Nikon Fieldscope ED50 review

With the Nikon Fieldscope ED50, Nikon's optical excellence is front, centre and back of this compact and lightweight scope

Nikon Fieldscope ED50
(Image: © Gavin Stoker)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Offering a really good balance between specification and size, the Nikon Fieldscope ED50 is a compact viewing device we’re more likely to take out and use than many competing brands’ physically larger scopes. In terms of handling and practicality, Nikon’s device feels like a ‘travel scope’, yet one without compromise – save for the fact we will need to buy the accessory of a separate eyepiece to actually use it straight out of the box. Buyer beware here: this eyepiece can potentially cost as much as the scope itself!

Pros

  • +

    Lightweight and compact

  • +

    Nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging

  • +

    Optical performance

Cons

  • -

    Comparatively small objective lens

  • -

    Eyepieces are generally extra...

  • -

    ... and can be expensive!

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The conveniently portable Nikon Fieldscope ED50 comes in a choice of either pearlescent green or charcoal grey livery, and in a straight or angled design – look for the model with the suffix ending in ‘A’ for that angled version. Since Nikon also makes cameras, it’s no surprise to learn that this device can also be used for the art of ‘digiscoping’ – namely attaching a camera so that images can be captured with the aid of the scope. 

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Gavin Stoker

Gavin has over 30 years’ experience of writing about photography and television. He is currently the editor of British Photographic Industry News, and previously served as editor of Which Digital Camera and deputy editor of Total Digital Photography

He has also written for a wide range of publications including T3, BBC Focus, Empire, NME, Radio Times, MacWorld, Computer Active, What Digital Camera and the Rough Guide books.

With his wealth of knowledge, Gavin is well placed to recognize great camera deals and recommend the best products in Digital Camera World’s buying guides. He also writes on a number of specialist subjects including binoculars and monoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, trail cameras, action cameras, body cameras, filters and cameras straps.