Compact Spotters

[A3dhunter]

For those that have tried the Minox vs Nikon 50mm scopes, if the Minox was $260 plus tax and shipping, and the Nikon could be had for under $600, is the Nikon worth another $300?

Would prefer a straight scope instead of angled if that matters.
Would either/both be an upgrade over the Vortex Nomad scope?

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I own the Nikon ED50.
I have used the Minox MD50.
I once owned a Nomad.

The Nikon is easily the best in sharpness, field flatness, color rendition, and (especially) Chromatic Aberration control.
The Minox is close behind everywhere but CA control.
My Nomad showed gobs of CA, and lacked contrast. I love Vortex products, but the Nomad left me flat.

[A3dhunter]

I own the Nikon ED50.
I have used the Minox MD50.
I once owned a Nomad.

The Nikon is easily the best in sharpness, field flatness, color rendition, and (especially) Chromatic Aberration control.
The Minox is close behind everywhere but CA control.
My Nomad showed gobs of CA, and lacked contrast. I love Vortex products, but the Nomad left me flat.

I agree about the Nomad. I have switched to using some Viper 15x50 binos most of the time, it is just not enjoyable using the Nomad. That being said, in your opinion, is the Nikon worth double the cost of the Minox? Is it truly a noticeable difference?

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I agree about the Nomad. I have switched to using some Viper 15x50 binos most of the time, it is just not enjoyable using the Nomad. That being said, in your opinion, is the Nikon worth double the cost of the Minox? Is it truly a noticeable difference?

The difference was worth it to me. I bought the ED50. YMMV.

[griz]

Bitterroot Bulls. Do you think the swarovski 65 would be worth the extra 650.00 plus or would you stay with the ED50? Have 15-45 wind river now. Don't want to buy another after this one! What's your thoughts? Thanks

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Bitterroot Bulls. Do you think the swarovski 65 would be worth the extra 650.00 plus or would you stay with the ED50? Have 15-45 wind river now. Don't want to buy another after this one! What's your thoughts? Thanks

I prefer the image of the ED50 to the non-HD Swaro 65. The ED50 is close enough to the HD Swaro 65 in image for me to make good use of the weight and size savings of the ED50. I have the scopes I want: The Nikon ED50 and Vortex Razor 85HD. I found great deals on both and together they were less expensive than a Swaro 65HD w/ eyepiece. I use the ED50 on my solo trips and take the Razor when hunting with a partner. One guy takes the tripod while the other takes the spotter.

Am I done buying/trading spotters? I probably should be, but as I have said before, I am an optics addict, and i am always looking for some new advantage.

[griz]

Thanks for your imput! Sounds like I can save some money!

[mcseal2]

I agree about the Nomad. I have switched to using some Viper 15x50 binos most of the time, it is just not enjoyable using the Nomad. That being said, in your opinion, is the Nikon worth double the cost of the Minox? Is it truly a noticeable difference?

off the subject, but how do you like those binos? I've been considering getting them, the Vortex Kaibab, Minox 15x, or the Swaro 15x56. The weight of the vipers sure looks good compared to the others, but I didn't know how much I'd give up in low light with the 50mm.

[A3dhunter]

off the subject, but how do you like those binos? I've been considering getting them, the Vortex Kaibab, Minox 15x, or the Swaro 15x56. The weight of the vipers sure looks good compared to the others, but I didn't know how much I'd give up in low light with the 50mm.

I like them but it is hard to get the focus adjusted "just right".
A little too far and object blurs, not quite far enough and it is still blurry, causes a lot of eye strain.

I also have the Razors and they are better glass. I just wish they were 15 power.....

I would suggest you stay away from the Viper's unless the newer model has better focus adjustment.

[mcseal2]

Natchez shooters supply just got the ED-50's back in stock. Refurbished for $369.95 with eyepiece. I have one ordered and will post my impressions when it arrives.