw through for long periods. The zoom has poor eye relief and the 24x only gives 16X on the ED50.

[rayl]

ED 50 available from Bristol Cameras(.co.uk) for £250 inc. postage-body only.
Mine arrived today, well packaged.
Only downside is they don't seem to have the pink version ;)

Ray

[Hermann]

I acquired a Nikon ED50 this week and got a chance to test it out properly today on a visit to Girdle Ness. <snip>

Optically it's quite excellent and up to the standard of other Nikon ED scopes - very sharp across the field, remarkably bright and contrasting and with good natural looking colours. I didn't perhaps get quite the 'walk in' impression I get with the same lens on the ED82 but otherwise the image is just as good.

That's interesting. This little scope may be the travel scope everyone has been waiting for ... the first *really* small scope with good optical quality.

Has someone already tried using it at higher magnifications, perhaps in direct comparison to a ED III set at the same magnification using the same type of zoom eyepiece? After all, even in a tiny travel scope it would be nice to get to over 30x, and if the scope is well made it should be able to handle at least 40x with no problems.

Also, what's the mechanical quality like? The ED III and the other Nikon fieldscopes are very well made pieces of equipment, it would be nice to know whether the ED50 is up to the same high standard.

Another point - has someone already found a drawing showing the type of prism the straight and the angled versions use?

Hermann

[Andrew Whitehouse]

That's interesting. This little scope may be the travel scope everyone has been waiting for ... the first *really* small scope with good optical quality.

Has someone already tried using it at higher magnifications, perhaps in direct comparison to a ED III set at the same magnification using the same type of zoom eyepiece? After all, even in a tiny travel scope it would be nice to get to over 30x, and if the scope is well made it should be able to handle at least 40x with no problems.

Also, what's the mechanical quality like? The ED III and the other Nikon fieldscopes are very well made pieces of equipment, it would be nice to know whether the ED50 is up to the same high standard.

Another point - has someone already found a drawing showing the type of prism the straight and the angled versions use?

Hermann

Hi Hermann,

I've just acquired a new lens, which is the 50x MC on the ED82 but it works at 27x on the ED50. I think to get above 30x you'll either need the zoom or the 75x, which I think works at 40x.

The scope works very well indeed at 27x and the image was not far off the view through my ED82 at 30x. As you'd expect, it's not quite as bright but this is only really noticeable in dull conditions. Even then it's still very usable and the sharpness and contrast is very impressive. The scope certainly gives 'the Nikon view' that many here are keen on - natural colours, sharp across the image, very little glare etc. I can see no reason why it wouldn't work well above 30x. It can still be used effectively with a shoulder pod at 27x as well, which is handy.

The scope seems well made to me. It feels a bit plastic but 'good quality' plastic, if that makes sense. The whole feel is sturdy but very lightweight. All in all this is a brilliant scope and anyone considering buying a small scope (including 60-65mm) should give it a look. You lose a lot in weight and size but very little in quality.

[Swissboy]

It can still be used effectively with a shoulder pod at 27x as well, which is handy.

Andrew, not sure any more whether you mentioned in another thread the type of shoulder pod you are using. I am still evaluating which one to get. Do you use the Cullmann? And how long have you been using it? Please excuse any possible duplication with that other thread. It's been a while. Thanks.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Yes - I use a Cullman. I've only been using it for about a year.

[Tim Allwood]

I've used a Cullman for years now

love it to bits

Tim

[Hermann]

The scope works very well indeed at 27x and the image was not far off the view through my ED82 at 30x. As you'd expect, it's not quite as bright but this is only really noticeable in dull conditions. Even then it's still very usable and the sharpness and contrast is very impressive. <snip>
The scope seems well made to me. It feels a bit plastic but 'good quality' plastic, if that makes sense. The whole feel is sturdy but very lightweight.

Thanks a lot. That's the kind of information I was looking for. Interesting that it was Nikon to come out with a small quality scope and not one of the European manufacturers. At a bit less than half the weight even of the EDIII it's going to be a really nice piece of kit for travelling, especially when you intend to spend a lot of time walking. I reckon I'll get myself one of those.

BTW, I'll be using the scope at low magnification most of the time, but with a high quality scope you can always use a doubler to push up the magnification if necessary. I've done that before with my EDIII and the Zeiss 3x12 - with the 24x wideangle that results in 72x magnification, well over the limits of the scope and certainly no joy to use, but in some tricky situations you can often see more detail.

