Nikon has been making premium quality optical products for all types of outdoor pursuits for over 90 years now. Consequently, this long history of engineering quality optics, aided by modern computer design, allows Nikon to produce optical systems that achieve an ideal balance of maximized light transmission, high resolution, and razor sharp, aberration-free, images.
Of course, to house these optimized designs, Nikon incorporates only the highest quality materials in their construction. In addition, they use their superior production capabilities and strict quality control to build and service their premium sport optics.
Light Transmission
In fact, Nikon has been a longtime leader in the development and utilization of multiple coatings on optics lenses in order to maximize light transmission.
For instance, Nikon was a driving force in genuinely bringing riflescopes up to an unprecedented level of 95% light transmission (the theoretical maximum limit) with the introduction of their popular, 10-lens surface, optical riflescope system.
Also, while it is true that reducing the number of lenses in a scope in an effort to increase light transmission is possible, the compromise would be less compensation of aberration (distortion).
Optical Resolution
Therefore, proper optical resolution can only be achieved through the utilization of quality optical glass in sufficient quantity to produce the optical components that provide the optimum combination of maximized light transmission, high-definition contrast, and critical optical resolution that is absolutely crucial for getting your crosshairs on target in low light conditions.
The Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40mm Matte BDC Riflescope
Consequently, the Nikon Prostaff 3-9 x 40mm variable power rifle scope is a well-made, mid-priced, rifle scope for avid hunters on a budget and it features a one inch, nitrogen filled, tube with o-ring seals that make it both waterproof and fogproof and which provides an eye relief of 3 5/8” with a Field of View that ranges from 33.8’ to 11.3’ at 100 yards depending on the magnification setting.
Plus, it also features Nikon’s patented Bullet Drop Compensation Reticle, a large Exit Pupil (the size of the column of light that leaves the eyepiece of a scope), a Quick-focus Eyepiece (the bell that contains the Ocular Lens), Nikon’s “Brightvue” multicoating, and precise, hand-turn, ¼” MOA, “click” adjustments.
Specifications:
| Magnification: | 3 - 9x |
| Objective Lens: | 40 mm |
| Exit Pupil: | 4.4 - 13.3 |
| Light Transmission: | Up to 90% |
| Field of View: | 11.3 ft. - 33.8 ft. @ 100 yd. |
| Eye Relief: | 3.6 in. |
| Eye Piece Outside Diameter: | 39.3 mm |
| Parallax Setting: | 100 yds. |
| Reticle: | BDC Reticle |
| Fogproof/Waterproof: | Yes |
| Overall Length: | 12.3 in. |
| Weight: | 13.7 oz. |
| Waterproof/fog-proof: | Yes |
| MSRP: | $179.95 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
The difference between the Nikon Prostaff and the Buckmaster models
Also, Nikon’s patented BDC Reticle enables hunters to hold “dead-on” at ranges exceeding those previously thought possible due to the BDC’s unique, see-through, ballistic circles which provide an incredible advantage for long range shooting and yet, provide the shooter with a normal sight picture for shorter-range shots where the crosshair itself is the aiming point.
Another excellent feature is the Quick Focus Eyepiece which enables the shooter to quickly bring the reticle into sharp focus.
In addition, the “Brightvue” multicoating optics deliver up to 90% light transmission for super sharp images even in low
light conditions. Plus, precise, hand-turn, 1/4-MOA, Positive-click reticle adjustments get you zeroed-in more quickly and maintains your
setting even under heavy recoil.
Last, Nikon Prostaff 3-9 x 40mm scope includes lens caps and a 40mm to 50mm adjustable sunshade that is designed to eliminate glare in particularly bright conditions and keeps dust and rain off of the objective lens on rainy days or in dusty environments.
Furthermore, Nikon is well known and well respected in the photography industry for their superior optics and thus, it is obvious that they have incorporated that accumulated knowledge into the manufacture of their rifle scopes to provide the shooter with high quality, but affordable, rifle optics that deliver superior performance for the price.
Consequently, although owning a Nikon 3-9 x 40mm Prostaff rifle scope may not be as prestigious as owning an expensive European rifle scope that costs as much as a Mercedes-Benz, it is certainly a serviceable rifle scope that will definitely accomplish the goal of enabling the everyday shooter to humanely harvest a game animal in the most efficient manner possible within the range of his caliber and shooting ability.
