In the 1980’s, an Australian dentist by the name of Ray Dennis started a company called Lightforce. To this day, the company manufactures durable lighting systems as well as a line of tactical rifle scopes.
Years later, Mr. Dennis decided to bring Nightforce on board and the rest is history. Let’s get into Nightforce Spotting Scope Reviews.
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Nightforce Products
Backed by years of research, testing and refining, and inspired by both civilian and military customers, Nightforce products are built with diligent craftsmanship and a strict attention to detail. Known for their high-quality and durable tactical and competition rifle scopes, it wasn’t until recently that the company began producing spotting scopes.
In 2013, after many requests from their rifle scope consumers, Nightforce designed and produced a high definition spotting scope predetermined to compete with the best of the European spotting scopes.
Nightforce Spotting Scope Three “R”s
The Nightforce company follows the three R’s: Rugged, Reliable, Repeatable. They put their products literally through the ringer and ruggedly test their products before putting them on the market. These punishing durability tests are what set the Nightforce scopes apart from the rest. Even the most serious of hunters and birdwatchers alike will agree that a scope made by Nightforce is absolutely guaranteed to perform.
The spotting scopes by Nightforce are just as unbreakable and tough as the rugged and high-performing rifle scope series. Compact and powerful build? Check. Remarkable glass clarity? Check. You’ll get all of this and more with a Nightforce spotting scope.
With magnesium alloy and aluminum bodies plus thermal stability features and high-end optical coatings, these spotting scopes are best in class. The company prides itself on not settling for anything less than perfect. And perfect is just what you’ll get. Please read on as we review two of their top spotting scope models.
| Product Name | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|
 | NightForce TS-82 20-70X |  |
 | NightForce TS-80 20-60X | |
1. NightForce TS-82 20-70X Xtreme HD Spotting Scope (Angled Version)
In 2014, this spotting scope won the Best of the Best from the world-renown Field & Stream magazine. Exceptional performance and impeccable optical quality, all in a polished design is what shooters and hunters have come to rely on from a Nightforce rifle or spotting scope.
With so many remarkable features, this premium spotting scope offers crystal clear images at any magnification as well as ridiculously sharp resolution.
The angled version of the TS-82 is rising in popularity because it’s more comfortable to use when needing to look high. And when mounted to a tripod, it’s easier for people of different heights to use the same spotter. On the other hand, the straight version has always been a useful, practical, classic design.
The proprietary coatings give the Nightforce TS-82 20-70x spotting scope the utmost contrast and brightness. The internal prism design provides maximum light transmission in contrast to mirrors which absorb demanding light rays. There’s also no need to worry about eye fatigue as this prism design extends your viewing time.
Although APO (apochromatic lens) fluorite glass can be expensive and often difficult to work with, there really is no other glass that provides more brilliant colors. It’s a top-grade glass that only appears in the most progressive of optics.
The Nightforce TS-82 Xtreme High Definition spotting scopes are protected by a waterproof housing and a hydrophobic lens coating. This amazing lens coating immediately sheds water without leaving residue and instantly repels fingerprints.
Gorgeous high-resolution photos of faraway objects, birds or other wildlife is only a click away. The TS-82 20-70x is a tool you and your family can enjoy for many years. Featuring a quick-release bayonet mount that allows you to rapidly switch out eyepieces as well as other accessories, the TS-82 enables you to attach your IPhone 4 or 5 as well.
Thoroughly shock tested and waterproof, the aluminum body provides thermal stability and its large center focus ring is very precise and comfortable to use — even with gloves. Its versatility shines as this scope has the option of interchangeable eyepieces.
An expensive, but extraordinary instrument, the TS-82 costs around $2600 (online). Although it’s a heavy and super-powered scope, it’s also versatile for activities such as hunting, photographing wildlife, shooting and birding.
NightForce TS-82 20-70X Xtreme HD Spotting Scope – Features/Specifications
- 20-70x zoom for extra long distances
- Vivid, high-contrast images
- Extra large 82mm objective lens for the utmost light gathering
- Nightforce proprietary hydrophobic coating gives strong lens protection
- Interchangeable eyepieces: 20-70x and 30-60x
- APO fluorite lenses for reduced spherical aberrations
- Quick-release bayonet mount for easy and safe eyepiece to body mounting
- Roof prism for extraordinary optical performance
- Fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof for undesirable weather conditions
- Comes in both angled and straight designs
- Built-in sun-shade and strong rubber twist-up eyecups
- Locking center ring complete with indents at 45, 90, and 180 degrees
- Close focus distance: 4.59 feet
- Length: 15.9 inches (angled) and 16.4 inches (straight)
- Weight: 68 ounces
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Collar and single focus system
- Digiscope adaptable
- Guaranteed with NightForce warranty
- Check latest price on Amazon
- Best used for hunting, birdwatching, photographing and nature/wildlife observation
2. NightForce TS-80 20-60X HD Spotting Scope (Angled Version)
Second in the Nightforce spotting scope series is the TS-80 20-60X HD version. Fairly new, this optic was introduced in 2015. It features crystal clear lenses made of premium extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to allow you to view crisp, clean, bright images. The optical design on the TS-80 equates in excellent light transmission and razor-sharp resolution.
The more affordable TS-80 is the second spotting scope that NightForce introduced after the TS-82. The demand was extremely high for a cost-friendly spotting scope after the popularity of the TS-82 model. With the TS-80 HD, you’ll gain a combination of value and performance in a tough and reliable spotting scope.
Whether you use your scope in the early morning or late in the evening, you’re guaranteed a pristine image every single time. In addition, this scope’s magnesium alloy body and rubber armor coating won’t let you down even in the toughest weather conditions.
Just like all of Nightforce spotting scopes, the TS-80 HD is designed for maximum comfort and long hours of viewing. Along with this scope’s ED glass, hydrophobic coating and a roof prism design, the optical pathway is more compact in size thus allowing for a lighter weight versus a Porro prism scope.
As far as the locking center ring on this spotting scope, Nightforce has made the TS-80 with easy to see indents at the 45, 90 and 180 positions. This is helpful when glassing from multiple angles when your scope is mounted to a tripod. The TS-80 HD also features a magnesium alloy body that is completely weatherproof and runs for around $1500 online.
NightForce TS-80 20-60X HD Spotting Scope – Features/Specifications
- 20-60x magnification for longer distances and precise detail viewing
- Extra large 80mm objective lens for superlative light gathering abilities
- Nightforce proprietary hydrophobic coating for superior lens protection
- Angled design for more comfortable use
- Roof prism for the exceptional optical performance
- 100 percent waterproof, fogproof and shockproof for tough hunting conditions
- Locking center ring with indents at 45, 90 and 180 degrees
- Locking center ring for 360 degree rotation
- Magnesium alloy body for thermal adherence
- Built-in sunshade and durable rubber twist-up eyecups
- Digiscope adaptable
- 80mm objective lens for low-light performance
- ED glass, extra-low dispersion glass for bright images with superior light transmission
- Eyepiece included
- Close focus distance: 20 feet
- Length: 14.4 inches
- Weight: 68 ounces
- Field of View: 104.8-56.77 feet/1000 yards
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Collar/single focus system
- Guaranteed with Nightforce warranty
- Check latest price on Amazon
- Best used for hunting, wildlife/nature observation, birdwatching and photography
If you’re in the market for a spotting scope with excellent value, extreme optics and ergonomics, the Nightforce TS-80 HD is a solid choice. If you prefer extra technology with added benefits, your best bet would be the TS-82 model. Whichever way you go, you’re guaranteed a rugged, reliable and repeatable product.
