Presumably, the target audience for these scopes are those shooters who want gear capable of winning a precision-rifle match. I need a replacement for the Weaver V16. It means the following: Any Nikon rifle scope purchased after November 1st of 2019 falls under the "new" Lifetime Limited warranty program. The medium-format system delivers smooth 4K30P video. Geez. Nikon and Essilor formed a 50/50 joint-venture company in Japan named as Nikon-Essilor Company Limited. "https://theshootingmystery.tumblr.com/", But the company doesnt think theres enough demand for them anymore. 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 Stop Making Scopes? There are more than 57 riflescope brands out there right now. Everything You Need to Know", They could no longer afford to make high-quality scopes, and they discontinued producing them completely in the 1980s. Nikon wanted to distance itself from the hunting and weapons crowd, focusing on more consumer-friendly products and multi-purpose range finders. 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 $. That is not necessarily a bad thing. 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. My guess it's not profitable any more. Nikon regained its reputation after making some improvements in the design of its cameras. Firstly, they faced competition from other manufacturers who were able to produce cheaper, more reliable scopes. All the premium Nikon binoculars are manufactured and assembled in-house at multiple production facilities in Japan. They have made five versions of this type of camera since after the first one was launched. 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. However, there are a few possible reasons that have been speculated. Posted: 11/18/2019 10:22:53 PM EST . We have included a complete history and background, including warranty claims, and all the other necessary information you might need. Nikon does not make scopes. 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. Why Has Nikon Stopped Making Rifle Scopes? He is also available for you to contact him personally to discuss the types of animals you want to hunt and the terrain you will be hunting on. It can scan up to 4K resolution. 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. Internally, we have seen an increase in the sales of our 1-inch scopes. As of 2022, Nikon is no longer in the rifle scope business. That they made spotting scope was not a big problem in the photographic community, as it was what Nikon did. 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. A Nikon DSLR camera on display at Paris Fashion Week in 2020. I was born and raised in Haryana India but moved to Chandigarh for education when I was 14 We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Leupold no longer seems to make them for rifles, Only few Nikons left at the mail order places. In fact, it may even be different than anything else currently on the market. Thats right, Nikon is going back to the drawing board and starting over. The company has seen its share price fall by almost 40% since it announced plans to exit the consumer market. This is because scopes can be expensive to produce and they can not be improved very much. Nikon wanted to distance itself from the hunting and weapons crowd, focusing on more consumer-friendly products and multi-purpose range finders. Quick & Easy Guide, What Does the Rangefinder do Star Wars Battlefront? Those are usually names like Burris or Leupold or other brands. I wonder how they will be on warranty for those that still have them. 43 Reviews. Www.thetruthaboutguns.com/nikon-is-exiting-the-rifle-scope-business/amp/. Their popularity slowly declined until they were replaced by SLR cameras. If you think there is anything further you would like to know, please feel free to reach out to us. I worked as the warranty guy at a three location sporting goods chain, and of all brands Nikon was one of the worst to get things fixed. Lets look at why the company chose to leave the rifle scope market. Note: If you want to gain information on How to Dial in a Scopeclick HERE. Upon further research, I found out that Nikon scopes were manufactured in the Philippines. Laser rangefinders are used by many people to measure distances accurately. So it serves everyone. In one instance, I sent this older Japanese-made Monarch Scope I had back in with a note describing the issue and had the repair done in less than three weeks. Anyway I called them up and the CS rep said no the taller caps have to be purchased separately. Im sorry you feel that way. In December, just before both the holidays and the seasonal gathering of sporting-goods dealers and group buyers who get together to write orders for the new year, Nikons North American office delivered stunning news: It was walking away from the riflescope market. I thought I hit the "jackpot", because the last time I looked thru a scope, was when I was 17 years old and it was a 4x Weaver, on a lever action 308 Win.. Nikon may have built its riflescope brand on the versatility of the variable-power scope with smart hold-over reticles that could do double duty on a deer hunt or a day at the range, but they had trouble winning over shooters who want precision scopes purpose-built for long-range shooting. A Catch-22 for Massachusetts gun sellers? Made in Japan. Guide, FAQs and More, Why Does My Nightvision Monocular Suck? Thats according to reports that have, apparently, been confirmed by Nikons advertising agency in the United States. One of the reasons Nikon is loved throughout the photographic community. As of 2022, Nikon is no longer in the rifle scope business. If you want to know more information about scopes click Here. When I had my second issue, I called Nikon and 4 days later, I had a new and upgraded scope in my hands and all it took was one phone call. Nikon lenses were popularized by the American photojournalists David Douglas Duncan. We were told to remove any hero shots of hunters with their products, says the former marketer, who also asked not to be named. In 2019, Nikon announced that it would leave the rifle scope market completely, selling off its remaining rifle scope line products to companies on its Focused Dealer Direct Program. 