NightForce TS-80 Spotting Scope Review [20-60X Mag, Hi-Def]

nightforce ts 80 20-60x angled spotting scope — Image Credit - Nightforce Optics

Viewing Configuration: Angled
Magnification: 20-60X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: No
Eyepiece included: Yes
Objective Diameter: 80 mm
Close Focus Distance: 20 feet
Length: 14.4 inches
Weight: 68 ounces
Field of View: 104.8-56.77 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 18.5 mm/ 4-1.3 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: Not Listed
Focus System: Collar/Single Focus
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Digiscope adaptable: Yes

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation, Photography

Update: Nightforce has discontinued the TS-80 spotting scope. Check out their TS-82 Extreme Hi-Def spotting scope on Amazon or Optics Planet instead. Alternatively, you might be interested in these high end spotting scopes.

NightForce TS-80 Spotting Scope

This NightForce TS-80 has excellent ED glass, hydrophobic coatings, and a roof prism design. It has a magnesium alloy body that's fully weatherproof and a locking center focus ring.

Online there isn't a decent enough reviewer base that I can brag about just yet, even though it currently sports a perfect rating, that's only with one review that I could find at the time of writing. I wouldn't base your entire buying decision on it, but instead, let the features do all the talking.

The more affordable TS-80 is actually the second spotting scope that NightForce introduced after the release of the TS-82. The TS-82 was so popular that demand was high for a cost-friendly spotter. And, as the more budget-friendly one, it's being featured right here!

So, if you want to see if NightForce really did put their all into the TS-80, here's the Q&A so you can find out!

Pros:

Price
Digiscope adaptable
High power
High quality
Practically indestructible

Cons:

Single focus

TS-80 20-60X Q&A:

When was the TS-80 released?

This NightForce spotting scope was a brand new optic to 2015.

What is ED glass?

ED glass is especially beneficial in spotting scopes because of the way light interacts with glass and especially the prisms. And, it can correct for discrepancies that conventional, single lens aren't capable of.

ED glass is Extra-Low Dispersion glass that significantly reduces chromatic aberrations (CA). CA is that annoying color fringing you see on high-contrast images especially at high magnifications.

But, ED glass has elements in it that help to bring varying wavelengths of individual colors in the light spectrum to all meet at the same focal point. This is done by compensating for shorter wavelengths of colors like green and longer wavelengths of colors like red and blue. ED glass keeps wavelengths in phase of each other to reduce CA. Well, that's the goal.

Okay, I heard you, "what?" is probably what's on your mind. It's easier if I explain to you what you can expect with ED glass, hence our next question.

What are the benefits of NightForce's ED glass?

Since wavelengths are all meeting at the same point, you won't have the fuzzy, discolored edges on your high-contrast target or the edges of your field of view.

Your image will be kept bright with colors that are true and with contrast and resolution being kept to a maximum.

And, you should expect this kind of image quality at all

What is the real image quality like of Nightforce's TS-80?

While all the technology is there to make a true masterpiece of a spotter, the reality is just a little bit different.

According to the test team at Outdoor Life magazine, they say it's a mid-level spotter and "the image was slightly milky at higher powers".

What is a hydrophobic coating?

NightForce has made their own proprietary hydrophobic coating that gets applied to the external surfaces of exterior lenses, primarily the objective lens.

It's a non-stick coating that enables the lenses to stay clean with low maintenance. For example, when it's wet outside, raindrops will bead up and fall off. If your sticky mitts touched the lenses or mud drops splatter all over the place, all it should take is a quick wipe and it's gone.

What is the internal prism design?

This refers to the way the glass and lenses have been erected within the body of the spotter to ensure that your image reaches you forward facing and right side up.

Typically, prisms are either Porro prisms or roof prisms. This happens to be a roof prism spotter where the optical pathway is more compact in size allowing for a lighter weight and smaller body versus a Porro prism spotter.

This is where the quality of glass and coatings are of utmost important since light needs to reflect off internal surfaces with as little light loss as possible for bright and clear images.

The quality of glass processes such as grinding, polishing, and finishing will also help with eye comfort. Excellent glass, prism systems, and appropriately fitted assemblies will enable you to glass longer without eyestrain and discomfort.

What is the main feature of the large focus ring on the Nightforce TS-80?