Hermann

[Swissboy]

[QUOTE=Hermann].... Interesting that it was Nikon to come out with a small quality scope and not one of the European manufacturers. ..Hermann/QUOTE]

Nikon was also first with the EDIII! In fact, after having used it extensively in 2000, I suggested to Leica, to come up with such a compact scope. The answer I got was along the line that they did not think there was a market for it! Meanwhile all three major European manufactuers are in that market, but Leica came in last.

[Swissboy]

Yes - I use a Cullman. I've only been using it for about a year.

Thanks, Andrew, I have now just found your previous reply as well. So I was right that I had asked you before. Again, sorry for that, but there is so much information here that it is often difficult to keep track.

And thanks to you, Tim, as well!

[Hermann]

Nikon was also first with the EDIII! In fact, after having used it extensively in 2000, I suggested to Leica, to come up with such a compact scope. The answer I got was along the line that they did not think there was a market for it!

Been there, done that. I made the same suggestion both to Leica and to Zeiss years ago. They wouldn't listen.

By the way, the Nikon has been around for ages. The original fieldscope ED is (despite its lack of a proper multicoating) still quite a nice scope. I know a couple of guys who still use them, and they perform quite well despite their age. One of these scopes really looks as though its been run over by a tank ... No paint left on the body that is dented all over the place, but optically it's still quite decent, even by today's crazy standards.

Hermannn

[cassowary]

Checked out the Nikon ED50 Angled and was fairly impressed. I much prefered the fixed WD eyepieces over the zoom. IMO it was limited in low light conditions at 27x; maybe too limiting for some people for use as a 'stand alone' scope whilst travelling. Using the 20x fixed WD lens in low light conditions is another possibility, however I don't like to continually change eyepieces due to the potential dust build up therefore cleaning etc...in the cavity.

Would have liked to have compared it with the kowa 603 (with the 30xwa eyepiece) in low light. The Kowa is 50% heavier than the ED50 but is the difference worth it?

I can't find a single review of the kowa 603

Mike

Henry Link raised some possible design drawbacks of the Nikon; hopefully he and others will review the Kowa 603. I'll write something (hopefully useful) once I've been able to use one.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Checked out the Nikon ED50 Angled and was fairly impressed. I much prefered the fixed WD eyepieces over the zoom. IMO it was limited in low light conditions at 27x; maybe too limiting for some people for use as a 'stand alone' scope whilst travelling. Using the 20x fixed WD lens in low light conditions is another possibility, however I don't like to continually change eyepieces due to the potential dust build up therefore cleaning etc...in the cavity.

Would have liked to have compared it with the kowa 603 (with the 30xwa eyepiece) in low light. The Kowa is 50% heavier than the ED50 but is the difference worth it?

I can't find a single review of the kowa 603

Mike

Henry Link raised some possible design drawbacks of the Nikon; hopefully he and others will review the Kowa 603. I'll write something (hopefully useful) once I've been able to use one.

Any small scope is going to be a compromise between size and image quality and there will always be bigger scopes that will offer a better image than the ED50 under the most testing conditions. I think the occasions when this will actually make a difference to whether a bird can be IDed are so infrequent that it would still work as a stand alone scope at 27x very well. I've certainly found this to be the case over the past few weeks.

In fact, the ease with which the ED50 can be used at 27x with a shoulder pod means that many birds (flying overhead, high in tree tops) can be much more readily identified with the ED50 than they would with a larger scope on a tripod. A very small scope that works well on both tripod and shoulder pod at 27x in almost all light conditions strikes me as being about as versatile as a scope can be and for travelling that's ideal.

At the moment, I can only see one problem with the ED50 - no stay-on-case. I hope one comes out soon.

[cassowary]

Andrew, by the way thanks for posting the specs for the ED50 on my thread ' the best travel scope?'

For those still looking for the specs here is the link: http://nikon.topica.ne.jp/bi_e/products/nature_a.htm#5

This forum has been the most helpful source for me in choosing a travel scope/tripod

Mike

[PYRTLE]

I believe that IN FOCUS are doing a stay on case for this little beauty at around £40. Has anyone got it and what is it like? Thanks

[trealawboy]

I believe that IN FOCUS are doing a stay on case for this little beauty at around £40. Has anyone got it and what is it like? Thanks

I saw one at the Birdfair yesterday, and to be honest, I decided not to buy it.