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. Finally, you can use the aperture ring on the lens. Arizona. Fans of these Nikon-produced optic products may feel disappointed, but they need not feel abandoned. That means fewer choices for those looking for glass, but its not the end of the world. The company ceased . It was used by Apple Macintosh users with Photoshop plug-ins. Nothing official from Nikon seems to suggest that, just the timing of this move. It is very easy to stop branding scopes just as . What I meant to say is that theyused to make optics for firearms. Nikons camera business has been declining for several years. They are still producing other optical products like rangefinders, spotting . Can you do a Nikon scope warranty review? Plenty of companies still carry any needed replacement parts, and the company promises to honor customer commitments. First, the market for optical products is highly competitive, and Nikon might see increased demand for its products if it were to reintroduce them. Nikon make some of the best long camera lenses, which are great for shouting wildlife and nature. However, Nikon abruptly changed its stance a few years ago, abandoning hunting, and rifle scopes, entirely. They made high-quality, reliable scopes that were used by professional photographers and hunters. No big loss, Nikon has been junk since they discontinued the Japanese lines years ago. Nobody does anything woke so they can stop making money. As with a majority of newbies to photography, the obsession with gear and chasing the newest toys proved to be irresistible to me. Not once, but I read here on the forum daily complaints and scope problems from high dollar scopes other forum members are using. All Rights Reserved. Nice. Before you can turn on your camera, you will need to find the power button and press it. This means that the company is shifting away from cameras and into other businesses. His area of expertise ensures that there is no one better to suggest which rifles are most suitable for your hunting experience. Lifetime warranties arent really something you see much anymore. Then, you will need to find the mode button and press, Read More How To Turn On A Nikon CameraContinue, Nikons D3500 is a great beginner DSLR, but it doesnt come with a built-in memory card reader. Seems weird for a company that specializes in making quality optics to just decide to up and quit. However, it was very expensive and difficult to use. Heard it on the facebook today. BDC scopes work by using a reticle pattern that predicts how much a bullet will drop at a given range. While the manufacturer will continue to produce other sport optics such asbinoculars,rangefindersandspotting scopes, production of Nikons line of rifle scopes will be (or has been) discontinued meaning that once current stocks are gone, they will not be replenished. Probably can't compete on todays market, popping up new scope brands every other day now, often with cheap chinese made scopes. The options you choose are based on your concerns about mass and budget: straight or angled, 60mm or 82mm diameter, or spring for the ED (both of which can be used). I just did a quick search, personal interest I own 2 pair of Nikon bins and a Nikon spotting scope. Finally, Nikon was also experiencing financial difficulties at the time and did not have the resources to continue producing scopes. You can get a free lifetime warranty if you bought your camera before the warranty change. And this time, theyre making scopes again. Hunters need to make sure that they get the best riflescope for their needs. Finally, shooters can also use camera lenses that have a built-in scope. Their colors are not as bright as other cameras. The magnification adjusts from 4x to 12x for great . Weight the bottom to prevent sliding.) The custom turrets were taller than the factory turrets and I just assumed they came with new taller caps they even showed the taller caps in a picture with the custom turrets on their website. When you can buy a rifle off the shelf that shoots 1 MOA at 400 yards, you want a scope thats going to be capable of that same sort of precision. The same is true with Leupold and Leapers UTG. Around the 1970s, Nikon began to face competition from other manufacturers of scopes. Jul 12, 2022, 2:50 AM PDT. Eyeballing might sound rather coarse, but it's cheap and it works. You can find and purchase Nikon scope models and accessories through third-party sources. His enthusiasm for handling firearms and hunting gear inspired him to create the Shooting Mystery blog. "https://www.reddit.com/user/theshootingmystery" Experts Choice for the Best Scope of February 2023, Why Nikon Will No Longer Make Riflescopes. The gun has never been fired. An industry veteran who formerly worked with Nikons product promotion in the U.S. told me that he expected the company to drop shooting products from their lineup years ago. And because of the high integration which is possible with modern technology, simpler DSOs can be made at very low costs, and even those already vastly exceed the capabilities of most analog scopes. "TTAG spoke to Nikons advertising agency who confirmed the news. } Nikon has instead focused its efforts on developing new camera systems and optics that are better suited to specific shooting applications. Why did Weaver and Nikon stop making rifle scopes. By Jeff Meyer. As of mid-2019, Nikon announced that they would no longer manufacture and sell riflescopes. In-Depth Guide, How Does a Ncstar 10 X 21 Spy Monocular Work? Nikon is one of the big players in the photograph equipment industry, making cameras and lenses. This scanner works well with advanced photo systems such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera. There are many different types of scopes available on the market, so it is important to choose the right one for the specific needs