The Best Nikon Scope Reviews in 2022

For several years, Nikon has managed to stay on top by creating high-quality products, especially in the field of scopes and optics. Nikon is also known for heavily investing in scope development, thereby ensuring that their products are incredible in terms of performance. With the guaranteed quality and reliability of the products and items offered by the brand, it certainly helps to shop for the best Nikon scope. You can find one that is sturdy and helps you move and shoot on the field accurately.

To help you decide, here are short reviews of various Nikon scopes. Fortunately, all the scopes from Nikon mentioned in this article suit various handguns and rifles.

Best Nikon Scope Reviews of 2022

Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm BDC Rifle Scope

I like the bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticle used in creating this scope because it aids in both short and long-range shooting. This capability promotes ease in adjusting the scope to a max of 300 yards. I am also impressed with how effective this scope is in collecting a sufficient amount of light.

As for the presence of the additional sunshade, expect this to be truly essential. It is built to be adaptable, which also boosts the clarity of vision and the level of accuracy of each shot. This means that the sunshade contributes to shooting your target without issues.

I like the optic system used in this scope from Nikon, too. It is completely multi-coated. This multi-coated optic design guarantees users that the scope is indeed capable of transmitting more than 98% of available light within just a few hours of use.

This rifle scope for various rifles, including the AR-15 and .30-06 rifles, is also highly durable because it is built to withstand various shooting conditions. All of these capabilities make this Nikon scope an outstanding choice for anyone serious about paying for a quality scope.

One thing I dislike about this scope is the lack of parallax adjustment.

I have no room regretting my decision to pick any of the scopes from Nikon, as each one is affordable and full of highly useful features.

Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9X40 BDC 150 Rifle Scope

This is mainly because of the ¼-inch adjustments at 50 yards, as well as the instant zero-reset turrets that are spring loaded. This scope is optimized to be used with the brand’s spot-on ballistic match technology containing plenty of ballistic information for over 5,000 various loads.

With this, it is possible for you to get exact aiming points at a certain range on the scope’s BDC reticle. The overall structure of this Nikon rifle scope is also amazing because it is built to withstand a wide range of harsh elements. For instance, the optics chamber is nitrogen purged, while the lenses are O-ring sealed. This option has a decent field of view, while continuously satisfying users with how easy it is to mount the scope.

One downside of the scope is its short eye relief.

Considering all the promised benefits and features of this rifle scope, it is an incredible choice for those who want to use the best Nikon rifle scope for deer hunting, or any other shooting or hunting application.

Nikon P-223 3-9×40 BDC 600 Rifle Scope

Combine this reticle with the tactical-style turrets and the scope’s zero-reset capability. and I am sure you will enjoy its simplified field adjustments. Another positive point about this rifle scope is its multi-coated optical system. Such optics can maximize the transmission of light while providing optimal brightness.

This scope is also capable of offering a decent performance when used for whatever hunting and shooting application because of its truly strong structure. It is built to be both O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled.

Additionally, this scope has a built-in ballistic match technology. This assures users of a high level of accuracy when used for long-range shooting and hunting. I think that it also perfectly suits situations that require shooting with a high level of accuracy because of its high-quality ammunition pointing and loading.

The thick and multi-coated lens offered by this scope also promotes incredible sighting speeds. It showcases great light transmission capability, making it perfect for tree stand hunting or range shooting.

However, it does not feature flip caps that some users find useful for security purposes.

Still, this rifle scope carries a lot of amazing and incredible features, which is the reason why it continues to be one of those Nikon scopes that receive positive feedback from users.

Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 BDC Rifle Scope

I am glad that this scope has a multi-colored lens. This ensures increased light transmission (max of 98% guaranteed). I am also satisfied with the scope’s BDC reticle, as it promotes ease in game hunting. This reticle is ideal for long-range shooting due to its see-through ballistic circles.

The 3.6-inch eye relief is also decent enough that it prevents straining your eyes excessively due to strong gun recoil. Other strengths of this riflescope include its portability and lightness. The lightweight and portable structure of the scope promotes speed, especially when used in scenarios that require you to change your position regularly or chase your target.

This scope does not have a mounting ring. You have to purchase it separately.

For its price, the Nikon ProStaff Black Matte 3-9×40 BDC Rifle Scope has several nice features and benefits that all hunters and shooters will enjoy.

Nikon ProStaff 4-12×40 BDC Rifle Scope

This scopes comes with a black matte finish. I am impressed with the multi-layer coating on the outer glass pieces and lens. I think that this coating contributes a lot to obtaining the highest transmission of light without the need for target illumination.

