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Review: Hilkinson Natureline 50 Telescope
1 June 2023
By Stuart Hamilton
By Stuart Hamilton
Hilkinson has been making high-quality optics for a mid-range price for many years now and a new travel scope launch was the perfect opportunity to see if the new kid in town can deliver good performance on a relative shoe-string budget within this now competitive sector.
What's in the box?
Images and coatings:
First and foremost, the Natureline 50 boasts an 50mm objective lens, which provides a respectable amount of light-gathering capability. This feature allows for better visibility of birds in various lighting conditions, including low-light situations.
The telescope's multi-coated optics ensure that images appear sharp and vibrant, offering a pleasing viewing experience.
One of the standout features of this telescope is its ease of use. Setting it up is a breeze, even for those with limited technical knowledge. The scope is very easy to attach to most tripod's and is sturdy and stable, allowing for smooth and steady panning to track birds in flight.
The Natureline 50 comes with a superb 15-45x zoom eyepiece, providing versatility in observing different bird species. The zoom capability allows for easy adjustment of magnification, enabling you to focus on distant birds or zoom out for wider views of bird habitats. The eyepiece is comfortable to use and provides a decent field of view, a big thumbs up when given the overall price point.
Performance and handling:
The Natureline 50 is a rugged and compact travel scope that is also great in any weather thanks to the fully waterproof and nitrogen filled construction. The stay on case is well made and provides adequate protection, while the scope is very lightweight (718g) and will pack down very easily in your backpack alongside binoculars and other items.
While the Natureline 50 performs admirably in most situations, it does have a few limitations. The image quality at higher magnifications can be slightly compromised, resulting in some loss of clarity and detail. However, considering its affordable price point, this compromise will be totally acceptable for beginner wildlife enthusiasts.
Another minor drawback is the absence of a smartphone adapter in the package. With the rising popularity of digiscoping (capturing images or videos through the telescope with a smartphone), including an adapter would have been a valuable addition for those interested in documenting their experiences.
Overall, the Hilkinson Natureline 50 Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners. It offers a good balance between affordability and optical performance, making it a worthwhile investment for those starting out observing nature. With its ease of use, portability, and decent magnification range, this telescope will help you observe wildlife with greater clarity and bring you closer to the wonders of nature.
Protection and value:
Any faults due to material or manufacturing defects will be rectified or parts replaced without charge for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase.
Verdict:
The Hilkinson Natureline 50 telescope will enhance your wildlife watching experience. Having used it extensively, I can confidently say that this telescope is an excellent choice for beginners. It combines affordability with decent optical performance, making it a great entry-level option.
★★★★★★★ 7/10
Testing scores
📦 Buy now: www.hilkinson.co.uk
🏷 Price: £119.95
What's in the box?
- Hilkinson Natureline 50 Telescope
- Eyepiece cover
- Objective lens cover
- Carrying strap
- Cleaning cloth
Images and coatings:
First and foremost, the Natureline 50 boasts an 50mm objective lens, which provides a respectable amount of light-gathering capability. This feature allows for better visibility of birds in various lighting conditions, including low-light situations.
The telescope's multi-coated optics ensure that images appear sharp and vibrant, offering a pleasing viewing experience.
One of the standout features of this telescope is its ease of use. Setting it up is a breeze, even for those with limited technical knowledge. The scope is very easy to attach to most tripod's and is sturdy and stable, allowing for smooth and steady panning to track birds in flight.
The Natureline 50 comes with a superb 15-45x zoom eyepiece, providing versatility in observing different bird species. The zoom capability allows for easy adjustment of magnification, enabling you to focus on distant birds or zoom out for wider views of bird habitats. The eyepiece is comfortable to use and provides a decent field of view, a big thumbs up when given the overall price point.
Performance and handling:
The Natureline 50 is a rugged and compact travel scope that is also great in any weather thanks to the fully waterproof and nitrogen filled construction. The stay on case is well made and provides adequate protection, while the scope is very lightweight (718g) and will pack down very easily in your backpack alongside binoculars and other items.
While the Natureline 50 performs admirably in most situations, it does have a few limitations. The image quality at higher magnifications can be slightly compromised, resulting in some loss of clarity and detail. However, considering its affordable price point, this compromise will be totally acceptable for beginner wildlife enthusiasts.
Another minor drawback is the absence of a smartphone adapter in the package. With the rising popularity of digiscoping (capturing images or videos through the telescope with a smartphone), including an adapter would have been a valuable addition for those interested in documenting their experiences.
Overall, the Hilkinson Natureline 50 Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners. It offers a good balance between affordability and optical performance, making it a worthwhile investment for those starting out observing nature. With its ease of use, portability, and decent magnification range, this telescope will help you observe wildlife with greater clarity and bring you closer to the wonders of nature.
Protection and value:
Any faults due to material or manufacturing defects will be rectified or parts replaced without charge for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase.
Verdict:
The Hilkinson Natureline 50 telescope will enhance your wildlife watching experience. Having used it extensively, I can confidently say that this telescope is an excellent choice for beginners. It combines affordability with decent optical performance, making it a great entry-level option.
★★★★★★★ 7/10
Testing scores
- Design: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
- Performance: ★★★★★★★ 7/10
- Durability: ★★★★★★★ 7/10
- Weight: ★★★★★★★ 7/10
- Value: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
📦 Buy now: www.hilkinson.co.uk
🏷 Price: £119.95
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