[Gregory Sargean]

My local optics dealer showed me a Nikon catolog which featured new 82mm and 60mm scopes as part of the "Prostaff" line of sport optics. They feature Nikon "eco-glass" (non-ED) and a fold-out sight. They look like a definite improvement over the current "Sky & Earth" series, which is being discontinued. They also feature there own series of eyepieces. Although the "Prostaff" line is designed to cater to hunters, these appear to be targeted at birders (there was a hummingbird photo on the page). Does anyone have any more info on these?

[Peewee]

Originally Posted by Gregory Sargean

Does anyone have any more info on these?

There is lot of info around. Search the reviews and forum.

For example

http://www.birdforum.net/reviews/sho...&cat=11&page=1

And try nikon

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/grou...5&subgroup=154

[Gregory Sargean]

Originally Posted by Peewee

There is lot of info around. Search the reviews and forum.

For example

http://www.birdforum.net/reviews/sho...&cat=11&page=1

And try nikon

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/grou...5&subgroup=154

Thanks, but I'm looking for information on the new non-ED scopes that Nikon is coming out with. The are completely different from the Fieldscope III or ED82. They will be called "Prostaff" in the US, which is the name Nikon uses for riflescopes and hunting binoculars. There most distinctive feature is a fold-out site.

[Peewee]

Originally Posted by Gregory Sargean

Thanks, but I'm looking for information on the new non-ED scopes that Nikon is coming out with. The are completely different from the Fieldscope III or ED82. They will be called "Prostaff" in the US, which is the name Nikon uses for riflescopes and hunting binoculars. There most distinctive feature is a fold-out site.

Oops . sorry. Hope someone else may be able to help. I'll try and read more carefully next time.

Peter

[Gregory Sargean]

I currently use the Nikon Sky & Earth 80mm which is too dark for my liking. I wonder how this scope compares?

From Nikon USA:

Waterproof/fogproof

Built-in sliding sunshade

Multicoated optics for bright, clear image

Includes Vue-Thru Case

***I believe that thing on the side is a viewfinder
http://www.nikonusa.com/images/products/8312_360.jpg

Magnification: 20x-60x

Objective Diameter (mm): 82

Angular Field of view (Real): 1.9@20x

Angular Field of view (Apparent): 38.4@20x

FOV @ 1000yds (ft.): 99@20x

Relative Brightness: 16.8@20x

Eye Relief (mm): 15.2@20x

Size (L&W) Inches (body only): 15.4x4.5

Size (L&W) MM (body only): 391x114

Looks like they will retail for $600 (82mm) and $400 f(65mm).

[mfreiberg]

Greg,
Hi there! My name is Mike freiberg and I am the Birding/Optics Specialist with Nikon. It seems like you had some questions about our new prostaff scopes. These indeed are aimed to replace the Sky & Earth, but many improvements have been made. Should you have further questions please don't hesitate to ask. Check out www.nikonsportoptics.com for more info as well. take care!

Cheers,
Mike Freiberg
Nikon Birding Market Specialist

Originally Posted by Gregory Sargean

My local optics dealer showed me a Nikon catolog which featured new 82mm and 60mm scopes as part of the "Prostaff" line of sport optics. They feature Nikon "eco-glass" (non-ED) and a fold-out sight. They look like a definite improvement over the current "Sky & Earth" series, which is being discontinued. They also feature there own series of eyepieces. Although the "Prostaff" line is designed to cater to hunters, these appear to be targeted at birders (there was a hummingbird photo on the page). Does anyone have any more info on these?

[hinnark]

Originally Posted by mfreiberg

Greg,
Hi there! My name is Mike freiberg and I am the Birding/Optics Specialist with Nikon. It seems like you had some questions about our new prostaff scopes. These indeed are aimed to replace the Sky & Earth, but many improvements have been made. Should you have further questions please don't hesitate to ask. Check out www.nikonsportoptics.com for more info as well. take care!

Cheers,
Mike Freiberg
Nikon Birding Market Specialist

Hi Mike,

may I ask you something too?
It seems that these new Prostaff scopes have a new kind of aiming facility on their side. Is there an optic inside of the little aiming tube or is it just - air? I´m asking this since all aiming facilities I know are pretty useless even with the most expensive spotting scopes. An improvement would be very welcome here. Where are these scopes built? In Japan or elsewhere?
Are these offered only on the US-market or in Europe too? Nikon´s German website says nothing about it.

Steve

[FrankD]

Hello Mike. It is nice to see representatives from the various manufacturers taking the time to post on forums like this.

If I could ask, can you expand on some of the improvements of the new Prostaff line in comparison to the Earth and Sky series? Are there actual improvements in the optical qualities of the scope or are the improvements more in the physical design and overall practical characteristics?

On a side note, I think it would be great if you could chime in over in the Nikon binoculars forum as well. I am sure the folks over there would have tons of questions for you....not that you necessarily would want to answer them all.

Thanks.