Perhaps in no other type of optic is performance more related to price than in a
spotting scope. Why? Higher magnifications put greater demands on an optical system. However, there are always good buys at every price point, even in premium grade
spotting scopes. Although most people would not conclude that $1400 is a bargain for a spotting scope, the
Nikon Fieldscope 82mm ED is just that. In my tests, it scored right up there in terms of resolution, contrast and, especially image brightness, with all the more expensive European brands. Not to say that the Fieldscope is perfect, but if you can't afford to spend another $1000 on a
spotting scope, you'll find the
Nikon Fieldscope 82ED will do anything you can reasonably expect a spotting scope to do. I've used one for years, out in the field, for birding and it did a great job on the shorebird flats. Plus, no other spotting scope gives you the option of 75x.
