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NightForce TS-82 Spotting Scope Review (20-70X With Amazing Image Quality)


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ts-82 20-70x angled spotting scope
Image Credit - Nightforce Optics

Viewing Configuration: Angled
Magnification: 20-70X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: Yes
Eyepiece included: Yes
Objective Diameter: 82 mm
Close Focus Distance: 4.59 feet
Length: 15.9 inches (angled)/16.4 inches (straight)
Weight: 68 ounces
Field of View: 123.1-48.7 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 18 mm/ 4.1-1.17 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

NightForce TS-82 Spotting Scope

This NightForce TS-82 has the best-of-the-best APO fluorite glass, hydrophobic coatings, and a roof prism design. It has an aluminum body that's fully weatherproof and a Quick-Release Bayonet mount.

Would it be biased to boast about the perfect rating that it has when there are only a couple of reviews online so far? No. Why not? Because this scope costs a heck-of-a lot. To see even a couple of reviews for this scope is an excellent indication of its quality.

As the proud and premiere spotter to the NightForce spotting scope line, you can expect to see many great features on this tour de force - and that's why it gets a place among the best spotting scopes.

But, to see in detail what truly makes this spotter a masterpiece of ruggedness and viewing perfection, here's the Q&A.

Pros:

  • Very close focus distance
  • Interchangeable eyepieces
  • Digiscope adaptable
  • High power
  • High quality

Cons:

  • Price
  • Heavy

TS-82 20-70X Scope Q&A:

What awards has the TS-82 won?

The spotter won the "Best of the Best" award in 2014 from none other than the esteemed and world-renowned Field & Stream magazine.

What is the image quality like on the TS-82 20-70X?

It's astounding, even at full 70X power! The images are crisp, sharp, and clear.

That would be thanks to the roof prism system, excellent coatings, and of course the APO fluorite glass.

The images are incredibly bright. You can see 6.5 mm-284 bullet strikes from 600 yards away, which interestingly, it has the same velocity as the .260 Remington (6.5 mm-08), if that gives you a better idea.

YouTube video

What is APO fluorite glass?

Well, we already know that the best lens elements contain fluoride in them. It helps to correct for all those nasty aberrations, chromatic and spherical.

APO stands for apochromatic lens, and they are guaranteed to align blue, green, and red wavelengths together at the same focal point. APO is considered superior to the more common achromat lenses that are used in some hunting optics, but more commonly in cameras, and they only align two colors, blue and red.

But unfortunately, APO still doesn't guarantee its excellent as there's no universal standard for this type of lens. Each manufacturer can decide what it means for their product.

Good thing for you, NightForce can be trusted. This is the label you know is the standard for excellent, and they use only the best sources of glass elements available, and for tacking on such a hefty price tag, it will be worth it.

Is there another model of the TS-82?

While this review features the angled version, there is a straight model that's also available. But, there are benefits to both.

The angled version 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.

The straight version has always been a useful, practical, classic design. It's best for most hunters that don't fuss with birding and that also rely on using car mounts. If you are a little unsure as to how best to use a spotting scope, we have a great article to help get you up to speed.

What are the interchangeable eyepieces?

NightForce 30-60x Wide Angle Eyepiece
Image Credit - Nightforce Optics

The TS-82 has the nice option of being able to change out the eyepiece for a different one with a smaller zoom variation.

The one that comes with the spotter is the 20-70X eyepiece.

The optional eyepiece that you can purchase separately is the 30-60X eyepiece.

What is the Quick-Release Bayonet mount?

This feature is often seen on high-end spotters that allow for interchangeable eyepieces. It's a security mechanism that ensures your eyepiece isn't going to go AWOL if the quick-release has been depressed.

The bayonet mount features an interlocking system that locks together the eyepiece to the body of the spotter to ensure that it's not going to accidentally fall off and get damaged.

What is the TS-82’s close focus distance?

