• Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.

    Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Need someone to tell me a few good things about the ED82A... (1 Viewer)

R

recreationalbirding

Well-known member
Ive just read tons of posts in different forums about Nikon potentially discontinuing the Fieldscope ED-series.

Omg. I hope I've done the right thing. Ordered an ED82A just 2 days ago, with the 30x wide DS. I already have the ED50 with the 25-75x (13-40x).

Also, I ordered the FSB-8 and a coolpix 310 for digiscoping. 310 wasnt easy to find anymore, but didnt know what else to buy that would work to digiscope with without modification.

Oh well. This new investment cost me a lot, and Im still not sure that I could afford it... Before I bought it I read reviews in this forum, and it seemed like a great scope to buy. Now - after I ordered the stuff - it seems like maybe I should have saved a little more money and instead go for a Zeiss or another European top brand scope.

Please - I need someone to tell me I've ordered some quality stuff that will make me a happy birder! So if you have an ED82A, and like it - please make a post about it :)
 
Last edited:
If you've read all the reviews, you'll know what a great reputation it has and how it compares favourably with the big European scopes - but if it's personal testimony that you want - I have an ED82A and love it! I use the 30x MC but used to have a 30x DS and didn't notice a difference between them. I think that you will be very happy with the scope. FWIW I also have the ED50 and although this is a great scope, you will see a big improvement with the ED82. The ED82A works very well with the zoom too - although the field of view is lacking which is why I stick with the 30x.

Happy viewing

Perry
 
Perry Grin said:
If you've read all the reviews, you'll know what a great reputation it has and how it compares favourably with the big European scopes - but if it's personal testimony that you want - I have an ED82A and love it! I use the 30x MC but used to have a 30x DS and didn't notice a difference between them. I think that you will be very happy with the scope. FWIW I also have the ED50 and although this is a great scope, you will see a big improvement with the ED82. The ED82A works very well with the zoom too - although the field of view is lacking which is why I stick with the 30x.

Happy viewing

Perry
Click to expand...

Thanks Perry!

Yes, Ive read many reviews. For some reason Nikon scopes are not very common in Sweden (where Im from). Seems as most birders are using a Zeiss, Leica or Swaro here. I really like the ED50, and that one too, has nice reviews. FOW isnt too good but hopefully that will get better with the 30x DS. Guess I'm just nervous that I've ordered something for a lot of money, that I will not be satisfied with. Your post makes me feel a little better about making the decision to go for a ED82 :) Thanks!
 
I don't have an ED82 but I do have an ED50 and an ED III Angled. I had got out of the habit of using the ED III as the ED50 is so easy to carry and meets most of my needs. However, at the weekend I took the ED III out again and was stunned by the views through it. I will certainly be taking it out again in the future.

I have heard people saying that the ED82 is even better than the ED III, so I am sure you will be delighted with your new scope. It is a top quality piece of optical equipment. Stop worrying and enjoy your new purchase when it arrives. :t:

Ron
 
Last edited:
Congrats on your new top-class scope. I had an ed82a with 30x and zoom, and it was superb. I changed scopes a few times since, and now have a Swaro. To be honest, with the 30x ep´s, they´re as good as each other. My only problem with the Nikon was the narrow fov on the zoom. Otherwise it is a superb scope. Even it it´s discontinued, it´ll still be a superb scope!
 
Sancho said:
Congrats on your new top-class scope. I had an ed82a with 30x and zoom, and it was superb. I changed scopes a few times since, and now have a Swaro. To be honest, with the 30x ep´s, they´re as good as each other. My only problem with the Nikon was the narrow fov on the zoom. Otherwise it is a superb scope. Even it it´s discontinued, it´ll still be a superb scope!
Click to expand...

I've still got the EDIII and the ED82, and I don't intend to swap scopes anytime soon. The Nikons are *excellent* scopes.

Hermann
 
I am another satisfied owner of an 82EDA. The 30x is a great choice of EP as well.

For what it is worth, the last time an owner of a Swaro 80HD looked through my Nikon the first thing he said was that my scope had a higher power EP on it than his. When I told him that it was 30x he said that his was the same but that the image was clearer through mine. He looked most upset!

Don't worry, you've made a great choice.
 
Wonderful purchase. The contrast at low light is something I've always enjoyed. However, I usually go with the 30x WA DS eyepiece as I feel it is easiest on the eyes and provides the field of view us birders need. Good luck in the field.

All the best,
Mike Freiberg
Nikon Birding Market Specialist
 
I have both the ED82 and ED50,,, excellent scopes and both use the same EP.

One suggestion is to quickly purchase any extra EP you are considering, they are becoming difficult to find. The 30x DS is very nice and bright for general viewing.

