Nikon scopes

reynolds357 · November 12, 2018, 09:06 PM

The last Nikon scopes I bought were about 25 years ago. I bought 3 monarchs and was very pleased with them. At that time, they would go head to head with any glass out there save Schmidt and Bender. In the last 25 year's, I have shot mainly Leupold, Meopta, Nightforce, and as of recent Minox.
I decided to buy my sons some scopes and the Prostaff 7 seemed to be about right for the youngest. Nikon touts the Prostaff 7 to be a high quality scope. Looks good in normal light. Flat sucks in low light. The most shocking thing is the "made in China" stamp on the tube.
The same shopping spree landed a Monarch 5 for my oldest son. Monarch, aka Nikons flagship. Great scope in daylight. Not anything to brag about in low light. Proudly wears "made in the Philippines" badge.
What gives? I thought Nikon was Japanese. Maybe Meopta has ruined me, but Nikon has slid way downhill.

Bfglowkey · November 12, 2018, 09:11 PM

They design a scope with certain specs...where they are assembled is of less importance as long as they QA and they meet the specs. My Nikon Black fx1000 says China on it and it is a very impressive scope for what I paid for it.

reynolds357 · November 12, 2018, 09:28 PM

Does not matter what spec you give China, they will vary from it.

std7mag · November 13, 2018, 05:28 AM

Yup, Nikon used to be top tier for optics, especially camera, but that has since changed.
Not sure how their camera lenses are anymore.
Bottom line is, well the bottom line. As in maximizing profits.

Nathan · November 13, 2018, 05:52 AM

I’m not sure how to say it, but IMO, Nikon was great for the money. Now they are good not great. Still a good optic.

Burris is kind of going the same way. Not sure why they are choosing this path.

Vortex seems to be holding their own, but not improving much.

Leupold is innovating some compared to before and there optical quality seems more competitive to my eyes.

Who is doing will, especially in a hunting scope?

Bfglowkey · November 13, 2018, 10:37 AM

Athlon is constantly improving based on customer feed back. It's impressive. Vortex has to large of a gap between their great glass and then it drops off a cliff...but customer service is phenomenal so they continue to Garner respect. Leupold has sat back for too long on their name and not breaking any ground or turning heads with new stuff...but they are still a solid hunting scope option. Nikon is like vortex in terms of major drop from high end to mid teir etc....but I still see alot of buckmasters and prostaffs on hunting rigs. Low light on those are not the best.

bman940 · November 13, 2018, 11:03 AM

I think if you look at Nikon's new product's for 2018 you will see a lot of products that you guys have been asking for from Nikon for a long time. More MOA/MRAD options, more 30mm tubes, and glass upgrades. I have been doing freelance work with Nikon's for almost 10 years now and I have watched the changes and perceptions. I can assure you when it comes to low light visibility Nikon's PROSTAFF line is rated at the top. Many guys don't get a chance to hunt more than a few days a year and don't see the upside in spending more $ and often times that $ just isn't there for a hobby. Nikon's give you a lot of value for what you have to spend and I think you will be seeing even more changes that you will like for 2019. If any of you ever have an issue with a Nikon product or a question, feel free to drop me a note. If you want to see Nikon's new flagship scope, check out the BLACK FX1000. I recently bought 2 and pinging steel at 700 yards with a 6.5 cm wasn't difficult at all.

reynolds357 · November 13, 2018, 05:59 PM

Bart, what is the Prostaff 7 being compared against in low light score? To my non-scientific eye it's definitely not nearly as bright or clear as the glass I am accustomed to.

bman940 · November 13, 2018, 08:04 PM

Years ago there was some sort of measurement that had the PROSTAFF scopes light transmission around the highest. Sadly, I don't have any other info except that the coating's on Nikon's PROSTAFF line allow for excellent light transmission. I would think that the larger obj on the 7's would be even brighter. Sadly I do not have the data to back it up, but I am checking in to it. Some coatings decrease light transmission albeit slightly. The PROSTAFF's do as well, just less than others. While the coatings are better on the PROSTAFF 5 and MONARCH 3 line, their light transmission is slightly less, maybe even almost unnoticeable to the average person.

Just spoke to my buddy who recalls the same test that showed Nikon's PROSTAFF line having 98+ light transmission. Sorry I can not find the details to back it up right now.

reynolds357 · November 13, 2018, 11:51 PM

Bart, What is the brightest line of hunting scopes Nikon makes?

Bfglowkey · November 14, 2018, 10:10 AM

I agree with the FX Black line. I have the 6x24 fx1000 on my 6mm Creedmoor build and it is a very pleasant surprise in terms of value and performance.

bman940 · November 14, 2018, 11:39 AM

Reynolds357., Nikon's PROSTAFF line has the highest numbers in relationship to light transmission in Nikon's line. This includes the PROSTAFF 5 which also has SF Parallax adjustment.

reynolds357 · November 14, 2018, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Reynolds357., Nikon's PROSTAFF line has the highest numbers in relationship to light transmission in Nikon's line. This includes the PROSTAFF 5 which also has SF Parallax adjustment.

