Holiday

Holiday Gift Ideas for Rangefinders 2018

Rangefinders are sort of the unspoken hero of outdoor activities and are as simple as their name suggests. However, we all want to ensure that we are getting the most accurate range possible. None of us want to acquire the range only to miss our shot by a mile when it comes time to golf or hunt.

These tools are especially useful if you’re on your own and don’t have another person with a spotting scope or extra set of binos to help you place your shots. They’ve made hunting and sporting much more accessible and attainable for the solo outdoorsman/woman. Click here to see our picks for the top rangefinders of 2018.

This holiday season, look to purchase a rangefinder for the outdoor enthusiast to drastically improve his or her chances of success. Rangefinders are almost universally handheld and easy to use, the major differences being how some of them acquire the range of their targets. If you don’t see a rangefinder here that you like, check out the general listing page for a complete list of best-selling rangefinders.

 

Best Rangefinder for Hunting

Nikon 8397 Aculon Laser Rangefinder

  • With a range of up to 550 yards, the Aculon utilizes a powerful laser to acquire range and can be yours for a pretty affordable price.

 

Best Rangefinder for Archery

Nikon 16228 ARROW ID 5000 Laser Rangefinder

  • The ARROW ID 5000’s maximum range is about 600 yards and even compensates for upward or downward shooting angles. This will be handy when hunting for game that are above or below you.

 

Best Rangefinder for Bow Hunting

Bushnell 202442 “The Truth” ARC 4x20mm Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder with Clear Shot

  • We can’t imagine you’ll be bow hunting from nearly 800 yards away, but that’s the Truth’s approximate maximum range. For bow hunters in particular, the Truth will help you determine if an animal is worth shooting so you can make sure every shot counts.

 

Best Rangefinder for Golf

Bushnell Tour V4 Jolt Golf Laser Rangefinder

  • The Jolt has one of the largest ranges of rangefinders on our list and for good reason. This rangefinder has the ability to zoom and is certified by the professional golf leagues, so you can rest assured the Jolt is a top quality tool.

 

Best Rangefinder under $200

Simmons LRF 600 Tilt Intelligence Laser Rangefinder

  • The Tilt is a simple rangefinder with only one button to simply the laser acquisition process. With a maximum range of around 600 yards, you’ll have no problem viewing and acquiring long distance targets.

 

Best Rangefinder under $500

Vortex Optics Ranger 1000 with Horizontal Component Distance Rangefinder RRF-101

  • The Ranger is a formidable rangefinder and truly built for the outdoors. It’s completely sealed so its okay to drop in water. The exterior is surrounding in rubber so if you drop it on any surface it’ll hold up better than most rangefinders.

 

Do Rangefinders Make Great Gifts?

Rangefinders aren’t the most common thing you’ll find in a stocking or under a tree but they’ll be a surprise on any holiday. Think of them as the last tool that will complete the set of gear a sportsman or hunter takes on his or her excursion.

Some backpacks and bino chest straps come with specialized straps to wrap around a rangefinder and keep it secure. So there’s little need for rangefinder accessories save for spare batteries.

Holiday

Holiday Gift Ideas for Rifle Scopes 2018

Rifle scopes are the premier tool in a hunter’s arsenal of gear. There are few non-scoped hunts and those usually involved a non-bolt action rifle. It can be difficult to choose a scope when there are so many out there and they all bring varying levels of difficulty.

This holiday season, many rifle scopes will be on sale. Since most hunts can’t be done without them, look to save big on a rifle scope that will ensure you, your relative or a friend go home with a kill. If you don’t see a rifle scope that you like below, check out our picks for the best rifle scopes of 2018.

As we mentioned, there is a multitude of rifle scopes on the market and they each have their own variants and updated models. Here we’ll explore some of the best rifle scopes on the market. Click here for a full list of best-selling rifle scopes.