The Nikon stand had a prototype SOC of their own, which ! was told will be on sale around October. Its a little like the cases for the Kowa 501/502, which can be seen here (http://www.kowa-usa.com/frontend/proddetail.asp?pn=H-500&co=10000339).

They didn't give me a price, but I'd rather wait.

[Penny Clarke]

I saw one at the Birdfair yesterday, and to be honest, I decided not to buy it.

The Nikon stand had a prototype SOC of their own, which ! was told will be on sale around October. Its a little like the cases for the Kowa 501/502, which can be seen here (http://www.kowa-usa.com/frontend/proddetail.asp?pn=H-500&co=10000339).

They didn't give me a price, but I'd rather wait.


Ditto! I also saw the case on Infocus stand and wasn't overly impressed, and also saw Nikon's prototype which looks much better quality, I will also wait!

[medinabrit]

I will be in the UK from sept 7 to oct 6 Because of the airline restrictions i may have to leave my gear at home & purchase scope etc in the UK.& leave it there for future visits .Iwill be in ilford [london] ,whitby [yorks] & the lake district .Could anyone let me know a decent store where i could purchase the nikon 50 mm scope please in these areas.
appreciate any help i can get .
Brian.














7

[normjackson]

Checked here :
http://www.nikon.co.uk/where_to_buy/dealer_search/

One possibility if you don't mind a little bit of rail travel is :
http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/barnes.html

which is situated in the well-worth-visiting Wetland Centre :
http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/wetlandcentre/

[medinabrit]

[QUOTE=normjackson]Checked here :
[url]http://www.nikon.co.uk/where_to_buy/dealer_search/[/url

Thanks Norm for the info. I will definately take a trip there.
Brian.

[Swissboy]

I will be in the UK from sept 7 to oct 6 Because of the airline restrictions i may have to leave my gear at home & purchase scope etc in the UK.& leave it there for future visits .Iwill be in ilford [london] ,whitby [yorks] & the lake district .Could anyone let me know a decent store where i could purchase the nikon 50 mm scope please in these areas.

Do you mean that the future has only two options for us, either no more flying to birding spots, or buying gear locally and then either depositing for a possible future visit or reselling it? I can't quite imagine doing any of this. I hope the hysteria is going to subside and reasonable checks (including looking through any lens) will be installed instead.

[medinabrit]

Do you mean that the future has only two options for us, either no more flying to birding spots, or buying gear locally and then either depositing for a possible future visit or reselling it? I can't quite imagine doing any of this. I hope the hysteria is going to subside and reasonable checks (including looking through any lens) will be installed instead.

Im sure that eventually the hysteria will go away ,but not by next week when i will be flying to UK.I just cant trust about $3000 of stuff in my bag in the planes hold. I usually carry my gear on the plane but at the present i believe they will only allow a small transparent bag in the cabin.
Hope this soon changes.
Brian.

[GaryB]

Im sure that eventually the hysteria will go away ,but not by next week when i will be flying to UK.I just cant trust about $3000 of stuff in my bag in the planes hold. I usually carry my gear on the plane but at the present i believe they will only allow a small transparent bag in the cabin.
Hope this soon changes.
Brian.

It already has. You are now allowed a laptop size case. Try here

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/page/dft_about_612280.hcsp

for details

Gary

[medinabrit]

[QUOTE=GaryB]It already has. You are now allowed a laptop size case. Try here

Thanks Gary .Just checked this end .same here.
Brian.

[Anthony S]

Why do some people want a stay-on-case? In 20 years I've never used a case for any scope, waterproof or not, and never had any problems. In any case, the ED50 is waterproof, so what advatage does a stay-on-case offer. Seems to me it just adds extra bulk.

Just my 2 cents.

[Swissboy]

Why do some people want a stay-on-case? In 20 years I've never used a case for any scope, waterproof or not, and never had any problems. In any case, the ED50 is waterproof, so what advatage does a stay-on-case offer. Seems to me it just adds extra bulk.

Just my 2 cents.

I fully agree on this one. The main benefit of a stay-on case is the insulation in very hot or cold weather. Otherwise, any piece of cloth or so should suffice for transportation. The bulk problem has also led to a number of unused binocular cases that I have at home.