Another benefit guaranteed by this scope is its ability to provide high-resolution and clear images of your targets, even in conditions with minimal lighting. I like the BDC reticle utilized by this scope beacuse it allows easy and quick target sighting at various distances, specifically 200, 400, and 600 yards.

The reticle also has bubbles that serve as the marking for your target distances. This aids in compensating for bullet drop. It is also equipped with windage and elevation turrets. It has built-in turret caps that work in protecting your equipment while on transport. This scope also takes pride in its zero-turn reset, which I find useful in getting back to zero settings without hassle.

One thing I do not like about this scope is the lack of parallax adjustment.

With all the features and benefits of the Nikon 6729 ProStaff Rifle Scope, I am certain that it is a reasonable investment for anyone looking for a high-resolution scope that can withstand a wide range of environments and conditions.

Nikon ProStaff 5 3.5-14×50 BDC Rifle Scope

This rifle scope is appropriate for use on the spot-on ballistic match technology unique to the Nikon brand. This compatibility is beneficial because it gets rid of the guesswork linked to bullet drop compensation. You can also easily adjust the scope when you are in a shooting position.

This is due to the convenient eyepiece, which is quick to focus with the help of its 4x ratio. Ease of adjustments is also guaranteed due to the spring-loaded, zero-reset turrets, hand-turn reticle adjustment, and new and bright optical system.

The ProStaff 5 also takes pride in its simple and secure design. This matte finish can blend well with various rifles. It also has a low risk of suffering from shocks or experiencing damage or harm due to fog or water because of its O-ring sealing.

Since it is nitrogen filled, it is also possible for it to neutralize all potential air impurities penetrating the scope, thereby resulting in a much better aim. It has an easy-to-use and long eye relief, providing a clear view without the need for eye protection.

The lens cover included in this product does not perform as efficiently as a high-quality flip cap.

Even with such drawback, no one can deny how good and efficient this Nikon rifle scope is. It delivers a truly incredible performance.

Nikon P-Tactical

It allows you to achieve a great performance when shooting or hunting, no matter what platform you decide to mount the rifle scope on. I am also greatly satisfied with the fully multi-coated optic system delivered by this scope. Such an optic system is housed in a 1-inch tube constructed from the rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum material.

Due to the full multi-coating of the scope’s optics, it can deliver sufficient brightness during poor lighting conditions. I also like the exposed turrets because it maximizes readability while guaranteeing repeatable and smooth adjustments.

It has a flexible 3x zoom ratio, which is capable of offering a good field of view while also being highly detailed. You can also expect crisp reticle focus and rapid acquisition of targets from this rifles cope, thanks to its smooth-turn aluminum ring, which also features a rubberized eye guard.

The strong and shock-proof construction is also a major help in preventing hard recoil and the possible damaging effects of harsh use. I like the O-ring sealing added to this scope because it also ensures that moisture does not penetrate its body.

One issue I have with this Nikon scope is the lack of audible clicks for its turrets.

This is just t a minor flaw, especially if you compare it to its outstanding performance and numerous functional features.

Nikon M-Tactical

This scope can deliver high-contrasting and bright sight pictures with the aid of its multi-coating technology and proprietary glass quality. It also utilizes the BDC600 reticle, which works appropriately for long-range shooting. It can also handle long distances while still keeping target.

Another benefit of this rifle scope is that it has ergonomically designed zoom rings, which promotes a more comfortable function regardless of the size of your fingers. It is also nitrogen purged, thereby preventing it from fogging. The quick-eye focus also plays a vital role in the rapid acquisition of target and in properly focusing the reticle.

This product is heavier compared to most Nikon scopes.

For its reasonable price, you can enjoy plenty of amazing and valuable features from this Nikon tactical scope.

About Nikon

Nikon has always been synonymous with top-quality optics. There are only a few other companies that can match the quality and performance of Nikon scopes, and even fewer can match their cost effectiveness. If you are looking for high-quality optics at affordable prices, then the products offered by the brand should be checked out first. Nikon has made rifle scopes and other scopes for different firearms, and they are some of the most cost-effective optics in the world.

Nikon Scopes vs Leupold Scopes

If you are on the fence between Nikon and Leupold scopes, perhaps this short comparison might sway you to one side.