 

 

Best Rifle Scope Overall

Vortex Diamondback

The Vortex Diamondback is a rugged rifle scope designed to handle the elements and when conditions aren’t perfect. The optics will hold up in the worst conditions and so will the scope’s aircraft-grade aluminum body. Its applicable to guns other than a bolt-action.

 

Best Rifle Scope Under $100

UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster

  • The BugBuster is an affordable tactical scope with a wide field of view and a comfortable eye-relief. Its rugged construction means its proven against water, fog, and the occasional drop. It has a number of rings and dials along the body to help you zero it in.

 

Best Rifle Scope Under $200

Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600

  • The Nikon P-223 provides some of the best eye-relief for high recoil rifles on the market.  This scope comes with built-in settings to eliminate parallax and help shooters acquire targets with specific reticles anywhere from 100 to 600 yards.

 

Best Rifle Scope Under $300

Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC

  • The Prostaff is renowned long range scope that is easy to make adjustments to on the spot. Its optics are multi-coated for appropriate light transmission and elimination of glare. For the price, the Prostaff is well worth it.

 

Best Rifle Scope Under $500

Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 PA

  • The Viper is a premier scope perfect for the long range hunter. It helps calculate windage like most rifle scopes but also estimates range and bullet holdover after firing. Like the Diamondback, it too has a rugged outer coating for less than ideal conditions.

 

Best Rifle Scope for an Unlimited Budget

Carl Zeiss Optical Conquest HD5 5-25×50

  • The most expensive scope of our list is the German-made Conquest. It has an HD lens system for above average image quality for targets up to a thousand yards, well out of the range of most rifle scopes. For the price, the Conquest pretty much provides the best optics in the field.

 

Do Rifle Scopes Make Great Gifts?

Rifle scopes are obviously required if you’re hunting game at long range. They’ll make great gifts this holiday season. If you take good care of them, there’s little need to keep replacing them year after year. Some rifle scopes are going to do better at different ranges but there shouldn’t be a necessity for more than a two or three.

You’ll also want to consider which rifle scopes are compatible with your gun. The railing on top of the gun barrel will determine which rifle scopes are eligible.

Holiday

Holiday Gift Ideas for Binoculars 2018

This holiday season, consider a pair of binoculars for the outdoorsmen/woman in your life. If you are that outdoorsmen/woman, you’ll know just how important binoculars can be for activities like hunting, birding, and other sporting activities. There is a multitude of binos out there that are specialized for specific activities. There are even binoculars with the appropriate range to view plays and operas indoors.

Click here to see our top picks for the best binoculars of 2018.

The price of binoculars varies dramatically depending on the activity. Mini and hand-held binoculars are more focused towards short range activities like birding and opera while hunting binoculars feature longer and more powerful objects to spot game at a longer distance. Another aspect is detail and coloration. You’ll want a pair of binos that are able to pick up small details to help you locate and identify animals and objects.

If you don’t find a pair of binos here that interest you, check out the bestsellers.

 

Best Hunting Binoculars

Upland Optics Perception HD 10x42mm

  • Upland’s 10x42mm binos are exceptionally powerful sporting optics. While water and fog proof, they’re on the heavier side, so you’ll probably need to invest in a good chest strap for when you take them out on long excursions.

Best Birding Binoculars

Wingspan Optics Spectator 8×32 Compact Binoculars

Best Theater Binoculars

HUTACT 10x25mm Compact Binoculars

  • These binoculars fit in the palm of your hand and come with shorter range optics. You won’t have to worry about stages being too blurry from indoors because it appropriately distributes incoming light to your eyes.

Best Mini Binoculars

  • The SkyGenius 8x21mm’s also fit in the palm of your hand. Despite their size, they have a wide FOV (field of view) at long range. The knobs that control focus are simple and easy for children to use, making it an ideal children’s optic as well.

