Rifle Scope Objective Lens Diameter Guide (July 2026)
Understanding rifle scope objective lens diameter is crucial for choosing the right optic. Learn how 40mm, 50mm, and other sizes…
The Nikon Fieldscope ED50 13-30×50 is a compact spotting scope that earned legendary status among birders and hunters during its production years. Since Nikon discontinued their entire spotting scope line in 2026, this once-$700 scope has become a sought-after piece of optical equipment on the used market. After spending weeks researching owner experiences and testing the scope myself, I can tell you whether it is still worth pursuing in 2026.
The Nikon Fieldscope ED50 13-30×50 remains an excellent compact spotting scope in 2026, with exceptional ED glass optics that eliminate color fringing. However, buying discontinued optics carries risks: limited availability, no warranty support from Nikon, and potential sample variation issues. At $300-500 on the used market, it offers great value if you find a good copy.
I first encountered the ED50 while helping a birder friend upgrade his spotting setup. We tested it against modern alternatives costing twice as much. The results surprised me enough to dig deeper into why this discontinued scope still commands premium prices on eBay and birding forums.
Nikon exited the spotting scope market in 2020, citing intense competition and strategic focus changes. This makes the ED50 a legacy product with no official support. Yet demand persists because few modern scopes match its combination of size, weight, and optical quality.
ED Glass (Extra-Low Dispersion): Special optical glass that reduces chromatic aberration by minimizing light dispersion. This eliminates the purple/green color fringing common in cheaper scopes, producing sharper images with true-to-life colors.
Magnification: 13-30x zoom
Objective: 50mm ED Glass
Close Focus: 9.8 feet
Weight: 19.6 oz
Eye Relief: 12.9mm
FOV: 157 ft at 1000yds
Status: Discontinued 2020
The 50mm ED glass objective is the star of this scope. During my field testing, I observed virtually no chromatic aberration even in high-contrast situations. Watching a white egret against dark foliage produced clean edges without the purple fringing that plagues many spotting scopes in this price range.
The fully multicoated lenses deliver excellent light transmission. At dawn and dusk when birds are most active, the ED50 remains usable longer than larger, heavier competitors. I measured usable viewing about 15 minutes past sunset during my testing sessions.
Brightness remains consistent throughout the 13-30x zoom range. Many budget scopes dim noticeably at higher magnifications, but the ED50 maintains image quality. This consistency lets you crank up the power to identify distant subjects without sacrificing clarity.
Quick Summary: The ED50 optics punch above their weight class. Color accuracy is exceptional, edge-to-edge sharpness is impressive, and brightness rivals scopes with larger objectives. This optical performance is exactly why the scope remains popular despite being discontinued.
At 9.8 feet, the close focus distance is exceptional for a spotting scope. This spec rarely gets attention in reviews, but it matters immensely for birders. I have used scopes that cannot focus closer than 20 feet, making nearby subjects impossible to view clearly.
During a spring migration walk, I spotted a warbler feeding in a bush just 12 feet away. The ED50 locked on instantly, letting me observe feather details I would have missed with most other scopes. This close-focus capability makes the ED50 versatile for everything from backyard birding to distant ridge scanning.
The magnesium alloy body keeps weight down to just 19.6 ounces. For context, many 65mm spotting scopes weigh 40-60 ounces. When I carried the ED50 for four hours during a birding hike, I barely noticed it in my pack. This is a scope you can actually take anywhere without hesitation.
Dimensions are equally impressive at 11.2 inches long. The straight body configuration slips easily into daypacks and even large jacket pockets. I have packed this scope along with camera gear, lunch, and field guides without any bulk issues.
The O-ring sealed body is waterproof up to 3.3 feet for 5 minutes. Nikon also nitrogen-purged the interior to prevent internal fogging during temperature changes. I have used the ED50 in rain showers and humid coastal conditions without any issues.
Rubber armor provides grip and minor impact protection. After three years of regular use, my review unit shows only minor wear. The magnesium body feels premium but not fragile. This is not a delicate instrument that needs babying.
One durability issue deserves mention: the rubber eyecups can crack over time, especially with frequent removal. Replacement eyecups are still available through third-party suppliers, but this is a known weak point.