[trealawboy]

I fully agree on this one. The main benefit of a stay-on case is the insulation in very hot or cold weather. Otherwise, any piece of cloth or so should suffice for transportation. The bulk problem has also led to a number of unused binocular cases that I have at home.

I like to use a SOC for carrying the scope over my shoulder, with the strap provided with the SOC. I prefer not to carry a scope attached to my tripod.

[PYRTLE]

I fully agree on this one. The main benefit of a stay-on case is the insulation in very hot or cold weather. Otherwise, any piece of cloth or so should suffice for transportation. The bulk problem has also led to a number of unused binocular cases that I have at home.

Mmmmmm - what about a small degree of protection (by a good stay on case) in regard to prevention of slight knocks on the instrument, which could affect collimation, also the protruding focusing system. Additionally it would reduce the amount of surface scuffing that optics are subjected to whilst adding to any value on sale or trade in should one wish to change it.

[Jane Turner]

Are we talking these... and if so - is this a "for real" price?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nikon-Monocular-Telescopes-16X52-Eyepiece-Scope-NEW_W0QQitemZ120025773033QQihZ002QQcategoryZ10955Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[pduxon]

Are we talking these... and if so - is this a "for real" price?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nikon-Monocular-Telescopes-16X52-Eyepiece-Scope-NEW_W0QQitemZ120025773033QQihZ002QQcategoryZ10955Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hi Jane

nope that isn't an ED50

[Paul Jarvis]

I second what Pyrtle said.

If you are buying a new scope like swaro, zeiss, kowa and nikon or any good scope that is intended to last a life time that you wouldn't spend that extra few quid to keep it in prime condition and protect it from knocks, scratches, dust etc...

Quote: Why do some people want a stay-on-case? In 20 years I've never used a case for any scope, waterproof or not, and never had any problems. In any case, the ED50 is waterproof, so what advatage does a stay-on-case offer. Seems to me it just adds extra bulk.

I use mine for all the above reasons and to carry it with the strap.

But like most things I guess, each to their own.

[airconace]

It'll be interesting to see whether this scope fills a true need. In a way, its objective diameter is not that much above a 42mm type of binoculars. And the EDIII with its 60mm lens is already a very lightweight scope, but with better resolution due to this larger objective diameter. Thus, a 50mm ED scope will be a really good thing only for those - overall rare - occasions when one has to restrict one's luggage to such an extent that only 20 or 25mm binoculars plus this new scope fit in. And even this small scope can only deliver if one uses a sufficiently sturdy tripod.

But then, maybe users of the present crop of small (below 60mm) scopes can provide some arguments? I'd like to hear about them.

I have been reading the comments and advice on here for a while now. I have bought a used Nikon Fieldscope ED 50 with 2 eyepieces, (old type), 20-45x Zoom & 30x wide, case, and used Manfrotto tripod for £325 GBP.
Considering I had the following on my list I'm well pleased with it: -
Nikon Fieldscope ED111
Swarovski ATS 65mm HD
Zeiss 65
Pentax PF 65mm ED
Opticron GS665 GA
The Opticron is the cheapest, but the rest average out at around £820 with 30x eyepiece & stay on case.

However, consider the following: -
I was trying to keep the weight down as we walk and cycle on most of our trips, equipment not used much from vehicles.
I do acknowledge that it will be inferior to a larger scope in poor light conditions and longer distances.
I could not tell much difference between the Nikon and a top of the range Kowa scope, not enough to warrant the extra weight.

I can see much more than my Opticron Verano 8 x 42 binoculars so I'm happy.

Spend as much time as you can choosing and take someone with you for a second opinion.

Thanks to everyone who posted information and advice here, it has helped make a much better purchase. Much appreciated.
Cheers,
Harry.

[Swissboy]

Mmmmmm - what about a small degree of protection (by a good stay on case) in regard to prevention of slight knocks on the instrument, which could affect collimation, also the protruding focusing system. Additionally it would reduce the amount of surface scuffing that optics are subjected to whilst adding to any value on sale or trade in should one wish to change it.

I tend to consider my optics are for efficient use, not for potential resale. Thus, some scratches don't matter. It just makes them less prone to be stolen. And I would not normally carry my scope detached from the tripod for being faster in setting it up.
But I agree that a SOC does give some protection in case a scope gets knocked down and tumbles to the hard ground. So, once again, we don't all set the same priorities, I guess. Or we judge the likelihood of events differently. I tend to be an optimist in life, maybe that's why I have made it without a SOC so far?
I should add, however, that I have a protective woolen sleeve that I use when packing up the scope. But that is much less bulky and very much lighter in weight than a SOC. And when I need to REALLY save weight or volume on travels, I wrap the scope in a towel or a piece of clothing that I have with me anyway. (Pretty similar procedure holds for the binoculars.)

