[Timedrifter]

Does anyone have a Fieldscope 60 ED I or II preferably angled, that they could submit a side view picture of please? I have searched extensively on the net without any success at all for the model I, and pictures I've found of the model II have left a little suspicious of accuracy.
Here's hoping
Timedrifter

[henry link]

If you are trying to determine the differences I have photos, but no way to post them. The appearance is quite different. The Fieldscope II has black rubber armoring over the prism cover. The fieldscope I has a light green metal prism housing. There was no angled Fieldscope I.

[Timedrifter]

Very many thanks for that Henry; I thought you would have the answer. I have just bought the scope in question off of eBay and don't actually have it yet. I am going to attach the ad photo for your confirmation, but it appears from what you say that it's definitely a II.
I would appreciate very much your personal view on the differences between the II and III. I expect, and hope, that Scampo and others may air there views on the II also. I did pay a high price for this, but the condition was stated, and appears to be, mint. It also comes with the famed new 30x (24x) eyepiece. The others in the picture were not included in the sale.
All the best
Timedrifter

Originally Posted by henry link

If you are trying to determine the differences I have photos, but no way to post them. The appearance is quite different. The Fieldscope II has black rubber armoring over the prism cover. The fieldscope I has a light green metal prism housing. There was no angled Fieldscope I.

[scampo]

Originally Posted by Timedrifter

Very many thanks for that Henry; I thought you would have the answer. I have just bought the scope in question off of eBay and don't actually have it yet. I am going to attach the ad photo for your confirmation, but it appears from what you say that it's definitely a II.
I would appreciate very much your personal view on the differences between the II and III. I expect, and hope, that Scampo and others may air there views on the II also. I did pay a high price for this, but the condition was stated, and appears to be, mint. It also comes with the famed new 30x (24x) eyepiece. The others in the picture were not included in the sale.
All the best
Timedrifter

It looks as if you've bought an excellent condition EDII. I think Steve Lister has that scope and he loves it. If you search for his details on this forum and send a PM, I'm sure he'd help.

The EDII is, if I recall, all but identical to the EDIII except that it is not fully waterproof - but I think it was "shower proof". I think you'll find you've made a very good buy that will give years of service. Steve is one of our top local birders and if he likes the scope then that has to be a recommendation!

I found this shot from Yahoo that seems to be an angled Nikon ED 60 II:

[Timedrifter]

Thanks for that Scampo, I had a feeling you'd be along! Your photo certainly confirms all. I can see now that in my photo the rotation screw had obviously been loosened and the body rotated slightly. I have done as you suggested and pm'd Steve Lister - thanks also for that.
I'm still interested in anyone else's experience of this scope.
Timedrifter

Originally Posted by scampo

It looks as if you've bought an excellent condition EDII. I think Steve Lister has that scope and he loves it. If you search for his details on this forum and send a PM, I'm sure he'd help.

The EDII is, if I recall, all but identical to the EDIII except that it is not fully waterproof - but I think it was "shower proof". I think you'll find you've made a very good buy that will give years of service. Steve is one of our top local birders and if he likes the scope then that has to be a recommendation!

I found this shot from Yahoo that seems to be an angled Nikon ED 60 II:

[henry link]

I think there are coatings differences between the II and III. The III is fully multi-coated, the II only partly multi-coated. It's not completely clear to me from the photo, but the 30X eyepiece in your photo appears to be the older partly multi-coated version with a fold down rubber eyecup.

[Timedrifter]

Very many thanks for that Henry. It appears I may possibly have been misled over the eyepiece then. I won't be getting it for another week, so I'll have to wait patiently! It was quoted as being an MC eyepiece; was the earlier version with fold down cup MC? Also, was the older eyepiece optically very inferior to the new version?
I'm appreciating all help so far
Timedrifter

Originally Posted by henry link

I think there are coatings differences between the II and III. The III is fully multi-coated, the II only partly multi-coated. It's not completely clear to me from the photo, but the 30X eyepiece in your photo appears to be the older partly multi-coated version with a fold down rubber eyecup.

[scampo]

Originally Posted by Timedrifter

Very many thanks for that Henry. It appears I may possibly have been misled over the eyepiece then. I won't be getting it for another week, so I'll have to wait patiently! It was quoted as being an MC eyepiece; was the earlier version with fold down cup MC? Also, was the older eyepiece optically very inferior to the new version?
I'm appreciating all help so far
Timedrifter

I think the older eyepiece was called "MC", meaning multicoated and the latest eyepiece "MCII" - the difference is in it having a twist and turn eye guard and, presumably a more modern coating.

I don't think you'll find the older eyepiece to be wanting. The Nikon 30xW eyepiece has always been a gem.

[Timedrifter]

Hi Scampo! Thanks for that, it's beginning to look as though it is the older version, regardless of what I was told - quote "The eyepiece box states Fieldscope Wide Eyepiece MC 24x(60mm).It is the up to date one because this came with an ED111 scope".
Timedrifter

Originally Posted by scampo

I think the older eyepiece was called "MC", meaning multicoated and the latest eyepiece "MCII" - the difference is in it having a twist and turn eye guard and, presumably a more modern coating.

I don't think you'll find the older eyepiece to be wanting. The Nikon 30xW eyepiece has always been a gem.

[kabsetz]

The coatings difference between MC and MC II is noticeable but rather slight. The difference in coatings, and consequently in brightness, contrast and freedom from flare between the second and third generation Fieldscopes themselves is rather more obvious.

