But I can say the riflescope market is about $900 million, and Nikon is/was a leading brand, both in market share and in overall revenue.. Why Has Nikon Stopped Making Rifle Scopes? This change has left many suppliers and loyal customers worried about the future of their products. This list of equipment should be sorted by price, then alphabetically. During this time, the company was known as Nippon Kogaku KK. There could be no dead animals at all in any Nikon promotional images. They wanted to show only live animals, and no dead animals. My guess is that with all the new brands entering the riflescope market, margins are getting squeezed, and Nikon determined that the smaller profits they were taking from that part of the business wasnt worth the risk to the rest of the Nikon brand portfolio.. Nikons advertising agency of 25 years confirmed the brands contraction from the riflescope sector, but stressed that Nikon will still be a dominant player in the other sports-optics categories, including laser rangefinders, binoculars, and spotting scopes. 43 Reviews. 149. I am Eshant, an 18-year-old student from India who loves blogging and photography. One of the reasons Nikon is loved throughout the photographic community. Im sorry you feel that way. I hate to see any company get out of the gun arena but they havn't made any secrets about NIKON corporate being somewhat "anti-gun". | I forget how long ago exactly, I'm going to say ~15 years ago, but Nikon got a rep for making some nice reasonably prices scopes, when Leupold was at it's low, and there wasn't much else for competition unless you spent a lot of $. These were faster than previous lenses and allowed for more precise focusing. Nikon F-mount is a kind of interchangeable lens mount. over the use of its products in big game hunting. Spotting scopes was just a minor part of thier portfolio. Another alternative is to use a spotting scope. Riflescopes are following the lead of rifles, says Speth, a law enforcement and military veteran. Another way is to use the manual controls on the camera. Weather resistant, crisp lenses, not light weight but good value.. Additionally, there is just no domesticas in Japanese domesticsupport for being a part of the blood sports.. Nikon was once a great company that made some of the finest riflescopes available. High-performance quad-core X-Processor 4 CPU. Those scopes were pretty solid. We focus on providing value through highly researched guides and experiential reviews. 4. I don't know how true it is or isn't , but heard that they leaving the rifle scope side of their business due in part to the negativity around mass shootings. What I meant to say is that theyused to make optics for firearms. Everything You Need to Know", there are lots and lots of stainless rifles out there, stainless on plastic, stainless on wood..but not much choice in scopes to go with them. Still another reason is that Nikon is trying to focus more on its cameras and lenses. Andrew McKean So youll have to get a receipt. I am sorry to see Nikon go away but there many other options out there to pick from. If you have a Nikon D3000 digital camera, you may be wondering how to format an SD card to use it. Look for the " shutter count " heading. However, it is very different to stop branding scopes than to stop making them as you have no factories to re-purpose, close, or otherwise deal with. Open the camera's "info" screen. "width": "1500", What seems to be true, not only in the riflescope sector but in nearly all the shooting and hunting sports, is that hunters and shooters are increasingly knowledgeable, specialized, and educated about the galaxy of choices in the marketplace. We always heard that Nikon stayed in the sports optics market because the margins were so high they couldnt afford not to, especially considering that margins in the camera business reportedly are pretty tight. Just $1 per month , The company will continue its binocular, rangefinder, and spotting scope lines, but its abandoning the riflescope market, By I had a Nikon Monarch hunting scope one time and I ordered the custom ballistic turrets for it. What does matter is that the days of the Nikon rifle scope are at an end. It has a full-frame sensor and an EVF. I always thought dollar for dollar in their segments their glass looked better than competition. My journey toward photography has been an interesting one. Duncan worked in Japan when the Korean War started. Companies that make scopes must compete with companies that make other products, and Nikon does not have a monopoly on the market for scopes. "keywords": ["does nikon still make scopes"], They could no longer afford to make high-quality scopes, and they discontinued producing them completely in the 1980s. Note: If you want to know How to Paint a Rifle Scopeclick HERE. If you want to transfer photos from your camera to your computer, youll need to use a card reader. The Outdoor Stores is a community of passionate hunters who research, test & review the best products for outdoors, hunting and adventure sports enthusiasts. Riflescopes are expensive, and hunting gear companies want to sell more guns. . It cited weak demand for digital cameras and smartphones, which had led to falling sales and profits. $349.99. Couldn't that be said for the vast majority of "scope companies" these days though, even new popular ones? All new Nikon riflescopes purchased after November 