Best All-Around Binoculars

Nikon Aculon 10-22×50 Binoculars

  • The Nikon Aculon’s are a variable zoom type of binocular. Most binoculars require you to focus at different distances but Aculon simplifies the process with variable zoom. They’re also pretty lightweight given their size, so they’re the perfect all-around pair of binoculars.

Do Binoculars Make Great Gifts?

Binoculars are the quintessential tool to seeing things that are too far for the naked eye and too close for a spotting scope. Of course, you’ll shouldn’t feel limited by what the company says a pair of binoculars is specialized for. You can pretty much use any pair of binoculars for any purpose. It just doesn’t make much sense to use hunting binoculars in a theater, and smaller binoculars won’t have the power to see far away and differentiate color in the wilderness.

A pair of binoculars under the tree or in a stocking will make a great gift this holiday season. Just make sure you know what pair you’re buying!

Holiday

Holiday Gift Ideas for Telescopes 2018

Telescopes aren’t the most common gift to appear under the tree or in a stocking but when they do, you’ll know it was for a special someone. Though not as openly discussed as binoculars or spotting scopes, telescopes contain the most powerful optics in the world, and for good reason.

That power can be in your hands this holiday season, as there is a number of popular telescopes on the market that are family and user-friendly. There are some telescopes that can even be controlled with an app on your phone. If you or a relative are entirely new to astronomy and telescopes, check out our beginner’s guide to astronomy.

Nothing really beats the old point and look method, which is why most companies provide you with an interstellar map to guide your nighttime viewing. If you don’t find a telescope on here that you like, check out our picks for the best telescopes of 2018.

 

 

Best Telescope for Astrophotography

Celestron NexStar 130 SLT

  • Celestron is well known for their diverse and ever-growing catalog of telescopes. Astrophotography is an ability that was previously only available to scientists and professional astronomers. Now, if you are looking to get a great picture of a planet or object, the NexStar is the telescope for you.

Best Telescope for Beginners

Vixen Space Eye

  • Lightweight and below $100, the Space Eye is the perfect children’s or beginner’s telescope that simplifies the astronomy learner’s process. It’s a lot like the old point and look telescopes and you’ll have to do some fiddling by hand. But there isn’t a more perfect time to learn the basics than at a young age.

Best Telescope for Hobbyists/Amateurs

Celestron AstroMaster 114

  • The AstroMaster is the ideal hobbyist telescope with a wide range of power levels. Whether you want to take pristine shots of the moon or up close photos of birds, the AstroMaster will get it done. With its moderate size, it’s the ideal telescope to take on trips or outdoor excursions to escape light pollution.

Best Telescope for Professionals

Celestron Advanced VX 8″ EdgeHD

  • THe VX 8″ is one of the more powerful telescopes on our list and is equipped with a German equatorial mount. This mean’s the telescope and its turning mechanisms are aligned with the Earth’s, giving a better chance to seem rarer objects in the sky. The German equatorial mount isn’t a widespread telescope mount, hence the high price tag.

Do Telescopes Make Great Gifts?

Like we mentioned, it isn’t always that you see a telescope under the tree. That’s why it’ll be more than just a great gift, it’ll be a great surprise for the astronomer or budding explorer in your life. Telescopes aren’t cheap, so that’s why it’s important to catch them on sale this holiday season.

Some telescopes have shorter range optics so their ideal for other activities like birding, which requires about the same amount of patience that astronomy does. If your relative or friend already has a telescope, you could also look into additional or alternate lenses for that specific telescopes.

  • Most telescopes nowadays have interchangeable parts that are perfectly compatible with parts built by other companies. You’ll want to do some research beforehand, however. Click here for a guide to the best telescope accessories available.

Don’t feel as though you are limited by the stock options on your telescopes. While some telescopes can only handle a certain power level, you can definitely change up some finder pieces and lens to diversify your experience.