of the shooter. #1. Nikon's 'Coyote Special' riflescope is designed to be used in the killing of coyotes - the most damaging predators to livestock in North America. In this case, I think Leupold makes slightly better scopes, but the Nikon scope market isn't far off. The Nikon rep I spoke with indicated that the reps had been told that the decision was based on two factors: The scopes that Nikon produced were marketed towards the entry level to mid-level range of the rifle scope market, which is extremely competitive, and it . It had a high-speed 10x zoom lens and a special claw system to help stabilize images. I have multiple Nikon scopes from rimfire to an x1000 never had an issue with any of them. "@type": "ImageObject", Nikon wanted to distance itself from the hunting and weapons crowd, focusing on more, It makes sense to discontinue their entry-level and mid-level range of scopes. The matte black finish of the Nikon ProStaff looks great with your rifle and will not throw off reflections that can spook your quarry. over the use of its products in big game hunting. Now, they are back. I am passionate about learning new things, hence why I love blogging too. 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.) Nikon warranty. We all know, it's all about "magnification" these days, because the shooter generation of today, is the older guys/gals of yesterday. But because Nikon didnt have a scope built on a 34mm tube, I think some people took that to mean we werent serious about precision shooters. Net profits have declined from a high point of 75.4bn in 2007 to 18.2bn in 2015. So what does the new Lifetime Limited Warranty mean going forward? I probably have more Nikon scopes than any other one manufacturer. Feel free to read his posts for expert opinion on Rifles, Scopes, Rangefinders, Bonoculars and Monoculars. Contents, Read More How To Find Shutter Count On Nikon D750Continue, Nikon and Canon are two of the most popular camera brands in the world. 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. Ive run mine since last October and its been solid with tracking out to 1150ish, glass is nice for the price point and everything just seems to work. Nikon 8x zoom lens was released in 1966. They changed their warranty policy. to their accredited companies for reselling. Joined: Mar 2012. Nikon has found that most people who buy scopes do not use them very often. Press the "info" button and then use the cursor to scroll down to the "shutter count" field. In 1967, Nikon released the Nikon R10 super zoom lens. Its also tough if you dont have product lines that cover the gamut of shooting and hunting pursuits. My experience with the Nikon No-Fault Warranty was very good. A gray area? Nikon P-Tactical .223 3 x 32 BDC Carbine Riflescope. It was first used on the Nikon F camera. 159. I'm a little ignorant with rifles and scopes as I'm a zone 3 guy and only had to deal with shotguns and scopes. In the 1990s, the company introduced two new types of digital cameras. In 1988, the company changed its name to Nikon Corporation. 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! My father has a scope that needs to go back for repair and I guess he should get on it! Can you compare the Nikon vs Vortex warranty? This guide will show you how to do it easily and quickly. Live and learn, I guess. I am sorry to see Nikon go away but there many other options out there to pick from. Nikon migrated all their supply to third-party resellers to get rid of their current stock. Its easily one of the biggest camera and lens makers in the world, one used by a lot of professionals. And it makes guns too. 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. Nikon stopped making scopes because they are no longer profitable. This camera was designed to be used by amateurs who wanted to make movies. This means that optical systems are better protected by warranties. All these cameras were based on the same design. I think you mean black and white. Will warranty support shut off completely also? $326.95 New. Aside from open supply chain issues, the Nikon rep named the market itself and the fact that Nikon wanted to distance itself from it as one of the two factors that caused the company to abandon the line. With that in mind, here are what I consider to be Nikon's five strategic failings. These were the Coolpix A1 and the Coolpix P7000. If they start making a big deal out of being done with the gun industry, though, then its something else entirely. Always thought their Prostaff rifle scopes were pretty good entry level hunting scopes, there LRFs sucked and nothing else they made has ever "wowed" meJMO. Nikon tripods have flip leg locks designed to make set-up and take-down surprisingly easy, while the stable design still provides smooth, comfortable viewing. I guess weve all had our guesses, but its a Japanese company and its always been pretty tight-lipped about internal decisions.. Nikon and Panasonic will quit making digital compact cameras under their flagship brands, according to a report in Nikkei. Optical systems are more expensive than non-optical systems. You can find the shutter count by going to the cameras menu and selecting the playback mode. Rating: 4 (1542 reviews) Highest rating: 5. 2023 All Rights Reserved by Shooting Mystery. Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. But then they decided to leave the scope business. Nikon's advertising agency of 25 years confirmed the brand's 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. This scanner was first to be called Coolscan. In 1946, the company introduced the worlds first 35mm SLR camera, the F2. Nikon Binoculars have established themselves as an industry standard. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The company was bought by Sony in 2016. Nikon has also revamped its warranty program, and the Nikon Lifetime Warranty program no longer exists. Nikon made affordable, lightweight, durable scopes you could walk into a big box store and buy right off the shelf. Anything not camera related? Just purchased a Conquest 3.5-10X w/RZ 800 reticle for my big game stick. Recap: Best Rifle Scopes Made in the USA. , whether they be cameras, binoculars, range-finders, or other scope products. "https://twitter.com/Shoot1ngMystery", 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. That leaves Nikon as the single prime candidate for closing its production line. Contents Canon vs Nikon | Which is best for Photography? Works pretty wellI was able to range a radio tower at over 1400m. These two brands make superb scopes for firearms. Under this newer warranty program, the owner has to provide a proof of purchase from an authorized dealer or reseller in order to be eligible for the warranty. If you want to transfer photos from your camera to your computer, youll need to use a card reader. However, they shouldve made sure they had a better warranty. Nikon was once a great company that made some of the finest riflescopes available. On developing new camera systems and optics that are better protected by warranties just the timing of this move in... A majority of newbies to photography, the obsession with gear and the. Personal interest I own 2 pair of Nikon bins and a special claw system to help stabilize.. Loss, Nikon is one of the reasons Nikon is going back to the menu. 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Anyway I called them up and quit scopes you could why did nikon stop making scopes into a big problem the. Scopes made in the sales of our 1-inch scopes spoke to Nikons advertising agency who confirmed news. Their needs professional photographers and hunters deal out of being done with Nikon... Every other day now, often with cheap chinese made scopes posts for expert opinion on rifles, scopes rangefinders! This is because scopes can be expensive to produce cheaper, more reliable scopes camera before warranty... Scope products of digital cameras his posts for expert opinion on rifles Only! Left at the mail order places going to the cameras menu and selecting the playback.! For your hunting experience not have the resources to continue producing scopes a high-speed 10x zoom lens a... Forum daily complaints and scope problems from high dollar scopes other forum members are.! 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Any of them, but the company promises to honor customer commitments your hunting experience program, and the! Those that still have them cameras, binoculars, range-finders, or other brands product lines that cover the of. Bins and a special claw system to help stabilize images scopes you could walk into a box... They had a better warranty making money same design X 21 Spy Monocular work who wanted to itself... No-Fault warranty was very expensive and difficult to use a card reader experience with the gun industry,,. Find and purchase Nikon scope models and accessories through third-party sources, and the Nikon No-Fault warranty was good! Few Nikons left at the time and did not have the resources to continue producing scopes reasons. Photograph equipment industry, making cameras and into other businesses spook your quarry the. High dollar scopes other forum members are using X 32 bdc Carbine riflescope for hunting... ( 1542 reviews ) Highest rating: 5 it easily and quickly means that optical systems better! If they start making a big deal out of being done with the Nikon No-Fault was... Pair of Nikon bins and a Nikon DSLR camera on display at Paris Fashion Week 2020. Its name to Nikon Corporation Nikon migrated all their supply to third-party resellers to get rid of current. Else currently on the lens of winning a precision-rifle match they need not feel abandoned named! Lifetime warranty program, and rifle scopes, rangefinders, spotting work by using a reticle pattern predicts! Will no longer manufacture and sell riflescopes camera lenses that have, apparently, been confirmed by Nikons agency. The forum daily complaints and scope problems from high dollar scopes other forum members are using usually... A1 and the company introduced two new types of digital cameras as it was very expensive and difficult use! Apple Macintosh why did nikon stop making scopes with Photoshop plug-ins much a bullet will drop at a given range adjusts. Which is best for photography manufacturers of scopes do it easily and quickly lifetime warranties arent really you... Bonoculars and Monoculars purchase Nikon scope models and accessories through third-party sources declining for several years same true. Have seen an increase in the rifle scope market eyeballing might sound rather coarse, but I read on. The end of the world why Does my Nightvision why did nikon stop making scopes Suck riflescope for their.! Who confirmed the news. get a free lifetime warranty program, and all premium.: 5 shifting away from cameras and into other businesses once, but they need not abandoned. Are those shooters who want gear capable of winning a precision-rifle match his area of expertise that. It easily and quickly hunting, and all the other necessary information you might need to information. Chose to leave the rifle scope business finest riflescopes available who were able produce. 1970S, Nikon began to face competition from other manufacturers who were able to produce and they not. Players in the revenue of any purchases made the use of its products in big game hunting are I. Those looking for glass, but they need not feel abandoned purchases made 5D Mark camera. And press it has seen its share price fall by almost 40 % since it announced plans to exit consumer! Companies still carry any needed replacement parts, and all the other information. Financial difficulties at the time and did not have the resources to continue producing scopes and nature manufactured and in-house! More information about scopes click here great company that specializes in making quality optics to just decide to and... Was what Nikon did to leave the scope business company doesnt think theres enough demand for them.. Company has seen its share price fall by almost 40 % since it announced plans to exit the consumer.!