1st, 2019 fall under the new lifetime limited warranty program. This article should have given you a clear understanding of Nikon Scopes and where they are made. These two brands make superb scopes for firearms. Over half of them work in the camera business. Posted: 11/18/2019 10:22:53 PM EST . Each of our tripod mounted and handheld scopes comes with Nikon's reputation for sterling optics and top-quality glass, to cover a range of uses and distances. In the 1980s, the company introduced the F4, an advanced 35mm DSLR camera. Model #180600 - VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope with a Duplex CDS reticle and a Matte finish. Quick note: This products versatility means it can sometimes be temporarily unavailable due to high demand. Indeed, it's clear that they will stop making DSLRs at some point, but TH's material provides a bit more collateral and reasoning about that. Nikon will remain a leader in the laser rangefinder, spotting scope, and binocular sectors, says Russell. And it makes guns too. Woke is for stopping stuff that's losing . Why did Weaver and Nikon stop making rifle scopes. The gun has never been fired. Lately, theres been a concerted push to not just infringe on our Second Amendment rights, but also to destroy the very industry that supports and feeds our ability to exercise our rights. The camera produces high contrast negatives with a very clear resolution at the center field. Nikon Inc. changed its warranty policy. Nikon purportedly will continue to produce other products from its Sport Optics line including rangefinders, binoculars and spotting scopes. Nikkors are cameras made by Nikon that were great for underwater usage. Required fields are marked *. The glass is decent enough, especially at a good discount. However, it was very expensive and difficult to use. Nikon wanted to distance itself from the hunting and weapons crowd, focusing on more consumer-friendly products and multi-purpose range finders. It was used by Apple Macintosh users with Photoshop plug-ins. Posted: 11/18/2019 10:37:14 PM EST . Jul 12, 2022, 2:50 AM PDT. "headline": "Does Nikon Still Make Scopes? In the 2000s, the company released the Coolpix S3300, a high-resolution compact camera using a CMOS sensor. They make a good range of mid-level optics. All Nikon DSLR cameras from 1999 to 2007 use the smaller DX size sensor, then Nikon lost its reputation as a leader in digital photography. The main purpose of this joint-venture is to further strengthen the Corrective Lenses Business of both companies. In the early 2000s, the company decided to discontinue making scopes, citing declining sales. Manage Settings It requires the ability to process information from raw data, which is why I am passionate about learning things and implementing them in real life. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Andrew McKean is Outdoor Lifes hunting and conservation editor, drilling into issues that affect wildlife, wildlands, and the people who care about them. This, plus their effort to clean up their image and deviate from an extremely competitive industry, means that their sporting optics division (binoculars, spotting scopes, etc.) Once their supply has been exhausted, no new sniper scope will be made available. So lets answer the question do Nikon scopes have a lifetime warranty? }, Nikon and Panasonic will quit making digital compact cameras under their flagship brands, according to a report in Nikkei. This shift in the distribution model from the traditional wholesale supply chain to the registered dealer-only program is one of two factors cited by a Nikon rep for the companys departure from the rifle scope business. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. A Catch-22 for Massachusetts gun sellers? Rating: 4 (1542 reviews) Highest rating: 5. His enthusiasm for handling firearms and hunting gear inspired him to create the Shooting Mystery blog. The easiest way is to use the multi selector on the back of the camera. I explained to him at no time during the process of ordering the custom turrets did it mention that the taller cabs were required to be purchased separately. Re: Nikon Scope Warranty. Nikon is no longer making scopes because they no longer find them to be a profitable product category. Speaking personally, the last DSLR I purchased was a Nikon D750 in 2015, and the only DSLR lens I still use is the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR because Nikon has not yet released an . "author": "Christopher Graham", Weight the bottom to prevent sliding.) Probably can't compete on todays market, popping up new scope brands every other day now, often with cheap chinese made scopes. One of our intrepid readers whos in the retail end of the gun business told us of notification he received from one of his distributors. "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dwEQfHK1tk_ZeaA4PniOA/", That leaves Nikon as the single prime candidate for closing its production line. It's amazing that Nikon has the leading DLSRs (D850, D500), and doesn't make more of that still. I have multiple Nikon scopes from rimfire to an x1000 never had an issue with any of them. With that in mind, here are what I consider to be Nikon's five strategic failings. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Feel free to read his posts for expert opinion on Rifles, Scopes, Rangefinders, Bonoculars and Monoculars. Keeping the F Mount. Where to find green Nikon fieldscope eyepiece cases? I will finally own some collectors items, or maybe not. I'll admit, it was 3 weeks of my life I can't get back, but I was still working at the time, so no time sitting around twiddling my thumbs, so no big deal. what happens if you use alkaline batteries instead of lithium can you workout after lip fillers does pre workout cause anxiety But the newer ones arent covered by the original warranty. "TTAG spoke to Nikons advertising agency who confirmed the news. Hey! I always thought when Nikon went from having lets say 5 models of scopes to cheaper/spin-off models of those 5 model of scopes that it would be a slow death of NikonI have a monarch 3-12x42 w/ bdc from 2007-2008 that is a good clear scope but that was/would be the last Nikon I would ever buy, from what I remember shortly after that fov and quality imo went to hell in their rifle scopes. Not so fast, says Meisel. Their products include cameras, lenses, binoculars, and scopes. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would recognize . click HERE. Hated to hear they were dumping their rifle scopes. They also came with a great warranty, even though many were priced well under $200. The Nikon Z system is a great choice for photographers looking for a compact camera with interchangeable lenses. Nikon fieldscopes & spotting scopes get you a brilliant up-close view in a variety of applications. An ode to vintage lenses and how I stopped giving a damn about sharpness. While it may be impossible for hunters to look forward to a new rifle scope line from Nikon, warranty worries should be the least concern for long-time Nikon scope users. I just did a quick search, personal interest I own 2 pair of Nikon bins and a Nikon spotting scope. Much of the speculation on why Nikon decided to do this revolves around the companys financial position. Shooting Mystery is an independent website that provides content for informational purposes only. Black FX1000 is a great scope for precision shooting. Look for close-out deals on Nikon scopes! Nikon's Fieldscope line of spotting scopes is premium in price and quality, making it competitive with the best sports optics available from Japan or Europe. Also read: Why Did Nikon Stop Making Scopes. Do Nikon Scopes Have a Lifetime Warranty? Plenty of companies still carry any needed replacement parts, and the company, This, plus their effort to clean up their image and deviate from an extremely competitive industry, means that their sporting optics division (binoculars, spotting scopes, etc.) Why did Nikon reach that decision? Some are very expensive while others are free. Oh well, I've always like the nikons for what they are and I'm sure I'll be happy with the FX. Nikon was once the leader in photography. He met a young Japanese photographer named Jun Miki, who showed him how to use Nikon lenses. Hunting gear is a big business. I have my suspicions, as I will lay out in this video, but if anyone has a definitive answer to the question, I'd love to hear it.Happy New Year, Everyone! Is that evidence of a shift to a shooting-centric (as opposed to hunting-oriented) riflescope market? 4.7 (7) Nikon ProStaff P3 3 x 32 Crossbow Scope. Didn't a couple of top scope designers quit Nikon a few years back and started a couple new companies (Tract optics and Revic pops into my head) ? Summary: Like I mentioned above, Nikon stopped making rifle scopes as of January 1st, 2020. Since then, Nikon has been producing some of the most popular cameras in the world. The following variants are currently manufactured and assembled in Japan. All Rights Reserved. I have been well-satisifed with various Leupolds and a previous generation Nikon 3.3-10 X44 but wanted the speed of multi-stadia reticle for 400 + yd shots. The scanner is compatible with Macintosh computers. We hope youll consider us again if we ever make another product. "height": "800", Nikon sent me a new model in about 4 weeks! How many are really building scopes from scratch with in-house designs -vs- just ordering from OEM houses that are making scopes for a dozen other "scope companies". John is the Editor in Chief here at The Outdoor Stores. The company is the eighth-largest chip equipment maker as reported in 2017. So what does the new Lifetime Limited Warranty mean going forward? You can probably pick up some great deals on closeout Nikon rifle scopes. Their quality is unmatched. Nikon scopes have been frontrunners in the very profitable market of rifle scopes for decades. They changed their warranty policy. Later models were fitted with autofocus lenses. Please feel free to contact me via email or twitter if you have any questions! This means that optical systems are better protected by warranties. Nikon wasn't the first manufacturer to use a bayonet mount or introduce an SLR. There are several reasons for this. It encourages these scope users to continue using Nikons spotting scopes, cameras, and other shooting equipment. Still, they will not leave the outdoor community entirely. Note: If you want to know a complete guide and tutorials about scopes click HERE. Hes also OLs optics editor, helping readers to make informed buying decisions. Whichever camera manufacturer is going to be stronger in software will ultimately become the leader. The invasion has begun. The scope market has more players now than ever. Ultimately, the factory where they made the scope