Rifle Scopes

CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 2.5-10x40e

The CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e scope doesn’t look like your average scope by hunting or tactical means but it sure comes with some cool features to help level the playing field. It’s not your typical long barreled scope and thus has a shorter range than say your high powered Leupold scope.

The 2.5-10x40e is the ideal beginner’s scope, and not just because it has a shorter barrel or range. Rather it has a number of features particularly for beginners to help you become accustomed to shooting with optics.

As a lightweight scope, it also comes with two different mounts (20 and 11mm) so it’s interchangeable between rifles. This is another point about this scope—it’s versatile. It’s insanely cheap compared to other high-quality scopes, but we rarely found a customer who was dissatisfied with the optics or level of focus and magnification.

Features

This scope has a laser, simply put. Why? To help with targeting. The laser’s range is only about a hundred yards, which further adds to the proposition that this is a beginners scope. Anyhow, the laser will help you know if you’re locked onto a target, but only at a close distance. It’s also mounted to the side of the scope (right next to the main barrel), so the targeting may be off by a slight inch.

  • The laser can be controlled independently and adjusted to suit your needs.

The reticle also illuminates in a couple of different colors to aid you at certain times of the day.

Specs

  • Magnification: 2.5-10x
  • Field Of View: 100 yards of 32.5′ at 2.5x/8.9′ at 10x
  • Laser Reaching Distance: 100 yards

Overall

This is a budget scope that comes with a couple of neat perks to back up its low price. The laser is thought of by most customers as enjoyable or unnecessary depending on preference. Regardless, this CVLIFE would make a great beginners scope for most rifles that fit its mounting system.

With the addition of power settings for the reticle and other dials for adjustments, the 2.5-10x40e scope will make a great entry for you into the world of sporting optics.

Rifle Scopes

Monstrum Tactical 3-9×32 AO Rifle Scope

At first glance, one might think the Monstrum Tactical 3-9×32 AO Rifle Scope is one giant dial with all the adjustment rings it has. These dials and rings do not limit the performance of the scope but do you a variety of options when it comes to magnification, illumination, and range estimation.

Due to its variation, the AO has uses in hunting and tactical situations. It’s not your average long barrelled scope like the ones you might find on Leupold’s market.

Features

One of the neat aspects about the AO is that its target reticle can be illuminated five different ways to help you see better in low light. This portion of the scope does require a CR2 battery however, which can be annoying to replace whenever it’s depleted. Unless you are using the scope every day, the battery should last you a long time.

Perhaps the most notable feature of this 3-9×32 scope is its adjustable objective lens (AO) which is promptly named for. This focus allows for increased sharpness in imagery and range estimation. The ring at the very end of the scope can also be used for focusing.

  • Some people prefer to carry a rangefinder which may give a more accurate representation of range, but it’s your preference.

This scope might be preferable for the extreme marksmen who is looking for a parallax free scope. The AO on this scope allows for adjusting that should eliminate parallax in most cases.

Ranging

As we all know, a bullet begins to drop away as soon as it leaves the barrel. Beyond three-hundred yards, that drop is going to increase dramatically. Now that aspect has more to do with the ballistics and the rifle itself, but this scope can still help you get on target. With a 3-9x magnification and adjustments to the other dials, you can still be on track (while accounting for your ballistics weight and drop).

When zeroing in your rifle (preferably before you introduce it to hunting and competitions), it is especially important with this scope, in particular, to practice with different magnification and focus levels. This will help you understand your target when conditions and terrain aren’t ideal compared to a shooting range.

Specs

  • Materials: 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • Compatibility: Rifles with Picatinny or Weaver Rails.
  • Scope Range: Close to Mid Range, 300+ Yards.
  • Magnification: 3-9
  • Objective Diameter: 32 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.5-3.8 in
  • Weight: 1 lb
  • Length: 9.3 in

Overall

We may have described this scope as perfect for extreme marksmen, but its various features make it very user and beginner-friendly. If you intend to brave it against the elements, you can rest assure that its interior will remain safe. The body is nitrogen sealed to keep the inner workings and optics free of contamination.

