Nikon

Field Image

System MX

Nikon has introduced a revolutionary viewing accessory for its flagship Fieldscope series of spotting scopes that is sure to be popular with a wide range of users including birders, shooters, hunters and law enforcement agencies.

Nikon’s Field Image System MX is an 80x CCD camera system (equivalent to a 4000mm lens) that attaches to a Nikon Fieldscope in place of an eyepiece. The Field Image System MX is linked to a 4-inch LCD color monitor via a 6 foot RCA cord. The result is a high resolution imaging device that allows group viewing or remote observation and can be linked to a camcorder to produce a video recording of whatever is seen by the viewer.

The Field Image System MX camera weighs just 3 ounces and is powered by four AA batteries that provide 15 hours of operation or by the included 6V AC adapter. The entire unit measures 4.5x2.7x1.6 inches and screws into the Fieldscope like an eyepiece. (In the case of the Fieldscope III, it does not affect the waterproof integrity.)

Complementing the Nikon Field Image System MX is the high resolution LCD color display that incorporates 270,000 pixels and 330 TV line resolution. The display is powered by eight AA batteries that provide six hours of operation, or by the included 12V AC adapter. Measuring just 5.1x4.1x2.4 inches and weighing only 12.3 ounces, the display is compact and lightweight for easy carry and convenient employment.

To operate the Nikon Field Image System MX, the user simply turns the unit on, points it at the target then focuses the Fieldscope until the image on the screen is crisp and clear.

The unit close focuses to just 5m (16.5 feet), so it can be used to view distant objects or make highly detailed study of closer ones. At 100 yards the field of view, as displayed on the monitor, is 2.7x1.8 feet. By simply attaching a cord to the appropriate jack on the monitor, the user can videotape subjects.

For situations where less than 80x magnification is desired, Nikon has included an F-mount camera lens adapter that allows use of the system with any of Nikon’s broad selection of Nikkor 35mm camera lenses instead of a Fieldscope body.

The Field Image System MX is also supplied with an accessory lens with a close focus distance of just 1.2 inches. This lens has a focal length of 12.9mm, and the field of view is 84x63 feet at 100 yards. At the close focus distance of 1.2 inches, the field of view is .24x.32 inches, ideal for close examination of stamps and coins.

Each Nikon Field Image System MX comes in a green Nikon hard case and is supplied with a 6V AC adapter, a 12V AC adapter, a clip-type tripod adapter, a sun shade for the LCD monitor and two accessory cords.

Manufacturer’s suggested list price for the Nikon Field Image System MX is $1,200 for the complete system or $800 for the system without the monitor. Like all Nikon binoculars and fieldscopes, the Field Image System MX carries Nikon’s 25-year limited warranty.

For more information on the Field Image System MX, plus information on Nikon’s full line of binoculars, spotting scopes and riflescopes, write: Nikon Sport Optics, Dept. R, 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville NY 11747-3064, or call 1-800-BIRDING; or you can go online and visit its web site at www.nikonusa.com.