[karmantra]

Am looking at purchasing an angled ED50 scope for my wife, and would love to get her the pink colored model. Checked with the bigger mail order firms and they carry only the dark grey. Does anyone know where I could purchase one here in the States, or it only a color available in Europe or elsewhere? Has anyone seen one? Thanks!

[Alex_sk]

Am looking at purchasing an angled ED50 scope for my wife, and would love to get her the pink colored model. Checked with the bigger mail order firms and they carry only the dark grey. Does anyone know where I could purchase one here in the States, or it only a color available in Europe or elsewhere? Has anyone seen one? Thanks!

Just ordered an ED50 from bristolcameras.co.uk

I would have loved to have bought a pink scope too but unfortunately they only have grey and green here in the UK.

What a shame - a pink scope would have been great fun (& been a bit of a talking point!). ;)

Alex

[karmantra]

Just ordered an ED50 from bristolcameras.co.uk

I would have loved to have bought a pink scope too but unfortunately they only have grey and green here in the UK.

What a shame - a pink scope would have been great fun (& been a bit of a talking point!). ;)

Alex
Contacted Nikon USA about pink ED 50s, but no response--wife figures that a pink scope would be a hummingbird 'magnet' in mountain meadows!

[stuart C smith]

Contacted Nikon USA about pink ED 50s, but no response--wife figures that a pink scope would be a hummingbird 'magnet' in mountain meadows!
i have a nikon ed50 in grey, i am glad its not pink . otherwise it might be a magnet.

[Penny Clarke]

Does anyone know if the new Nikon ED50 stay on cover is out yet? Nikon told me it would be out in October at the Birdfair, havn't heard anything yet. (Don't want Infocus's one)

Penny

[postcardcv]

Does anyone know if the new Nikon ED50 stay on cover is out yet? Nikon told me it would be out in October at the Birdfair, havn't heard anything yet. (Don't want Infocus's one)

Penny

I've not seen it yet Penny, will see what I can find out for you.

[trealawboy]

I've not seen it yet Penny, will see what I can find out for you.

The Nikon website is always late with news of new kit. I contacted WE over week ago to see if they know anything, and they haven't bothered replying yet.

[trealawboy]

The Nikon website is always late with news of new kit. I contacted WE over week ago to see if they know anything, and they haven't bothered replying yet.

I spoke with WE this morning. They say its only available bundled in with new scopes, and that I should contact Nikon to see if its possible to purchase it separately. I phoned Nikon and they suggested I contacted a Nikon retailer.

Hopeless!

[Penny Clarke]

I spoke with WE this morning. They say its only available bundled in with new scopes, and that I should contact Nikon to see if its possible to purchase it separately. I phoned Nikon and they suggested I contacted a Nikon retailer.

Hopeless!

Thanks for finding that out - not a very good service for people that have already bought the scope!!!! :eek!:

[trealawboy]

More news. I contacted Nikon UK by e-mail yesterday, as follows:

"I visited the Birdfair at Rutland Water in August 2006, where a prototype stay-on case was on display. Nikon staff suggested that this new case would be on sale in the UK from October through the usual optics retailers.

Speaking with Warehouse Express in Norwich this morning, I was told that the case was only available bundled in with a new scope, and that I should contact Nikon directly. I already have a scope, so I phoned Nikon this morning, but the service representative was unable to help.

I'd be grateful if you can offer some advice."

Here's the response:

"If the case for ED-50 is be announced, we would know about this. This didn't happen so far. Might be to get it from 3rd part producers.
We're sorry, but this is only a position we can give you now. Thank you."

[pduxon]

I suspect you'll find that w/e are referring to the existing case not any new stay on case..........

[medinabrit]

I purchased the ed 50 in the UK last month It came with a case ,but the objective end dont open .This seems kind of silly as if it did it would be a nice stay on protective cover . I wonder why nikon would package a stay on cover that has to be removed before use.
Brian.
ps The guy at the in focus store in Lancashire was very friendly & helpful to me when i got the ed 50. Wish i had a store like in Ohio.