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Nikon Fieldscope 60 ED VS Minox 62 ED?

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Rusty View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rusty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Nikon Fieldscope 60 ED VS Minox 62 ED?
    Posted: November/06/2006 at 09:12
Has anyone compared these two scopes?  Is the Nikon any better?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/06/2006 at 19:43

In another post someone asked a similar kind of question that dealt with scopes from the "Big 3" and how they compared to scopes from Pentax, Nikon, and Minox.  Rather than re-type what I've already written, I have just quoted my answer here.  It doesn't address your exact question but, the basic principles and concepts are the same.  

 

Good luck.

 

Originally posted by lucznik lucznik wrote:

I suspect that one reason this topic has failed to illicit a lot of responses is that your questions revolve around issues that are largely subjective.  You have selected the very best makers (and rightly so) and are basically asking someone to tell you what to buy.  This could cause problems as all of us have different preferences and no one is going to want to steer you down the wrong path.

 

However, to give you some food for thought:

 

Leica, Swarovski, and Zeiss are (just like in binoculars) the "Big 3." Everything else will be compared to these. Pull out any one of these and people around you are going to "ooh and ahh" and will think you're either really rich or really knowledgeable about optics (or both.)  Either way they will feel jealous, whether or not it's warranted is another story. Optical differences in these three scopes will be minor at best and more than likely will be down right insignificant.  Warranties are all pretty much the same as is the level of customer service you can expect to receive. This also applies to Nikon, Pentax, and I suspect Minox as well. Ergonomics are another thing entirely and you will have to decide for yourself which you like best. 

 

Nikon makes their Fieldscope line which is optically fantastic.  They are at least the equal of anything made by the "Big 3" though they do lack some of the caché of the European brands. If size is a real concern there is even a new 50mm Fieldscope which is considered to be the real "cat's meow" among those who own them. It only weighs something like 16 or 17 ounces. For packing any real distance, this would be an ideal scope.

 

Pentax has spotters that also are easy rivals for the "Big 3," especially when coupled with their XW eyepeices. They also are not considered by most to be as "high end" as their European cousins though, this is not due to any lack of quality. The relatively compact 65mm ED scope is said to be a true gem among spotters. At 37 ounces it is over twice the weight of the 50mm Nikon Fieldscope but, the extra OL size would give better optical performance.

 

I don't know a lot about Minox products except that they have an awesome reputation among those who own/use them.  Minox was for a long time a division of Leica and although that connection does not technically exist in the same way it once did, the influence is still there in spades.

 

Based on your question(s), I would give the following bits of advise:

  • Decide how much you really are willing and can truly afford to spend without feeling guilty or like you've been cheated. As you do this, keep in mind that a fair portion of the cost of the "Big 3" is due to high import taxes and also badge-recognition/snob-appeal. Eliminate any scope priced above this price bracket.
  • Within this price bracket look at as many of the available scopes as possible. Pay special attention to their handling, weight, size, design, build-quality, and other ergonomic issues.
  • Assuming always that you are dealing with scopes of comparable quality; With every jump in OL size you get better optical performance but, you must make a trade-off in both greater size and weight. Buy the biggest scope you will be willing to pack around on your longest excursion. (Or resign yourself to buying two scopes: one for packing and another for "in the car" use.)
  • Remember that spotting scopes need tripods and bigger scopes require bigger tripods to provide proper stabilization.
  • For field use, anything above 30x is generally wasted due to heat mirage.  However, the higher magnifications can be very useful for astronomy so, it can't hurt to have them available.
  • Be honest with yourself.  If a Leica is the only thing you are going to be happy with (for whatever reason) than there is little use in spending money on anything else as you will just have to spend more to get the Leica later.

I know, I know, this isn't all that helpful and it doesn't give real cut-and-dry answers to your questions but, you are asking questions for which there are no hard and fast rules.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ranburr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/06/2006 at 23:04

I like the Minox myself.

