Hawke Nite-Eye Digi-IR SF 4-14X50

We live in enlightened times, and as shooters demands become greater, so manufacturers have risen to the challenge, supplying ever more sophisticated kit. Rifle scopes are a case in point, and whilst basic models with standard 30/30 (Dual-X) reticules still account for the majority, a plethora of more advanced fare is now available. RRP’s can be a little frightening at the top end though, with the likes of March and others including specific models in their line-up around the £3000 mark. A significant outlay by anyone’s standards and many a newcomer could be forgiven for wondering just what they’ve got involved in? Of course top end kit has its place, and a ready market, yet in reality, plenty of options exist for today’s enthusiast, who doesn’t wish to invest quite so heavily.

Hawke Optics, supplied by the Deben Group, are one such manufacturer that set out their stall some years ago, offering value for money, with an impressive level of performance, which is hard to fault for the asking price. On test here is the Nite-Eye Digi-IR SF 4-16 X 50; it’s a well presented scope with some useful features. Consider the RRP of £179.95, and it seems a positive steal.

JARGON?

First step is a basic decoding of the model name. ‘IR’ refers to the illuminated reticule, and ‘SF’ denotes side focus. Magnification is adjustable between x4 and x16 and the front objective bell is 50mm in diameter. A refreshing change comes with the inclusion of low profile turrets, with screw caps. Click values are 1⁄4 MOA @ 100 yards with 14” per rotation sub-divided in four (1/4”) are clearly marked on the turrets. Operation is reassuringly firm and on test, produced true calculated movement on demand.

These scopes have been developed to specifically cater for hunters who need to shoot in all lighting conditions – dawn to dusk for example. The rheostat housing is integral to the eyepiece bell at 12 o’clock and offers what Hawke calls ‘Intelligent Digital Illumination’ to help highlight the reticule, shows attention to detail, and offers a wealth of settings. 24 levels are possible, from very low when it’s almost dark, to bright conditions.

There are two colour choices; blue for daytime, and red for dawn/dusk. A standard CR2032 coin-type battery powers the unit. To switch on the + button on the right hand side of the Rheostat is pressed, then the left button can be held down for two seconds to select the colour. Brightness levels are thereafter controlled up and down (+/-). The system automatically switches off when not used after one hour too, which is a nice touch, and even includes a low battery indicator.

MIL-DOT

Reticule design has become ever more complex these days, as airgun shooters, indeed shooters in general, have become more knowledgeable, and demand kit that can satisfy their needs. The Nite Eye Digi IR comes fitted with the 10 x 1⁄2-Mil Dot reticule, which means it gives true Mil Dot spacing when set to x10. It’s glass-etched, allowing the image to be fully floating - and it inspires confidence.

For the record, this reticule is extremely good, but to be honest, I couldn’t give a damn about true Mil-Dot values. As usual, what really matters is getting familiar with your sight picture, and having relevant, proportional reference points with which to bracket targets for range finding purposes. In that respect, this design performs admirably. The layout shows hash marks for the full Mil-Dot with dots inbetween that notes the 1⁄2 measurement, allowing the distance of tiny kill sizes, or objects to be more accurately estimated. The inclusion of skeleton outer posts provides extra markers, and reference points, including subdivided .2Mil sections. In use it’s a neat, and ultra precise sight picture that arms the serious shooter with a wealth of information; if you’ve done your homework that is!

SF

Side focus is all the rage in the Field Target world, but there’s no doubting the advantage in hunting scenarios too. Being able to bring the target into crisp focus is a big advantage, and having the knob side mounted means the task can often be undertaken with the gun still in the aim - something rarely convenient with a front mounted parallax collar. Graduations begin at 10yds, then 15, 20, 30, 50 and up. With a maximum mag of x16, super accurate range-finding isn’t really on the cards, yet that’s not what this scope is designed for. Treat the side parallax adjuster as a bonus feature, and this Nite Eye’s plus points stack up nicely.

Minimum focus is marked on the side parallax knob at 10yds, but will wind down lower. On test, I was able to get almost perfect clarity at just 6yds on the full x16 magnification, which just occasionally, can be very useful. Being able to wind right down to x4 means brightness can be maximized too, so this Nite Eye has versatility built in, whichever way you look at it.

To quote the sales blurb, other expected features include fully multi-coated lenses, mono-tube construction to withstand heavy recoil, and fast focus ocular lens adjustment. These scopes are also water, shock and fog proof, and also tested on a multitude of firearms. As if that wasn’t enough, a Hawke Wordwide Warranty may just seal it.

Consider that retail price again, and what we have here is a whole lot of glassware for the money. I certainly couldn’t fault the edge to edge clarity, so if you’re in the market for a dual purpose scope that can handle hunting forays, and also some Hunter Field Target for example, this Nite-Eye Digi IR has to be well worth considering.

PRICE: £189.95
CONTACT: Deben Group, 01394 387762 www.hawkeoptics.com www.deben.com

FOR: Good build and spec
AGAINST: Does it need red & blue illumination?
VERDICT: Hard to beat at the money