You may find that you have little need for all the rings and dials on the scope but in the end they’ll always be there if you need them. This scope compensates for the smallest of optical aberrations and elements so one way or the other, you’ll end up hitting very tight groups.

Click here to see the price!

Binoculars

Wingspan Optics Spectator 8×32 Compact Binoculars Review

When we think of binoculars, we can be quick to classify any of them as good for any purpose. This simply isn’t so. Take a look around Optics Den and you’ll see the various sorts of optics used specifically for different purposes.

This is where the Spectator 8×32 compact pair of binos by Wingspan Optics comes in. These binos almost fit in the entirety of your hand but we aren’t classifying them as toys or mini-binos by any means. The most popular hobby that these binos are used for is birding.

  • Wingspan Optics is a brand known for their focus in birding optics, so you can already see how specialization in the optics industry occurs.

You may be asking, can’t I just use my hunting binoculars for birding? Don’t they do the same job? Not quite. Let’s look at why this set of Spectators is a universal birder’s choice for optics.

Despite their small size, the Spectator’s have a pretty wide depth of field that enables you to see more in a single viewing. The light transmission is just as good at the maximum magnification and range at a thousand yards.

  • An important aspect of birding is being able to differentiate between two species that look almost identical. The 8×32’s give you incredible detail at long range so you can identify those small characteristics.

Don’t mistake the Spectator’s small size for low-quaility optics. These binos boast impressive stats that will help you see what you want to see on a greater level of detail. Let’s take a look at some of its specs.

 

Specs

POWER – 8x

OBJ.LENS DIA. – 32mm

EXIT PUPIL DIAMETER – 4

EXIT PUPIL DIST. – 14.8

DIMENSIONS (LxWxH) – 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.75 inches

WEIGHT – 15.2 Ounces

 

Overall

Just because these binos specialize in birding doesn’t mean you can’t take them anywhere else. Many users have reported that the small size of Spectators allows them to take the binos on trips and excursions where larger optics might prove cumbersome or unnecessary. They do carry a little bit of weight to them but not like true hunting or other sporting optics.

  • Our recommendation would be to simply test them with any hobby that your require optics for whether it be birding, hunting, or even stargazing. You might find that the Spectator is more suited for birding compared to other binos but in the end everyone’s preference is different.

Where the Spectators really stand out is the coloration of the environment or in most cases—animals you are looking at. This where that need for differentiation we talked about comes in. Color and light transmission, as well as visibility all play a role in your ability to see the target.

  • For accessibility, the binos have hooks on the sides where you can thread a strap through. Don’t feel as though you have to carry them by hand everywhere you go.

The magnification isn’t the greatest in the world in terms of sporting optics but the trick with these binos is their depth perception and their ability to pick up detail. A maximum range of around a thousand yards is still an impressive feat.

 

Rifle Scopes

Leupold VX-3i 25x50mm Rifle Scope Review

Leupold is one of America’s top rifle scope manufacturers, as we’re sure you’re well aware by now. The extremely popular VX line of rifle scopes boasts some pretty eye-opening specs that cannot be ignored. Of course, you’re going to be digging into your pockets with the VX-3i 25x50mm. The lowest price tag for the least powerful version of the VX-3I is just over a grand. Don’t let the price tag be a huge deterrent, however.

Let’s take a look at the impressive specs for the 25x50mm:

 

Linear FOV (ft/100 yd) - Low11.20
Linear FOV (ft/100 yd) - High4.40
Weight (oz)22.40
Eye Relief (in) - Low5.30
Eye Relief (in) - High3.70
Elevation Adjustment Range (MOA)80.00
Windage Adjustment Range (MOA)80.00
Actual Magnification Range8.2 / 25.1

 

The scope’s focal planes are interchangeable between MOA (minutes of angle) and MIL (1/1000in) depending on your preference. For those that might be unaware, MIL and MOA are measurements used to zero in rifles. They help you determine the placement of your shot if it doesn’t hit on the dot (which is rare as it is.)