If it isn't obvious by looking at the TS-80, I'll point it out for you. The main feature of the focus ring, and for that matter the magnification ring too, is the large, knurly, spiked design that surrounds the entire collar.

What's so good about this you ask?

Well, first off, just by looking at it, you can tell it's going to be a breeze to use with gloves on - there's no argument about that. Secondly, it's large and highly-textured enough to be able to remain looking through your sights without having to leave it to know you've got the right ring controls.

Do you think it's overdone? Or, maybe its tactical-looking and aggressive design is right up your alley? You tell me.

What is the little knob by the focus ring on the TS 80 for?

For newbies to the spotting game, you're probably wondering what that little knob is. You know it's not a focus knob, and it's not a fine-adjustment dial.

It's the locking center ring. Conveniently located right there in the middle, it's small enough to be unobtrusive while remaining easy to use.

What is the locking center ring on the TS-80?

The locking center ring allows for glassing from multiple angles when it's mounted to a tripod.

NightForce has made the TS-80 to have easily-recognizable indents at the 45, 90, and 180 positions. To push on or back from those indents, just gently keep rotating it to pass them by.

Just rotate the locking center ring until the scope is loose to be rotated. Put it in the angle that you choose and then lock the center ring so that it stays in place.

Is the eyepiece interchangeable on Nightforce's 60x80mm Spotting Scope?

No. The TS-80 is a fixed scope that only employs the one 20-60X eyepiece.

With all the modular versions out there, I wouldn't think this is necessarily a bad thing. For no-fuss, practical hunters, a fixed scope with a wide range of zoom is all you need.

Is there a straight Nightforce TS-80 spotting scope?

No. There is only the angled 20-60X80 TS-80 model in the series.

You may or may not be a huge fan of the angled version, but it's a design that you can live with, especially with the full 360 degree rotation that can be incorporated.

Has the TS-80 won any awards?

Since this spotter is still rather new, it hasn't seen any prestigious awards just yet. But, it was reviewed, ranked, and rated as one of the nine spotters worth looking at by Outdoor Life magazine.

Disappointingly, it didn't do exceptionally well in Outdoor Life's testing. Furthermore, there's something familiar about it - perhaps the fact that it resembles in aesthetics, not just a little but a lot, the Meopta MeoPro 80 HD.

How cost-friendly is the TS-80?

The TS-80 is much cheaper than the TS-82 and you can find it online for around $1500.

The demand for a more affordable spotter came after the TS-82 had been released and proved to be hit among its users. So instead of paying in excess of over $1000 on the TS-82, NightForce pleased the crowd and built its optical counterpart, the TS-80.

While the price is still deserving of a whistle, it's also expected from a NightForce. Extremely high-quality spotters are not cheap to make, and while we as consumers, assume there's a large profit margin in there, that's not always the case.

High-quality spotting scopes are expensive to purchase because they're expensive to manufacture.

Noteworthy Features:

20-60X magnification for long distance and fine detail viewing while out in the field
Huge 80 mm objective lens for maximum light gathering abilities
NightForce proprietary hydrophobic coating for ultimate lens protection and easy cleaning
Fully fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof for use in harsh hunting conditions
Roof prism spotting scope for ultimate optical performance
Angled design for more ergonomic and comfortable use
Built-in sun-shade, durable rubber twist up eyecups
Locking center ring with indents at 45, 90, and 180 degrees for convenient use
Backed by NightForce's Warranty

Our Verdict On The NightForce TS 80 Spotting Scope

The scoop on the scope is, the NightForce TS-80 20-60X80 spotting scope is a winner in all fields. The TS-80 has excellent value, and its optical quality is beyond par. However, for the price, they could've thrown in a dual focus system, but that's okay - it's a NightForce and will exceed your performance expectations.

For additional technology and some nice perks, the NightForce TS-82 has it all. It comes with the interchangeable eyepiece technology, APO glass, and the quick-release bayonet mount. But, be warned, it does cost quite a bit more!

For another comparable spotter with the same features, the Meopta MeoPro 20-60x80 HD Angled spotter is a viable competitor. It's in and around the same price range, but it also includes the dual focus system that the NightForce scope lacks - not bad!

NightForce has a reputation for indestructibility. They know tough, and they know rugged. If you want the force of a powerful optic on your side, cheer on NightForce!