Nikon DF-M1 Dot Sight

framer

I'm hoping that once released I can find a store that lets me try before I buy. My question is will it be accurate enough for AF to work and have the subject somewhat centered? Is this more than a plastic toy?

framer

spraynpray

The technology is widely in use as short range gun-sights. I can't comment on its quality of construction as I have not handled it, but I can tell you that unlike telescopic sights, eye position is not critical. So long as you can see the red dot and it is on the thing you want to shoot, you can just pull the trigger press the shutter.

Some alignment adjustment will be necessary before use.

mhedges

So I assume the red dot turns off while the shutter is open?

spraynpray

No, it is only projected onto the glass screen of the sight! It is not a laser beam.

mhedges

Oh ok

spraynpray

They revolutionised practical pistol shooting, would be good to help pick up BIF when using a long lens. If the Nikon item it too expensive, you could buy one dirt cheap off ebay and screw it to a cold shoe to mount it.

mhedges

A while back I actually looked for one that had the cold shoe mount already done and was surprised to find that it appears there is no such thing.

spraynpray

Once the Chinese see Nikon's version they will make them ;-)

Pistnbroke

So what You are saying spray is that the gun site has a wider field of view than say a 500mm on DX so you can locate the bird easier with the sight then just blast away . I must admit that often I can see the bird but not get it in the viewfinder.,

Like this

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tactical-Red-Green-Dot-Sight-Scope-W-20mm-Weaver-Rail-Mount-For-Pistol-Gun/192425917405?hash=item2ccd7a7bdd:g:ARkAAOSwJ71aWb0b

just ordered one ...thinking of putting it on the tripod mount reversed to the top of the lens on my 200-500...will let you know

spraynpray

Yes, but you can get much smaller, lighter ones than that. It does not have a field of view, it is not a lens, but a screen which a red dot is projected onto. You use it with both eyes open holding the camera away from your face slightly. You track the subject with the dot on it then finish bringing the camera to your eye to find the subject in view.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tactical-Holographic-Reflex-Sight-Green-Red-Dot-Hunting-Rifle-Scope-CR2-Battery/163164868236?hash=item25fd624e8c:g:TY0AAOSwDn5bMkka

or

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Holographic-Reflex-Micro-Red-Dot-Sights-Scope-w-20mm-Rail-Mount-Compact/263924150506?hash=item3d731af0ea:g:BMcAAOSwn4VbhOgZ

Pistnbroke

We will see ..not a lot of money ..perhaps you could give us more guidance///

HankB

spraynpray said:

...you can just pull the trigger press the shutter.

The subtlety is not unnoticed. Oh, I didn't see anything.

Pistnbroke

Gunsight success.
I mounted this on the 200-500 tripod mount reversed to the top.

Seems to be two ways to use it ...Put the red dot on the bird and then transfer your eye to the viewfinder and make final adjustment. Stops that waving the lens about at 500mm on DX to try to find the bird.

Or for birds in flight get the centre focus square accurately aligned with the sight red dot and then just keep the dot on the BIF and blast away in AF-c.

For the first you could just have it in the flash mount but for the second it needs to be bolted rigid to the camera using the 22mm gun site rail. for £20 all in worth a punt.

spraynpray

Cool Pistnbroke.

Pistnbroke

I prefer that enclosed design ..water proof to 30 ft ..just got to wipe the end lens if it gets wet

Pistnbroke

Spray ...I see some comments on using this for astro….over to you

spraynpray

Interesting... maybe useful for aligning my tracking head with the north star... Hmmm.

framer

I love a good hack.

Pistnbroke

Finally got out to the bird hides and the sight was very very good . Bird on a pole in the centre of a lake 80 yards away ...sight on the bird ..look through the viewfinder and there it is ,,none of that waving about and its gone,
I had to buy a solid metal mount for it ,,about £8 and tip it on its side to get it near the viewfinder but the up down left right adjusters still did there job,
holographic gun sight £10
gun rail £ 5
Mount to flash holder £ 8

tc88

@Pistnbroke, so for the rest of us lazy people, can you list the ebay pages for the 3 items you got?

Pistnbroke

Ha Ha ..I thought someone would ask that .
The camera mount is
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flash-Hot-Shoe-Mount-Adapter-Light-Stand-Holder-Speedlight-Bracket-1-4-Screw/173513175440?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
The sight is ( you will need a CR2032 battery)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tactical-Red-Green-Dot-Sight-Scope-W-20mm-Weaver-Rail-Mount-For-Pistol-Gun/192425917405?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
The gun rail
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13-Slot-Weaver-Picatinny-Rail-Gun-Rifle-Air-Shotgun-Airsoft-5-5-140mm-x-20mm/322849117535?epid=2154532788&hash=item4b2b4e955f:g:KRcAAOSwjtZbvIrS:rk:6:pf:0

You will find the gun rail too long ..its only aluminium so just cut it down .(40mm)
I did have to drill and tap it 1/4 UNC but if you cannot do this post it to me.
I will try and post a photo to help you ..


[url=http://e-group.uk.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/100770][img]http://e-group.uk.net/gallery/data/500/DSC_0080.JPG[/img][/url]

tc88

@Pistnbroke, thanks. Yes, the flash mount adapter is difficult to search for. BTW, that red dot seems to be really long. Is the view restricted that it forces you to look through it? The other red dots I see just have a single thin piece and I feel you can easily see both inside and outside of the frame.

Pistnbroke

The tube of the sight is only about 40mm long and the view is like looking through 40mm of 1 inch pipe .. I don't find it restrictive ….try a different type of sight if you want.but this is waterproof . Its the idea that's important once you have the rail you can mount anything.

You don't want a laser or telescopic sight, perhaps you prefer this available for 11 or 20 mm rail. I notice it has two clamping screws so you may be able to mount it direct to the camera bracket ( no gun rail)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11mm-Holographic-Red-Green-Dot-Sight-Reflex-4-Reticle-Tactical-Scope-Gun-Pistol/232844426507?hash=item36369bfd0b:m:mRJlJsUNaj3Gi0Uu2_-tgXQ:rk:53:pf:0

spraynpray

@tc88: One of the most important points of these gun sights is that you use them with both eyes open therefore there is minimal restriction to your sight picture.

@Pistnbroke: Yes, that is the kind of sight I had in mind when I first suggested making your own. For sure it is more prone to damage, but it is simpler, less disruptive to look through and cheaper.

Pistnbroke

You don't want it too high above the viewfinder which is why I flipped it over and you need a screwdown fitting in the flash holder so it does not move.
Ps spray ..how do I get the pictures to come up in the post ? I have another mad idea in process !!

spraynpray

You have to post them via your hosting site i.e. flickr same process as posting on PAD.