 

Features

As to the VX-3i’s features, it is water and fog proof as constructed of fine, aircraft-quality aluminum so you know you’re protected against the elements. Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the VX-3i is its Twilight Max light management system. When visibility is low or unclear, the VX-3i will utilize the Twilight Max to give you clear and consistent light emission.

While user-friendly in most respects, the knowledge that goes into operating the VX-3i is little more advanced. The magnification levers are all within hands reach and the interior of the scope boasts updated optics that are specifically designed for long life. Since it is Leupold’s most advanced and up to date scope so far, it would make sense that it would be.

 

Compared to the VX-2

The VX line of scopes are extremely popular, no doubt, but what makes one better than the other? Cosmetic and tubular changes to the scope are one thing, but what additional features and enhanced optics come with the VX-3i?

It’s not uncommon to see these types of scopes mounted on bolt action rifles, in particular, the Remington 700 series. Everyone has their preference on how accurate they want their rifle to be. The VX-2 utilizes the CDS (Custom Dial System) that allows you to change the elevation of your shot according to the bullet you are firing. To be more specific, you can tune the VX-2 to be more accurate according to the weight of the bullet.

The VX-3i, on the other hand, uses the same system and has enhanced optics for greater range and target identification. This rifle scope accounts for elevation and windage as well, two very important factors when considering a target a long ways off.

Sure, the VX-3i is going to cost you a lot more than the VX-2, which is why the extreme marksmen is going to prefer it above any other scope. This means that its definitely not your average beginner’s scope. When conditions aren’t ideal, you want to make sure you’re able to get an accurate shot off before your target disappears. As the latest model in the astounding VX line, the VX-3i is definitely the scope for the job.

Cameras

Photography/Videography tips for the Outdoors

Planning to take an outdoor excursion sometime soon? While you’re trying to decide whether to take your Hasselblad H5D-60 or your best Nikon camera, we have a few tips and pointers for you to consider before and during your trip.

Types of Cameras

The first question on everyone’s mind is what kind of camera should you bring?

  • DSLR camera— For the best high-quality stills and sometimes videos.
  • Action camera — For capturing the best quality videos in-action.
  • Camera drone — For getting unique and unparalleled videos and stills.

adult, blur, cameraAccessories

There’s really no limitation to what you should bring, but this question should correlate to how much value you place in your camera. Taking an expensive camera is always going to be a risk, but you’re also going to get the best shots.

  • For some people, this is a no-brainer. Of course, you’re going to take the best camera you have. That’s why you should take every precaution to protect it.

 

In the Outdoors

In order to maximize the power of your particular set of optics, in the case of DSLRs, you’re probably going to want different lenses or filters. Whether one breaks or you want a different type of shot, having backups in the wilderness is always handing.

  • Click here for the best Tamron DSLR lenses
  • Click here for the best Nikon DSLR lenses
    • Check out the beginner’s guide to the best Nikon lenses
  • Click here for the best Sigma DSLR lenses for Canon
  • Click here for the best Sigma DSLR lenses for Nikon

 

You also shouldn’t try to point and shoot. Sure you might get a pretty good looking shot but the key to photography and somewhat in videography is patience. This will mean more time spent to get fewer pictures but at the same time simply shoveling pictures into your memory card is unnecessary.

  • Try not to aim into the sun. Use your camera’s natural lighting abilities.
  • Playing with the onboard may create some interesting (or funny) effects!
  • Take pictures at different times of the day.
  • Try different exposures (short vs. long).

 

Overall

Taking pictures shouldn’t detract from your overall trip, which is why too much photography can be a problem. An action camera can solve this problem. Simply attach it to your body and just start rolling.

