Lucid Optics; Not Just Rifle Scopes and Red Dots!
Terry Nelson 10.21.19
Are you heading to the field this fall or winter to enjoy the time-honored tradition of the hunt? All across the U.S., hunting season is already in full swing. And along with it comes the inevitable trip to the range to zero rifles, then on to a destination to hopefully bag that whitetail, bear, or whatever species you’re lucky enough to have a tag for.
Along with range time and the hunt comes the need for not just a quality scope, but also for a good binocular and possibly even a spotting scope depending on the terrain you’re hunting. Here in the west, I spend lots of time glassing for mule deer, pronghorn, and elk.
Recently at the first ever Ballistic Summit sponsored by Lucid Optics at the renowned NRA Whittington Center near Raton New Mexico, I was able to get my hands on both a set of binoculars and a very compact spotting scope from Lucid Optics. I find the high-definition resolution of Lucid optics to be phenomenal.
Lucid offers both the B-10 binocular (10×42) the B-8 (10×8) binocular. The B-10 and B-8 are almost identical in specifications but I spent the most time trying out the B-8 which is new for 2019.
Specs for the new B-8 are as follows:
- Magnification – 8x
- Objective Lens – 42mm
- Ocular Lens Diameter – 22mm
- Length – 6.5 inches
- Tripod Adaptable – Yes
- Weight – 24oz.
- Rubber Armor – Yes
- Construction Material – Polymer Frame
- Prism Material – BaK-4 High Definition Resolution
- Color & Finish – Matte Black
- Waterproof – (IPX8) Yes
- Fogproof – Yes (Nitrogen Purged)
- Lens Coating – (Multi Coated) FBMC
- Prism Coating – Silver
- Light Transmission – 96%
- ED Fluoride Lenses – Yes (High Definition Resolution)
- Eye Relief – 18mm
- Exit Pupil – 14mm
- Field of View – 341ft @ 1000yds
- Close Focus – 5.75 feet
- Warranty – Limited Lifetime
MSRP for the Lucid B-8 $679.99, but you can find the B-8 binocular for around $560 from retailers.
Another awesome Lucid optic I was able to spend lots of time with is the model SC9 spotting scope. With a length of just over eight inches and weighing only 21 ounces, you can throw this spotting scope in your cargo pocket or day pack. The SC9 is a variable magnification of 9x-27x making it ideal for the hunting field.
Overall specifications of the Lucid SC9 spot tong scope are as follows;
- Magnification—9x-27x
- Objective Lens—56mm
- Ocular Lens Diameter—20mm
- Length—8.25 inches
- Mounting—1/4-20
- Weight—21 ounces
- Rubber Armor—Yes
- Construction Material—One piece aluminum
- Prism Material—BaK4
- Color & Finish—Matte Black
- Waterproof—Yes IPX8
- Fogproof—Yes (Nitrogen Purged)
- Lens Coating—FBMC (multi coated)
- Light Transmission—92%
- Ocular Focus—Yes
- Eye Relief—14mm-17mm
- Exit Pupil—7mm
- Field of View—120 feet @1000 yards
- Close Focus—8 feet
- Warranty—Limited lifetime
MSRP for the Lucid SC9 is $599, but as with the B-8 binocular you can find the spotting scope on the retail market for around $440. You may want to consider coupling the SC9 with Lucid’s TP4 aluminum tripod for super stability and that can be used as a traditional tripod or as a monopod, MSRP $179. I like this spotting scope for field use because it’s so compact and lightweight. I found that the SC9 is very useable without a tripod by just bracing my hands against my chest while holding the optic and looking through the ocular lens.
If you are looking for a great field optic that is high quality and offers a limited lifetime warranty look no further than Lucid Optics. The company’s motto of “On Target-Under Budget” by all appearances hits the mark. Take a look at Lucid Optics at mylucidgear.com.