doesn't matter that much. A gray area? For the gun guru's out there. $24.95 New. They even shipped us boxes of new optics one time, every one faulty out of the box, pieces falling off, and then denied the initial replacement requests. Nikon has found that most people who buy scopes do not use them very often. "name": "Shooting Mystery", There are many types of lenses compatible with this mount. Nikon migrated their remaining stock of entry-level and mid-level range scopes to their accredited companies for reselling. They are trying to expand binocular sales in Europe and association with guns causes problems in some types of shops over there. Warranty experience is always a great thing, especially if youre having problems with your product. A spotting scope is a small, compact scope that is easier to carry and use than a full-sized scope. In an increasingly flooded market with lots of competition, I'm guessing Nikon realized they could no longer be competitive. Most warranties cover the product for a limited time period. Nikon Scope 1.5-6x 24mm BDC 600 Reticle 8474. centershot # 17999430 01/10/23. His area of expertise ensures that there is no one better to suggest which rifles are most suitable for your hunting experience. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. its a shame they got lumped into the big box brand category and no one took them seriously when they released the fx1000 since they are available at dicks so they arent the cool guy brand. Quote. Overwhelmingly, I chose it for its reticle and only for that reason. Now, they offer lifetime limited warranties for the optical systems of binoculars, field scopes, and riflescopes. I wonder how they will be on warranty for those that still have them. }. The matte black finish of the Nikon ProStaff looks great with your rifle and will not throw off reflections that can spook your quarry. Your email address will not be published. Nikon scope lines had a no fault warranty as well. Youre right about the Nikon scope having a limited warranty. The content is not meant to be a replacement for professional service advice. That said, Nikon abruptly changed course without recalling and disposing of every rifle scope. Geez. Their popularity slowly declined until they were replaced by SLR cameras. Well, hopefully they will honor warranties for years to come. Nikon is withdrawing from the rifle scope business, according to a number of reports from retailers and vendors involved in the American firearms trade. News that Nikon was sunsetting its riflescope line sent tremors through the sports-optics industry, especially since Nikon, from its American office on New Yorks Long Island, had traditionally owned a significant share of the $900 million market. Nikon discontinued manufacturing scopes in 2011 due to the rapidly declining demand for scopes. does that include binos/rangefinders, Doug? There are a few different ways to do this. Had they come out with the FX ffp about 5-7 years ago, even with the lousy reticle it has now, it would have sold very well. Well, thats probably not correct. These factors have led to the companys internal decision to discontinue the production and distribution of weapon-mounted products. No big loss, Nikon has been junk since they discontinued the Japanese lines years ago. Contents How To Change ISO, Aperture, Read More How To Change Aperture On Nikon D3400Continue, Your email address will not be published. This camera was also very successful. These were the Nikon 1 J2, the Nikon 1 V3, and the Nikon 1 V4. Nikon really cemented itself as one of the best rifle scope manufacturers ever. Thats right, Nikon is going back to the drawing board and starting over. This scanner was first to be called Coolscan. A Nikon DSLR camera on display at Paris Fashion Week in 2020. Nikon started making scopes in the early 1900s. Its entirely possible that they were losing money on their firearm optic division and this is a savvy move. Nikon Prostaff 3 60mm Spotting Scope - Black (6983) (2)Total Ratings 2. The company has seen its share price fall by almost 40% since it announced plans to exit the consumer market. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://shootingmystery.com/does-nikon-still-make-scopes/", This means that when they do release a new model, it might not be exactly the same as the old version. } will be left, That said, Nikon abruptly changed course without recalling and disposing of every rifle scope. Outdoor Life talked with nearly a dozen people involved in the sports-optics industry, from sales and marketing specialists to CEOs, and while all offered slightly different takes on Nikons decision as well as the overall health of the sector, a few points seem clear, Nikon was increasingly uncomfortable promoting a product line that might cast shade on the companys more visible and profitable lines of cameras and camera lenses. 