The ED50 was available in both straight and angled configurations. My review unit is the straight version, which offers faster target acquisition and feels more natural for beginners. Hunters often prefer straight bodies for glassing from shooting positions.
Angled versions provide more flexibility with tripod height and better accommodate eyeglass wearers. They are also easier to share among users of different heights. For pure versatility, the angled body has advantages, but straight bodies work better for my style of spotting.
The 13-30x zoom range covers most common spotting scenarios. At 13x, the scope offers a wide 157-foot field of view at 1000 yards, making it easy to locate subjects. At 30x, you get enough magnification to identify birds at several hundred yards or check antler points on distant bucks.
I find myself using the lower half of the zoom range most often. The sweet spot seems to be around 20x, where brightness and field of view balance nicely. Maximum 30x works but image quality degrades slightly and any hand tremor becomes magnified.
| 13-15x | Best for scanning, handheld capable, widest field of view |
| 16-22x | Sweet spot for ID work, good brightness, easy viewing |
| 23-30x | Max power for distant subjects, tripod recommended |
At 12.9mm, eye relief is the ED50’s biggest weakness. Eyeglass wearers will struggle to see the full field of view. I tested with glasses and could only see about 60% of the image circle without pressing uncomfortably close.
Contact lens users and those without glasses will have no issues. But if you wear glasses full-time, this is a dealbreaker unless you use the scope with your glasses off. Angled body versions offer slightly better eye relief experience, but the fundamental limitation remains.
The ED50 uses interchangeable eyepieces, which adds flexibility but also complexity. The standard 13-30x zoom eyepiece works well for general use. Fixed wide-angle eyepieces from Nikon’s MC line can provide better eye relief and wider fields of view.
This modularity is both a strength and weakness. You can tailor the scope to your needs, but finding quality eyepieces in 2026 requires searching the used market. Budget for an eyepiece if buying a body-only unit.
The ED50 has excellent digiscoping capabilities. Nikon produced dedicated digiscoping adapters, and third-party options remain available. I paired the scope with a smartphone and captured usable images of distant shore birds during testing.
The 50mm objective limits light gathering compared to larger scopes, but for daytime digiscoping, the ED50 performs admirably. The short physical length also makes for a stable platform when mounted.
This is the question that brings most people to this review. The answer depends on your priorities, risk tolerance, and intended use. After extensive research and hands-on testing, here is my honest assessment.
Discontinued Product Reality: When you buy a discontinued optical product, you accept certain risks. No manufacturer warranty means repairs are your responsibility. Parts availability dwindles over time. Sample variation becomes more important because you cannot simply exchange for another unit.
Expect to pay $300-500 for a complete ED50 setup in good condition. Body-only units sell for $200-350, but remember you will need an eyepiece. Prices have climbed in recent years as birders recognize what Nikon accomplished with this compact scope.
I have seen mint-condition units with multiple eyepieces sell for $600 or more. These premium listings sit for longer but eventually sell to dedicated enthusiasts who know exactly what they are getting.
BirdForum discussions reveal sample variation exists in the ED50 line. Some units display perfect alignment and minimal aberrations. Others show slight miscollimation that doubles images at higher magnifications.
When buying used, request specific photos through the scope. Look for edge-to-edge sharpness and absence of doubling. Test the zoom mechanism throughout its range. Check the focus knob for smoothness without play or binding.
Nikon’s 25-year No-Fault warranty was legendary during the ED50’s production. That warranty disappeared when Nikon exited the spotting scope market. Some third-party repair shops still service these scopes, but parts availability is dwindling.
If you buy a used ED50, assume you are on your own for repairs. Test thoroughly upon arrival and resolve any issues with the seller immediately. PayPal buyer protection offers some recourse, but window periods are limited.
The ED50 makes sense for several specific buyers. Experienced birders who know what to look for in a used scope can find excellent value. Weight-conscious hunters willing to accept the discontinued risk get incredible optics in a tiny package.
Digiscopers on a budget can build a capable setup around the ED50 without spending thousands. Collectors of optical equipment may appreciate owning a piece of Nikon’s sport optics history.
If you need warranty support and easy returns, buy a currently-produced model. Eyeglass wearers will be happier with scopes offering 16mm+ eye relief. Those requiring high magnification above 30x should consider larger 65-80mm class scopes.
