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Pros - Extremely precise 1/8 MOA windage and elevation adjustments - Spring-loaded instant zero-reset windage and elevation controls - Optimized for use with Nikon Spot On Ballistic Match Technology Cons - No focus lock - Narrow field of view - Slightly heavy

Welcome to our review of the Nikon Prostaff 5 4.5–18x40mm BCD Riflescope. I love Nikon’s scopes, because almost all of them are great products. I was eager to check out the Prostaff 5 4.5–18x40mm variant, to make sure it meets up with that reputation. Let’s see how the glass performs and holds up to Nikon’s name.

What Are the Scope’s Dimensions?

This scope has a 40mm objective lens for great light transmission. It measures 13.6 inches in overall length, somewhat large, and weighs in at 17.1 ounces. I’ve seen bigger and heavier scopes, but I still wish this one was lighter.

The eye relief is a bit short at four inches, but that should still be a generous enough eyebox for most applications. I didn’t have any problems with the eyepiece banging my eyebrow or forehead.

This scope’s exit pupil ranges from 2.2mm to 8.9mm, depending on magnification.

How Much Magnification Do I Get From the Prostaff 5?

This scope gives you adjustable zoom from 4.5X to 18X, making it excellent for long-range shooting. Contrast, crispness, and clarity are all awesome, making this one of the best scopes I’ve ever used.

How is the Optics Quality on the Riflescope?

The optics are fully multicoated, maximizing light transmission.

You’ll love the BDC reticle, which features see-through ballistic circles offering a great advantage for long-range shooting while still giving you a normal sight picture for those short-range applications. One particularly nice feature is the scope’s compatibility with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match Technology, providing you with precise aiming points at various yardages customizable based on your ammunition and load.

What’s the Light Gathering Capability Like on the Scope?

Thanks to the 40mm objective lens and fully multicoated optics, transmittance is almost out of this world. Even in the most extreme low-light conditions, you’ll enjoy a bright image. The only drawback here is the lack of an illuminated reticle.

How Wide is the Field of View?

Here is where things get a bit challenging, but that’s to be expected from such a high-magnification scope. The field of view isn’t exactly generous, ranging from 5.6 feet to 22.4 feet at 100 yards. It’s still plenty of viewable terrain for almost any hunting situation, though.

How Easy is the Scope to Mount?

Mounting the scope is easy here, as long as you have the rings to do the job. Nikon doesn’t include them, so make sure you buy a set when you order your scope.

Any Tricks or Tips About Mounting the Scope?

Because of the size of the objective bell, you might find that you need medium-profile rings to mount the scope. Other than that, there’s nothing out of the ordinary here.

How Easy is the Nikon Prostaff 5 4.5–18x40mm BCD Riflescope to Sight In?

Once you’ve mounted your scope and set the eye relief, it’s time to sight in. Nikon makes that easy and precise, with windage and elevation controls adjustable to 1/8 MOA. The spring-loaded turrest offer a zero-reset for easy field adjustments. To get started, make sure you use a laser bore-sighting tool.

Since this scope is designed for long-range use, it does provide you with parallax adjustment from 50 yards out to infinity.

How Durable is the Scope?

The optics chamber on the Prostaff 5 is nitrogen-purged, and the lenses are O-ring sealed. Thanks to that, the scope is both waterproof and fogproof. It’s also very shock-resistant, and is covered by a full lifetime warranty.