Regards,
FK
 
Only had mine a few months but cannot imagine getting anywhere near the quality on any similar priced scope, quite possibly not on more expensive ones either. With the new EDG scopes (apparently a nightmare) it's not that much of a surprise the EDs are being discontinued but sad in view of their superior practicality.

You have made a good choice regardless of future purchasing options!

Julian
 
fkrow said:
I have both the ED82 and ED50,,, excellent scopes and both use the same EP.

One suggestion is to quickly purchase any extra EP you are considering, they are becoming difficult to find. The 30x DS is very nice and bright for general viewing.

Regards,
FK
Click to expand...

Amazon still have a few in stock, and if you tour the france/uk/germany/spain sites you can pick them up at a good price
 
Hi,

Thanks for all the answers/posts! I have gotten the scope now, and tried it with the 25-75 (that used to be mounted on the ED50as a 13-40). Very nice scope indeed! But not too impressed with the FOV. I'm eagerly awaiting the 30 DS that I ordered from WEX. Hopefully I can get my hands on it next week.
 
The DS 30x may be all you need. The AFOV with the zoom is the same as when used with the ED50 but the TFOV is narrower due to the greater magnification.
I sometimes consider selling the zoom but always decide to keep it. The 75x possibility obtained with the zoom holds me back, although I very rarely use it.
You could also buy a 50x Wide later. It's not quite as nice as the 30x but so close that I sometimes confuse them when looking through the scope.

//L
 
And another very satisfied ED82A owner here. For me there is no need to skip to any other scope. I am very pleased with it. As i bought it back then i had the 38x Eyepiece. Later i skiped to the 25-75x zoom eyepiece and never went back to the 38x again. First i didnt liked the eyepiece because of the narrow field of view. Now i scan with 25x and if needed i scale up to whatever is necessary/possible.

Just a few minutes ago came back from birding and watched a grey heron with 75x magnification. Also there where the baby gallinules hunting each other over the water lillys. And everything was pin sharp.

By the way, in my birding group there are swaro, leica and a zeiss scope users. And all of them where really amazed by the Nikon ED 82.

Maybe the narrow field of vies is somewhat unpleasant in the first moment. But now i got used to it and dont recognize it anymore. Its some kind of "this MY scope, this is how it works and i like it therefore" ;)
 
recreationalbirding said:
Hi,

Thanks for all the answers/posts! I have gotten the scope now, and tried it with the 25-75 (that used to be mounted on the ED50as a 13-40). Very nice scope indeed! But not too impressed with the FOV. I'm eagerly awaiting the 30 DS that I ordered from WEX. Hopefully I can get my hands on it next week.
Click to expand...

Now I've gotten the 30 DS also. Reeeeelay nice! I think I'll keep that one on the ED82 and put the 13-40 (25-75) on the ED50. The DS 30x works great with glasses (which I have)!

Next mission is to figure out how do digiscope with this scope...
 
recreationalbirding said:
Now I've gotten the 30 DS also. Reeeeelay nice! I think I'll keep that one on the ED82 and put the 13-40 (25-75) on the ED50. The DS 30x works great with glasses (which I have)!

Next mission is to figure out how do digiscope with this scope...
Click to expand...

Good choice. I had the same combo for years and used the ED50 for longer walk in the rainforest and ED82 for waterbirds that required high power :king:
 
horukuru said:
Good choice. I had the same combo for years and used the ED50 for longer walk in the rainforest and ED82 for waterbirds that required high power :king:
Click to expand...

Jason:

Good of you to post, your experience with the Nikons, and the pics
you have posted with these same optics and DS lens, are a real treat.

I have enjoyed them.

I suppose a DS lesson for others is another full thread.

Keep posting.

Jerry
 
NDhunter said:
Jason:

Good of you to post, your experience with the Nikons, and the pics
you have posted with these same optics and DS lens, are a real treat.

I have enjoyed them.

I suppose a DS lesson for others is another full thread.

Keep posting.

Jerry
Click to expand...

Thanks Jerry.

Most of my friends and photographers here using the same combo of ED82 with DS30x eyepiece :king: and I do not think Nikon will discontinue this models series.
 
Warning! This thread is more than 10 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.

Similar threads

A
Nikon ED82A scope v Smaller Scopes eg Swarovski 65 HD or others
Replies
18
Views
2K
KevinL
K
D
Help request: some doubts about M5/M7
2
Replies
21
Views
2K
tenex
tenex
yarrellii
IS x2 (...and other amazing things IS)
Replies
5
Views
810
wllmspd
W
M
Advice for first spotting scope (+ tripod)
2
Replies
21
Views
4K
Hermann
Hermann
S
Using iPad as monitor for DSLR Digiscoping
Replies
0
Views
545
SwannyVancouver
S

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top