When it comes to quality, Nikon and Leupold are almost the same. However, since Nikon products are produced out of the United States, most people automatically assume that quality control is a bit lacking. In reality, that is not the case. Leupold scopes, on the other hand, are all made in the United States, which might seem impressive to some consumers.

When you closely examine the two brands, their build quality is almost identical, especially when you go to the higher-end products. The kicker here is that Nikon’s scopes are much more affordable compared to the ones made by Leupold.

The “made in the USA” tag is almost always a seal of quality, especially when it comes to guns and gun parts, which is why many people usually choose Leupolds over Nikons. True gun enthusiasts look beyond the brand of the scope and will base their judgment on the performance.

If you have a tight budget, but you want to get a scope that is high in quality, then you definitely should check out one of the many offerings by Nikon.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Nikon Scope

Here are some of the features that you should keep an eye out for.

Objective Lens Size 

The objective lens is the one in front of the scope. The job of the objective lens is to gather ambient light from the environment so that the sight picture at the other end of the scope is clear and sharp. The bigger the lens, the more light it transmits into the scope. However, you should keep in mind that glass is heavy. This means that if you want a bigger objective lens, you have to be prepared for the additional weight.

Lens Coating

The lens coating pertains to the anti-reflective film that is layered on the lenses of scopes. This film is important because it improves the light transmission. Aside from that, the anti-reflective film also prevents your prey from knowing your location. Even the smallest amount of light can reflect to the eyes of the prey. When choosing a scope, look for the ones that are “fully multi-coated.” These are the scopes that have both the objective and focal lens covered with multiple layers of anti-reflective film.

Magnification

The magnification power of your scope will depend on the type of ammunition of the rifle it will be mounted on. For instance, if you will be installing a scope on a low-powered rifle, then you should not put a high-powered sniper rifle scope on it. Aside from it being overkill, it is harder to aim when the target is fully zoomed in. Just the slightest shake will be magnified when seen through the scope.

Eye relief 

The eye relief is the maximum distance between your eyes and the focal lens. This is a safety feature that is quite useful, especially when you are using high-caliber rifles that have a strong recoil. When you squeeze the trigger on your rifle, and your eye is too close to the focal lens, the recoil will push the end of the scope into your face, causing considerable injuries. If you will be using relatively recoil-less ammunition, you do not need a scope with long eye relief.

Reticle

The reticle, also known as the crosshair, is the image that you will see inside the scope when you take a peek inside. If this is your first rifle scope, then you should just stick with the Duplex reticle. This is the classic reticle design that has all of the necessary information that you will need, like elevation, and windage. The only thing that you need to remember is to choose the scope that has the most visible reticle design so that you will have no problem aiming.

Compare Nikon Scopes

Product	Reticle	Magnification	Objective Lens Diameter	Eye Relief	Tube Size	Length	Weight
Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm Riflescope	BDC Reticle	4-12x	40 mm	3.7 inches	1 inch	14 inches	13.6 ounces
Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9x40 Riflescope	BDC 150 Reticle	3-9x	40 mm	3.6 inches	1 inch	12.3 inches	13.1 ounces
Nikon P-223 3-9x40 Riflescope	BDC 600 Reticle	3-9x	40 mm	3.6 inches	1 inch	12.40 inches	17.1 ounces
Nikon ProStaff Black Matte 3-9x40 BDC Riflescope	BDC Reticle	3-9x	40 mm	3.6 inches	1 inch	12.4 inches	13.7 ounces
Nikon 6729 ProStaff 4-12x40 Riflescope	BDC Reticle	4-12x	40 mm	3.7 inches	1 inch	14.1 inches	14.3 ounces
Nikon PROSTAFF 5 3.5-14x50 Riflescope	BDC Reticle	3.5-14x	50 mm	4 inches	1 inch	14.3 inches	19.4 ounces
Nikon P-Tactical 4-12x40 BDC800 Riflescope	BDC 800 Reticle	4-12x	40 mm	3.7 inches	1 inch	14.1 inches	17.5 ounces
Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF BDC600 Riflescope	BDC 600 Reticle	4-16x	42 mm	3.6-3.9 inches	30 mm	13.6 inches	20.6 ounces

(Source: [1], [2])

Conclusion

Hopefully, the information you find in this article can help you shop for the best Nikon scope. We provided you with a couple of helpful Nikon scope reviews so that you can find out which one fits you the most. However, avoid letting the opinion of others become your only point of reference when making a decision. Observe the characteristics that make a scope great and choose the ones you think is best for you.

The responses below are not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any financial entity or advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.