 

ranburr

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trinidad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/17/2006 at 13:46

Hello Ranburr

 

I just purchased the Nikon 20-45x60 FS Tac III ED and it is very nice, I upgrated from a Burris spotting

scope that I bought many years ago and this upgrade was long overdue. I would like to know what it is

you like about the Minox. I can always sell the Nikon and get the Minox,what model do you recommend.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/17/2006 at 15:35
Originally posted by SVD666 SVD666 wrote:

I can always sell the Nikon and get the Minox 

Don't. You have the best 60 mm scope ever made. Though, i prefer a different eyepiece.

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Trinidad View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trinidad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/17/2006 at 17:29

Hello Anweis

 

Which is your preffered eyepiece.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/20/2006 at 07:30

I always seem to find myself using the 20x or 30x fixed power wide angled eyepieces.

They have fewer lenses inside, so they are brighter, a bit sharper, and the wide field is addictive. Contrary to popular belief, with a premium 20x or 30x you see everything (less shake and vibration from the tripod). 

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trinidad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/20/2006 at 12:02
Thank you Anweis I will look into a fixed power eyepiece.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2006 at 09:18
If $ is not a problem and you want to enjoy brilliant wide views, go for a 20x or 30x wide angle. If not, the zoom lens is as good as they get.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trinidad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2006 at 11:35
I am going to try the 30x, I agree even the variable eyepiece it came with is very nice.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2006 at 16:55
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trinidad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2006 at 17:11

One is Dark, JK.

Dont know, I bougt it for a little less than that price for the FSIII.

Exellent spotter, Nikon gets a big  for this one.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2006 at 17:55

Ok.

I'm thinking that one of these may be my next optics purchase.........

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trinidad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/21/2006 at 18:06

I would say hell ya, I am waiting to hear from Ranburr about the Minox.

I am very interested in his comparison on these two spotting scopes.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rusty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/22/2006 at 16:03

From what I have read and heard from birders and hunters (I have not been able to compare the two), the Nikon Fieldscope ED is a little better than than the Minox ED.  It is also a little more.  I have talked to the people at Scope City (Optics Store), and they say the Fieldscope does rank with the top European models, and is hundreds of dollars less.

 

This being said, I still like tne Minox spotter a lot.  I would probably take it over the Pentax ED model.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mikerabe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/25/2006 at 22:36
Originally posted by cheaptrick cheaptrick wrote:

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/6949/new_nikon_20-45x60_ fieldscope_iii_outfit.htm

 

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/7399/new_nikon_20-45x60_ tactical_ed_fieldscope.htm

 

Hey SVD666,

Whats the difference between these two spotters?

 The difference is the TF3 has ED glass, the other fieldscope 3 that you have listed does not. You can get the standard fieldscope 3 with ed glass.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/26/2006 at 08:19

Thank you, Mike.

Guess I missed that ED thing, huh?   

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trinidad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/26/2006 at 18:55
Originally posted by cheaptrick cheaptrick wrote:

Thank you, Mike.

Guess I missed that ED thing, huh?   

 

 

I missed that in Cheaptricks post, I thought he had listed the ED FS III non tactical.

vs the ED tactical. Definetly the ED is the one to go for, it is the one with ED glass

and will give the best color and image. You can find both the non tac ED and tac  ED

models for about $650 to $800 for the later.

 

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1492&KW=ED +glass+advantage+

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2006 at 07:28
Just read that link SVD666 provided and it got me thinking.... If a guy wants a spotter for looking at paper targets (to see bullet holes) and looking at deer size game....do you really need to spend the extra $$ and lug around the extra wieght of ED glass?   I spoke to a rep from Meopta and he said I didn't need the APO (ED) .... that is more for Bird watchers.
take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2006 at 09:59

Originally posted by Tip69 Tip69 wrote:

I didn't need the APO (ED) .... that is more for Bird watchers.

True, and for taking digital pictures.

The scopes with ED lenses will also have a better image when the zoom is crancked at high magnification.

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