This number is particularly important to birders since it's an extremely close distance. In fact, it's the closest distance I've seen on a spotter since most are either in the 20 plus feet range, or if they're close, I've seen it in the six-ish feet range.

But, the NightForce certainly wins out with an extremely near and impressive close focus distance of 4.59 feet.

Is this a good scope for the shooting range?

It's going to be a beast on the field but a pro at the range. Its excellent and exceptional image quality is what makes it the perfect, brightest, and most clearest set of eyes on the range.

And, it will deservedly put all other spotters to shame. Just set it up at the range and you're good to go.

As a side note, NightForce says this spotter is an excellent tool for the range, hunting, law enforcement, and even varmint/predator hunting.

But realistically, for the hunter, the whopping poundage of 68 ounces is going to have to be something to think about. Now, that's the weight with the eyepiece attached, which makes it a spotter some would call "lightweight" for a full size optic. But, for practical reasons while you're out in the field, you'll need to weigh it up (pun intended).

What camera-phones are compatible with the TS-82?

So far, NightForce specifically mentions the Iphone 4 and the Iphone 5. Attach the phone adapter to the eyepiece and you have a digiscoping spotter.

How much does the TS-82 cost?

Get ready for it. It costs around $2600 online. I'm sure that's going to be at least a little cheaper than buying elsewhere, but from what I've seen, it's a pretty standard price for the TS-82.

Is it worth it? You tell me. A spotter can enable you to make a well-placed shot because of accurate identification. Whereas, incorrect identification because of foggy glass, image distortion, and not enough brightness can leave you with a misplaced shot or worse, a wounded animal, causing it unnecessary pain and suffering.

What is NightForce's warranty?

You're going to be hard-pressed to find information on it on their website or online for that matter. But, they do have one.

First, you need to go to their website and register your spotter. They'll have a million questions lined up for you, including "What hunting/shooting television programs do you like to watch?" and "Do you travel to participate in competitive shooting events?".

Pretty much, they want to know everything, and I mean everything, about you. But, it's all voluntary of course. In fact, the only thing that's mandatory to provide is your full name, your street address, and the product info.

If you want more info on your warranty, just turn right to your user manual for a little more insight.

YouTube video

Noteworthy Features:

  • 20-70X extended zoom for extra long distance and extremely intense, fine detail viewing while out in the field
  • Huge 82 mm objective lens for maximum light gathering abilities
  • NightForce proprietary hydrophobic coating for ultimate lens protection and easy cleaning
  • APO Fluorite lenses for reduced chromatic and spherical aberrations
  • Interchangeable eyepieces; 20-70X and 30-60X
  • Quick-Release Bayonet Mount for easy, secure, and solid eyepiece-to-body mounting
  • Fully fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof for use in harsh hunting conditions
  • Roof prism spotting scope for ultimate optical performance
  • Angled design and straight available
  • 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 TS 82 Spotting Scope

The scoop on the scope is, the NightForce TS-82 20-70X Xtreme spotter is a whistler of a scope. While it's heavy and very high powered, it's a versatile unit for everything from stalking the herd to taking pictures of the rare bird a mile off. We also won't deny that it's expensive, and it does rival the prices of Zeiss and Swarovski. The only bonus in price is, an eyepiece is included in the purchase - whew!

Speaking of Zeiss, and having a budget like this, you could afford the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 spotting scope. Even better, this Zeiss comes with a 30-60X eyepiece that's included in the purchase which is even cheaper than the NightForce - awesomeness!

However, the NightForce TS-80 would be an excellent buy with awesome value if you're willing to drop the interchangeable eyepiece technology. You can still take pictures, but you won't have that APO glass that the TS-82 sports!

All in all, NightForce knows how to compete, not just because they have Competition Rifle Scopes in the market, but because they do what they do best - make superior optics. When you buy a NightForce, you know what I'm going to say next - I can't help it, "May the force be with you!"

Further Reading

Photo of author

Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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