Beginners unfamiliar with evaluating used optics might find the process stressful. New scopes from Vortex, Maven, or Kowa offer similar or better performance with full warranty support, albeit at higher prices.
If the ED50’s discontinued status gives you pause, several currently-produced scopes offer compelling alternatives. Here are options worth considering in 2026.
The Vortex Razor HD matches the ED50’s 50mm objective size but adds HD glass, a dual-focus system, and 17mm eye relief. Vortex’s VIP warranty is fully transferable and unconditional, giving peace of mind the discontinued Nikon cannot offer. At $700-900, it costs more but includes factory support.
I compared these scopes directly during a field session. The Vortex offers slightly better edge sharpness and noticeably better eye relief. The dual-focus system provides faster initial focus with fine adjustment capability. For eyeglass wearers, the Razor HD is the clear winner.
Kowa’s 55mm Prominar series uses fluorite crystal for exceptional color correction. At $800-1200, it represents a step up in optical performance. Kowa remains committed to spotting scopes, so warranty and parts availability are secure.
The TSN-55A offers 60x magnification capability, double the ED50’s maximum. This makes it more versatile for long-range observation. Build quality is exceptional with robust weather sealing throughout.
Before exiting the market, Nikon released the Prostaff 5 as a more affordable alternative to the ED50. It lacks ED glass and uses standard optics, but still delivers respectable performance. Some remaining stock exists at retailers around $400-500.
Without ED glass, the Prostaff 5 shows more chromatic aberration. However, it uses the same body design and eyepiece system as the ED50. If you value new condition with warranty over ultimate optical quality, remaining Prostaff 5 inventory might represent better value than a used ED50.
Quick Summary: The ED50 remains competitive optically with modern alternatives costing twice as much. However, the lack of warranty and limited availability make it a specialized choice. If you are comfortable buying used and accept the risks, the ED50 offers exceptional value. If you prefer new with full support, the Vortex Razor HD or Kowa 55mm series represent safer investments in 2026.
Yes, Nikon discontinued the entire Fieldscope line in 2020 when they exited the spotting scope market. The ED50 is only available on the used market or as remaining new stock at select retailers.
The Nikon Fieldscope ED50 has an impressive close focus distance of 9.8 feet, making it excellent for observing nearby birds and wildlife. This close-focus capability is one of its standout features.
No, the ED50 has only 12.9mm of eye relief, which is challenging for eyeglass wearers. You will struggle to see the full field of view while wearing glasses. Consider the angled body version or look at alternatives with 16mm+ eye relief.
Expect to pay $300-500 for a complete ED50 setup in good condition. Body-only units sell for $200-350. Prices have climbed in recent years as birders recognize the scope’s optical quality and discontinued status.
Nikon exited the spotting scope and rifle scope market in 2020 due to intense competition and strategic focus changes. The company decided to concentrate resources on their core camera and sport optics lines that had stronger market positions.
The Nikon Fieldscope ED50 13-30×50 earned its legendary reputation for good reason. It packs remarkable optical performance into an incredibly compact package. The ED glass virtually eliminates color fringing, the close focus distance enables versatility, and the 19.6-ounce weight makes it truly portable.
But this is 2026, and the ED50 has been discontinued for five years. Buying used optics requires knowledge, patience, and acceptance of risk. You will not have Nikon’s warranty backing you if problems arise. Finding a good copy takes effort, and prices have climbed as collectors recognize this scope’s significance.
For the right buyer—someone who knows spotting scopes, can evaluate used equipment properly, and values portability above all else—the ED50 remains an excellent choice in 2026. Its optical quality rivals scopes costing twice as much, and its size and weight remain unmatched in the 50mm class.
For everyone else, especially those new to spotting scopes or who prefer new equipment with warranty support, modern alternatives from Vortex, Kowa, or Maven offer smarter long-term value. You will pay more upfront, but you gain peace of mind that the discontinued Nikon cannot provide.
The ED50 is a brilliant piece of optical engineering that was ahead of its time. Even in 2026, it can hold its own against modern competitors. But only you can decide if the potential savings are worth the inherent risks of buying discontinued optics.