Thanks. That is odd. My Monarch 5 is significantly better in low light than my Prostaff 7. Maybe it's the wavelengths of light they transmit.

bman940 · November 14, 2018, 05:50 PM

I do not know what to tell you. The MONARCH 5 is a whole different beast. It has ED glass and I do not know if it is brighter or not but oh my is it sharp edge to edge. I have 2 MONARCH 5's and would love to see that same glass with a MOA/MRAD reticle someday. I have seen them on sale for more than half off because they are being discontinued.

Capt Rick Hiott · November 14, 2018, 06:36 PM

You said,,,," Flat sucks in low light."

I have always said that about Nikon

RC20 · November 14, 2018, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Does not matter what spec you give China, they will vary from it.

Yes it can and does. Depends on spec and quality control and who does it.

Nikon will have a solid handle on what they do. Toys? Katie bar the door.

bman940 · November 14, 2018, 07:17 PM

Today just about every scope comes out of the Philippines. I'm not sure if any of their higher end optics's come from Japan or not.

Dufus · November 15, 2018, 12:22 AM

The lenses for March Optics are made in Japan.

reynolds357 · November 15, 2018, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Yes it can and does. Depends on spec and quality control and who does it.

I have not seen China do it. My experience is mainly with bearings and machined parts.

bman940 · November 15, 2018, 10:30 AM

I got to look down a March scope tube last year and my son got to shoot one of gun club members competition rifles. He has 2 rifles set up the same way, 1 for 100 and 1 for 200-yard targets. My son shot a group at 200 yards that were sub .3 MOA, the guy wouldn't let me shoot it because I am left handed and he didn't want to move everything. It was 1 impressive optic, not to mention a $1000 rest as well, but for a $3300 scope, I would expect nothing less!

reynolds357 · November 15, 2018, 08:12 PM

Quote:

The lenses for March Optics are made in Japan.

I am missing your point. It does not seem that Nikon is made in Japan.

reynolds357 · November 15, 2018, 08:13 PM

March is nice glass. On par with Nightforce, but subpar to Schmidt and Bender, US Optics and the high end Meopta glass.

Don Dayacetah · November 16, 2018, 02:40 AM

IMO, the acid test is dawn and dusk light. This is where many of us hunters literally
live. It's disappointing, if fortunate to hear that Nikon isn't holding it's own, lately.

My latest acquisition, for my #1 Rifle, is a Zeiss. Just a bare bones 3-9X50, but a couple
years old. I got my first and last Vortex, a short while back. Say what you want, it's no
Nikon.

reynolds357 · November 16, 2018, 09:27 AM

Quote:

I got my first and last Vortex, a short while back. Say what you want, it's no
Nikon.

I am not a Vortex fan or a hater. Vortex high end glass is really good. Their low end glass is really bad. Their mid range glass is nothing to brag about.

Dufus · November 16, 2018, 01:36 PM

Quote:

reynolds357 Wrote: March is nice glass. On par with Nightforce, but subpar to Schmidt and Bender, US Optics and the high end Meopta glass.

You say that with authority.

Have you used March, Nightforce, Smit & Bender, US Optics, and the high end Meopta optics??

If so, you must have a hell of a budget.

November 13, 2018, 05:28 AM	#4
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Yup, Nikon used to be top tier for optics, especially camera, but that has since changed. Not sure how their camera lenses are anymore. Bottom line is, well the bottom line. As in maximizing profits. __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

November 13, 2018, 08:04 PM	#9
bman940 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: N. Texas Posts: 170	Years ago there was some sort of measurement that had the PROSTAFF scopes light transmission around the highest. Sadly, I don't have any other info except that the coating's on Nikon's PROSTAFF line allow for excellent light transmission. I would think that the larger obj on the 7's would be even brighter. Sadly I do not have the data to back it up, but I am checking in to it. Some coatings decrease light transmission albeit slightly. The PROSTAFF's do as well, just less than others. While the coatings are better on the PROSTAFF 5 and MONARCH 3 line, their light transmission is slightly less, maybe even almost unnoticeable to the average person. Just spoke to my buddy who recalls the same test that showed Nikon's PROSTAFF line having 98+ light transmission. Sorry I can not find the details to back it up right now. Last edited by bman940; November 13, 2018 at 08:13 PM.

November 14, 2018, 06:36 PM	#15
Capt Rick Hiott Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2010 Posts: 376	You said,,,," Flat sucks in low light." I have always said that about Nikon __________________ Capt Rick Hiott Charleston,SC

November 12, 2018, 09:06 PM	#1
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Nikon scopes The last Nikon scopes I bought were about 25 years ago. I bought 3 monarchs and was very pleased with them. At that time, they would go head to head with any glass out there save Schmidt and Bender. In the last 25 year's, I have shot mainly Leupold, Meopta, Nightforce, and as of recent Minox. I decided to buy my sons some scopes and the Prostaff 7 seemed to be about right for the youngest. Nikon touts the Prostaff 7 to be a high quality scope. Looks good in normal light. Flat sucks in low light. The most shocking thing is the "made in China" stamp on the tube. The same shopping spree landed a Monarch 5 for my oldest son. Monarch, aka Nikons flagship. Great scope in daylight. Not anything to brag about in low light. Proudly wears "made in the Philippines" badge. What gives? I thought Nikon was Japanese. Maybe Meopta has ruined me, but Nikon has slid way downhill.