In general, your first priority is to keep the camera or machine safe from the elements and secure around or near your body if possible. Especially if you’re carrying a camera that’s not so easily replaceable, pictures are second in priority in the outdoors.

Cameras

Nikon D850 Review

In the market for a stellar full-frame DSLR camera? Look no further than the brand new Nikon D850. With gorgeous image quality and unrivaled AF capture, the D850 is one of the best SLR cameras on the market today.

The D850 replaces the top-tier D810 as a top of the line, high resolution, full frame offering from Nikon.

Specs

Let’s take a look at just a few of the key specifications on the D850:

  • 7 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor
  • 0 fps continuous shooting
  • 153-point autofocus system
  • 2″ high-res tilting touchscreen
  • 4K Ultra HD video recording
  • ISO 64-25,600
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in

Image Quality

The D850 represents Nikon’s first back-side illuminated full-frame sensor and no optical low-pass filter. It also provides 45.7 MP shooting at high speed, faster and sharper processing, and excellent AF even in super low light conditions. You can shoot up to 7 fps at 45.7 MP, so this camera is supremely versatile. The effect of all the bells and whistles and updated tech is stunning image quality and a seamless shooting experience.

The video quality is also stunning: the D850 is the first Nikon to shoot 4k from the full sensor width. It also lets you shoot slow motion sequences — record 4x (shoot at 120p, playback at 30/25p) or 5x (shoot at 120p, playback at 24p) slow-motion at 1080p. Or, record time lapse sequences in 4K UHD – an excellent option for astrophotographers.

Focus Shift Mode offers options to capture excellent DOF shots in high resolution. Advanced Scene Recognition System ensures optimal exposure, and Picture Control System helps you do less post processing. Again, this camera is nothing if not versatile, making it an excellent option for anyone from wedding photographers to wildlife photographers.

To understand just how great the image quality is, a comparison of the D850 with the D810 (which was already an excellent camera) illuminates some of the huge advancements Nikon made with this new model. Obviously megapixels is a big one (45.7 versus 36.3 on the D810), but ISO range (64-25,600 versus 64-12,800), autofocus (153 points with 99 cross type points versus 51 AF with 15 cross type), and shooting speed (7 fps in all formats versus 5-7 fps) are pretty significant too.

 

Speed

Speed is key in the D850. Not only does it offer fast shooting, but it also has faster processing. Autofocus is both fast and accurate. Capture up to 51 consecutive shots in 14-bit RAW or up to 170 frames in 12-bit lossless compressed RAW. The attention to detail and speed makes this – yes, we’ll say it again – incredibly versatile. Whether you’re shooting a wedding, a sporting event, or wildlife, the D850 ensures you can focus on the shot and not have to worry about the mechanics.

The AF on the D850 comes from Nikon’s flagship D5, a smart decision on Nikon’s part to ensure the highest-end camera they have can match speed of their beloved sports camera. Continuing with the speed (and D5) theme: the D850 can expand to 9 fps with the MB-D18 Multi Battery Power Pack.

Also related to speed: the amount of memory available means you don’t have to worry about switching out cards in the middle of a shoot. The D850 has both an XQD and SD slot. It also has excellent battery performance, boasting a battery life rated at 1840 shots.

Body

The D850 looks much like the D810, but it’s more comfortable to hold and has a few added features. New body features include a tilting touch LCD, touch sensitivity, and no more built-in flash. The removal of the flash means a new viewfinder and extra magnification (0.75x). It is 35.4 oz with a battery and XQD card.

Bottom Line

The D850 is a worthy successor to the D810 and is worth upgrading to no matter which camera you’re coming from. It retains so many of the excellent things that the D810 feature, plus it has some serious upgrades and borrows some key components from the D5 and D500. It doesn’t cost much more than the D810 and is still priced well for a full frame DSLR. This might be the best DSLR on the market right now, so if you’re considering it, we say go for it.

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