Nevertheless, the ED II A is a fine scope, and despite not being "waterproof," it does not leak or fog up easily at all. It is also one of the most durable scopes you can have.

Kimmo

[Timedrifter]

Many thanks both for the technical information, and the encouraging opinion of the scope Kimmo! I was particularly interested to hear what you said about it not leaking or fogging up easily.
Timedrifter

Originally Posted by kabsetz

The coatings difference between MC and MC II is noticeable but rather slight. The difference in coatings, and consequently in brightness, contrast and freedom from flare between the second and third generation Fieldscopes themselves is rather more obvious.

Nevertheless, the ED II A is a fine scope, and despite not being "waterproof," it does not leak or fog up easily at all. It is also one of the most durable scopes you can have.

Kimmo

[henry link]

Timedrifter,

If you look here you will see that the Nikon fixed magnification eyepieces are still called "MC". If this website is correct only the 20x-60x zoom eyepiece has an MC II version. http://nikon.topica.ne.jp/bi_e/products/nature_a.htm#3

Comparing the eyepiece photos here with your photo I'm nearly certain that the 30x eyepiece you are buying is the older pre-MC version with partial multi-coating and the fold down eyecup (a good eyepiece, just not the latest version). It will be obvious when you actually see it.

Henry

[Timedrifter]

Thanks Henry, I see what you mean. This all just makes me more impatient for the beast to get here!
I will post an update as soon as it arrives - watch this space.
You might also be able to help with another Nikon scope I have. Again, I have trawled the internet without success. At this stage I will just describe it, but can supply a photo if required. It's a 60mm straight through scope with interchangeable eyepiece. The distinctive feature is heavy black rubber armouring all over. I'm fairly sure this is a cheapie, as test pics taken through it show horrendous purple fringing, whether or not this is a product of the scope or the EP however, I can't be certain at this stage.
Cheers
Timedrifter

Originally Posted by henry link

Timedrifter,

If you look here you will see that the Nikon fixed magnification eyepieces are still called "MC". If this website is correct only the 20x-60x zoom eyepiece has an MC II version. http://nikon.topica.ne.jp/bi_e/products/nature_a.htm#3

Comparing the eyepiece photos here with your photo I'm nearly certain that the 30x eyepiece you are buying is the older pre-MC version with partial multi-coating and the fold down eyecup (a good eyepiece, just not the latest version). It will be obvious when you actually see it.

Henry

[Swissboy]

Originally Posted by Timedrifter

...help with another Nikon scope I have. Again, I have trawled the internet without success. At this stage I will just describe it, but can supply a photo if required. It's a 60mm straight through scope with interchangeable eyepiece. The distinctive feature is heavy black rubber armouring all over. I'm fairly sure this is a cheapie, as test pics taken through it show horrendous purple fringing, whether or not this is a product of the scope or the EP however, I can't be certain at this stage.
Cheers
Timedrifter

I have a partial printout from the Nikon 1999 web catalogue. There, I find a scope somewhat similar to your description (60mm, straight, complete rubber armouring). It is called Spotter XL and it was new then. However, as far as I can tell it has a non-interchangeable 16-47x zoom eyepiece. And it is nitrogen purged. Thus, not really a cheapie. So, maybe, your scope is an earlier Spotter version?

[Timedrifter]

Hi Swissboy!
Many thanks for that; you've made me realise I made a big omission in my above description; it's a prismatic! I found the XL (which is still made as the XL II) but that is of course non prismatic. I will take a photo and attach within the next few days, but it probably won't be until Saturday.
Thanks
Timedrifter

Originally Posted by Swissboy

I have a partial printout from the Nikon 1999 web catalogue. There, I find a scope somewhat similar to your description (60mm, straight, complete rubber armouring). It is called Spotter XL and it was new then. However, as far as I can tell it has a non-interchangeable 16-47x zoom eyepiece. And it is nitrogen purged. Thus, not really a cheapie. So, maybe, your scope is an earlier Spotter version?

[Timedrifter]

See new thread for piccie of this scope.

Originally Posted by Timedrifter

Hi Swissboy!
Many thanks for that; you've made me realise I made a big omission in my above description; it's a prismatic! I found the XL (which is still made as the XL II) but that is of course non prismatic. I will take a photo and attach within the next few days, but it probably won't be until Saturday.
Thanks
Timedrifter

[Timedrifter]

Hi to all!
The scope finally arrived this morning. The condition was as stated, virtually new. Best news of all was that it is the latest twist-up eyecup model, and not the one shown in the original photograph!!
My initial, very brief, visual tests show it optically to have no great, if any, improvement over my Kowa 613 with the 20x Wide TSN eyepiece. I shall be very interested to take some digishots through this for a more scientific opinion. As had been mentioned by others, the quality of construction leaves nothing to be desired; unfortunately this quality adds up to quite a bit of extra weight. This is an important downside for me personally.
As I feel that this is getting away from the original thread I will happily email my further findings on this to anyone who PM's me.
Regards
Timedrifter

Originally Posted by Timedrifter

Thanks Henry, I see what you mean. This all just makes me more impatient for the beast to get here!
I will post an update as soon as it arrives - watch this space.
You might also be able to help with another Nikon scope I have. Again, I have trawled the internet without success. At this stage I will just describe it, but can supply a photo if required. It's a 60mm straight through scope with interchangeable eyepiece. The distinctive feature is heavy black rubber armouring all over. I'm fairly sure this is a cheapie, as test pics taken through it show horrendous purple fringing, whether or not this is a product of the scope or the EP however, I can't be certain at this stage.
Cheers
Timedrifter