November 12, 2018, 09:11 PM	#2
Bfglowkey Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2018 Posts: 302	They design a scope with certain specs...where they are assembled is of less importance as long as they QA and they meet the specs. My Nikon Black fx1000 says China on it and it is a very impressive scope for what I paid for it.

November 12, 2018, 09:28 PM	#3
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Does not matter what spec you give China, they will vary from it.

November 13, 2018, 05:52 AM	#5
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,327	I’m not sure how to say it, but IMO, Nikon was great for the money. Now they are good not great. Still a good optic. Burris is kind of going the same way. Not sure why they are choosing this path. Vortex seems to be holding their own, but not improving much. Leupold is innovating some compared to before and there optical quality seems more competitive to my eyes. Who is doing will, especially in a hunting scope?

November 13, 2018, 10:37 AM	#6
Bfglowkey Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2018 Posts: 302	Athlon is constantly improving based on customer feed back. It's impressive. Vortex has to large of a gap between their great glass and then it drops off a cliff...but customer service is phenomenal so they continue to Garner respect. Leupold has sat back for too long on their name and not breaking any ground or turning heads with new stuff...but they are still a solid hunting scope option. Nikon is like vortex in terms of major drop from high end to mid teir etc....but I still see alot of buckmasters and prostaffs on hunting rigs. Low light on those are not the best.

November 13, 2018, 11:03 AM	#7
bman940 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: N. Texas Posts: 170	I think if you look at Nikon's new product's for 2018 you will see a lot of products that you guys have been asking for from Nikon for a long time. More MOA/MRAD options, more 30mm tubes, and glass upgrades. I have been doing freelance work with Nikon's for almost 10 years now and I have watched the changes and perceptions. I can assure you when it comes to low light visibility Nikon's PROSTAFF line is rated at the top. Many guys don't get a chance to hunt more than a few days a year and don't see the upside in spending more $ and often times that $ just isn't there for a hobby. Nikon's give you a lot of value for what you have to spend and I think you will be seeing even more changes that you will like for 2019. If any of you ever have an issue with a Nikon product or a question, feel free to drop me a note. If you want to see Nikon's new flagship scope, check out the BLACK FX1000. I recently bought 2 and pinging steel at 700 yards with a 6.5 cm wasn't difficult at all.

November 13, 2018, 05:59 PM	#8
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Bart, what is the Prostaff 7 being compared against in low light score? To my non-scientific eye it's definitely not nearly as bright or clear as the glass I am accustomed to.

November 13, 2018, 11:51 PM	#10
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Bart, What is the brightest line of hunting scopes Nikon makes?

November 14, 2018, 10:10 AM	#11
Bfglowkey Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2018 Posts: 302	I agree with the FX Black line. I have the 6x24 fx1000 on my 6mm Creedmoor build and it is a very pleasant surprise in terms of value and performance.

November 14, 2018, 11:39 AM	#12
bman940 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: N. Texas Posts: 170	Reynolds357., Nikon's PROSTAFF line has the highest numbers in relationship to light transmission in Nikon's line. This includes the PROSTAFF 5 which also has SF Parallax adjustment.

November 14, 2018, 05:50 PM	#14
bman940 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: N. Texas Posts: 170	I do not know what to tell you. The MONARCH 5 is a whole different beast. It has ED glass and I do not know if it is brighter or not but oh my is it sharp edge to edge. I have 2 MONARCH 5's and would love to see that same glass with a MOA/MRAD reticle someday. I have seen them on sale for more than half off because they are being discontinued.

November 14, 2018, 07:17 PM	#17
bman940 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: N. Texas Posts: 170	Today just about every scope comes out of the Philippines. I'm not sure if any of their higher end optics's come from Japan or not.

November 15, 2018, 12:22 AM	#18
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	The lenses for March Optics are made in Japan.

November 15, 2018, 10:30 AM	#20
bman940 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: N. Texas Posts: 170	I got to look down a March scope tube last year and my son got to shoot one of gun club members competition rifles. He has 2 rifles set up the same way, 1 for 100 and 1 for 200-yard targets. My son shot a group at 200 yards that were sub .3 MOA, the guy wouldn't let me shoot it because I am left handed and he didn't want to move everything. It was 1 impressive optic, not to mention a $1000 rest as well, but for a $3300 scope, I would expect nothing less!

November 15, 2018, 08:13 PM	#22
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	March is nice glass. On par with Nightforce, but subpar to Schmidt and Bender, US Optics and the high end Meopta glass.

November 16, 2018, 02:40 AM	#23
Don Dayacetah Member Join Date: May 28, 2018 Posts: 59	IMO, the acid test is dawn and dusk light. This is where many of us hunters literally live. It's disappointing, if fortunate to hear that Nikon isn't holding it's own, lately. My latest acquisition, for my #1 Rifle, is a Zeiss. Just a bare bones 3-9X50, but a couple years old. I got my first and last Vortex, a short while back. Say what you want, it's no Nikon.