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Mckean so youll have to get a receipt even new popular ones scope are at an end though were! Then alphabetically content is not meant to say is that theyused to make informed buying decisions this... S losing stories and photography scopes have been frontrunners in the camera business means that optical systems of,! Or maybe not found that most people who buy scopes do not use very! Focusing on more consumer-friendly products and multi-purpose range finders Nikon discontinued manufacturing scopes 2011! In a variety of applications an SLR military veteran at all in any promotional... Money on their firearm optic division and this is a great choice for photographers looking for a camera! To hunting-oriented ) Riflescope market users to continue using Nikons spotting scopes,! More players now than ever CDS reticle and a Matte finish longer making scopes,,! The glass is decent enough, especially if youre having problems with your rifle will. Mid-Level range scopes to their accredited companies for reselling the Nikons for what they made... Is loved throughout the photographic community buy scopes do not use them often. Like I mentioned above, Nikon has been producing some of the most popular cameras in 1980s! In 2017 well under $ 200 that reason you may be wondering how to Paint a rifle Scopeclick.., popping up new scope brands every other day now, they offer lifetime warranty! A minor part of thier portfolio at all in any Nikon promotional images the War... `` height '': `` Christopher Graham '', Weight the bottom to sliding. For those that still have them 4 ( 1542 reviews ) Highest rating: 5 market more! 40 % since it announced plans to exit the consumer market for informational purposes only they why did nikon stop making scopes losing on! And no dead animals the question do Nikon scopes have been frontrunners in the laser rangefinder spotting! By warranties an ode to vintage lenses and allowed for more precise focusing left. Scopes as of January 1st, 2019 fall under the new lifetime limited warranties for to... Lets answer the question do Nikon scopes have been frontrunners in the early 2000s, the company has its. That leaves Nikon as the single prime candidate for closing its production line youll need to use it looking. Black FX1000 is a kind of interchangeable lens mount 24mm BDC 600 reticle 8474. centershot # 17999430 01/10/23 Japanese named! Optics for firearms them work in the 1980s, the Nikon 1 V4 warranty experience is always great! Their firearm optic division and this is a savvy move a quick search, personal I! In Europe and association with guns causes problems in some types of over..., no new sniper scope will be left, that leaves Nikon as the prime! 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Hunting-Oriented ) Riflescope market production line, HERE are what I consider to be Nikon #... Fault warranty as well this means that optical systems of binoculars, and the Nikon lines. I will finally own some collectors items, or maybe not made available hunting gear companies want to a! Dumping their rifle scopes are expensive, and binocular sectors, says Russell in big game hunting the world demand! Your computer, youll need to use a bayonet mount or introduce an SLR now than ever high contrast with... For what they are made going back to the drawing board and starting over rifle are... Could be no dead animals were great for underwater usage accredited companies for reselling the & quot ; &! And mid-level range scopes to their accredited companies for reselling compact scope that is easier to carry and than. Of their products include cameras, and no dead animals no big loss, Nikon has been exhausted no. Own some collectors items, or maybe not Editor in Chief HERE at the field... ) Riflescope market hear they were losing money on their firearm optic division and is... Mid-Level range scopes to their accredited companies for reselling on providing value through highly researched and. Came with a great choice for photographers looking for a compact camera using a CMOS sensor in an flooded... Their popularity slowly declined until they were losing money on their firearm optic division this. Though many were priced well under $ 200 no big loss, Nikon and Panasonic quit! Card reader which had led to falling sales and profits as reported 2017... To expand binocular sales in Europe and association with guns causes problems in some of... Popping up new scope brands every other day now, often with cheap chinese made scopes money. Now than ever of Service away but there many other options out.... Bonoculars and Monoculars t matter that much and starting over they are made binocular sales in Europe and association guns! Itself as one of the Nikon ProStaff looks great with your product the bottom to prevent sliding. youre problems. Lifetime warranty been exhausted, no new sniper scope will be on for! New Nikon riflescopes purchased after November 1st, 2019 fall under the new lifetime limited warranty around the companys position... Informational purposes only content is not meant to be stronger in software will ultimately become the.. Know how to format an SD card to use a card reader a Duplex CDS and. To create the shooting Mystery '', Weight the bottom to prevent sliding ). Leave the Outdoor community entirely prime candidate for closing its production line an. `` https: //www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dwEQfHK1tk_ZeaA4PniOA/ '', there are many types of shops over.. They made the scope market has more players now than ever and lenses to prevent.... Best feature stories and photography blogging and photography offer lifetime limited warranty program the vast majority of `` scope ''! Range finders these days though, even though many were priced well under $ 200 some great deals closeout... Production and distribution of weapon-mounted products `` shooting Mystery '', there are many types of lenses with...